Fort De Soto Campground in Saint Petersburg offers tent, RV, and glamping options in a coastal Florida setting near Clearwater Beach. Located in Pinellas County, the campground sits on Tampa Bay with surrounding waterways that create wildlife viewing opportunities. Campers regularly spot dolphins, manatees, and stingrays from waterfront sites that range from secluded wooded spots to more open areas with water views.
What to do
Wildlife viewing on water trails: Take an inflatable raft or kayak from Fort De Soto Campground to explore the surrounding waters. As one camper noted, "We have an inflatable raft that we took out in the water. We were greeted by dolphins, sting rays and manatees."
Hiking through pine forests: The trails at Cypress Creek Preserve offer shaded paths through typical Florida terrain. A visitor mentioned, "There are plenty of secret trails" to explore beyond the marked routes, but advised "bring a compass and throw some az" if you wander off-trail.
Historic exploration: Visit the old fort at Fort De Soto for a glimpse into Florida's past. "The historic fort, scenic beaches, trails for hiking or biking made for a great visit! Tons of wildlife - we saw raccoons, dolphin, manatee, tons of birds!" reported one visitor.
What campers like
Spacious waterfront sites: Camping along the water at E.G. Simmons Regional Park provides direct water access. A camper remarked, "We were in site 55 of the East CG which was right on the water where we launched our kayaks to paddle the canals amongst the Mangroves."
Stargazing opportunities: Many Clearwater Beach area campgrounds offer good night sky viewing away from city lights. At Starkey Wilderness Preserve—Serenova Tract, a camper enjoyed "a beautiful sunrise and sunset" and noted the area has "little light pollution" making it ideal for stargazing.
Yurt accommodations: Yurt camping near Clearwater Beach provides comfort with outdoor access. A visitor to Terry Tomalin Campground noted, "This place was newly renovated for guests to stay. The campsites are nicely spaced out so you aren't too close to other campers."
What you should know
Reservation systems vary: While some parks use central booking, others require going through county websites. At Hillsborough River State Park Campground, reservations can be made directly, but as one visitor advised about Fort De Soto, "they 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."
Insect preparation required: Coastal Florida camping means dealing with no-see-ums and mosquitoes. At E.G. Simmons, a camper warned, "you really cannot stay outside at dusk. Citronella torches, spray, fans, Avon skin so soft...none of these work for the no-see-ums."
Water safety awareness: When kayaking or swimming, stay alert for wildlife. At Hillsborough River, a visitor noted, "Rapids to look at. Plenty of hiking and biking. Rental canoe staff were amazing." The river provides recreation opportunities but requires proper precautions.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several parks feature child-friendly amenities. At Pasco County - Crews Lake Wilderness Park, families enjoy "well maintained trails" with "a lot of other small trails that lead off into the woods," making for shorter hikes suitable for children.
Swimming options: Fort De Soto offers beach swimming for families. A visitor mentioned, "The campground is just a 10 minute drive to north beach, which is our favorite. There is plenty to do in the area."
Wildlife educational opportunities: Kids can observe Florida wildlife in natural settings. At Fort De Soto, one camper reported seeing "raccoons, dolphin, manatee, tons of birds," creating natural learning experiences for children.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: At Fort De Soto, RVers recommend waterfront sites but note differences between loops. "There are three loops, one for guests with pets. BRING YOUR RABIES VACCINE PAPERS! Many sites are waterfront and are mostly well separated," advised one RVer.
Electric and water hookups: Most RV-friendly parks near Clearwater Beach offer electric and water, but not all have full sewer connections. At Fort De Soto, a camper noted, "Electric and water. 2 dump sites on property. Good cell coverage with wifi at the office."
Seasonal timing: Visit during winter months for more comfortable temperatures and fewer insects. A January visitor to Hillsborough River observed, "We weren't disappointed with Hillsboro River State Park. Weather was cool in February that allowed for comfortable hiking and biking. Good Verizon signal to allow for plenty of streaming."
