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Camping near Clearwater Beach, FL
185 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Camping near Clearwater Beach, Florida ranges from full-hookup RV parks and resorts to limited tent sites, with boat-in access at locations up to 20 miles away. The St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA and Clearwater-Lake Tarpon KOA both offer cabin accommodations alongside RV and tent sites, while Fort De Soto Campground provides boat-in access approximately 20 miles south of Clearwater Beach. Most camping facilities in this area cater heavily to RV travelers with full hookup sites, though limited tent camping options exist at select locations within a 30-minute drive of the beach.
The subtropical climate allows for year-round camping, with most campgrounds operating continuously. Summer brings hot, humid conditions with frequent afternoon thunderstorms, while winter offers milder temperatures ideal for outdoor activities. A recent review noted that "all you need with a small pool, but could in general be cleaner and in better shape" regarding Indian Rocks Travel Park, highlighting how amenities vary significantly across facilities. Advance reservations are strongly recommended, especially during winter months when seasonal residents from northern states dramatically increase occupancy rates. Most campgrounds enforce pet policies with size restrictions and designated walking areas rather than traditional dog parks.
Waterfront access represents a major draw for camping in this region. Caladesi Island State Park offers a unique boat-in camping experience where, as one reviewer explained, "these camping 'sites' are really just boat slips which allowing you to overnight at the docks on the island." Sites closer to beaches typically command higher rates but provide convenient access to Gulf Coast attractions. Urban proximity means limited privacy between campsites at most facilities, with several reviews mentioning tight spacing between RVs. Campground amenities generally include swimming pools, shower facilities, and community gathering spaces rather than natural features like hiking trails or fishing ponds. Noise from nearby commercial areas impacts some locations, particularly those situated along major roadways like US-19 or Gulf to Bay Boulevard.
Best Campgrounds near Clearwater Beach (185)
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."
from $38 - $48 / night
Check Availability2. 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
"Great location 20 minutes from Clearwater beach. Plenty of good local places to eat. Friendly staff and guests. I highly recommend staying here"
"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."
from $45 - $75 / night
Check Availability4. 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 Availability5. Clearwater / Lake Tarpon KOA Holiday
"We camped at Clearwater/ Lake Tarpon KOA Holiday in a Fifth Wheel."
from $45 - $120 / night
Check Availability6. 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!"
7. 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."
8. 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. "
9. 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. "
10. Dunedin RV Resort
"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."
from $75 - $129 / night
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Drive Time
- 31 min from Tampa, FL
- 1 hr from Lakeland, FL
- 1 hr 14 min from Homosassa Springs, FL
Recent Camping Photos near Clearwater Beach, FL
170 Photos of 185 Clearwater Beach Campgrounds
Amanda B.
Caladesi RV Park
Lawrence Robert T.
St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA Holiday
Adam W.
St Pete Get a Way Spot
Dan X.
Anclote Key Preserve State Park Campground
Jeanene A.
Lake Rogers Park
Becky M.
Terry Tomalin Campground
Shaun C.
Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park
Alacyn B.
Shell Key Preserve
Tom&Jennifer D.
MacDill AFB FamCamp
Nancy M.
Fort De Soto Campground
Derick B.
Encore Winter Quarters Pasco
Raul Z.
E.G. Simmons Regional Park
Recent Reviews near Clearwater Beach, FL
784 Reviews of 185 Clearwater Beach Campgrounds
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.
GuideFort 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
- Bill L.Traveler
MacDill AFB FamCamp
Reputation as the #1 FamCamp in the MWR system
Active duty, retirees, disabled vets and some others are eligible. PX and commissary near the security gate. Campground check-in quick and efficient. Pick your site from what's available. $26/night with full hook-ups. Right on the Gulf, beautiful beach. Beach bar cafe adjacent to campground.
- AAntwan Á.Traveler
Fort De Soto Campground
Beach Vibes
Great sites, clean bathrooms and showers. Easy access to the beach.
Stayed next to the playground and it was a great time for the kids.
Guide to Clearwater Beach
Fort De Soto Campground offers some of the only boat-in camping options near Clearwater Beach, Florida, approximately 20 miles south in Saint Petersburg. Winter months from November through March provide the most comfortable camping conditions with average temperatures ranging from 60-75°F. Most camping sites near Clearwater Beach require reservations 3-6 months in advance during peak winter season when northern visitors significantly increase occupancy.
What to do
Beach exploration: At Fort De Soto Campground, visitors can access pristine shorelines before day visitors arrive. "The beaches are gorgeous, there are plenty of secret trails, a dog beach, general store, historic walks, boat ramps, kayak access, and much more," notes Alyssa D.
Wildlife watching: Morning hours provide optimal wildlife viewing throughout the area. "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!" reports Brennan H.
Kayaking mangrove tunnels: Several launch points near Caladesi Island State Park Campground provide access to protected waterways. "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.
Cycling trails: The Pinellas Trail connects multiple campgrounds in the region. "Great inner city spot. Friendly staff and the grounds are bigger then expected. They have a heated pool, mini golf course, shuffle board, dog run. The bike rentals, four person bikes, that are found at most KOAs," shares Doug E.
