Encore Clover Leaf Forest RV Resort
Beautiful pools and showers, washer and dryer on site are only like $2.50 each and very nice! They’ve done a lot of recent updates
13 campgrounds with availability next weekend
Lazydays RV Resort in Seffner maintains 50-amp electric service, full sewer and water hookups on paved pads with concrete patios throughout the campground. Hidden River RV Resort and Citrus Hills RV Park both accommodate large motorhomes with pull-through sites, though spacing between units can be tight. "The sites are very close together. No fire pits. Lots of highway noise and a shipping center next door with backup alarms going off every minute starting at 5 am," noted one camper about Lazydays. Forest Lake Village RV Resort and Encore Winter Quarters Pasco feature big rig friendly spaces with full hookup capabilities, though the latter has extremely close site arrangements that can make maneuvering difficult for larger units.
Several parks in the region operate year-round, with peak demand occurring during winter months when snowbirds migrate south. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, RV travelers should be aware that some resorts primarily serve as retirement communities with strict noise regulations. Most facilities provide sanitary dump stations, trash collection, and showers, though amenities vary considerably between properties. Cell service remains reliable throughout the Durant area. Pets are generally permitted in designated areas, with many parks featuring dedicated dog runs. Reservations become essential during the Tampa RV Supershow in January and the Strawberry Festival in March when local campgrounds reach capacity. Highway noise affects several parks, particularly those situated near Interstate 4.
"For now we had no internet, and used our phones for Hot Spot.
Staff are friendly and helpful.""Great location"
"The grounds were ok overall and internet worked fine. 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."
"The staff is very friendly. well-kept park BUT, it's right next to Highway 75.We were fortunate to have a site on the opposite side of the lake, farthest from 75, and the noise was no problem."
"It is very dog friendly and the sites are spacious. There are a lot of activities and a great pool area. This campground is close to Busch Gardens Tampa. We stayed here in a motor home."
"We were less than an hour away from home at Lazydays RV Resort and it felt like we were on the other side of the planet. Got to spend uninterrupted time with my bride and it was awesome."
from $61 - $83 / night
"In Palmetto, easy access to Tampa, Sarasota, Gulf Beaches, and many other areas of Florida in a few hours driving distance. Pet-friendly."
"It looks a bit rundown from the first sight, but the amenities and infrastructure are really up to date, everything is clean, staff is friendly. Long term residents are also seem to t be nice."
"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!"
"This campground has 2 new camping areas with concrete pads and fire rings. When you first enter, there are several back in camping spots before you reach the office/activity center."
"Large, level sites. Can accommodate any size RV. Very active community. 2 activity centers, pool, pickleball, horseshoes, billiards, bingo, entertainment and much more. Clean bathrooms and showers."
"The store has so much great stuff and there is always entertainment. They even have a big farmers market on Sundays with tons of vendors."
"Amazing Pool and amenities. Large pull through sites with paver patios, turf, and landscaping. Great activities for the kids. Friendly staff. One of the best resorts we have ever visited."
from $67 - $99999 / night
from $38 - $45 / night











Beautiful pools and showers, washer and dryer on site are only like $2.50 each and very nice! They’ve done a lot of recent updates
The bayou site are excellent. Reasonably level, nice patios, and a bit of a view. The staff are nice and helpful. They seem to have a section for those of us who are not snowbirds.
Site are fairly big and a rate of $20 to stay the night with water and electricity is reasonable. Bathrooms are not very clean. That's why I only gave a 3 star review.
On my never-ending pursuit of finding the most perfect campground on earth ... I may have just landed it! Fort DeSoto State Park Campground, which rests at the southernmost edge of Pinellas County, reached by crossing a series of causeways from St. Petersburg until the land simply runs out and the Gulf of Mexico (as my friend John Cougar Mellencamp recently point out - not Gulf of ‘Merika) takes over. First impressions are pure Florida magic with palm-lined roads, sweeping water views of translucent aqua blue shimmering in the sun all accompanied by a salty breeze that makes you feel like vacation has officially begun. The campground itself is spread across a low-lying coastal landscape with mangroves, dunes and open skies punctuated by cotton candy clouds, and despite its popularity, this tri-loop campground haven manages to feel relaxed and unhurried if you pick your timing right.
This archipelago is shaped like a boomerang with 3 distinct campground loops – each with its own vibe, layout, amenities and overall character (more on this later) – leaving one with the impression that Fort DeSoto is both incredibly spacious as well as incredibly well-organized, offering a mix of waterfront and interior sites with paved pads, picnic tables, stand-up grills and access to modern bathhouses that are generally clean and well maintained. Many sites offer electric and water hookups, with a dump station available for RV travelers. Navigation through the one-way loops is straightforward, pets are welcome and the overall layout feels intentionally designed to handle high traffic without feeling chaotic. While there’s but just a modest playground on-site, there are much more amenities for the kids on North Beach, but throughout the campground area, the sheer amount of open space, bike paths, beach side access to inlets that will allow you to make the most out of being this close to the Gulf more than compensates for families.
