Best Campgrounds near Belleair Beach, FL
Campgrounds near Belleair Beach, Florida primarily cluster along the Gulf Coast, offering a mix of established facilities and waterfront sites. Fort De Soto Campground in Saint Petersburg provides tent, RV, and glamping options with waterfront access, while the St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA Holiday features cabin accommodations alongside traditional camping areas. Most campgrounds in this coastal region maintain year-round operations, with several properties situated within 15 miles of Belleair Beach proper, providing convenient access to both beach activities and urban amenities.
Reservations are essential for most campgrounds in the area, particularly during winter months when seasonal visitors increase demand. Fort De Soto Campground typically requires bookings up to six months in advance, with limited sites released on Friday mornings for weekend stays. The subtropical climate creates ideal camping conditions from October through April, while summer brings higher humidity, afternoon thunderstorms, and mosquito activity. Hurricane season officially runs from June through November, potentially affecting camping plans. Many campgrounds offer full hookups and amenities like swimming pools to mitigate the summer heat. A visitor noted, "We saw sting rays, a baby turtle, many different birds and other wildlife within 5 minutes of parking the boat."
Waterfront sites consistently receive the highest ratings from campers, particularly those at Fort De Soto Park where several sites offer direct water access. Campers frequently mention the privacy between sites created by natural vegetation barriers, with one reviewer describing Fort De Soto as having "plenty of options for both clothes lines and hammocks" with sites that "divide the tent area up into two sides." The region's mixed-use campgrounds typically accommodate both tent and RV camping, though some properties like Caladesi RV Park and Indian Rocks Travel Park cater specifically to RV travelers. Several campgrounds in the area feature pet-friendly policies, though restrictions apply at certain properties including Fort De Soto's tent-only loop where pets are not permitted.