What campers like
Waterfront access: The St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA Holiday offers water views and fishing opportunities. "Located on the water. Lots to do. Great for kids & pets," mentions Virginia D. Another camper adds, "There is a fishing dock near where we stayed. Lots of catfish."
Clean facilities: Cleanliness ranks high in camper reviews across the region. "Bathrooms are modern & clean. Great heated pool & hot tubs. Staff is excellent," notes Hope L. about St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA Holiday.
Extended stay options: Many campgrounds accommodate longer visits during winter months. "We come back every January & it always feels like home!" shares Hope L. about seasonal camping at the St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA.
City proximity: Camping near Clearwater Beach provides urban convenience with natural surroundings. "Great inner city spot. Full hook ups for RVs and separate tent area. Has a small shallow marina. Great for Kayaks, canoeing... etc," explains Doug E.
What you should know
Site spacing varies significantly: Many campgrounds have tightly arranged sites, especially for RVs. "Sites are smashed together and no privacy. Some sites back up to the mangroves which is nice but that's about it," reports Angela M. about her stay at St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA.
Reservation challenges: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially in winter. A visitor to Caladesi RV Park noted, "The lots have space. They are not on top of each other. The lots, bathrooms and laundry room are all kept clean and well stocked."
Boat camping limitations: Caladesi Island requires boat access with no tent camping allowed. "These camping 'sites' are really just boat slips which allow you to overnight at the docks on the island," explains Elliott B., noting limitations for overnight stays.
Price variations: Winter rates increase substantially, with some RV sites doubling in cost. "Stayed for Memorial Day weekend. Used KOA discount card and still a little over $100 a night," reports Tammy P. about peak pricing.
Tips for camping with families
Book dog-friendly loops: Fort De Soto Campground has designated pet loops with specific requirements. "There are three loops, one for guests with pets. BRING YOUR RABIES VACCINE PAPERS!" advises David G.
Consider cabins for convenience: Clearwater-Lake Tarpon KOA offers cabin rentals as alternatives to tent camping. One visitor noted, "We rented a cabin this time. They have different layouts and sizes. Pets are welcome on the grounds."
Look for kid-friendly amenities: Some campgrounds offer playground equipment and recreational facilities. Joe R. describes Fort De Soto: "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."
Plan for insects: Bug protection is essential, especially at waterfront sites. "Great spot for relaxing by the water. Highly recommend. Bring good bug spray lol," advises David B. about Fort De Soto Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: Bay Bayou RV Resort offers varying site sizes but requires advance planning. "Immaculate grounds, clean and modern bath houses, three laundry rooms. Very dog friendly with doggy bag stations and dog parks. Right on the bayou with a kayak launch and docks for fishing and relaxing," reports Mary G.
Road noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience traffic noise due to proximity to major roadways. "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," advises Tina about Clearwater-Lake Tarpon KOA.
Laundry facilities: Multiple laundry options exist at larger resorts. "Immaculate grounds, clean and modern bath houses, three laundry rooms," notes Mary G. about Bay Bayou RV Resort.
Tight turning clearance: Several campgrounds have challenging entry points for larger rigs. "Be careful entering the park. Very sharp turns," warns Ray P. about navigating Encore Vacation Village.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there campgrounds directly on Clearwater Beach in Florida?
Are there campgrounds directly on Clearwater Beach in Florida?
There are no campgrounds located directly on Clearwater Beach itself. The closest camping option is Fort De Soto Campground, approximately 45 minutes south, which offers beachfront camping with amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and water/electric hookups. For a unique beach camping experience, consider Shell Key Preserve, accessible only by boat, where you can enjoy pristine beaches and wildlife viewing. While not directly on Clearwater Beach, these options provide quality coastal camping experiences in the vicinity.
How much does camping cost at Clearwater Beach campgrounds?
How much does camping cost at Clearwater Beach campgrounds?
Camping costs near Clearwater Beach vary by amenities and season. At Lake Manatee State Park Campground, sites typically range from $18-22 per night with water and electric hookups. Withlacoochee River Park offers more budget-friendly options, with primitive sites starting around $15 and RV sites with utilities for $23-30 per night. Most campgrounds in the area require an additional reservation fee of $6.70, and many offer discounts for Florida residents and seniors. During peak winter season (January-March), prices may increase by 10-30%.
What RV parks and resorts are available near Clearwater Beach?
What RV parks and resorts are available near Clearwater Beach?
Caladesi RV Park is a highly recommended option about 20 minutes from Clearwater Beach, offering clean, well-maintained facilities and a friendly atmosphere. Encore Terra Ceia in Palmetto is pet-friendly and provides easy access to Gulf beaches with convenient proximity to Tampa and Sarasota. Other options include Clearwater Travel Resort, Dunedin RV Resort, and Indian Rocks Travel Park, all within 15-30 minutes of Clearwater Beach. Most RV parks in the area offer full hookups, laundry facilities, and community spaces, with many providing seasonal activities and entertainment.
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