Best Campgrounds near Belleair Bluffs, FL
Belleair Bluffs, Florida provides access to several developed campgrounds within a short drive, primarily along the Gulf Coast and surrounding waterways. Fort De Soto Campground in Saint Petersburg offers waterfront sites with tent, RV, and boat-in camping options about 15 miles southwest of Belleair Bluffs. The St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA Holiday provides cabin accommodations along with traditional camping, while Caladesi RV Park in Palm Harbor caters primarily to RV campers. Most campgrounds in this coastal region maintain year-round operations with varying levels of amenities from basic to resort-style facilities.
"This is a great campground near the beach and bay. Many sites are right on the water which is beautiful," noted one visitor about Fort De Soto Campground. The Gulf Coast location means high humidity and potential for afternoon thunderstorms during summer months, with more moderate temperatures from October through April making fall through spring the preferred camping seasons. Reservations are essential for most developed sites, particularly on weekends and during winter months when snowbirds increase demand. Many campgrounds in the region prohibit or restrict campfires, with Fort De Soto requiring fire bins that can be rented from their campground store. Hurricane season (June through November) may affect camping availability, and campers should monitor weather forecasts during this period.
Waterfront camping represents a significant draw for the region, with several reviewers highlighting the opportunity to observe marine wildlife. At Fort De Soto, campers report seeing dolphins, manatees, and stingrays directly from their sites. According to one visitor, "We were greeted by dolphins, sting rays and manatees" while enjoying the water access. Campground amenities vary considerably, with KOA locations offering more resort-style facilities including pools and organized activities, while state and county parks tend to provide more natural settings with basic facilities. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region due to the proximity to urban areas. Traffic noise can be an issue at some locations, particularly those near major highways, with Indian Rocks Travel Park and Clearwater RV Resort mentioned in reviews as having highway noise present.