What truly sets Fort DeSoto apart is everything just outside your campsite. Miles of white sand beaches wrap around the park, including North Beach which is frequently ranked among the best beaches in the country (note: not county ... country). Kayaking trails wind through calm mangrove tunnels, fishing piers stretch into Tampa Bay, and biking loops circle the entire park. History lovers can explore the restored fort and military ruins, while birders will find plenty to admire along the shoreline. For supplies, you’re about 15 minutes from Tierra Verde Market, Publix and a Walmart Supercenter on Pinellas Bayway as well as a handful of casual eateries like Billy’s Stone Crab and Sea Hags if cooking feels optional.
Trying to find out which 1 of the 3 loops might be best for you? I’ll try to break this down. First, of all, my brother and I stayed in Area #1, so let me begin there, not only because numerically that’s where we should begin, but also because I’m the most familiar with this loop, which consists of sites numbered #1-85. If you’re looking not just for ocean views with Gulf access – because like me, you’ve brought a kayak / canoe – then Area #1 for this solo reason is why you want to book here. And while it’s true that you likely could access water in Area #2, you’ll have to go the long way around to access the Gulf. Back to Area #1, I found this simple, single loop offering sites excellent in size, with TONS of shade (no need to bring your shelter to blot out the sun, although not a bad idea to have it handy in case of rain) and decent length long ‘driveways’ with which to pull in and set up camp, whether you’re packing tents (like me) or pulling in with your RV or sprinter van. Seriously, the scenery alone here in Area #1(at least sites #1-34) cannot be beaten with direct views of the Gulf, which you can access in less than 20 paces from where you’ve pitched your tent or parked for the night.
Each site is equipped with electric and water and for RVs needing sewage, there’s a spot as you exit prior to arriving at the ranger station that will accommodate you. The restroom and shower facilities in Area#1 are the best that I’ve ever seen in the state of Florida (which is saying something as I’ve camped in more than 100 spots here in the Sunshine state) – and wonder if this is because CG Hosts (versus FL state employees) are charged with keeping the CG clean?! – with very hot water (sometimes TOO hot) and lots of pressure would be an accurate description. Area #2 IMHO is somewhat cramped, very RV populated, with sites that are fairly crowded, yet heavily shaded with amenities that are similar to Area #1, albeit slightly more outdated; however, if you come with pets in tow, this is the ONLY area that will welcome you here at Fort DeSoto CG. Lastly, Area #3 has AMAZING water views, but given the seawall that surrounds this portion of the island, you won’t be able to actually access the water unless you dock your boat somehow to the wall and don’t mind jumping up 4-6 feet down to access your vessel. I found the sites here to be fine, although like Area #2, somewhat crowded, but yet still offering very good shade with restroom and shower facilities to be on par with the rest of the park. The best sites over here would be those from #197– 233 that look northernly towards the Gulf offering nothing short of AMAZING sunsets on the water.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a handful: (1) Waterfront sites in Loop 2 and Loop 3 are the most coveted for sunset views and breezes, but they book fast; (2) Bring bikes as this park is tailor-made for cruising on two wheels with flat, scenic loops in and around the campground area, but the best biking will be had once heading out past the ranger station to explore the larger areas of the island, where East Beach is worth a glide by (especially to watch the kite surfers where wind is at its strongest), but it’s North Beach that will have you stopping for a longer spell; (3) Kayaking through the mangroves on a calm morning is a must, especially for wildlife sightings; however, our absolute favorite moment of the entire trip was crossing the strong currents of shipping lanes to make it all the way to Shell Key, which apart from a few pensioners getting sunburnt in their beach chairs and an errant fishing boat or two, we had the entire island to ourselves … EASTER EGG: I’m a fairly solid kayaker and love oaring and with these strong currents, it IS manageable to cross, but you’ll want to plan on at least 1 hour of non-stop, albeit scenic oaring to make it to Shell Key; (4) Afternoon storms roll through quickly in summer, so plan beach time early and camp dinners later; (5) North Beach on the northernmost edge tends to be quieter and more family-friendly than the busier east-facing beaches near the fort; (6) If you’re visiting during peak season, weekday stays are noticeably calmer than weekends; and (7) When heading to the restroom facilities you will come across what is likely the largest sign I have ever seen in any campground WARNING YOU OF RACCOONS and, trust me, you want to HEED THIS SIGN as these black-eyed bandits are EVERYWHERE and not afraid to come right up to your tent and look in or right up to you sitting next to your campfire while looking for something to eat or steal, so be incredibly careful and PACK UP EVERYTHING whenever it’s not being used EVEN IN DAYLIGHT HOURS.
In sum, I absolutely loved this campground and will now be comparing every single one I visit to Fort DeSoto Campground.
Happy Camping!
Haven't been camping here. Based on the photos, it looks like it is a beautiful place. Looks like somewhere to have a fun, crazy, spontaneous camp experience. I prefer natural nature. Cutting the trails, fire wood, catching dinner, fighting mosquitoes without harsh chemicals. Preserving the world. Maybe make a reservation. Leave the dogs with a sitter and not have a care in the world.
