Best Campgrounds near Bay Pines, FL

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!