Fort De Soto Campground offers extensive camping options 30 minutes from Gulfport, Florida across Tampa Bay. The area includes both mainland and barrier island locations with subtropical vegetation and extensive wetland areas. Camping elevations range from sea level to just 10 feet, with seasonal temperature variations from winter lows in the 50s to summer highs regularly exceeding 90°F, accompanied by high humidity levels.
What to do
Wildlife viewing from kayaks: Fort De Soto Park connects to miles of paddling routes where campers regularly encounter marine life. "Great spot for relaxing by the water. Highly recommend. Bring good bug spray lol," suggests one Fort De Soto Campground visitor.
Hiking natural trails: Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park offers over 50 miles of trails through diverse Florida ecosystems. "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," notes a Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park visitor.
Cycling on paved paths: Many campgrounds feature dedicated cycling routes through natural areas. "Lots of paved roads which was great for biking," reports a visitor to E.G. Simmons Regional Park, which offers both paved and unpaved trails suitable for recreational cyclists.
What campers like
Private waterfront sites: E.G. Simmons offers spacious waterfront camping with water and electric hookups. "Nearly every campsite is right on the water - easy in and out for kayaks, large boat ramp and many picnic pavilions. Great trails for bike riding and wonderful for saltwater fishing among the mangroves," notes a visitor to E.G. Simmons Regional Park.
Wildlife encounters: Multiple campgrounds provide opportunities to observe Florida wildlife in natural settings. "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 a Fort De Soto visitor.
Shade coverage: Many camping areas feature natural canopies that moderate Florida heat. "The campground is completely shaded by oak trees. At night the green fireflies put on an amazing light show in the canopy," explains a visitor to Hillsborough River State Park Campground.
What you should know
Insect preparation: No-see-ums and mosquitoes require proper planning at coastal sites. "You really cannot stay outside at dusk. Citronella torches, spray, fans, Avon skin so soft...none of these work for the no-see-ums," warns an E.G. Simmons camper.
Variable facility quality: Bathhouse conditions range widely between parks. "The bathrooms are well kept and clean. The park itself is very nice, with some hikes and kayak rentals! You can kayak in the river, which is really neat to do," describes a visitor at Hillsborough River State Park.
Reservation requirements: Popular sites require advance planning, especially for glamping experiences near Gulfport. "Book in advanced, especially if you want to stay more than a night or two," advises a Palmetto Ridge Campground visitor about their waterfront camping experience.
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife education opportunities: Multiple parks offer educational programming for children. "Tons of great hiking & even some elevated bridges for site seeing. Tons of gators, birds, deer etc. There is also a scenic drive in the park, a 'fisherman's loop' & a few picnic areas," notes a Palmetto Ridge Campground visitor.
Playground access: Several sites include dedicated recreation areas for children. "Starkey Park campground is clean, rustic, and has lots of firewood for campers. There are many hiking, bike trails, and 2 playgrounds within mere steps of your tent or cabin," explains a Terry Tomalin Campground visitor.
Weekend crowds: Family-friendly campgrounds can become busy during peak times. "During the week its very quiet there yet on Fridays it packs in and Sunday it clears out again," shares an E.G. Simmons camper regarding seasonal patterns.
Tips from RVers
Site size considerations: Glamping and RV sites near Gulfport vary significantly in dimensions. "The Palmetto Ridge pull thrus are gigantic. I would say the vegetation gives semi privacy but they aren't on top of each other so it's not like you're looking right at your neighbor," explains a camper at Palmetto Ridge Campground.
Hookup options: Water and electrical access varies by location. "We stayed at site 55 of the East CG which was right on the water where we launched our kayaks to paddle the canals amongst the Mangroves. Paved roads, packed sand and grass sites, 30A and water at each site, two separate campgrounds each with a dump station and bath house," details an E.G. Simmons visitor.
