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Best Tent Camping near Clearwater Beach, FL

579 Reviews

Tent campgrounds near Clearwater Beach, Florida provide several options for primitive and established tent camping experiences. Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park offers numerous tent sites with varied amenities, including walk-in options and primitive backcountry sites. Lake Park provides a more rustic experience with tent-only areas, while Lake Rogers Park features primitive group camping areas primarily used by scout and church organizations.

Most tent camping areas in this region require advance reservations, especially for weekend stays. Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park has both drive-in tent sites with basic amenities and primitive hike-in sites located up to 5 miles from trailheads. Sites are generally level with dirt or natural surfaces, and many provide fire pits and picnic tables. Campers heading to primitive sites should bring all necessary water and supplies. A visitor commented, "Be prepared for a trek, as the site was a couple miles in. The trail was nice and paved though, suitable for bicycling in." Bathroom facilities vary significantly between campgrounds, with established sites offering maintained restrooms while backcountry locations require self-contained waste disposal.

Tent camping experiences in this area balance proximity to urban areas with natural settings. Sites at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park provide access to over 50 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails through Florida pine forests and occasional wetlands. Lake Park features walk-in tent sites near water features and includes multiple recreational facilities like BMX tracks and fishing areas. Weekend tent camping can become crowded and noisy at more established sites. As one camper noted, "If you are hoping for peace and quiet, do not go on a weekend." For greater solitude, backcountry tent sites at Starkey provide more isolation, though campers should expect occasional air traffic noise from nearby Tampa International Airport. Summer brings intense heat and potential for insects, making fall through spring the preferred seasons for tent camping in this region.

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Best Tent Sites Near Clearwater Beach, Florida (16)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Clearwater Beach, FL

32 Photos of 16 Clearwater Beach Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Clearwater Beach, FL

579 Reviews of 16 Clearwater Beach Campgrounds

  • Jeanene A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 12, 2017

    Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park

    Anything but stark...

    Part of the Starkey Wilderness Preservethis location is full of multi use trails, has primitive cabin rentals (no electric) and tent camping available. Front country (car camping) and back country camping (hike in only). There are specific equestrian camping sites as well.

    Cabins are pretty close to each other. All sites need to be reserved.Tent, cabin, shelter and pavilion reservations: Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park, (727) 834-3247. Picnic tables and fire pits are provided. Pavilions are also available to rent and they take reservations for large groups as well.

    We chose car camping for our visit to check the place out. A favorite for hiking and biking. This place has gotten busier as development has been growing steadily over the years. Many of the trails are without shade and the recent fire season hit the back part of the tract pretty hard (Spring 2017) but you would not see any signs of this unless you hiked out the furthest trails from entrance.

    Bring your bikes, hiking shoes, horses, or telescopes. Birders bring your binoculars! Over 150 species call Starkey home either full or part time. There is something here for everyone.

    As always in Florida bring bug spray, sunblock, hat, and please leave no trace!

  • Jeanene A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 9, 2017

    Alderman's Ford Conservation Park Primitive Campground

    A favorite for the locals

    This location is utterly beautiful! So many different environments can be seen just walking the trials. The 4 primitive campsites we found were along the river and we did not see bathrooms or picnic tables or fire rings. The trails are marked well but not often maintained - so you really get the feel that you are in the middle of nowhere. No traffic was heard at night and I would not camp out there alone on a weekend due to the "local party crowd". This is a hike in and hike out site. We only stayed 1 night. No amenities. Lots of birds and wildlife in the late day and early morning. Parking is a small fenced in area before turn in road - no security/lighting appx 1.5 miles from camping area that we found

    I would have given this location a 5 except for the large amount of trash we found on trails (that we carried out) and the obvious disregard for rules of no swimming and no alcohol.

  • J
    Jul. 18, 2021

    Alderman's Ford Conservation Park Primitive Campground

    Great Place!

    The camp sites are hike in only. I LOVE this. Bring a manageable pack with everything you need. There is no water, power, or restrooms at the sites. There is a restroom facility about a 1/2 mile down the trail. There was firewood for use when I went. Sites were equipped with hammock posts, picnic table, and a fire pit. There was also a trash can. I had a great time, the whole park to myself for the night. Strongly recommend if you enjoy primitive camping.

  • Cosmo L.
    May. 31, 2019

    Fort De Soto Campground

    Nice once you get in.

    Reservations months in advance required. Nice dog beach. No alcohol allowed so keep it inside along with music. No hookups.

  • L O.
    Sep. 6, 2020

    Fort De Soto Campground

    Breathtaking beaches, get the low, tent-site numbers.

    Stayed two nights here. Arrived in the afternoon and found site number (38) easily. The tent sites on the outer side of the loops are bedded in sand, and the ones on the inner side are bedded in crushed shells and are nearer the restrooms and facilities. The back side of number 38 leads to a grassy area lined by trees on the far side that block the sunset. Recommend site 30 or below so that the back side of your site leads to the water and beautiful sunsets. Be prepared to deal with mosquitoes and raccoons. On the first night, a raccoon approached the table without regard and tried to open the portable trash can! They're active and large, and can be seen at night throughout the campground raiding the trash bins. Went on a bike ride the following day, and upon returning saw that a raccoon had opened the Coleman 52-gallon cooler, taken out the carton of eggs, cracked all six eggs, and eaten each egg yolk, leaving the whites and the shells strewn about the picnic table and ground nearby. Thankful that it had not touched the Ferrero Rocher chocolates. Resolved to put the cooler inside the car when absent henceforth. There is a campground store near the entrance with everything from ice to wood to tuna, milk, fishing supplies... it's a mini-market. There is a souvenir shop and food shop near the fort part. Didn't go to the fort or museum. Had a delicious fish and chips meal at the food shop. The bike paths are wide along the main vehicular roads. The highlight of the site is the North Beach. It's ample and clean. White sands. Shallow shores. Pleasant, perfect.

