A
Antwan Á.
Traveler
TravelerFort 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.
Camping near Clearwater Beach, FL
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Campgrounds surrounding Clearwater Beach, Florida primarily consist of established RV parks and resorts rather than traditional wilderness camping areas. 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 (184)
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
169 Photos of 184 Clearwater Beach Campgrounds
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Caladesi RV Park
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St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA Holiday
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Shell Key Preserve
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E.G. Simmons Regional Park
Recent Reviews near Clearwater Beach, FL
776 Reviews of 184 Clearwater Beach Campgrounds
Kai Z.
GuideLittle Manatee River State Park Campground
Hidden Nature Paradise with a Cozy Atmosphere
My friends and I stayed here on May 26th and 27th, and the campground was pretty empty, which is honestly a shame because it’s such a beautiful place. It feels like you’re right in the middle of an untouched natural oasis. The campsites are separated by large plants, which gives you a really private and cozy feeling. The bathrooms and showers were clean and well maintained. The host was also very kind and helpful. I’d definitely recommend staying here.
- SSteffen B.
ScoutFort De Soto Campground
Magical
Our first trip to Ft de Soto was nothing it magical. The campground is well maintained and offers everything you need. I felt so fully immersed in nature, the wildlife is incredible. Be aware of w (leave all food in the car)
- MMichelle J.Scout
Hickory Point RV Park
Great Stay
Really nice stay at Hickory Point RV Park. First off — the people running this place genuinely care, and it shows from the moment you check in to helping guide your RV into the spot.
The park is spotless — no garbage anywhere — and they really put effort into creating a welcoming atmosphere. The weekend we were there they had camper events like coffee & bagels one morning, and hot dogs and s’mores another evening (we didn’t take advantage, but it was a nice touch).
Great amenities if you don’t need a pool. There are a couple of small private beaches on the inlet, comfortable seating areas to relax and watch the boats go by, and they also offer kayaks and SUPs to borrow.
The location is excellent — just a few miles from Tarpon Springs and a little farther to Dunedin, Honeymoon Island, etc., right off Alt 19.
We stayed in spot 117. We have a 30-foot RV and had no issues fitting. That said, the spaces in that area are a bit tight, so if you like to spread out and hang outside at your site, you’ll probably want to take advantage of the beautiful common waterfront spaces with tables and chairs instead.
One thing worth noting — and it’s nothing the park can control — if you’re bringing bikes or hoping to hop on the Pinellas Trail, it’s very close, but getting there by bike or foot can feel dangerous. Cars fly down the road and there’s no sidewalk.
Overall, we had a great few days and evenings here and definitely plan to come back!
BrittanyScoutEdward Medard Park
Liked it now I can hard pass on this place
Very disappointed I had a good stay a couple months ago with my camper I am homeless. Now I’m being told my camper that I paid thousands of dollars for to buy maintain and insurance each month is being considered a tent. I’m not sure who’s Cheerios I went to the bathroom in. Clearly someone’s and you shouldn’t be comparing eg Simmons which is in the same county same county site to make bookings is different because of their size. So this size comparison has me up set and quite uncomfortable I feel smaller now than I ever did before. To think was one of my favorite campgrounds since I started this journey so I don’t have to live on the streets. This is what I get for being homeless and disabled also voicing this to the park. More discrimination. This is my last stay here. I feel more homeless than I did earlier today
Rusty R.GuideSun n Fun Campground
Amazing way to see the airshow
Large dispersed camping area with good views of the airshow, included access to the ground display area, and great facilities considering how large the event is. I will certainly be back with the family.
Dany D.ScoutDream Lake Camp
Very disappointing experience
Very disappointing experience. We reserved a 50-amp full-service site, but upon arrival were given only a 30-amp spot with no services. Because of this, we had no choice but to leave. Despite the issue clearly being on their end, they refused to refund the unused days. Craig repeatedly postponed the refund, always pushing it to“next week,” and after a month of waiting, we gave up. On top of that, the place was not well maintained and the overall service was poor. I would not recommend staying here.
Grant D.ScoutClearwater RV Resort
DO NOT STAY HERE.
Robert the (I guess)manager is rude and disrespectful. He tries to be intimidating but is obviously a meth head; smoking his cigarettes in my face, just trying to get me to react. He refused to refund my money after 10 days of a month commitment. I didn’t even sign a contract as no one was there to check me in. Full timers kids running about with no supervision screaming and acting out. Run don’t walk from this glorified trailer park.
Green Q.ScoutUpper Hillsborough WMA
Florida WMA site close to town
This place has many pros and a few cons... I'll get the cons out of the way first... it is just 3 miles out of Zephyrhills Hills, FL so there is plenty of noise from nearby busy road. A train runs through this property several times a day/night and is loud. It is right next door to a mobile home community and these homes are visible from parts of the campground. Pros? It is close to town if you need something. A train runs through it so not many people come to camp here. There are several picnic tables and firepits. There are 3 port-a-pottie, all clean. It is beautiful, especially deeper in the property along the trails. This is a strictly boondock, pack it out location... no electric, no dump station and only non-potable water via a hand pump at a sink near the staff shack (staff only pr a sent during hunting days). There is. Good mix of sun and shade with a generous oak tree canopy. I could keep my class b in the shade and run my portable solar panels in the sun or keep my rig in the sun as well. Dogs are allowed on leash. There are no numbered sites, just set up where you please, there is plenty of flat spots.I had good cell reception with TMobile. Reservations are required and gate lock code given.Even with the train etc I enjoyed my time there, I REALLY enjoyed having the place to myself all but one day.
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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