Best Campgrounds near Gibsonton, FL
Campgrounds for various types of camping can be found in multiple areas near Gibsonton, Florida. Fort De Soto Campground in Saint Petersburg offers tent, RV, and glamping options with waterfront sites approximately 20 miles southwest of Gibsonton. Little Manatee River State Park Campground in Wimauma, just 10 miles east, provides tent, RV, and cabin accommodations with electric hookups and water access. E.G. Simmons Regional Park in Ruskin features tent and RV sites with electric and sewer hookups about 8 miles south of Gibsonton. The area includes both state parks and county-managed recreation areas, with most campgrounds open year-round.
Many sites require advance reservations, especially during winter months when the region experiences an influx of visitors seeking warmer weather. The subtropical climate makes camping possible throughout the year, though summer brings high humidity, frequent afternoon thunderstorms, and mosquitoes. Most campgrounds in the area offer electric hookups, drinking water, and sanitary dump stations, with varying levels of shade and site privacy. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region, though some parks have limited WiFi availability. A camper wrote about Fort De Soto Park: "This campground helped me relieve those worries. The site has plenty of options for both clothes lines and hammocks. We had neighbors on both sides and across and it was still fairly secluded."
Campers report high satisfaction with sites near water bodies, particularly those with views of Tampa Bay or access to the Hillsborough and Little Manatee Rivers. Wildlife viewing opportunities are abundant, with visitors frequently mentioning sightings of dolphins, manatees, and various bird species. Several campgrounds feature hiking and biking trails, with paved paths at Fort De Soto Park and nature trails at Little Manatee River State Park. While some sites offer direct water access, others are tucked into more wooded settings with greater privacy. A review noted that at Fort De Soto, "They did a great job at keeping a lot of natural growth to maintain privacy and a true tropical feel. There was plenty of shade, but also plenty of sunshine when you wanted it." Campgrounds closer to urban areas tend to have more amenities but may experience higher traffic and noise levels.