Quiet. Definitely skewed toward equestrian. Sites are well spaced. Outer loop is best. Restroom/showers are very well kept. Not much for kids. Short trails are ok. Cayaking is best option if you're in to that. Relax here, enjoy the peace and have your favorite beverage
Beautiful 😁
Great location
Nice little place. Gravel, pull-through sites, clean bathrooms, and friendly staff. Tons to do for the littles!
RV campgrounds near Durant, Florida offer varied full-hookup accommodations with easy access to Tampa Bay attractions. The area remains 10-15°F warmer than northern Florida during winter months, making it popular with seasonal campers from October through April. Most campgrounds maintain paved interior roads suitable for larger rigs, though site spacing varies significantly between properties.
Water recreation activities: Camp Margaritaville RV Resort in Auburndale features two pools, including one designed for families with "a fountain and very fun twisty slide." A camper noted, "The tiki bar was great Saturday night with a really great live band," while another mentioned enjoying "watching the tow-ski place that's fun to watch" on the adjacent lake.
Biking trails: The Camp Margaritaville RV Resort and Cabana Cabins Auburndale connects to extensive paved paths. "There's an eagle preserve by the lake and the Auburndale bike trail (29 miles!) just outside of the entrance," reports one reviewer. Cyclists can access these well-maintained routes directly from the campground entrance.
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds offer shoreline fishing access. At Encore Terra Ceia, campers report catching bass from stocked ponds. "We have a view of the pond with ducks," mentions one reviewer. The campground provides convenient water access for anglers without requiring a boat.
Resort amenities: Many Durant area RV campgrounds operate as destination resorts rather than traditional campgrounds. "True resort style camping. Amazing Pool and amenities. Large pull through sites with paver patios, turf, and landscaping," notes a Camp Margaritaville visitor. The facilities often include recreation buildings, fitness centers, and organized activities.
Proximity to attractions: Encore Terra Ceia provides convenient access to regional points of interest. As one camper notes, "In Palmetto, easy access to Tampa, Sarasota, Gulf Beaches, and many other areas of Florida in a few hours driving distance." Another reviewer adds that it's "20 minutes away from several beaches and the TB Rays stadium."
Clean facilities: Hidden River RV Resort receives positive feedback for maintaining its grounds and amenities. "This campground has 2 new camping areas with concrete pads and fire rings," reports one camper. Another adds they "ended up staying here last minute and we were so glad we did...it was great and wish we were staying longer."
Highway noise levels: Several RV parks experience significant road noise. At Forest Lake Village RV Resort, one camper reports, "The back fence is right next to the train tracks and the trains are very active sometimes blowing through every half hour all hours of the night." This noise factor affects multiple properties in the area.
Site spacing variations: Even within the same campground, site sizes and privacy differ dramatically by section. At Hidden River RV Resort, a camper advises, "When you first enter, there are several back in camping spots before you reach the office/activity center. The middle section is a large group of permanent trailers and some are a bit if an eye sore...I would not want to camp in that area."
Seasonal considerations: Availability becomes extremely limited during winter months as seasonal residents occupy many sites. A reviewer at Encore Winter Quarters Manatee noted, "I should have suspected that an RV resort in FL in the winter would be full of retirees, but I didn't expect the number of mobile homes permanently here."
Pool access importance: Camp Margaritaville RV Resort and Cabana Cabins Auburndale offers extensive water recreation options. "The pool area seemed a little small for the number of people there. Very crowded," notes one family, suggesting visiting during off-peak times. Another family reported, "Kids played for four hours straight and went back for more after dinner!"
Safety considerations: Some campgrounds provide more secure environments than others. One parent at Camp Margaritaville shared, "The camp sites and the whole resort area is very clean and safe. I felt comfortable with my kid running around on her scooter." Security features vary significantly between properties.
Recreational options: Planned activities keep children engaged at several resorts. "They had a lot of activities for the kids during spring break," reports a Camp Margaritaville visitor. Playgrounds, game rooms, and organized events provide entertainment beyond swimming facilities.
Site selection strategy: At Encore Winter Quarters Manatee, experienced RVers recommend careful site research. "Arrived to find it very tight to get into our site, thankfully the nearby neighbors moved there vehicles so my husband could manouver the 5th wheel in," warned one camper. Another 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."
Utility hookup placement: RVers should prepare for varied utility configurations. At Lazydays RV Resort, a visitor reported, "Water and electric were located in the middle of the pad. The sewer was at the end of the pad, and we needed right at 20 feet of hose." Extension cords and extra hose lengths are recommended.
Construction awareness: Several campgrounds are undergoing expansions or renovations. A Margaritaville visitor mentioned, "There is currently some construction going on because they are expanding the campground but it didn't bother us much," while another noted being "awakend by construction of phase 2 directly in front of us."
Frequently Asked Questions
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular RV campground near Durant, FL is Encore Winter Quarters Pasco with a 4-star rating from 4 reviews.
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