Best Campgrounds near Oldsmar, FL

The coastal region of Oldsmar, Florida provides access to diverse camping options spread across state parks, RV resorts, and wilderness areas. Fort De Soto Campground in Saint Petersburg offers waterfront sites for tents, RVs, and glamping with boat-in access. Just north of Oldsmar, Caladesi RV Park in Palm Harbor and Clearwater-Lake Tarpon KOA accommodate RVers and tent campers, while Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park features tent sites, RV spaces, and cabins with hiking trails through natural Florida landscapes. The St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA Holiday rounds out the developed campgrounds with cabin accommodations in an urban setting.

Many campgrounds in the Tampa Bay area require reservations, particularly during the winter months when seasonal visitors seek warmer temperatures. Accessibility varies between the urban and wilderness sites, with state parks typically offering more natural settings. "This is a great place to visit. Camp hosts were wonderful as well," noted one visitor about Colt Creek State Park. Waterfront sites at places like Fort De Soto fill quickly, especially during peak tourist season from January through March. Summer camping brings high humidity and temperatures, with afternoon thunderstorms common from June through September. Florida's hurricane season officially runs from June through November, potentially affecting camping plans in coastal areas.

Camping experiences near Oldsmar blend urban proximity with natural Florida ecosystems. Visitors frequently mention wildlife encounters as highlights of their stays. One camper at St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA Holiday described it as "a natural spot hidden in the city" with views of "lush mangrove lined Long Bayou." The mixed-use campgrounds in the area accommodate various camping styles, from primitive tent sites at wilderness parks to full-hookup RV resorts. Water activities feature prominently in reviews, with opportunities for fishing, paddling, and wildlife viewing. State parks like Hillsborough River State Park offer more natural settings with trails and water access, while private campgrounds typically provide more amenities like pools, laundry facilities, and organized activities. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region except in some wilderness areas.

Best Camping Sites Near Oldsmar, Florida (222)

    1. Caladesi RV Park

    16 Reviews
    Palm Harbor, FL
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (727) 784-3622

    $45 - $75 / night

    "Decent size spot with stone drive and cement patio. Bathrooms and showers are kept clean. Nice laundry facilities with area to play cards if you wanted. Pool area is nice with shade spots."

    "We first came here a year ago and I was worried about it being so close to a main road, but after staying here I can tell you that it's very quiet and relaxing. "

    2. Fort De Soto Campground

    140 Reviews
    Tierra Verde, FL
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (727) 582-2100

    $38 - $48 / 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."

    3. St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA Holiday

    26 Reviews
    Bay Pines, FL
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (727) 392-2233

    "Petersburg/Madeira Beach KOA Holiday, and I’m excited to share my positive review! I’ve hosted friends in their Deluxe Cabins before, and they were thoroughly impressed."

    "It has all of the amenities you would ever want and is so close to Florida beaches. Pool, hot tub, store, workout room, fishing and kayaking and lots more to do right in the park."

    4. Bay Bayou RV Resort

    6 Reviews
    Oldsmar, FL
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (813) 855-1000

    "There’s a place to fish, a place to chill on the dock and not fish, trees are everywhere and lots of random wildlife roaming around.

    Staff has been super friendly too."

    5. Clearwater-Lake Tarpon KOA

    6 Reviews
    Tarpon Springs, FL
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (727) 937-8412

    $25 / night

    "We camped at Clearwater/ Lake Tarpon KOA Holiday in a Fifth Wheel."

    6. Hillsborough River State Park Campground

    65 Reviews
    Thonotosassa, FL
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (813) 987-6771

    $24 / 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."

    7. Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park

    12 Reviews
    New Port Richey, FL
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (727) 834-3247

    "Great get away in west-central Florida as a day trip or long weekend stay.

    We spent the day hiking the numerous off-road trails and enjoying some of the amenities the park has to offer."

    "3.2 mile hike through mostly open Florida pine forest with the occasional swamp. Perfect time of year to come. Site has great shade and opens up at the fire pit for great star gazing."

    8. Caladesi Island State Park Campground

    5 Reviews
    Dunedin, FL
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (727) 469-5918

    $24 / night

    "One of the last undeveloped barrier islands in Florida. It's around 650 acres with tons of boardwalks and hiking."

    "Next to honeymoon island state park and just south of anclote

    Boat camping ONLY — tents/Rvs are not permitted.

    First come/first serve boat slips, pet friendly (yay for dogs)"

    9. Clearwater RV Resort

    4 Reviews
    Clearwater, FL
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 831-1204

    "Off a very busy road hidden behind a hotel and a restaurant. Very clean and tidy park with RV sites and park models. Huge laundry room and very nice bath houses. Customer service is good."

    "Best location for moving around the area.  Use Drew not Gulf to Bay to move across the city.

    Great customer service Suzy and the crew are very helpful. "

    10. Lake Park

    5 Reviews
    Lutz, FL
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (813) 264-3806

    "I live in an adjacent neighborhood (2 years) and walk this park daily with my doggos. I’ve biked all the trails and been here from sunrise to sunset."

    "This park has a really great walking trail around a lake with exercise stations. I’ve seen some horses on the trails also. There’s a cool BMX and rc car track too!"

