James W.
Guide
GuideSt. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA Holiday
The bayou site are excellent. Reasonably level, nice patios, and a bit of a view. The staff are nice and helpful. They seem to have a section for those of us who are not snowbirds.
Camping near Belleair Bluffs, FL
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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."
Check Availabilityfrom $38 - $48 / night
2. 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."
Check Availabilityfrom $45 - $75 / night
4. 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)"
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $24 / night
6. 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."
7. 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. "
8. Clearwater / Lake Tarpon KOA Holiday
"We camped at Clearwater/ Lake Tarpon KOA Holiday in a Fifth Wheel."
Check Availabilityfrom $45 - $120 / night
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
160 Photos of 180 Belleair Bluffs Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA Holiday
Caladesi RV ParkA
St Pete Get a Way Spot
Terry Tomalin CampgroundB
Shell Key Preserve
Lake Rogers Park
Anclote Key Preserve State Park Campground
Fort De Soto CampgroundD
MacDill AFB FamCamp
E.G. Simmons Regional Park
Hillsborough County E. G. Simmons Regional Park
Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park
Recent Reviews near Belleair Bluffs, FL
793 Reviews of 180 Belleair Bluffs Campgrounds
Stuart K.
LegendFort De Soto Campground
The Most Perfect Campground in Florida?
On my never-ending pursuit of finding the most perfect campground on earth ... I may have just landed it! Fort DeSoto State Park Campground, which rests at the southernmost edge of Pinellas County, reached by crossing a series of causeways from St. Petersburg until the land simply runs out and the Gulf of Mexico (as my friend John Cougar Mellencamp recently point out - not Gulf of ‘Merika) takes over. First impressions are pure Florida magic with palm-lined roads, sweeping water views of translucent aqua blue shimmering in the sun all accompanied by a salty breeze that makes you feel like vacation has officially begun. The campground itself is spread across a low-lying coastal landscape with mangroves, dunes and open skies punctuated by cotton candy clouds, and despite its popularity, this tri-loop campground haven manages to feel relaxed and unhurried if you pick your timing right.
This archipelago is shaped like a boomerang with 3 distinct campground loops – each with its own vibe, layout, amenities and overall character (more on this later) – leaving one with the impression that Fort DeSoto is both incredibly spacious as well as incredibly well-organized, offering a mix of waterfront and interior sites with paved pads, picnic tables, stand-up grills and access to modern bathhouses that are generally clean and well maintained. Many sites offer electric and water hookups, with a dump station available for RV travelers. Navigation through the one-way loops is straightforward, pets are welcome and the overall layout feels intentionally designed to handle high traffic without feeling chaotic. While there’s but just a modest playground on-site, there are much more amenities for the kids on North Beach, but throughout the campground area, the sheer amount of open space, bike paths, beach side access to inlets that will allow you to make the most out of being this close to the Gulf more than compensates for families.
What truly sets Fort DeSoto apart is everything just outside your campsite. Miles of white sand beaches wrap around the park, including North Beach which is frequently ranked among the best beaches in the country (note: not county ... country). Kayaking trails wind through calm mangrove tunnels, fishing piers stretch into Tampa Bay, and biking loops circle the entire park. History lovers can explore the restored fort and military ruins, while birders will find plenty to admire along the shoreline. For supplies, you’re about 15 minutes from Tierra Verde Market, Publix and a Walmart Supercenter on Pinellas Bayway as well as a handful of casual eateries like Billy’s Stone Crab and Sea Hags if cooking feels optional.
Trying to find out which 1 of the 3 loops might be best for you? I’ll try to break this down. First, of all, my brother and I stayed in Area #1, so let me begin there, not only because numerically that’s where we should begin, but also because I’m the most familiar with this loop, which consists of sites numbered #1-85. If you’re looking not just for ocean views with Gulf access – because like me, you’ve brought a kayak / canoe – then Area #1 for this solo reason is why you want to book here. And while it’s true that you likely could access water in Area #2, you’ll have to go the long way around to access the Gulf. Back to Area #1, I found this simple, single loop offering sites excellent in size, with TONS of shade (no need to bring your shelter to blot out the sun, although not a bad idea to have it handy in case of rain) and decent length long ‘driveways’ with which to pull in and set up camp, whether you’re packing tents (like me) or pulling in with your RV or sprinter van. Seriously, the scenery alone here in Area #1(at least sites #1-34) cannot be beaten with direct views of the Gulf, which you can access in less than 20 paces from where you’ve pitched your tent or parked for the night.
