Best Campgrounds near Bay Pines, FL

Camping options around Bay Pines, Florida center primarily on established campgrounds that accommodate a range of camping styles. The St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA Holiday serves as a central camping hub, offering tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations along the waterfront. Shell Key Preserve provides the area's limited dispersed camping opportunities, accessible only by boat. Fort De Soto Campground, approximately 15 miles south of Bay Pines, offers additional established camping with beach access. Most campgrounds in this coastal region feature water views, with several backing directly onto mangrove-lined bayous or offering direct Gulf access.

Reservations are essential for nearly all camping areas near Bay Pines, particularly during winter months when seasonal visitors occupy many sites. The mild climate makes camping possible year-round, though summer humidity and afternoon thunderstorms are common from June through September. Most developed campgrounds provide full hookups for RVs, while primitive camping opportunities are limited. Public transportation access is minimal, requiring personal vehicles for most camping destinations. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region, though some waterfront areas may have spotty coverage. According to one visitor, "It is in a good location near all the things in the St. Petersburg area, however it's super crowded with most people staying long term."

The mixed-use campgrounds near Bay Pines feature various amenities that enhance the camping experience. Most developed campgrounds include swimming pools, kayak launches, and fishing opportunities, with several offering direct water access. A camper noted that the St. Petersburg KOA has "water access to the gulf for fishing, crabbing, claming, kayaking" and that "the Pinellas county trail runs along side KOA." Many camping areas offer family-friendly facilities including playgrounds, miniature golf, and organized activities. Visitors consistently mention the convenience of camping in this location, with beaches, shopping, and urban amenities within short driving distance. Winter season brings the highest occupancy rates, with some campgrounds maintaining a significant population of long-term and seasonal campers, creating a community atmosphere rather than a wilderness experience.

Best Camping Sites Near Bay Pines, Florida (165)

    1. Fort De Soto Campground

    140 Reviews
    Tierra Verde, FL
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (727) 582-2100

    $38 - $48 / night

    "As an camper with northern roots, I have found it hard to camp in Florida. This campground helped me relieve those worries.  I will start by saying that this campground is south of St."

    "Nice walking/bicycle path around the edge. Bike paths also throughout the park. Sites 1-8 or so have direct beach access, but swimming is not allowed. Mangroves surround the rest of the peninsula."

    2. St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA Holiday

    26 Reviews
    Bay Pines, FL
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (727) 392-2233

    "Petersburg/Madeira Beach KOA Holiday, and I’m excited to share my positive review! I’ve hosted friends in their Deluxe Cabins before, and they were thoroughly impressed."

    "It has all of the amenities you would ever want and is so close to Florida beaches. Pool, hot tub, store, workout room, fishing and kayaking and lots more to do right in the park."

    3. Shell Key Preserve

    7 Reviews
    Tierra Verde, FL
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (727) 453-6900

    "One of my favorite places to camp in Florida, hands-down. You can only get to this camping spot by water. Must reserve, no pets & no alcohol."

    "Shell Key is one of the larger uninhabited islands off of the west coast of Florida near St. Petersburg."

    4. Caladesi RV Park

    16 Reviews
    Palm Harbor, FL
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (727) 784-3622

    $45 - $75 / night

    "Decent size spot with stone drive and cement patio. Bathrooms and showers are kept clean. Nice laundry facilities with area to play cards if you wanted. Pool area is nice with shade spots."

    "We first came here a year ago and I was worried about it being so close to a main road, but after staying here I can tell you that it's very quiet and relaxing. "

    5. Encore Vacation Village

    5 Reviews
    Largo, FL
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "The park is small, parking is crammed, and there’s a lot of older trailers but overall it’s a great location. This is our go to location when we have appointments at Bay Pines VA!"

    6. E.G. Simmons Regional Park

    20 Reviews
    Ruskin, FL
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (813) 671-7655

    $24 / night

    "Nearly every campsite is right on the water - easy in and out for kayaks, large boat ramp and many picnic pavilions."

