Camping near Bay Pines, Florida includes both waterfront and inland options within 20 miles of the central location. The coastal region features a mix of salt marsh habitats, mangrove waterways, and white sand beaches with limited tree coverage at most sites. Summer temperatures range from 75-95°F with frequent afternoon thunderstorms, while winter camping brings mild 55-75°F temperatures with lower humidity and reduced insect activity.
What to do
Kayaking through mangroves: Shell Key Preserve offers excellent paddling opportunities accessible only by boat from nearby launch points. "We paddled from Ft Desoto with all of our gear roped on... Once you get to the island, is is 100% primitive as it's a preserve. Absolutely amazing with stunning views," reports a Shell Key Preserve visitor.
Wildlife viewing: Look for diverse coastal wildlife including manatees, dolphins, and numerous bird species. "We saw sting rays, a baby turtle, many different birds & other wildlife within 5 minutes of parking the boat," notes a Shell Key camper. At Fort De Soto Campground, campers regularly spot "raccoons, dolphin, manatee, tons of Birds!"
Biking and hiking trails: The Pinellas Trail connects to several campgrounds in the area. At St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA Holiday, "the Pinellas County trail runs alongside KOA and they rent bikes and fun little tricycles to ride the trail or use in campground." Campers also appreciate Fort De Soto's "great bike trails."
What campers like
Water access from campsites: E.G. Simmons Regional Park features numerous waterfront sites. "There are 2 loops we like the East campground the best... All the sites along the water on this side are nice," notes a camper at E.G. Simmons Regional Park, adding that you can "see Manatees there and lots of great areas to Kayak or paddle board."
Cleanliness and maintenance: Visitors consistently note well-maintained facilities. One MacDill AFB FamCamp visitor states, "Bath houses clean and large," while another mentions, "everything from checkin to checkout was perfect!" An Avalon RV Resort guest comments, "Staff is so great. I even had 2 maintenance guys help us park our big rig!"
Security of military facilities: For eligible visitors, MacDill AFB FamCamp offers a secure environment with additional amenities. "Good amenities on base. Gym not too far and massive," reports one visitor to MacDill AFB FamCamp, who also appreciated "tons of fun" at the "beach bar on Friday night."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds fill quickly during winter months. "Book in advanced, especially if you want to stay more than a night or two," advises a Fort De Soto camper, while another mentions they "couldn't make a reservation on the website so I strolled in hoping to reserve a site at the front desk."
Insect preparedness: No-see-ums and mosquitoes can be problematic, especially at dusk and near water. At E.G. Simmons, "you really cannot stay outside at dusk. Citronella Torches, spray, fans, Avon skin so soft... none of these work for the no see-ums." Another camper simply advises, "Great spot for relaxing by the water. Highly recommend. Bring good bug spray lol."
Campground restrictions: Some campgrounds have specific prohibitions. At Terry Tomalin Campground, "You can only tent and you are not allowed to smoke anything, vape anything, drink anything alcoholic. If you do any of those things you want want to be here." Similarly, visitors should note that at Fort De Soto, visitors must "BRING YOUR RABIES VACCINE PAPERS!" for pets.
Tips for camping with families
Beach and water activities: Several campgrounds provide family-friendly water access. Fort De Soto Park has "gorgeous" beaches with "a dog beach, general store, historic walks, boat ramps, kayak access, and much more!" Fort De Soto is often described as "a tropical oasis for the family" with "one of the best beaches in the US."
Playground facilities: Several campgrounds feature dedicated child-friendly areas. At Fort De Soto, a family noted there is "a playground with good swings and also a sturdy playground that offered plenty of opportunity for my four year old to blow off some steam. The ground is all recycled rubber, which I love as a parent."
Organized activities: Seasonal programming enhances family visits. St. Petersburg KOA has "a movie night at the pool" and "a heated pool & hot tubs" that keep families entertained. They also provide "fun little tricycles to ride the trail or use in campground" which appeals to children of various ages.
Tips from RVers
Site spacing and privacy: RV sites vary widely in size and separation. At Caladesi RV Park, "The lots have space. They are not on top of each other," while another visitor noted sites at St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA are "smashed together and no privacy." Fort De Soto offers "many sites are waterfront and are mostly well separated."
Electric and hookup configurations: Check specific campground amenities before booking. Fort De Soto has "Electric and water. 2 dump sites on property," while Caladesi RV Park offers "Decent size spot with stone drive and cement patio." For connectivity, an RVer at Caladesi noted, "The sites, bathrooms and laundry room are all kept clean and well stocked."
Length of stay considerations: Winter visitors often stay long-term at certain parks. "The winter season is October-April and the campground gets extremely full, going over capacity from December to February or March," notes a MacDill AFB FamCamp visitor. Similarly, Caladesi RV Park has many long-term guests who appreciate that "it's very quiet and relaxing."
