RV parks in Clearwater, Florida sit along Florida's central Gulf Coast where humid subtropical conditions keep overnight lows rarely dropping below 50°F. Clearwater's campgrounds attract winter visitors with average January high temperatures around 70°F, making it a comfortable destination for year-round RV camping. Most RV resorts near Clearwater are located within a 10-mile radius of beaches, with sites generally offering limited shade from the Florida sun.
What to do
Beach access from campgrounds: Caladesi RV Park provides a convenient base for exploring the area's coastline. "The beach is a 5 minute drive and pet friendly! The Pinellas bike trail is also located right behind the park and easy to get on," reports Diana M. Many campers appreciate the proximity to water activities.
Explore local trails: The Pinellas Trail runs behind several campgrounds, offering miles of paved paths for cycling and walking. A reviewer at Caladesi mentioned, "The bike trail is right behind the park and has beautiful scenery," making it easy to explore without driving.
Visit Honeymoon Island State Park: Located just minutes from several RV parks, this natural area features four miles of beaches and a 2.5-mile hiking trail. Lloyd G. notes that Caladesi RV Park is "close to the beach and is within walking distance to some really nice restaurants," making it convenient to combine outdoor activities with dining options.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many RV parks maintain their amenities well despite their age. At Encore Winter Quarters Manatee, one visitor noted, "The staff was very friendly and helpful. The grounds were ok overall and internet worked fine," highlighting the maintained facilities at this established campground.
Socialization opportunities: Several parks organize community activities. According to Jean M., "Winter Quarters Manatee is a beautiful resort with a lot of activities and amenities (which include 2 heated pools and a spa)." This creates opportunities for winter visitors to connect with others during extended stays.
Convenient shopping access: Campers appreciate how close most RV parks are to essential services. One reviewer at Winter Quarters Manatee mentioned, "Very convenient location and close to Walmart and Costco," highlighting the practical advantage for provisioning during longer stays.
What you should know
Park layouts and privacy: Most RV sites in the Clearwater area feature close quarters with minimal natural barriers between sites. At Avalon RV Resort, a camper observed, "The sites are a little tight but that's normal for most of Florida, specially in a heavy populated area like Clearwater."
Permanent residents: Many parks have a mix of travelers and long-term residents. Derick B. noted about Avalon RV Resort: "It's unbelievably quiet although it's right off of US 19," which may appeal to those seeking a settled atmosphere rather than a tourist-heavy environment.
Seasonal pricing fluctuations: Winter months (December-March) typically see the highest rates and lowest availability. A reviewer at Avalon RV Resort commented that it was "Expensive considering location and amenities," which reflects the premium winter pricing common throughout the area.
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some parks. At Encore Winter Quarters Pasco, Ryan D. cautioned, "Crossing the highway to get in the park was a nightmare as well. (Not the resorts fault, but be aware of it)," highlighting traffic challenges at certain locations.
Tips for camping with families
Pool facilities for children: Swimming pools provide recreation when beaches aren't convenient. At Encore Terra Ceia, Keith F. shared, "This place is 20 minutes away from several beaches and the TB Rays stadium, the Trop. The facilities were clean and we have a view of the pond with ducks," offering multiple entertainment options.
Pet accommodations: Many parks welcome pets with designated areas. Danna D. mentioned that at Terra Ceia, "They also have a nice size, fenced-in dog park with a dog walking path, so bring your furry friends!" This allows families traveling with pets to find appropriate facilities.
Age demographics: Families should consider the predominantly older resident population at most parks. According to one camper at Winter Quarters Pasco, "The rules are extremely strict, as this is mainly a retirement community. No fires, no noise, and no fun," suggesting families with active children might feel out of place at certain locations.
Tips from RVers
Site navigation challenges: Larger RVs face difficulties at several parks due to tight turns and narrow roads. At Sherwood Forest RV Resort, Bebo A. warned, "The sites are VERY close to one another, the slabs have a crazy arc to them, and the water hook ups are smack in the middle between yourself and the other sites."
Hookup positions: The placement of utilities varies between parks and can present challenges. Karen at Winter Quarters Manatee noted, "The electrical (30 amp and 50 amp) was farther back than the water, which wasn't a huge deal but might be inconvenient for some."
Surface conditions: Site surfaces range from concrete pads to dirt areas that can become problematic in wet weather. According to Millie D., "In my case, I have a small lot with a mobile home, literally about 8 feet along side of me," highlighting the tight quarters that can complicate setup and living arrangements during your stay.
