RV camping near Temple Terrace, Florida sits just 12 miles northeast of Tampa, with most campgrounds located within a 30-minute drive. The area experiences a humid subtropical climate with temperatures averaging 82°F in summer and 62°F in winter. Campsite availability becomes limited from December through March when seasonal residents arrive from northern states.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Encore Winter Quarters Manatee offers lakeside camping where anglers catch bass. "The lake is beautiful and our neighbors have been lovely. Also, I am really grateful for the location. Not too terrible a distance from Anna Marie Island, or Tampa!" notes a camper.
Bike trails: The Pinellas Trail runs directly behind Caladesi RV Park, offering 40+ miles of paved path. "The bike trail is right behind the park and has beautiful scenery," according to one reviewer. The trail connects through multiple communities with access points near several campgrounds.
Swimming options: Most parks maintain heated pools year-round. At Winter Quarters Manatee, "amenities include 2 heated pools and a spa," while Caladesi RV Park maintains "a pool area with shade spots" appreciated during hot summer days.
What campers like
Convenient shopping access: Many parks sit near major shopping centers. "Very convenient location and close to Walmart and Costco," notes a camper at Encore Winter Quarters Manatee. This proximity allows campers to easily resupply without traveling far from their sites.
Beach proximity: Encore Topics provides "great location" with "beaches only 5-10 minutes away" according to reviewers. Multiple parks advertise their strategic position between Tampa and Gulf beaches, making day trips practical.
Local dining options: Many parks sit within walking distance of restaurants. "Close to the beach and is within walking distance to some really nice restaurants. The Ice Cream shop across the street is amazing," shares a Caladesi RV Park visitor. Several campgrounds offer on-site dining or are within walking distance of local eateries.
What you should know
Train noise considerations: Some parks experience significant railroad noise. "The back fence is right next to the train tracks and the trains are very active sometimes blowing through every half hour all hours of the night," warns a camper at Forest Lake Village RV Resort.
Highway noise levels: Several parks sit near major highways. At Winter Quarters Manatee, one camper noted it's "right NEXT to I75.....noisy all the time." Similarly, Lazydays RV Resort experiences noise "from I-4, TA and Flying J" which is "easily heard" according to reviewers.
Cell service variability: Quality varies significantly between carriers and locations. Many parks offer WiFi for purchase, but reliability differs. One Lazydays RV Resort camper shared, "For now we had no internet, and used our phones for Hot Spot."
Seasonal crowds: Winter months bring significant population increases. December through March sees the highest occupancy rates with some parks nearly doubling their population, making advance reservations essential during this period.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Holiday Travel Park offers family amenities including a pool and clubhouse. However, some parks cater more to retirees as one camper at Winter Quarters Pasco noted: "I wish I had known that this was mainly a retirement community."
Bug protection: Some locations experience significant insect activity, particularly near water features. "This is a mosquito heaven!!! Being bug spray or candles!" warns a visitor to Encore Vacation Village. Parks near ponds or lakes typically experience more insect activity, especially during summer months.
Space considerations: Many parks feature tight spacing between sites. "The sites are close and there are permanent cabins in between sites," notes one Winter Quarters Manatee camper. Families should request sites away from permanent residents for a more traditional camping experience.
Tips from RVers
Backing challenges: Many parks have narrow roads and tight corners. At Lazydays RV Resort, "Sites sit 90 degrees to the narrow street, so backing can be tricky, especially with all the vehicles parked along the road perpendicular to the pad entrance."
Hookup locations: The positioning of utilities varies significantly between parks. One Winter Quarters Manatee camper noted "the electrical (30 amp and 50 amp) was farther back than the water, which wasn't a huge deal but might be inconvenient for some." Bring extra length cables and hoses to accommodate variable hookup placements.
Pad surfaces: Surface materials range from concrete to sand or grass. "Site has dirt & mud & is uneven," reported one Winter Quarters Manatee visitor, while Lazydays RV Resort provides "paved roads and pads, concrete patio, FHU 50A throughout."