Best Campgrounds near Gulfport, FL
The Gulfport, Florida area includes several established campgrounds offering varied accommodations within easy reach of beaches and coastal attractions. Fort De Soto Campground, located at the southern tip of Pinellas County, provides tent, RV, and glamping options with waterfront views of the Gulf of Mexico. Shell Key Preserve offers a primitive camping experience accessible only by boat, while St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA Holiday features tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals approximately 5 miles north of Gulfport. Terry Tomalin Campground and Little Manatee River State Park also provide camping opportunities within 30 minutes of Gulfport.
Most campgrounds in the region remain open year-round due to Florida's mild winter climate, though summer humidity and occasional storms affect camping conditions. A review from The Dyrt noted, "We saw sting rays, a baby turtle, many different birds and other wildlife within 5 minutes of parking the boat," highlighting the natural encounters possible at Shell Key Preserve. Several sites require advance permits, including Shell Key which mandates a free camping permit from Pinellas County. Waterfront sites typically fill quickly during winter months when seasonal visitors arrive. Tent campers should be prepared for sandy ground conditions, especially at beach-adjacent locations. Cell service remains strong throughout most of the region due to its proximity to urban areas.
Waterfront camping represents the most distinctive feature of the Gulfport camping landscape. Shell Key Preserve stands out as a primitive island camping destination where visitors must pack in and out all supplies. According to one camper, "If you want an adventure leading you to an amazing camp spot, this is it!" The preserve requires visitors to bring portable toilets as no facilities exist on the island. Several campgrounds enforce specific rules—Terry Tomalin Campground prohibits alcohol, smoking, and RVs, while Fort De Soto and MacDill AFB FamCamp have clear pet policies. The region's mixed-use campgrounds typically provide water hookups, electric service, and sanitary facilities, with many offering shore access for fishing and watersports. Sites with shade tend to be limited at beach locations but more abundant at inland campgrounds.