Each site is equipped with electric and water and for RVs needing sewage, there’s a spot as you exit prior to arriving at the ranger station that will accommodate you. The restroom and shower facilities in Area#1 are the best that I’ve ever seen in the state of Florida (which is saying something as I’ve camped in more than 100 spots here in the Sunshine state) – and wonder if this is because CG Hosts (versus FL state employees) are charged with keeping the CG clean?! – with very hot water (sometimes TOO hot) and lots of pressure would be an accurate description. Area #2 IMHO is somewhat cramped, very RV populated, with sites that are fairly crowded, yet heavily shaded with amenities that are similar to Area #1, albeit slightly more outdated; however, if you come with pets in tow, this is the ONLY area that will welcome you here at Fort DeSoto CG. Lastly, Area #3 has AMAZING water views, but given the seawall that surrounds this portion of the island, you won’t be able to actually access the water unless you dock your boat somehow to the wall and don’t mind jumping up 4-6 feet down to access your vessel. I found the sites here to be fine, although like Area #2, somewhat crowded, but yet still offering very good shade with restroom and shower facilities to be on par with the rest of the park. The best sites over here would be those from #197– 233 that look northernly towards the Gulf offering nothing short of AMAZING sunsets on the water.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a handful: (1) Waterfront sites in Loop 2 and Loop 3 are the most coveted for sunset views and breezes, but they book fast; (2) Bring bikes as this park is tailor-made for cruising on two wheels with flat, scenic loops in and around the campground area, but the best biking will be had once heading out past the ranger station to explore the larger areas of the island, where East Beach is worth a glide by (especially to watch the kite surfers where wind is at its strongest), but it’s North Beach that will have you stopping for a longer spell; (3) Kayaking through the mangroves on a calm morning is a must, especially for wildlife sightings; however, our absolute favorite moment of the entire trip was crossing the strong currents of shipping lanes to make it all the way to Shell Key, which apart from a few pensioners getting sunburnt in their beach chairs and an errant fishing boat or two, we had the entire island to ourselves … EASTER EGG: I’m a fairly solid kayaker and love oaring and with these strong currents, it IS manageable to cross, but you’ll want to plan on at least 1 hour of non-stop, albeit scenic oaring to make it to Shell Key; (4) Afternoon storms roll through quickly in summer, so plan beach time early and camp dinners later; (5) North Beach on the northernmost edge tends to be quieter and more family-friendly than the busier east-facing beaches near the fort; (6) If you’re visiting during peak season, weekday stays are noticeably calmer than weekends; and (7) When heading to the restroom facilities you will come across what is likely the largest sign I have ever seen in any campground WARNING YOU OF RACCOONS and, trust me, you want to HEED THIS SIGN as these black-eyed bandits are EVERYWHERE and not afraid to come right up to your tent and look in or right up to you sitting next to your campfire while looking for something to eat or steal, so be incredibly careful and PACK UP EVERYTHING whenever it’s not being used EVEN IN DAYLIGHT HOURS.
In sum, I absolutely loved this campground and will now be comparing every single one I visit to Fort DeSoto Campground.
Happy Camping!
- aalan F.
ScoutHillsborough River State Park Campground
Showers and bathrooms are closed
- GGordon S.Scout
Little Manatee River State Park Campground
Quiet. Definitely skewed toward equestrian. Sites are well spaced. Outer loop is best. Restroom/showers are very well kept. Not much for kids. Short trails are ok. Cayaking is best option if you're in to that. Relax here, enjoy the peace and have your favorite beverage
Julio B.ScoutFort De Soto Campground
Beautiful 😁
- EEfstathios A.Scout
Encore Winter Quarters Pasco
Great location
- dd I.Guide
Bradenton / Hunsader Farms KOA
Nice little place. Gravel, pull-through sites, clean bathrooms, and friendly staff. Tons to do for the littles!
- CCorey S.
TravelerBay Bayou RV Resort
Great time @ a great campground.
Great fishing docks, with lighting for nighttime fishing. Clean & great environment, kids had a blast. Will stay here again
Gail S.ScoutZephyr Colony RV Park
Present it will be a great place to live.
Zephyrhills colony has new Management. It's like a breath of fresh air.A weight is lifted from our shoulders of constant harassment and being hawked at on a daily basis. The parking pads are beautiful.The construction crew did an excellent job and the yellow stripes on the roads are amazing.We are so thankful for this improvement in our park that we can be proud and happy at once and for all. I thank God for answered prayer personally.Now I can breathe now.I can live amen
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 148 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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