Fort De Soto Campground offers tent sites as well as luxury camping with hookups near Belleair Bluffs, Florida. Located on a peninsula in the Gulf Coast, this area maintains average summer temperatures of 80-90°F with high humidity. Glamping in Belleair Bluffs provides waterfront access while maintaining proximity to urban amenities, with several campgrounds offering elevated camping experiences within 30 miles of the city.
What to do
Biking trails and historic exploration: Fort De Soto Campground features extensive paved paths for cyclists of all skill levels. "Great park with days worth of activities! The historic fort, scenic beaches, trails for hiking or biking, etc made for a great visit! Tons of wildlife - we saw raccoons, dolphin, manatee, tons of tons of Birds!" notes Brennan H.
Kayaking and paddleboarding: Launch directly from waterfront sites at E.G. Simmons Regional Park where you can paddle through mangrove canals. "We were in site 55 of the East CG which was right on the water where we launched our kayaks to paddle the canals amongst the Mangroves," shares Bran P., adding that it's a "great place to paddle a kayak in the Mangrove canals. Right on Tampa Bay."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Hillsborough River State Park provides excellent bird-watching and wildlife observation. "This is such an awesome place! I go here every year to see all of the various birds that migrate here, as well as to enjoy a little bit of mountain biking," writes Jill R.
What campers like
Private waterfront sites: Terry Tomalin Campground offers spacious, secluded sites. According to Shaun C., "Starkey's Campground has everything you could want or need. Friendly staff, plenty of critters, and beautiful trails to walk. Campsite #9 has so far been my most favorite spot here. It's VERY spacious (could easily fit 5 large tents here)."
Family-friendly amenities: E.G. Simmons Regional Park provides recreational facilities beyond camping. Rebecca D. notes, "E.G. Simmons is superb place to enjoy camp for a quiet time or with family and friends. Very spacious and variety camp sites to choose from. Clean grounds including bathrooms and staff are the friendliest, kindest people."
Clean facilities: Most upscale glamping locations near Belleair Bluffs maintain well-kept bathroom facilities. At Hillsborough River State Park, Lorilee S. reports, "Bathhouse was clean. They offer recycling, which is a great plus! It's nice and dark at night."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Book well in advance for premium sites, especially waterfront locations. At Fort De Soto Campground, Taylor T. advises, "Cant go wrong with a waterfront stay. Book in advanced, especially if you want to stay more than a night or two."
Weather considerations: Summer brings insects to most camping areas near Belleair Bluffs. At Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park, Jake H. warns, "Bring plenty of bugspray, the mosquitoes here are big enough to carry away a small dog."
Park regulations: Some campgrounds restrict pets, alcohol, or smoking. At Terry Tomalin, Kevin W. cautions, "Please be aware that this is a very restrictive campground. You can only tent and you are not allowed to smoke anything Vape anything drink anything alcoholic."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Hillsborough River State Park Campground offers recreation areas for children. Joe R. describes his recent experience: "This park just reopened a couple of weeks ago from the hurricanes. They are slowly bringing the sites back up to par, but it is still an awesome place. Everything is kept up, and several short trails to see The only class 2 rapids in Florida."
Educational opportunities: Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park provides learning experiences through its nature center. According to Steve S., the park has "separate primitive tent, car-camping (tent) and cabin campgrounds near the entrance of the park along with over 50 miles of biking, hiking, nature as well as equestrian trails to enjoy. Not to mention several parking areas throughout with playgrounds and an educational center make this a favorite for families."
Safety considerations: Some glamping options near Belleair Bluffs have better security than others. At Cypress Creek Preserve, Elliott B. reports that a local mountain biker "said that he comes through every so often to make sure the local teenagers are over in the area drinking, leaving their trash and starting fires in the area."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Choose your site carefully based on specific needs. At E.G. Simmons Regional Park, B M. recommends, "The sites along the water on this side are nice. All the sites are nice & kept very clean. There are 2 loops we like the East campground the best sites in this loop are #72 then #70."
Hookup availability: Most RV glamping options near Belleair Bluffs provide water and electric. David G. notes that at Fort De Soto Campground, "Many sites are waterfront and are mostly well separated. Great bike trails. Restrooms are dated but well maintained. Electric and water. 2 dump sites on property."
Off-season advantages: Consider visiting upscale camping areas during weekdays. For Terry Tomalin Campground, Rodd S. shares, "Solo outing to clear my mind. Just me and the pup. Cabins were at 50% occupancy as it was mid-week. Quiet neighbors except the group behind me who was gone by 9pm."
