Buddy M.
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ScoutLower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve
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Good clean site.
Camping near Belleair Bluffs, FL
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
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.
Best Campgrounds near Belleair Bluffs (180)
1. Fort De Soto Campground
"As an camper with northern roots, I have found it hard to camp in Florida. This campground helped me relieve those worries. I will start by saying that this campground is south of St."
"Nice walking/bicycle path around the edge. Bike paths also throughout the park. Sites 1-8 or so have direct beach access, but swimming is not allowed. Mangroves surround the rest of the peninsula."
from $38 - $48 / night
Check Availability2. St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA Holiday
"Petersburg/Madeira Beach KOA Holiday, and I’m excited to share my positive review! I’ve hosted friends in their Deluxe Cabins before, and they were thoroughly impressed."
"It has all of the amenities you would ever want and is so close to Florida beaches. Pool, hot tub, store, workout room, fishing and kayaking and lots more to do right in the park."
3. Caladesi RV Park
"Decent size spot with stone drive and cement patio. Bathrooms and showers are kept clean. Nice laundry facilities with area to play cards if you wanted. Pool area is nice with shade spots."
"I stayed two weeks here with my dog and loved the location— great bike access to nearby trails and easy drives to Honeymoon Island."
from $45 - $75 / night
Check Availability4. Encore Vacation Village
"The park is small, parking is crammed, and there’s a lot of older trailers but overall it’s a great location. This is our go to location when we have appointments at Bay Pines VA!"
5. Caladesi Island State Park Campground
"One of the last undeveloped barrier islands in Florida. It's around 650 acres with tons of boardwalks and hiking."
"Next to honeymoon island state park and just south of anclote Boat camping ONLY — tents/Rvs are not permitted.
First come/first serve boat slips, pet friendly (yay for dogs)"
from $24 / night
Check Availability6. Clearwater RV Resort
"Off a very busy road hidden behind a hotel and a restaurant. Very clean and tidy park with RV sites and park models. Huge laundry room and very nice bath houses. Customer service is good."
"Best location for moving around the area. Use Drew not Gulf to Bay to move across the city. Great customer service Suzy and the crew are very helpful. "
7. Clearwater / Lake Tarpon KOA Holiday
"We camped at Clearwater/ Lake Tarpon KOA Holiday in a Fifth Wheel."
from $45 - $120 / night
Check Availability8. Bay Bayou RV Resort
"There’s a place to fish, a place to chill on the dock and not fish, trees are everywhere and lots of random wildlife roaming around. Staff has been super friendly too."
9. Avalon RV Resort
"The sites are a little tight but that's normal for most of Florida, specially in a heavy populated are like Clearwater. It's unbelievably quiet although it's right off of US 19. Staff is so great."
"Sites were small, Service was friendly, Okay amenities- small pool, dog ‘park’ was a tiny walking area. Expensive considering location and amenities."
10. Indian Rocks Travel Park
Drive Time
- 31 min from Tampa, FL
- 59 min from Lakeland, FL
- 1 hr 15 min from Homosassa Springs, FL
Recent Camping Photos near Belleair Bluffs, FL
161 Photos of 180 Belleair Bluffs Campgrounds
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Amanda B.
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Terry Tomalin Campground
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Shell Key Preserve
Jeanene A.
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Kaitlin B.
Anclote Key Preserve State Park Campground
Kelly D.
Fort De Soto Campground
Tom&Jennifer D.
MacDill AFB FamCamp
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Danilo M.
Hillsborough County E. G. Simmons Regional Park
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Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park
Recent Reviews near Belleair Bluffs, FL
776 Reviews of 180 Belleair Bluffs Campgrounds
Jeanene A.
LegendTerry Tomalin Campground
We had a wonderful experience at the 4-year-old Terry Tomalin Campground
We had a wonderful experience at the 4-year-old Terry Tomalin Campground! The tent sites are spacious and nicely spread out, giving you plenty of room to set up camp without feeling crowded by your neighbors. The campground has a peaceful, natural atmosphere that makes it easy to relax and enjoy being outdoors. There are 6 cabins also available with electric– no ac.
One of the things that really impressed us was the bathroom facilities. The restrooms and showers were very clean and well-maintained, which makes a huge difference when you’re tent camping. It was great to be able to enjoy a more primitive camping experience without giving up the convenience of a nice bathroom and shower.
The location next to Boyd Hill Nature Preserve is what really makes this campground special. Campers have access to the preserve’s pedestrian trails, making it easy to spend time exploring nature and then return to your campsite to relax.
Overall, Terry Tomalin Campground is a hidden gem in St. Petersburg and a fantastic place for anyone who enjoys tent camping and being surrounded by nature. We would definitely stay here again!
