Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park spans over 8,000 acres of Florida ecosystems just 30 miles from Clearwater. The park's trails wind through pine forests and wetlands with elevations ranging from 15 to 50 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures typically exceed 90°F with high humidity, while winter nights can drop into the 40s, making seasonal preparation essential for campers.
What to do
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park offers excellent wildlife spotting with many visitors reporting deer and wild boar sightings. One camper noted, "We spent the day hiking the numerous off-road trails and enjoying some of the amenities the park has to offer" while another mentioned they "saw a good bit of wildlife: deer and wild boar" during their stay.
Hiking and biking: Fort De Soto Campground features extensive trail systems ideal for day trips. A visitor shared, "Great bike trails. Restrooms are dated but well maintained. Electric and water. 2 dump sites on property." The park also provides beach access with a reviewer noting it has "great spot for relaxing by the water."
Paddling excursions: E.G. Simmons Regional Park offers kayaking through mangrove canals, perfect for water enthusiasts seeking glamping close to Clearwater, Florida. A reviewer explained, "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." The park includes waterfront sites and boat launches for easy water access.
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Hillsborough River State Park offers sites with good separation between neighbors. A recent camper commented, "Our site was spacious. It did not flood when we had torrential downpours for a few hours one night. Bathhouse was clean." The park maintains dark skies at night, enhancing stargazing opportunities.
Natural surroundings: Cypress Creek Preserve provides primitive camping in a natural setting. According to a visitor, "Overall, not bad. The grass needed to be cut, it was up above my ankles." The preserve requires free reservations to access the gated entrance, offering a more secluded glamping experience near Clearwater, Florida.
Clean facilities: Quail Run RV Park maintains well-kept grounds and amenities. A camper mentioned, "Very good service. Nice park. Level concrete pads. Ours was pull through. Gated." Another visitor noted, "Very quiet place. Lots were huge. Everything worked perfectly. Place was clean and staff was super nice."
What you should know
Reservation systems: For Starkey Wilderness Preserve, reservations work differently than other parks. A camper explained, "The reservation system has to be done through the county park and rec sites," which can be confusing for first-time visitors.
Seasonal bugs: Florida's climate brings insects, particularly in summer months. At Fort De Soto, a camper advised, "Bring good bug spray lol," while another at E.G. Simmons 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."
Facility limitations: Starkey Wilderness Preserve primitive sites offer minimal amenities. A reviewer noted, "There is an ADA approved toilet (porta'potty) which has definitely seen way better days...seat falling off, door doesn't close and probably hasn't been changed out in months." Bring essential supplies as amenities vary widely between parks.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Fort De Soto Campground offers family-friendly facilities including playgrounds. A camper shared, "I find myself torn between four and five stars on this campground. It turned out being everything we expected and more. As a camper with northern roots, I have found it hard to camp in Florida. This campground helped me relieve those worries."
Activity planning: Hillsborough River State Park provides multiple outdoor options. One visitor reported, "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!"
Best family sites: Terry Tomalin Campground offers recently renovated facilities. According to a camper, "This place was newly renovated for guest to stay. The campsites are nicely spaced out so you aren't to close to other campers." However, be aware of restrictions as another reviewer noted, "Please be aware that this is a very restrictive campground. You can only tent and you are not allowed to smoke anything, vape anything, drink anything alcoholic."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: When glamping near Clearwater, Florida in an RV, choose sites carefully. At Quail Run RV Park, a long-term camper advised, "I've stayed here multiple times. I'm currently staying here for the next 15 months. It's a nice park. It has nice big concrete lots."
Weekday advantages: Hillsborough River State Park offers quieter experiences during weekdays. A camper shared, "We needed a campsite near Tampa FL for a few days to meet friends visiting the area from up north. Being a Floridian, we've experienced FL's state parks and found them to offer privacy between sites."
Hookup availability: E.G. Simmons Regional Park provides water and electric at most sites. A visitor explained, "Paved roads, packed sand and grass sites, 30A and water at each site, two separate campgrounds each with a dump station and bath house. First come (no reservations) with 14 day stay limit."
