5 campgrounds with availability next weekend
Campgrounds near Elkton, Florida provide options for various camping styles with several facilities located within an hour's drive. Little Manatee River State Park and Lithia Springs Conservation Park are among the established campgrounds that accommodate tent camping, RV parking, and cabin rentals. Most locations feature water and electric hookups, with several offering full hookup sites for RVs. The campgrounds are primarily situated in central Florida's subtropical landscape, with proximity to springs, rivers, and conservation areas that characterize the region's natural environment.
Seasonal considerations impact camping comfort in this area, with summer months bringing high humidity and temperatures along with increased mosquito activity. Winter offers milder temperatures ideal for outdoor recreation, though occasional cold fronts can bring cooler nights requiring adequate bedding. Most campgrounds remain open year-round, with reservations strongly recommended during winter months when northern visitors increase demand. Facilities like Edward Medard Park provide multiple access points via boat, car, or foot trails. "The park is fantastic! The park rangers constantly ensured our safety and were very friendly and helpful. They made sure to keep us up to date regarding weather and flooding," noted one visitor to Lithia Springs Conservation Park.
Waterfront access represents a significant draw for campers in the region, with sites along rivers and springs commanding particular attention. Lithia Springs Conservation Park features a natural spring swimming area that receives consistent praise from visitors. Several campgrounds in the area provide shaded sites, which proves crucial during Florida's intense summer heat. According to one camper at Lithia Springs, "The sites are nice and spacious, have really excellent tree coverage, which is a must during Florida summers." Campground amenities vary significantly across the region, with more developed sites offering showers, flush toilets, and camp stores, while others maintain a more rustic atmosphere. MacDill AFB FamCamp stands out for its beachfront location, though access is limited to military personnel. Many campers note the convenient proximity to urban amenities while still providing natural settings.
"A lot of walking trails for people and horses. A surprise was the amphitheater. Washers and dryers are located outside the bathrooms. Friendly hosts and other campers. Would came again."
"This campsite is right outside of Little Manatee River State Park. I even missed the entrance and went to Little Manatee because I missed the turn."
Available next weekend
from $22 / night
"As an camper with northern roots, I have found it hard to camp in Florida. This campground helped me relieve those worries. I will start by saying that this campground is south of St."
"Nice walking/bicycle path around the edge. Bike paths also throughout the park. Sites 1-8 or so have direct beach access, but swimming is not allowed. Mangroves surround the rest of the peninsula."
from $38 - $48 / night
"Nearly every campsite is right on the water - easy in and out for kayaks, large boat ramp and many picnic pavilions."
"Close to the boatramp. Raccoons can be annoying. Has picnic pavilions and several fishing docks"
from $24 / night
"Widely known in Florida for the mountain bike trails. Not much else to do in the area, but very nice space to chill out. The night sky is far enough away that you can really take in the stars."
"For Florida this is a great campsite especially for me because it's so close overall a great place for any activity"
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $22 / night
"It’s also located right off the highway, so you get all the noise. All day and all night. Now, for canoe and kayak trips, I guess it’s a good spot. There’s a lot of folk that come just for that."
"The place is tucked in and has a great vibe."
from $24 - $109 / night
"Then exit 7 to Highway 301 north about 10 miles to the campground. The way in which the state park and campground are set up is easy too."
"This was my first time at a campground in Florida! I was surrounded by beautiful wildlife (alligators, birds, and even a wild boar). The hiking trails were perfect for a beginner or a regular hiker."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $24 / night
"Stayed over mother's day weekend at Lithia Springs."
"Stayed over mother's day weekend at Lithia Springs."
from $24 / night
"Lithia Springs Conservation Park is a hidden gem for camping in Florida. The campground is clean, well-maintained, and tucked away in a peaceful natural setting."
"Canoe and Kyak launch is easily accessible to enjoy the calm waters of the Alafia River. Restrooms and showers were clean and plentiful around the grounds. We will definitely be back."
"PX and commissary near the security gate. Campground check-in quick and efficient. Pick your site from what's available. $26/night with full hook-ups. Right on the Gulf, beautiful beach."
"Close to a small beach and marina with a restaurant walking distance. Several dog parks but muddy/dirt. Laundry available for fee. Bath houses clean and large. Good amenities on base."
"Camping is first come first serve but gives you access to the park after hours. Camp sites are bit close to one another but overall amazing experience."
"Very pretty and wooded for Florida. Great to bike around and see everything. Neat to see gators. Will definitely go back."
from $24 / night
GuideNice state park in a great location for visiting the area. Bathhouse near my site could use an update and newer bathhouse could use a good shower stall wash. I camp in a Travato Van so maneuvering in the campground was easy for me but larger rigs might struggle.
GuideThe 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.
LegendOn 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!
ScoutHaven'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.
ScoutShowers and bathrooms are closed
ScoutQuiet. 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
ScoutBeautiful 😁
ScoutGreat location
GuideNice little place. Gravel, pull-through sites, clean bathrooms, and friendly staff. Tons to do for the littles!
Campsites near Elkton, Florida offer access to diverse ecosystems beyond the main subtropical landscape. The area features a mix of freshwater springs, coastal access points, and former phosphate mines transformed into recreation areas. Seasonal weather impacts extend beyond temperature, with hurricane season (June-November) occasionally affecting accessibility to certain trails and waterfront areas.
