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Camping near Oldsmar, FL
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
The coastal region of Oldsmar, Florida provides access to diverse camping options spread across state parks, RV resorts, and wilderness areas. Fort De Soto Campground in Saint Petersburg offers waterfront sites for tents, RVs, and glamping with boat-in access. Just north of Oldsmar, Caladesi RV Park in Palm Harbor and Clearwater-Lake Tarpon KOA accommodate RVers and tent campers, while Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park features tent sites, RV spaces, and cabins with hiking trails through natural Florida landscapes. The St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA Holiday rounds out the developed campgrounds with cabin accommodations in an urban setting.
Many campgrounds in the Tampa Bay area require reservations, particularly during the winter months when seasonal visitors seek warmer temperatures. Accessibility varies between the urban and wilderness sites, with state parks typically offering more natural settings. "This is a great place to visit. Camp hosts were wonderful as well," noted one visitor about Colt Creek State Park. Waterfront sites at places like Fort De Soto fill quickly, especially during peak tourist season from January through March. Summer camping brings high humidity and temperatures, with afternoon thunderstorms common from June through September. Florida's hurricane season officially runs from June through November, potentially affecting camping plans in coastal areas.
Camping experiences near Oldsmar blend urban proximity with natural Florida ecosystems. Visitors frequently mention wildlife encounters as highlights of their stays. One camper at St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA Holiday described it as "a natural spot hidden in the city" with views of "lush mangrove lined Long Bayou." The mixed-use campgrounds in the area accommodate various camping styles, from primitive tent sites at wilderness parks to full-hookup RV resorts. Water activities feature prominently in reviews, with opportunities for fishing, paddling, and wildlife viewing. State parks like Hillsborough River State Park offer more natural settings with trails and water access, while private campgrounds typically provide more amenities like pools, laundry facilities, and organized activities. Campers looking for the best campgrounds near Oldsmar can find options ranging from secluded natural settings to convenient locations close to Tampa Bay attractions. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region except in some wilderness areas.
Best Campgrounds near Oldsmar (237)
1. 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 Availability2. 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 Availability3. 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."
4. Clearwater / Lake Tarpon KOA Holiday
"We camped at Clearwater/ Lake Tarpon KOA Holiday in a Fifth Wheel."
from $45 - $120 / night
Check Availability5. 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."
6. Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park
"Great get away in west-central Florida as a day trip or long weekend stay.
We spent the day hiking the numerous off-road trails and enjoying some of the amenities the park has to offer.""3.2 mile hike through mostly open Florida pine forest with the occasional swamp. Perfect time of year to come. Site has great shade and opens up at the fire pit for great star gazing."
7. Hillsborough River State Park Campground
"Then exit 7 to Highway 301 north about 10 miles to the campground. The way in which the state park and campground are set up is easy too."
"This was my first time at a campground in Florida! I was surrounded by beautiful wildlife (alligators, birds, and even a wild boar). The hiking trails were perfect for a beginner or a regular hiker."
from $24 / night
Check Availability8. Hickory Point RV Park
"It’s Florida so it’s a tight fit in every spot. The staff we’ve met so far have been very friendly and helpful. It’s close to a lot of fun places to go and great beaches to see."
"They have beach chairs near the water and a fire pit that they lit every evening near sunset. In addition to the Bark Park area, there is a nice wooded area where you can walk your dog as well. "
9. 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 Availability10. 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. "
Drive Time
- 21 min from Tampa, FL
- 51 min from Lakeland, FL
- 57 min from Homosassa Springs, FL
Recent Camping Photos near Oldsmar, FL
246 Photos of 237 Oldsmar Campgrounds
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Caladesi RV Park
Jeanene A.
Lake Rogers Park
Rich S.
Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park
Kaitlin B.
Anclote Key Preserve State Park Campground
Adam W.
St Pete Get a Way Spot
Lawrence Robert T.
St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA Holiday
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Encore Winter Quarters Pasco
Elliott B.
Cypress Creek Preserve
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MacDill AFB FamCamp
Laurence A.
Serenova Tract Campsites
Becky M.
Terry Tomalin Campground
Buddy M.
Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve
Recent Reviews near Oldsmar, FL
957 Reviews of 237 Oldsmar Campgrounds
Joe F.ScoutTropical Acres RV Park & Storage
Nor the host was extremely unprofessional and disrespectful
The host Nor treated me like trash. He mandates you leave a lock off of your hitch so he can move your Rv around as needed. Mind you I was going to be paying for a reserved spot on the property paying a monthly rate. When I inquired more about their policy to see if they damaged my Rv while moving it would it be covered by them for the repairs of damages. My reservation was then automatically canceled for no reason and Nor only gave me a partial refund for my booking. He is very rude and unprofessional. There are also other reviews in the neighbor app stating damages happened while moving someone's rv and he refused to take accountability or finance the repairs for that customer. Hints the reason I was wanting clarification on the matter. Instead of providing it he decided to cancel my reservation and tried to beat me out of my deposit. Dont bring your RV here for storage it is a huge risk!
