Belleair Beach is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Belleair Beach is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Belleair Beach and user-submitted reviews.
Located off the St. Petersburg coast, near the mouth of Florida’s Tampa Bay, the tiny islands that make up Fort De Soto County Park have a long and storied history. More than 1,000 years ago, the islands were home to the Tocobaga peoples, who sustained themselves on local plants and seafood. In the 1500s, Spanish conquistadors began exploring Florida’s barrier islands and mainland, among them, Hernando de Soto. From the Civil War in the 1860s until the conclusion of World War II in the 1940s, the islands were used as military emplacements, first as a Union blockade, then as coastal defensive batteries. The islands finally became a state park in 1963 as an effort to preserve their long history, and provide a recreation area for locals and visitors. The park was designated America’s Top Beach in 2009, and sees more than 2.7 million annual visitors.
Fort DeSoto County Park reservations offer 238 sites for tent and RV campers. It is located on the St. Christopher and St. Jean Keys, approximately 10 miles southwest of St. Petersburg. The campground is mostly wooded, and divided up into three areas: Area 1 for tents, vans, and small campers, and Areas 2 and 3 for larger RVs. All sites are equipped with electrical and water hookups, picnic tables and cooking grills. Comfort stations with restrooms, showers and laundry facilities are located in each area; a dump station is located near Area 2. The campground also features a small store, dayroom, two playgrounds, and Wifi service; bike and kayak rentals are available. Dogs are permitted in Area 2 and the designated dog park only. Alcoholic beverages and gas-powered generators are not permitted in the park. Reservations are recommended, and can be made up to six months in advance; seven months for locals. Campsite rates are $36–$42/night.
There are plenty of activities to enjoy on a visit to Fort DeSoto County Park, including visiting Fort DeSoto. Located on the southernmost point of Mullet Key, the historic military emplacement is open to the public for self-guided tours. Explore officers’ quarters, the bakery, the hospital and various other facilities. Look out across the Gulf of Mexico for the lighthouse, constructed in 1858, on neighboring Egmont Key. The park also features more than 7 miles of sparkling, white sand beaches, including East Beach and North Beach, for sunning and swimming. These can be reached via a paved, multi-use path from the campground. There are also boat launches, a fishing pier and a snack bar. As part of the Pinellas National Wildlife Refuge, bird watchers can scan for some of the more than 300 species of resident and migratory birds, including waterfowl, shorebirds, songbirds, woodpeckers, and raptors.
A 236-site family camping area with facilities including picnic tables, grills, water, electricity, washers, dryers, sanitary disposal stations, modern restrooms, showers, play areas, and a campground store. Special camp sites for camping with pets.
$38 - $48 / night
Welcome to St. Petersburg Madeira Beach KOA Holiday!
Take a look around St. Petersburg KOA with our virtual tour.
Camp minutes from the Gulf Coast's sugar white beaches, bordered by the lush mangrove-lined bayou and Pinellas Trail. Offering spacious Deluxe Patio RV sites, secluded back-in RV sites and full hookup, 50amp, pull through sites. No RV? No problem! Leave the packing to us and stay in one of our Deluxe Cabins. Deluxe Cabins allow you to enjoy all the amenities of home with private bath, patio with a grill, fresh linens and many with a fully stocked kitchen.
Participate in the campground's endless activities all year round! Summer campers love our outdoor movies, themed weekends and fishing right from the dock. Active snowbirds stay busy during the winter months with a wide array of classes, including water aerobics, yoga, quilting and painting.
Campground amenities include: TWO hot tubs(our newest edition is a private area just for adults!), a crystal clear outdoor pool, sandy volleyball court, pet-friendly play area, shuffleboard and more. Rent a kayak and paddle the peaceful Long Bayou inland waterway; alive with herons, egrets, dolphins and other wildlife. If you are looking for some healthy fun, jog, walk, or bike the popular 38-mile Pinellas County Fitness Trail. Come and visit us in paradise!
Full hook up RV park with air conditioned club house and laundry facilities. Caladesi RV Park is nested in the heart of Palm Harbor, Florida, right on the Pinellas Trail, an exercise trail spanning from Tarpon Springs to Clearwater. The Caladesi RV Park is minutes from 5 Tampa Bay area beaches. Tons of shopping and restaurants withing walking distance. Trolley pick up on the property. Just 20 minutes from Tampa or St. Petersburg. 5 minutes to Honeymoon Island, where you can park your RV.