Notes: Only open on weekends, no pets, strict rules against vaping and alcoholic beverages. This location is very busy in the summertime as there are not many camping options in the area. Large group fire pits (not at each site)
Stuart K.LegendShell Key Preserve
A Deserted Island Escape Worth the Effort
Arriving at Shell Key feels like stepping off the grid, and that sense of removal is exactly what makes it so special. Accessible only by kayak, paddleboard, boat or ferry from nearby Fort DeSoto State Park, this barrier island preserve greets you with white powder sugary sand, shallow turquoise water and a quiet, calm stillness that is best described as reverent. I camped here with my older brother Matt, who fled-20 degree Chicago winter weather with his expert camera gear in tow in order to spend a week here with me. From the moment we beached our kayaks, it was clear this was going to be something special.
Shell Key is as primitive as coastal camping gets, with no facilities, no freshwater and absolutely no developed campsites, just open stretches of sand where you carefully choose a high, wind-protected spot above the tide line. Camping is limited and regulated to protect the preserve and the experience is intentionally minimalist, which keeps crowds at bay and the island feeling truly wild. You pack in everything, pack out everything and rely on common sense, weather awareness as well as respect for nesting zones for turtles and waterfowl clearly marked along the beach.
What makes Shell Key extraordinary is its birdlife. Matt spent hours crouched low with his telescopic lens while I played spotter and together we photographed an incredible range of species, including brown pelicans, great blue herons, snowy egrets, roseate spoonbills, reddish egrets, ospreys, black skimmers, willets, least terns, royal terns, but the prize? Black-masked parrots that call this isle home. Dolphins cruised just offshore while rays ghosted through the shallows and every turn of the shoreline revealed another pocket of life, including the oversized snow white pelicans that seem to guard this oasis. The paddle over from Fort DeSoto was not what I would call calm, with a series of rollicking waves between the stretch where North Beach ended and Shell Key began, although the entire journey was scenic, with views back toward the Skyway Bridge and plenty of chances to stop, float, and soak it all in.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a handful: (1) Plan your paddle with tides and wind in mind, as the crossing is straightforward in calm conditions but can feel much longer with chop – and don’t forget that you’ll have to cross some designated shipping lanes, where the currents are strong; (2) Bring a lightweight kayak cart or be prepared for soft sand landings when fully loaded; (3) Set camp well above the high tide line and away from posted bird nesting areas; (4) Dawn and dusk are prime times for bird photography when the light is nothing short of spectacular; (5) As a survivalist, everywhere I camp, I prepare to fish or hunt for my meal, so here, you’ll have decent fishing, but the gem on Shell Key is the abundance of crabs, both large and small - so bring a spear or fishnet if you hope to catch any; and (6) There are ABSOLUTELY no amenities on Shell Key (not even a trash can), so stock up at Fort DeSoto before launching, including water, sun protection, and extra batteries for cameras and headlamps.
Happy Camping!
Dajah B.
TravelerFind Out Farms
Beautiful and peaceful
It's very peaceful. Chickens roam free and we were able to see cows and get farm fresh eggs. 50 AMP and water connections, I saw reviews about the road being bumpy but we didn't have that experience. Everything was smooth. 10/10.
Celeste A.TravelerLake Manatee State Park Campground
Campground Stay
The bathrooms are rather hot at any time of the day, but they are clean. One of the showers doesn’t work but there is no sign posted. 30 sites for 1 bathroom/ bathhouse so showering at night may take longer than usual. The campground isn’t too shady, but the Day Use Rec Area is nice and has a small play ground. However, if you’re looking to cool off in the lake, think again. It’s very warm water and there is a caution sign about green blue algae being possibly present in the waters. Lots of squirrels and ants
- LLaura H.
RangerFort De Soto Campground
Crowded but worth it
Day 1 we had electrical issues. Thanks to park rangers we were relocated and our vacation resumed. Great beach!
- Dylan M.Scout
Camp Nebraska RV Park
Camp Nebraska Tampa FL 33612
The park itself is very nice not much amenities besides bathroom and shower building and the nearby area is not that good , its relatively safe but its just a lot of homeless nearby an its just not a nice area at all to walk around during the day or night its a shame. But the park itself keeps you very protected from that ive never had a issue for over 7 months being here
- Bill L.Traveler
MacDill AFB FamCamp
Reputation as the #1 FamCamp in the MWR system
Active duty, retirees, disabled vets and some others are eligible. PX and commissary near the security gate. Campground check-in quick and efficient. Pick your site from what's available. $26/night with full hook-ups. Right on the Gulf, beautiful beach. Beach bar cafe adjacent to campground.
