Best Campgrounds near Clearwater, FL

The coastal region surrounding Clearwater, Florida features a mix of established RV resorts and waterfront camping options within a 30-minute drive of the city. Fort De Soto Campground in Saint Petersburg stands out with waterfront sites and natural surroundings, while several private RV parks like Caladesi RV Park and Clearwater RV Resort cater to visitors seeking proximity to Gulf beaches. Camping styles range from full-hookup RV sites to boat-in primitive camping at Caladesi Island State Park, accessible only by water. The St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA Holiday offers family-friendly amenities including cabins and tent sites in a surprisingly natural setting despite its urban location.

Advance reservations are essential for most campgrounds in the Clearwater area, particularly during winter months when seasonal visitors fill facilities. Florida's subtropical climate makes camping viable year-round, though summer brings high humidity, frequent afternoon thunderstorms, and mosquitoes. As one camper noted, "The sites are a little tight but that's normal for most of Florida, specially in a heavy populated area like Clearwater." Many RV parks maintain strict rules regarding fires, with some prohibiting open flames entirely. Proximity to beaches and urban amenities comes with trade-offs, including highway noise at some locations and relatively small camping spaces compared to more remote Florida campgrounds.

Wildlife viewing opportunities remain surprisingly abundant despite the urban setting. Campers at waterfront sites report seeing dolphins, stingrays, and manatees, particularly at Fort De Soto Park where natural buffers between campsites create privacy. "We were greeted by dolphins, stingrays and manatees," noted one Fort De Soto visitor. Most developed campgrounds provide clean facilities with showers and laundry, though amenities vary significantly between state parks and private resorts. For those seeking more natural surroundings, the Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve and Starkey Wilderness Preserve offer primitive camping options within an hour's drive, providing access to hiking trails and a more secluded experience than the coastal campgrounds closer to Clearwater.

Best Camping Sites Near Clearwater, Florida (192)

    1. Fort De Soto Campground

    140 Reviews
    Tierra Verde, FL
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (727) 582-2100

    $38 - $48 / night

    "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."

    2. St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA Holiday

    26 Reviews
    Bay Pines, FL
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (727) 392-2233

    "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

    16 Reviews
    Palm Harbor, FL
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (727) 784-3622

    $45 - $75 / night

    "Great location 20 minutes from Clearwater beach. Plenty of good local places to eat. Friendly staff and guests. I highly recommend staying here"

    "BUT the bathrooms and laundry are clean, the staff is nice..... and location. Location. Location...... the location is awesome, Clearwater right down the road, best pizza ever nearby."

    4. Bay Bayou RV Resort

    6 Reviews
    Oldsmar, FL
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (813) 855-1000

    "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."

    5. Caladesi Island State Park Campground

    5 Reviews
    Dunedin, FL
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (727) 469-5918

    $24 / night

    "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)"

    6. Clearwater-Lake Tarpon KOA

    6 Reviews
    Tarpon Springs, FL
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (727) 937-8412

    $25 / night

    "We camped at Clearwater/ Lake Tarpon KOA Holiday in a Fifth Wheel."

    7. Encore Vacation Village

    5 Reviews
    Largo, FL
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "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!"

    8. Clearwater RV Resort

    4 Reviews
    Clearwater, FL
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 831-1204

    "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. "

    9. Dunedin RV Resort

    2 Reviews
    Dunedin, FL
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (727) 784-3719

    $75 - $129 / night

    "We didn’t really explore the amenities as we were only in for a night but they looked nice from a distance. Bathrooms are ok."

    10. Avalon RV Resort

    2 Reviews
    Largo, FL
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (727) 531-6124

    "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."

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Recent Reviews near Clearwater, FL

796 Reviews of 192 Clearwater Campgrounds


  • ZThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Alafia River Corridor Nature Preserve

    Alafia North of Baseball Parking

    “Alafia North Corridor Park is such a peaceful escape. The trails wind through beautiful natural scenery, and the quiet surroundings make it perfect for a relaxing hike. It’s a great place to slow down, take in the fresh air, and enjoy the simple beauty of nature. Whether you’re looking for a short walk or a longer hike, this park offers a calming outdoor experience.”

  • ZThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Lithia Springs

    Lithia Springs Park

    Lithia Springs Conservation Park is a hidden gem for camping in Florida. The campground is clean, well-maintained, and tucked away in a peaceful natural setting. Sites are spacious with plenty of shade, and the amenities like restrooms and picnic areas are kept in great shape. The best part is being just a short walk from the beautiful natural spring, perfect for swimming and cooling off. It’s a great spot for families or anyone looking to relax and enjoy the outdoors. I’ll definitely be coming back!

  • Dan M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve

    Very Nice but ....

    Very Nice just being wood panels. It's a long dirt road to get to the campsite and I didn't think my car would make it through some of the big puddles after rain. Chevy Malibu isn't really known for off-roading lol

  • Carlos T.
    Sep. 18, 2025

    Encore Silver Dollar

    Mobile home park, with rv sites.

    We stay there four times over a couple of years.  We have not see much of the park because we only arrive at night, plug in for ac, and in the morning we leave.

  • Rodd S.
    Sep. 18, 2025

    Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park

    Cabin stay

    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. Many trails. Only one outlet, bring a powerstrip.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Belle Parc RV Resort

    Belle parc is a very relaxing campground

    So check in was easy and the ladies at the front office where amazing and very hospitable. We were shown to our campsite by a very nice gentleman. He even helped us back in and hook up. As for the stay it’s been very relaxing and quiet. The shower houses are awesome. We backed up to one of the lakeside areas where the fishing was excellent. We were Also located next to a pool and it was very clean with limited activity from other guest. Would definitely recommend to stay again.