Mountain biking at Alafia River State Park: The park features constantly changing mountain bike trails built on former phosphate mines with varied terrain. "This park is close to home for me, I come here often for the Mountain Biking and the awesome humans. The facilities are clean and the MTB trails are constantly changing so we are never bored here," notes Jennifer T. about Alafia River State Park Campground.
Paddling at Little Manatee River: Multiple access points for canoe and kayak exploration along gentle river currents. "Great place to take your RV to be pampered. There onsite RV services are incredible, they can do just about everything on your RV while set up on the pad," says Michael M. about his stay at Lazydays RV Resort.
Horseback trails at Little Manatee River: Equestrian-friendly camping with dedicated stalls and trails. "Very nice facilities. Miles of horseback trails to ride. Very nice horse stalls to put horses in overnight. Perfect place for equine vacation!" shares Donna H. from her experience at Alafia River State Park Campground.
Wildlife viewing at E.G. Simmons Park: Observe osprey nests, manatees, and coastal birds from kayak trails through mangrove tunnels. "When you kayak down the channel into Tampa Bay what a great view of Tampa, St. Petersburg and the Skyway bridge. Beautiful sunsets from the beach and boat ramp or out in the kayak," notes B.M. about E.G. Simmons Regional Park.
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer generous spacing between campsites with natural vegetation for privacy. "The sites are nice and spacious, have really excellent tree coverage, which is a must during Florida summers," reports Elliott B. about his stay at Lithia Springs Conservation Park.
Waterfront accessibility: Direct water access from campsites for fishing and launching small craft. "We had site 28 on the water with water and electric hook up & there is a dump station onsite. This is a nice campground with a beach, little island you can wade to we always see Manatees there and lots of great areas to Kayak or paddle board," shares B.M. about E.G. Simmons Regional Park.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathroom and shower facilities receive consistent praise across campgrounds. "We stayed for 3 nights over Memorial Day weekend. Campground was quiet & restrooms were clean. We rented canoes & kayaks, and had a fun day on the river. Employees were very nice & helpful!" mentions Annabelle about her experience at Canoe Outpost Little Manatee River.
Military-focused options: Dedicated facilities for service members and veterans. "I absolutely loved the MacDill FamCamp. It's right by the beach and marina. There's a small dog beach and two dog parks. Laundry facilities are centrally located. Cable is included," Richard explains about his stay at MacDill AFB FamCamp.
First-come availability: Several county parks operate without reservations. "Edward Medard is first come, first serve type campground. Very pretty and wooded for Florida. Great to bike around and see everything," notes Jeff G. about Edward Medard Park.
Insect management: No-see-ums and mosquitoes can be intense, particularly at dusk near water. "Okay so maybe the title isn't very nice but that is what stands out to me when I think of this campground. You really cannot stay outside at dusk. Citronella torches, spray, fans, Avon skin so soft...none of these work for the no-see-ums," Christy C. warns about E.G. Simmons Regional Park.
Traffic noise: Some campgrounds are located near highways with resulting noise impacts. "PROS: lots of trees and shade, near river. CONS: right next to a highway/large road with TONS of traffic noise," reports Kathy L. about Canoe Outpost Little Manatee River.
Accessibility limitations: Some natural areas have restricted entry points. "Note that the gates to the area did close a little earlier than I would like. On the bright side it is a large area," mentions Nick P. about Edward Medard Park.
Beach access options: Fort De Soto offers family-friendly beaches with amenities. "Fort Desoto is hands-down the go-to spot in my local area. The beaches are gorgeous, there are plenty of secret trails, a dog beach, general store, historic walks, boat ramps, kayak access, and much more!" recommends Alyssa D. about Fort De Soto Campground.
Playground access: Several parks feature modern play equipment for younger children. "This park is small, but never too crowded. The water is easily accessible. The beach area is small. There is a playground for children," notes Judy B. about E.G. Simmons Regional Park.
Educational opportunities: Historic fort structures and nature programs available for learning. "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!" shares Brennan H. about Fort De Soto Campground.
Wildlife safety: Take precautions with food storage to deter raccoons and other wildlife. "Honestly probably the best campground in Tampa Bay Area, they have your basic essentials; water, electricity, showers. Only bad thing is how bad the raccoons are, I wouldn't recommend leaving food out because they'll take everything," warns Witchy.Riverz about Edward Medard Park.
Site selection strategy: Campgrounds vary in site size and shade coverage. "We checked in at the gate, not the registration building. Sites sit 90 degrees to the narrow street, so backing can be tricky, especially with all the vehicles parked along the road perpendicular to the pad entrance," advises MickandKarla W. about their stay at Lazydays RV Resort.
Dump station locations: Plan for waste management access points, especially at first-come sites. "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. Great place to paddle a kayak in the Mangrove canals. Right on Tampa Bay," shares Bran P. about their RV experience at E.G. Simmons Regional Park.
Hurricane impacts: Seasonal closures may affect availability. "This park just reopened a couple of weeks ago from the hurricanes. They are slowly bringing the sites back up to par, but it is still an awesome place. Everything is kept up, and several short trails to see The only class 2 rapids in Florida," reports Joe R. about his stay at Hillsborough River State Park Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Elkton, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, Elkton, FL offers a wide range of camping options, with 271 campgrounds and RV parks near Elkton, FL and 5 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Elkton, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Elkton, FL is Little Manatee River State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 29 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Elkton, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Elkton, FL.
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