- AAntwan Á.Traveler
Fort De Soto Campground
Beach Vibes
Great sites, clean bathrooms and showers. Easy access to the beach.
Stayed next to the playground and it was a great time for the kids.
Guide to Belleair Bluffs
Camping options near Belleair Bluffs, Florida tend to cluster around coastal waterways and inland lakes within a 15-mile radius. Summer temperatures regularly reach 90°F with high humidity, while winter lows rarely drop below 50°F. The terrain consists primarily of coastal flatlands with sandy soil conditions that affect drainage during the June-September rainy season when afternoon thunderstorms bring 6-8 inches of monthly rainfall.
What to do
Beach exploration: 5-10 miles south at Fort De Soto Campground, where campers find extensive shoreline access. "There are three loops one for guests with pets. BRING YOUR RABIES VACCINE PAPERS! Many sites are waterfront and are mostly well separated. Great bike trails," notes David G.
Kayaking through mangroves: The protected waterways around Caladesi Island State Park Campground offer paddlers sheltered routes. "There's lots of great sandbars, and mangrove tunnels for kayaking. At times it's a pretty much deserted island with lots of wildlife to watch!" according to Robin M.
Cycling on Pinellas Trail: Several campgrounds connect to this 38-mile paved path. "The Pinellas county trail runs along side KOA and they rent bikes and fun little tricycles to ride the trail or use in campground," says Joy H. about St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA Holiday.
What campers like
Waterfront sites: Many campers specifically request water-adjacent sites. "Cant go wrong with a waterfront stay. Book in advanced, especially if you want to stay more than a night or two," advises Taylor T. about Fort De Soto Campground.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Marine life sightings occur regularly from shoreline campsites. One camper at Fort De Soto reports: "We have an inflatable raft that we took out in the water. We were greeted by dolphins, sting rays and manatees."
Clean facilities: Consistently maintained bathhouses receive positive mentions. A visitor to Bay Bayou RV Resort notes, "Immaculate grounds, clean and modern bath houses, three laundry rooms. Very dog friendly with doggy bag stations and dog parks."
What you should know
Reservation timing: Most waterfront sites book 6 months in advance. At Fort De Soto, "They do start booking 6 months out and open up 10% of the sites for the weekend each friday at 7am if you want to try and get lucky."
Site drainage issues: Heavy rains affect low-lying campgrounds. At Clearwater-Lake Tarpon KOA, one camper reported: "Rain comes and sites are so easily flooded that we kept sandals on the entire time."
Traffic noise: Roadway proximity affects some locations. "We were at the front and the road noise was bad. Lots of sirens and traffic. It was noticeably quieter at the back of the campground," notes a review of Clearwater-Lake Tarpon KOA.
Pet documentation: Several parks require proof of vaccination. David G. warns about Fort De Soto: "There are three loops one for guests with pets. BRING YOUR RABIES VACCINE PAPERS!"
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA Holiday maintains family-friendly areas. "They have a heated pool, mini golf course, shuffle board, dog run. There are the typical bike rentals, four person bikes, that are found at most KOAs," reports Doug E.
Kid-friendly beaches: Fort De Soto offers calmer waters for younger swimmers. One reviewer notes, "Warm water with not too many waves, so children can play in the water in the summer and cool water in the winter."
Recreational programming: Some parks organize family activities. Hope L. shares about St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA: "Great heated pool & hot tubs. Staff is excellent. Lots of beaches & places to visit & explore nearby."
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Many parks have tight spacing between units. At Clearwater RV Resort, one RVer observed: "Extremely narrow sites. Lots of smokers so we had to keep our windows closed most of the time."
Entrance navigation: Some parks present access challenges. "Be careful entering the park. Very sharp turns," warns Ray P. about Encore Vacation Village.
Water and sewer connections: Hookup locations vary between parks. At Caladesi RV Park, a visitor mentions: "The utilities were set up poorly and we struggled a bit with septic hookup."
Extended stays: Snowbird presence affects availability from November through March. "We come back every January & it always feels like home!" notes Hope L. about staying at St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA Holiday during winter months.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Belleair Bluffs, FL?
What camping is available near Belleair Bluffs, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, Belleair Bluffs, FL offers a wide range of camping options, with 180 campgrounds and RV parks near Belleair Bluffs, FL and 4 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Belleair Bluffs, FL?
Which is the most popular campground near Belleair Bluffs, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Belleair Bluffs, FL is Fort De Soto Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 144 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Belleair Bluffs, FL?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Belleair Bluffs, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Belleair Bluffs, FL.
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