  • SukiDookie ..The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Upper Hillsborough Water Management Area

    Very quiet and peaceful

    We were the only ones there for the weekend, probably because of the summer heat. However, it was nice and free. There is a porta-potty, but I didn’t check it out, so I’m not sure about the cleanliness. The grounds were nicely maintained, though. I do wish the fire rings weren’t so damaged, and the lack of trash cans was surprising. Just take your trash with you, leave no trace, and it was an enjoyable and free experience!

  • N
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Sundance Lakes RV Resort

    They don't care about their residents!

    I lived in this park full-time for 2½ years when Hurricane Helene submerged it under 3½ feet of water. The damage left the park without power for months, forcing us to move out and causing tremendous expenses. During that time, the park made no effort to assist or support the residents in any way. 

    When I applied for FEMA assistance, I was told I needed a simple letter from the park confirming the extended power outage. They refused to provide it, even though it would have cost them nothing and could have helped residents like me recover some of our losses. 

    Instead of showing compassion or accountability, they chose to do nothing. The staff at this park are unprofessional, unhelpful, and unwilling to take responsibility. It was a deeply disappointing experience, and I would never recommend living here.

  • Julia Marie H.
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Encore Vacation Village

    Mosquitoes beware

    This is a mosquito heaven!!! Being bug spray or candles! You will see a large amount of bugs in your area…. They used to spray. But now they don’t… with a pond down the street there is No end in site for air borne bug issues.


Guide to Clearwater

Camping opportunities near Clearwater, Florida range from waterfront sites with direct Gulf access to more urban-focused RV resorts within 30 minutes of beaches. The subtropical climate allows for year-round camping, though sites tend to be smaller and more compact than in other parts of Florida. Most campgrounds near Clearwater require advance reservations, particularly during winter months when northern visitors flock to the area.

What to do

Beach hopping from camp base: Fort De Soto Campground makes an excellent launching point for exploring multiple beaches. "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 birds!" shares Brennan H.

Kayaking in mangroves: Caladesi Island State Park Campground offers unique water-based camping. "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!" explains Robin M. Note that camping here is boat-in only—you sleep aboard your vessel at the dock.

Biking the Pinellas Trail: The paved trail runs directly behind Caladesi RV Park, making it ideal for cyclists. "The bike trail is right behind the park and has beautiful scenery," notes Gina D. The trail connects multiple communities and provides a car-free route to explore the area.

What campers like

Waterfront privacy: Despite being in an urban area, Fort De Soto Campground offers surprising isolation. "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," reports David G.

Wildlife viewing opportunities: St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA Holiday provides unexpected nature experiences. "Located on the water. Lots to do," states Virginia D. Another camper, Joy H., adds: "Water access to the gulf for fishing crabbing claming kayaking etc. The pinellas county trail runs along side KOA and they rent bikes and fun little tricycles to ride the trail."

Well-maintained grounds: Bay Bayou RV Resort receives consistent praise for cleanliness. "This park is super clean, the landscaping is well maintained. 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," writes Mike W.

What you should know

Tight site spacing: Most Clearwater area campgrounds have limited space between campsites. At Avalon RV Resort, "The sites are a little tight but that's normal for most of Florida, specially in a heavy populated area like Clearwater," according to Derick B.

Seasonal crowds: Winter months bring significant population increases to campgrounds in Clearwater, Florida. Reservations become essential during peak season from January through March. At Fort De Soto Campground, "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," advises one camper.

Fire restrictions: Many RV parks in the area prohibit open fires or require special equipment. Clearwater RV Resort notes, "No contained campfires allowed," according to Beverly G. Check individual campground rules before arriving if campfires are important to your experience.

Tips for camping with families

Pool-centered activities: Clearwater-Lake Tarpon KOA provides family amenities beyond beach access. "Pool was excellent," notes Nancy I., while another visitor mentions "Pool is also clean. Many activities in the park."

Mini recreation centers: St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA Holiday offers compact entertainment options. "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," says Doug E.

Playground considerations: Fort De Soto Campground provides quality play equipment. "There is a playground with good swings and also a sturdy playground that offered plenty of opportunity for my four year old to blow off some steam. The ground is all recycled rubber, which I love as a parent," shares one camper.

Tips from RVers

Arrival logistics: Expect escort service at many parks. At Dunedin RV Resort, "The community here was very nice. We didn't really explore the amenities as we were only in for a night but they looked nice from a distance," notes Sarah A.

Site selection strategy: At Fort De Soto Campground, site quality varies significantly. "We had rented site 28. There are three loops, and we were in the 1-86 loop. There are no pets and no RV's allowed, which was perfect for us. Most of the outer side of the loop has some sort of water. It seemed that the higher numbers (40+) had less access to water and more of a mangrove area."

Infrastructure considerations: At Clearwater RV Resort, "The bath houses are clean and secure. Some toilets have rings/seats that don't match and some toilets are short. Two laundry facilities and they all work," reports Randy B.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Clearwater, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, Clearwater, FL offers a wide range of camping options, with 192 campgrounds and RV parks near Clearwater, FL and 4 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Clearwater, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Clearwater, FL is Fort De Soto Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 140 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Clearwater, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Clearwater, FL.