    "Close to the boatramp. Raccoons can be annoying. Has picnic pavilions and several fishing docks"

    7. Indian Rocks Travel Park

    3 Reviews
    Indian Rocks Beach, FL
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (727) 595-2228

    8. Terry Tomalin Campground

    3 Reviews
    Gulfport, FL
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (727) 893-7441

    $30 / night

    "The campsites are nicely spaced out so you aren’t to close to other campers. The trails are amazing but be careful or you might get lost."

    "It’s in an awesome location, too - we had other plans but made last-minute plans to stay here for a night and they were pretty empty on a Friday night."

    9. Avalon RV Resort

    2 Reviews
    Largo, FL
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (727) 531-6124

    "The sites are a little tight but that's normal for most of Florida, specially in a heavy populated are like Clearwater. It's unbelievably quiet although it's right off of US 19. Staff is so great."

    "Sites were small, Service was friendly, Okay amenities- small pool, dog ‘park’ was a tiny walking area. Expensive considering location and amenities."

    10. MacDill AFB FamCamp

    9 Reviews
    Gibsonton, FL
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (813) 840-6919

    "Close to a small beach and marina with a restaurant walking distance. Several dog parks but muddy/dirt. Laundry available for fee. Bath houses clean and large. Good amenities on base."

    "The tent area is large and almost 100% shaded , The white sand beach is steps away and had the most amazing sunsets ."

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Recent Reviews near Bay Pines, FL

796 Reviews of 165 Bay Pines Campgrounds


  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Serenova Tract Campsites

    Beautiful park

    The campground is nestled in a canopy of oaks ,pines with palmetto underbrush. It was packed when I arrived. But I found the ideal site around the Pavillion circle. It was nice to have neighbors after being alone for so long. My site doesn't have a fire ring, but a picnic table. Toilets and water not far away. Excellent trails to hike.

  • ZThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Lithia Springs

    October 2025

    It’s a beautiful campground. That’s a well maintained by The very friendly and helpful staff. The scenery and activities available at this part make it well worth the drive and work the stay.

  • R
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Lithia Springs

    Quiet, Clean, & Friendly

    Many of the lots are large & somewhat secluded. Trees for some shade. *Clean, friendly, & a gate code for safety. *Nothing can be tied to trees, including hammocks.

  • Stachianna K.
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Buttonwood Inlet RV Resort

    Quiet evening

    We stayed in Buttonwood inlet for one night. It was super easy to pull and out and it was clean and quiet to camp from a 30’ class C. Plus there was plenty of green areas for the pups to so the whole family gives this a 5 star review.

  • ZThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Alafia River Corridor Nature Preserve

    Alafia North of Baseball Parking

    “Alafia North Corridor Park is such a peaceful escape. The trails wind through beautiful natural scenery, and the quiet surroundings make it perfect for a relaxing hike. It’s a great place to slow down, take in the fresh air, and enjoy the simple beauty of nature. Whether you’re looking for a short walk or a longer hike, this park offers a calming outdoor experience.”

  • ZThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Lithia Springs

    Lithia Springs Park

    Lithia Springs Conservation Park is a hidden gem for camping in Florida. The campground is clean, well-maintained, and tucked away in a peaceful natural setting. Sites are spacious with plenty of shade, and the amenities like restrooms and picnic areas are kept in great shape. The best part is being just a short walk from the beautiful natural spring, perfect for swimming and cooling off. It’s a great spot for families or anyone looking to relax and enjoy the outdoors. I’ll definitely be coming back!

  • Dan M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve

    Very Nice but ....

    Very Nice just being wood panels. It's a long dirt road to get to the campsite and I didn't think my car would make it through some of the big puddles after rain. Chevy Malibu isn't really known for off-roading lol

  • Carlos T.
    Sep. 18, 2025

    Encore Silver Dollar

    Mobile home park, with rv sites.

    We stay there four times over a couple of years.  We have not see much of the park because we only arrive at night, plug in for ac, and in the morning we leave.