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 222 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Oldsmar, FL

880 Reviews of 222 Oldsmar Campgrounds


  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Belle Parc RV Resort

    Belle parc is a very relaxing campground

    So check in was easy and the ladies at the front office where amazing and very hospitable. We were shown to our campsite by a very nice gentleman. He even helped us back in and hook up. As for the stay it’s been very relaxing and quiet. The shower houses are awesome. We backed up to one of the lakeside areas where the fishing was excellent. We were Also located next to a pool and it was very clean with limited activity from other guest. Would definitely recommend to stay again.

  • SukiDookie ..The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Upper Hillsborough Water Management Area

    Very quiet and peaceful

    We were the only ones there for the weekend, probably because of the summer heat. However, it was nice and free. There is a porta-potty, but I didn’t check it out, so I’m not sure about the cleanliness. The grounds were nicely maintained, though. I do wish the fire rings weren’t so damaged, and the lack of trash cans was surprising. Just take your trash with you, leave no trace, and it was an enjoyable and free experience!

  • N
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Sundance Lakes RV Resort

    They don't care about their residents!

    I lived in this park full-time for 2½ years when Hurricane Helene submerged it under 3½ feet of water. The damage left the park without power for months, forcing us to move out and causing tremendous expenses. During that time, the park made no effort to assist or support the residents in any way. 

    When I applied for FEMA assistance, I was told I needed a simple letter from the park confirming the extended power outage. They refused to provide it, even though it would have cost them nothing and could have helped residents like me recover some of our losses. 

    Instead of showing compassion or accountability, they chose to do nothing. The staff at this park are unprofessional, unhelpful, and unwilling to take responsibility. It was a deeply disappointing experience, and I would never recommend living here.

  • Julia Marie H.
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Encore Vacation Village

    Mosquitoes beware

    This is a mosquito heaven!!! Being bug spray or candles! You will see a large amount of bugs in your area…. They used to spray. But now they don’t… with a pond down the street there is No end in site for air borne bug issues.

  • Jackie S.
    Aug. 15, 2025

    Gulfbreeze RV Park

    Great little cozy park

    Everyone here treats you like family here

  • C
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Bay Bayou RV Resort

    Excellent clean campground

    Excellent clean campground with great service.

  • Bunkwanaringümü D.
    Aug. 4, 2025

    Lake Rogers Park

    No longer for Camping

    This site no longer permits camping from my experience. I did camp there one night and nobody said anything but upon camping the second night I was told it’s no longer a public campground. Other than that it was a beautiful place.

  • Stacy
    Jul. 30, 2025

    Crooked River Campground — Withlacoochee State Forest

    Great idea for easy campground finds

    After days of searching to find a camp or lot for my cable van i can't across this little gem. The app easily downloaded and immediately provided me with numerous options and locations for my needs


Guide to Oldsmar

Camping near Oldsmar, Florida, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Kayaking and Fishing: Enjoy the water at Fort De Soto Campground. One camper shared, "I was able to do some fishing and got a few spotted sea trout." The area is known for its wildlife and scenic views.
  • Hiking Trails: Explore the trails at Hillsborough River State Park Campground. A visitor mentioned, "Lots of trails for walking, hiking, and biking," making it a great spot for outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Beach Access: Relax at the beach from Turtle Beach Campground. One happy camper said, "On the beach with shells, sunsets, waves and all that the beach has to offer."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Oscar Scherer State Park Campground. A reviewer noted, "The bathrooms were clean and plenty of them throughout the campground."
  • Wildlife Viewing: Many enjoy the wildlife at Myakka River State Park. One visitor said, "It's quiet, and there's plenty of wildlife to be seen: Lots of birds, alligators, deer, wild turkeys."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers love the spaciousness at Colt Creek State Park Campground. A guest mentioned, "Very quiet and spacious. Wildlife in abundance."

What you should know

  • Bugs in Summer: Be prepared for bugs, especially in the warmer months at Fort De Soto Campground. One camper warned, "The bugs were so bad... it was absolutely miserable."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Lake Manatee State Park Campground, may not have full hookups. A visitor noted, "It does not have full hookups."
  • Noise from Nearby Roads: If you're sensitive to noise, consider the location of your site. A camper at Lake Manatee State Park Campground mentioned, "The racetrack nearby made the location a bit unsettling."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Hillsborough River State Park Campground, which has activities for kids. A reviewer said, "The rangers were amazing and patrolled the campground on a regular basis."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a plan for activities. One family at Little Manatee River State Park Campground enjoyed the "plenty of walking, hiking, and biking."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Keep everyone happy with snacks. A camper at St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA mentioned, "The amenities were top-notch, including the heated outdoor pool."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Colt Creek State Park Campground said, "We were a 45’ motorcoach with a 20’ tow behind."
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you need full hookups, check campgrounds like Crystal Isles RV Resort. A reviewer noted, "FHU, gravel site."
  • Be Prepared for Close Quarters: Some RV parks can be tight. One camper at Crystal Isles RV Resort mentioned, "The sites were very close together."

Camping near Oldsmar, Florida, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Oldsmar, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, Oldsmar, FL offers a wide range of camping options, with 222 campgrounds and RV parks near Oldsmar, FL and 4 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Oldsmar, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Oldsmar, FL is Caladesi RV Park with a 4.3-star rating from 16 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Oldsmar, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Oldsmar, FL.