$45 - $75 / night
Just minutes from downtown Tampa, this Hillsborough River State Park Camping offers a refuge from city life with its seven miles of nature trails and ample places to cool off in the water.
Except for occasional reenactments, the cannon and guns are now silent at Fort Foster. No longer do Seminole Indians have to fight to keep a foothold in Florida, and soldiers no longer guard a strategic river crossing. The reconstructed fort and its surroundings are now part of Hillsborough River State Park.
Besides a living history lesson, visitors can kayak or canoe class II river rapids, rare in Florida, hike seven miles of nature trails and swim in an ADA accessible swimming pool.
Tucked away, only a short distance from the bustling city of Tampa, camping is a popular activity at Hillsborough River State Park.
$24 / night
$24 / night
LMR1
$22 / night
One of the few untouched islands along the Gulf Coast, Caladesi Island State Park is accessible only by boat, but is worth the extra effort. Whether it is a stroll along the island's pristine beaches or a kayak trip through the bayside mangrove forest, a trip to Caladesi Island is an unforgettable experience. Take a nature trail walk to the historic Scharrer Homestead through the island's interior and listen to the ocean breeze whisper through old-growth slash pines and feel the embrace of expansive live oaks. Discover why homesteader Myrtle Scharrer Betz called this place "Paradise" in her memoirs.
Caladesi Island State Park has a marina with floating docks with 30 amp electric service and water hookups. A covered pavilion with a grill is available for picnicking. A snack bar and gift shop is located in the marina. Three sites are ADA accessible.
The marina is a designated Clean Marina. For reservations, visit the Florida State Parks reservations website or call 800-326-3521 or TDD 888-433-0287. Reservations can be made online, first-come, first served in the marina.
$24 / night
Separate primitive camping areas available for individual and equestrian camping. Backcountry camping available. Campsites for cars and primitive cabins available. Groups can reserve tent site or cabins up to 90 days in advance. Reservation and fee are required and can be made up to 30 days in advance.
Overnight Camping the South Public Use Area Only Primitive camping is allowed only on the South Public Use area of Shell Key.
Camping Permits Camping Permits are required for any overnight activity on Shell Key. Permits can be obtained for free from the county.
Leave No Trace We are required to remove absolutely all trace of our camp – including food, refuse and anything that came with us on our boat.
Campfires You must remove all trace of your campfire before you leave. This means removing (not burying) all the charred wood from the fire. Remember that you are not at a permanent campsite. You are in a nature preserve and are required to leave no trace at all.
Portable Toilets Required The county requires all campers to bring a portable toilet for overnight activities. A simple DIY toilet can be made with a 5 gallon bucket, a trash bag and some sand. Place the trash bag in the bucket as a liner, put in a scoop of sand and use the toilet. When done, put another scoop of sand on top. Some people even bring some scented cat litter to use instead of sand.
No Pets or Alcohol It doesn’t seem fair to leave the member of the family that would perhaps get the most joy out of island wilderness camping. However, pets are completely banned from the entire preserve including all of the aquatic boundaries. Read more about the pet ban. Alcohol is also forbidden within the preserve boundaries.
$25 / night
Scout
ScoutScout
Guide
ScoutScout
Guide
Scout
Scout
Traveler
GuideScout
Scout
ScoutScoutTraveler
Guide
LegendScout
Legend
ScoutScout
Traveler
ScoutGuideScoutScoutCamping near Belleair Beach, Florida, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds nearby that cater to different preferences.
Camping near Belleair Beach, Florida, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just be prepared for the local quirks and enjoy the beautiful surroundings!
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Belleair Beach, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, Belleair Beach, FL offers a wide range of camping options, with 165 campgrounds and RV parks near Belleair Beach, FL and 3 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Belleair Beach, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Belleair Beach, FL is Fort De Soto Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 136 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Belleair Beach, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Belleair Beach, FL.
What parks are near Belleair Beach, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 parks near Belleair Beach, FL that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.
Keep Exploring