  • a
    Feb. 12, 2022

    Cody's RV Park

    1st road-trip!

    Well, if your looking to do some “camping” this is not place. We came into Florida on a Friday looking for a campsite for us and our rooftop tent and was not having any luck on finding a campground that had any vacancy. We didn’t want to stay at a Rv park because we don’t have a Rv and we like nature and privacy. So we were running out of options and called CODYS and they said they didn’t have any spots but ended up telling us since we just had a suv he would us stay a night for $45, which was a very high price for one night in a tent. When we arrived the man was very nice and we thanked him for making room for us. In my option the only thing this place has, is old RV’s that have been parked there for years, full time residents. Bathrooms did not lock, 10min max time in the restrooms, and frogs in the bathroom also. Very crowded and interesting corky place. We made the best of it for being parked in a little grass area which included a picnic table and fire ring. People were nice just not for tent camping or short term stays!

  • Sue G.
    Dec. 30, 2024

    Cypress Creek Preserve

    Free camping

    There aren't many free spots in this area of Florida. Of course, they provide nothing other than a spot to camp with fire ring and old table, and an outhouse. We are in a 24' class C and found a nice private area that was surprisingly level. Trailers are accommodated at the equestrian campground. I suggest you arrive before dark as the road is a bit rough and narrow, with no light.

  • Jeremiah F.
    May. 29, 2019

    Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park

    Good primitive sites

    We stayed at one of the hike-in sites and had a good time. Be prepared for a trek, as the site was a couple miles in. The trail was nice and paved though, suitable for bicycling in. Be prepared for sun exposure, with sunblock and lots of water recommended as you will be hiking under open sky in the Florida heat. You will also need to bring firewood in with you. No bathrooms where we were, so have some camping toilet paper and a shovel for human waste disposal. They have water stations, but do not count on these being full at all times. Bring water with you. Don’t risk it! Have fun!

  • Bruce D.
    Nov. 9, 2020

    Withlacoochee River Park

    This is a great park

    This park has RV sites, regular tent sites, cabins and primitive camping. I like the regular tent sites, not much of a walk in but secluded. The park includes restrooms and showers and seem to be taken care of. There are several trails around, one paved, and I believe the Florida Trail is very close. Quiet at night and peaceful.

Guide to Clearwater Beach

Experience the beauty of tent camping near Clearwater Beach, Florida, where you can immerse yourself in nature while enjoying convenient amenities and a variety of outdoor activities.

Tips for tent camping near Clearwater Beach

  • Make reservations in advance at popular spots like Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park to secure your ideal campsite, especially during peak seasons.
  • Pack essentials like water and food, as some campgrounds, such as Cypress Creek Preserve, may have limited facilities and require you to bring your own supplies.
  • Be mindful of wildlife; campers at Teri Tomlinson Campground have reported encounters with raccoons and other critters, so store food securely.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • Enjoy the convenience of drinking water and showers at Pasco County - Crews Lake Wilderness Park, making your stay comfortable and refreshing.
  • Many sites, including Lake Rogers Park, offer picnic tables and fire pits, perfect for evening gatherings and meals under the stars.
  • For those seeking a more rustic experience, Cypress Creek Preserve provides primitive camping with a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for disconnecting from the hustle and bustle.

Local activities for outdoor enthusiasts

  • Hike the scenic trails at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park, where you can explore diverse ecosystems and spot local wildlife.
  • Experience the thrill of canoeing or kayaking at Lake Rogers Park, which features beautiful waterways and opportunities for fishing.
  • For a unique adventure, consider a boat-in camping experience at Island Retreat Florida, where you can enjoy water activities and relax on the beach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the nearest tent campgrounds to Clearwater Beach?

The closest tent camping options to Clearwater Beach are within a short drive. Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park offers both front-country (car camping) and backcountry (hike-in) tent sites along with primitive cabin rentals. It features multi-use trails in a beautiful wilderness setting. Hillsborough River State Park Campground is another excellent option with three full-service camping loops suitable for tents, with spacious sites and designated hammock camping areas. Both parks provide a natural Florida experience while remaining accessible from Clearwater Beach.

Is there free camping available in Clearwater Florida?

Yes, there is free camping available near Clearwater, though not directly in the city. Upper Hillsborough Preserve — Alston Tract offers free camping with a reservation through the Southwest Florida Water Management District. The preserve provides primitive camping opportunities in a natural setting. Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve, one of the largest recreation areas in Hillsborough County, also has camping options. These free sites typically have minimal amenities and require permits, so check reservation requirements before planning your trip.

Can you tent camp on Clearwater Beach in Florida?

No, tent camping is not permitted directly on Clearwater Beach. The beach and surrounding areas are developed with hotels, condos, and private properties with no designated camping areas. For tent camping near the coast, Terry Tomalin Campground offers drive-in and walk-in access with water and toilet facilities. Alderman's Ford Conservation Park Primitive Campground is another option with beautiful riverside primitive sites, though they're hike-in only with no facilities at the campsites. Both provide natural Florida camping experiences within driving distance of Clearwater Beach.

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