Guide to Bay Pines

Camping near Bay Pines, Florida, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Explore Nature: Visit Fort De Soto Campground for its stunning beaches and wildlife. One camper mentioned, "I love coming here when I am in St. Pete! They have a dog beach too! It’s wonderful to have a natural beach without all the noise and crowds."
  • Kayaking and Fishing: At Hillsborough River State Park Campground, you can rent kayaks and enjoy fishing. A visitor shared, "You can rent kayaks or canoes to take a trip down a wonderfully peaceful river."
  • Wildlife Watching: Myakka River State Park is great for spotting alligators and various birds. One camper noted, "It’s quiet, and there’s plenty of wildlife to be seen: Lots of birds, alligators, deer, wild turkeys."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A review from Oscar Scherer State Park Campground stated, "The bathrooms were clean and plenty of them throughout the campground."
  • Privacy Between Sites: Many campers enjoy the spaciousness and privacy of sites. One visitor at Colt Creek State Park Campground said, "We stayed in site 26, which was tucked back and fairly private."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of the staff. A review from Hillsborough River State Park Campground highlighted, "The rangers were amazing and patrolled the campground on a regular basis."

What you should know

  • Bugs Can Be a Problem: Some campers have reported issues with bugs, especially at Fort De Soto Campground. One camper lamented, "The bugs were so bad... it was absolutely miserable."
  • Limited Amenities at Some Parks: Not all campgrounds have extensive amenities. A visitor at Lake Manatee State Park Campground mentioned, "The only downside and a potentially big one for some people, is the commercial drag strip not far from the park."
  • Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. A camper at Blue Spring State Park Campground advised, "A reservation will guarantee you access to the spring, which sometimes gets full."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground offers plenty of activities, and one reviewer said, "There are so many sites and yes there are people around but there’s serious vegetation between all the sites that you have plenty of privacy."
  • Plan for Outdoor Fun: Bring bikes or kayaks for family adventures. A camper at Hillsborough River State Park Campground noted, "There are lots of trails for walking, hiking, and biking."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Keep everyone happy with snacks. A visitor at Oscar Scherer State Park Campground mentioned, "The location of this campground is right in the middle of at least 4 different beaches."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A review from Colt Creek State Park Campground said, "Spacious and open sites that are very big rig friendly."
  • Look for Full Hookups: Some campgrounds offer full hookups, which can make your stay more comfortable. A camper at Hillsborough River State Park Campground noted, "Most campsites have electric and good water hookups."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have spotty cell service. A visitor at Manatee Springs State Park Campground mentioned, "You’ll get 1 bar to tease you and think you can do something."

Camping around Bay Pines, Florida, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just be prepared for the bugs and plan ahead for a great experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Bay Pines RV Park?

Bay Pines area RV parks offer various amenities for campers. Encore Vacation Village provides a small park with friendly and helpful staff, though parking spaces are somewhat cramped. The location is convenient for those with appointments at Bay Pines VA. Similar parks in the region typically offer water and electric hookups, restroom facilities, and sometimes Wi-Fi. For more extensive amenities, Indian Rocks Travel Park near Largo features reservable sites with water, toilets, and is big-rig friendly.

Are there RV rentals available at Bay Pines for visitors to Madeira Beach?

While Bay Pines itself has limited RV rental options, the surrounding area offers alternatives. St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA Holiday provides Deluxe Cabins that are fully equipped for a comfortable stay, making them a popular choice for visitors without their own RVs. These accommodations are conveniently located for accessing Madeira Beach. For those seeking other rental options, Avalon RV Resort near Clearwater may offer rental units, though availability should be confirmed directly with the resort before planning your trip.

How far is Bay Pines RV Park from Madeira Beach, Florida?

Bay Pines is approximately 3-5 miles from Madeira Beach, Florida, making it a convenient 10-15 minute drive to reach the Gulf beaches. St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA Holiday is strategically located in this area, offering easy access to the beach. Another nearby option is Shell Key Preserve, which requires boat access and offers a more secluded experience while still being in proximity to Madeira Beach. The preserve's water-only access makes it unique among camping options in the area.