Buddy M.ScoutLower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve
Love this place
Good clean site.
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
Guide to Oldsmar
Campers seeking outdoor accommodations near Oldsmar, Florida can access a variety of natural areas within a 30-minute drive radius. The region sits at an average elevation of 15 feet above sea level with subtropical climate patterns characterized by summer temperatures averaging 90°F during the day. Winter camping remains popular with daytime highs typically between 65-75°F from December through February.
What to do
Kayak with wildlife: At Fort De Soto Campground, paddlers often encounter marine life in the protected waters. "We had an inflatable raft that we took out in the water. We were greeted by dolphins, sting rays and manatees," reported one camper who stayed at Fort De Soto Campground.
Explore historic sites: The Fort De Soto area provides access to preserved military structures. "There are three loops one for guests with pets. Great bike trails. Restrooms are dated but well maintained," notes a visitor who appreciates the "historic walks" available at the park.
Cycle dedicated trails: Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park connects to extensive trail networks. "Very spacious (could easily fit 5 large tents here) and the back of the site has a trail that leads directly to The McNeil Homestead," mentions a reviewer about Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park campsite #9.
Access dog-friendly areas: Several parks accommodate pets with designated facilities. "Big area for dogs it seemed. We don't have one but area looked nice," commented a visitor to Clearwater-Lake Tarpon KOA.
What campers like
Waterfront access: Bay Bayou RV Resort earns praise for its setting. "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," reports a reviewer about Bay Bayou RV Resort.
Clean facilities: Several campgrounds maintain quality restrooms. "Bathhouse very clean and nicely done. Doggie playground nice. They are still updating many of the sites but it is very nicely landscaped and clean," noted one visitor at Clearwater-Lake Tarpon KOA.
Swimming options: Multiple campgrounds provide pool access. "Heated pool and hot tubs. Staff is excellent," commented a visitor to St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA Holiday.
Recreation activities: On-site amenities help during inclement weather. "It has a small shallow marina. Great for Kayaks, canoeing... etc. We did some fishing off the floating pier as well. They have a heated pool, mini golf course, shuffle board, dog run," described a camper who enjoyed staying at St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA Holiday.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campsites near Oldsmar, Florida fill quickly during peak season. "One thing we learned and a good pointer is that if you intend on going into the park (which you probably will), you should go in and register BEFORE you go to the beach, even if before check in time," advises a visitor to Hillsborough River State Park Campground.
Site spacing varies significantly: Many RV parks have limited separation between units. "I measured the difference between myself and my '(neighbor)' and we are exactly 11 inches apart. They cram people in together while many other sites are open," reports one camper at Clearwater RV Resort.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience road noise. "This park was okay, but 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 visitor to Clearwater-Lake Tarpon KOA.
Wi-Fi availability: Internet access varies widely between campgrounds. "Wifi was really good and cable worked well," mentioned a Clearwater-Lake Tarpon KOA visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Insect protection essential: Summer camping requires thorough preparation for bugs. "Bring your bikes, hiking shoes, horses, or telescopes. Birders bring your binoculars! Over 150 species call Starkey home either full or part time. As always in Florida bring bug spray, sunblock, hat, and please leave no trace!" advises a camper familiar with the St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA Holiday.
Playground facilities: Several campgrounds feature designated children's areas. "The playground is all recycled rubber, which I love as a parent," noted a visitor to Fort De Soto Campground.
Educational opportunities: Nature programs enhance family camping experiences. "Nature education center for children. Playgrounds and pavilions for get togethers. Large group bon fire pits and cabins for rent," describes a camper at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park.
Activity options during weather changes: Florida's unpredictable weather requires backup plans. "Starkey Park campground is clean, rustic, and has lots of firewood for campers. There are many hiking, bike trails, and 2 playgrounds within mere steps of your tent or cabin," notes a reviewer.
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: For noise reduction, request specific locations. "We were told they didn't pick up trash at the site and the only dumpster was at the opposite end of the park, which was a bit inconvenient," reports a Clearwater-Lake Tarpon KOA RVer.
Utilities placement challenges: Some campgrounds have awkward hookup positions. "The utilities were set up poorly and we struffled a bit with septic hookup," mentions a visitor at Caladesi RV Park.
Accessibility considerations: Navigating larger rigs requires research. "Roads are really narrow," notes one RVer about their Clearwater-Lake Tarpon KOA experience.
Extended-stay options: Many campgrounds accommodate longer visits. "We needed a campsite near Tampa FL for a few days to meet friends visiting the area from up north. Being a Floridian, we've experienced FL's state parks and found them to offer privacy between sites. We weren't disappointed with Hillsboro River State Park," shares an experienced Florida RVer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Oldsmar, FL?
What camping is available near Oldsmar, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, Oldsmar, FL offers a wide range of camping options, with 237 campgrounds and RV parks near Oldsmar, FL and 4 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Oldsmar, FL?
Which is the most popular campground near Oldsmar, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Oldsmar, FL is Caladesi RV Park with a 4.3-star rating from 18 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Oldsmar, FL?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Oldsmar, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Oldsmar, FL.
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