Looking for the best campgrounds near Lithia, FL? There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Find the best campgrounds near Lithia, FL. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.
Located off the St. Petersburg coast, near the mouth of Florida’s Tampa Bay, the tiny islands that make up Fort De Soto County Park have a long and storied history. More than 1,000 years ago, the islands were home to the Tocobaga peoples, who sustained themselves on local plants and seafood. In the 1500s, Spanish conquistadors began exploring Florida’s barrier islands and mainland, among them, Hernando de Soto. From the Civil War in the 1860s until the conclusion of World War II in the 1940s, the islands were used as military emplacements, first as a Union blockade, then as coastal defensive batteries. The islands finally became a state park in 1963 as an effort to preserve their long history, and provide a recreation area for locals and visitors. The park was designated America’s Top Beach in 2009, and sees more than 2.7 million annual visitors.
Fort DeSoto County Park reservations offer 238 sites for tent and RV campers. It is located on the St. Christopher and St. Jean Keys, approximately 10 miles southwest of St. Petersburg. The campground is mostly wooded, and divided up into three areas: Area 1 for tents, vans, and small campers, and Areas 2 and 3 for larger RVs. All sites are equipped with electrical and water hookups, picnic tables and cooking grills. Comfort stations with restrooms, showers and laundry facilities are located in each area; a dump station is located near Area 2. The campground also features a small store, dayroom, two playgrounds, and Wifi service; bike and kayak rentals are available. Dogs are permitted in Area 2 and the designated dog park only. Alcoholic beverages and gas-powered generators are not permitted in the park. Reservations are recommended, and can be made up to six months in advance; seven months for locals. Campsite rates are $36–$42/night.
There are plenty of activities to enjoy on a visit to Fort DeSoto County Park, including visiting Fort DeSoto. Located on the southernmost point of Mullet Key, the historic military emplacement is open to the public for self-guided tours. Explore officers’ quarters, the bakery, the hospital and various other facilities. Look out across the Gulf of Mexico for the lighthouse, constructed in 1858, on neighboring Egmont Key. The park also features more than 7 miles of sparkling, white sand beaches, including East Beach and North Beach, for sunning and swimming. These can be reached via a paved, multi-use path from the campground. There are also boat launches, a fishing pier and a snack bar. As part of the Pinellas National Wildlife Refuge, bird watchers can scan for some of the more than 300 species of resident and migratory birds, including waterfowl, shorebirds, songbirds, woodpeckers, and raptors.
A 236-site family camping area with facilities including picnic tables, grills, water, electricity, washers, dryers, sanitary disposal stations, modern restrooms, showers, play areas, and a campground store. Special camp sites for camping with pets.
$38 - $48 / night
Just minutes from downtown Tampa, this Hillsborough River State Park Camping offers a refuge from city life with its seven miles of nature trails and ample places to cool off in the water.
Except for occasional reenactments, the cannon and guns are now silent at Fort Foster. No longer do Seminole Indians have to fight to keep a foothold in Florida, and soldiers no longer guard a strategic river crossing. The reconstructed fort and its surroundings are now part of Hillsborough River State Park.
Besides a living history lesson, visitors can kayak or canoe class II river rapids, rare in Florida, hike seven miles of nature trails and swim in an ADA accessible swimming pool.
Tucked away, only a short distance from the bustling city of Tampa, camping is a popular activity at Hillsborough River State Park.
$24 / night
Standing out from the relatively flat topography of Central Florida is Alafia River State Park, a reclaimed phosphate mine with some of the most radical elevation changes in the state. This makes it a hot spot for mountain bikers, who traverse the scenic and challenging International Mountain Bike Association trails.
Equestrians and hikers can explore 20 miles of hilly trails through forests and flatwoods, stopping to relax and admire one of the park's pristine lakes.
Canoeing and fishing opportunities are available along the South Prong of the Alafia River with some lakes scattered throughout the park.
The park also offers picnic pavilions, a playground, a full-facility campground and a full-service bike shop.
Family campground is suitable for RVers and tent campers. Campers will find water and electrical hookups at each of the 30 campsites. Clean restrooms feature solar-heated showers. There are two large picnic pavilions in the campground.
Equestrian campers have access to 12 sites with equestrian designation and tie-outs for horses. Equestrian campers can access the barn, which is a short walk from the campground. There are 12 stables and 6 paddocks available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Extra parking for trailers can be accessed near the barn area. Equestrians and hikers can explore 20 miles of hilly trails through forests and flatwoods, stopping to relax and admire one of the park's pristine lakes.
For reservations, visit the Florida State Parks reservations website or call 800-326-3521 or TDD 888-433-0287.
$22 / night
LMR1
$22 / night
Well-known for its natural spring which flows year-round, cool, clean water into the Alafia River, the Lithia Springs Park was originally purchased by Gardinier, Inc., a mining company that soon became Mosaic Phosphate, Inc. When the company leased the park to Hillsborough County as a recreational area in 1957, the 160-acre site slowly became a popular camping spot.
After setting up camp, hikers can explore the woodsy trails and its diverse plant communities, river cypress swamps, and hardwood hammocks. But it is the natural spring that serves as the park’s major attraction, which---courtesy of the water’s 72 degree temperature---provides an excellent swimming experience all year long. In addition to swimming, visitors can fish and play volleyball. There is also a bath house for the parents to rest and chat, while their kids can play at the park’s playground.
The park’s 44 camping sites---which is also suitable for RVs---include water/shower and electrical services. The campers also have access to picnic shelters and tables, restrooms, and barbecue grills. There are no reservations for these sites; everything is done on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Park rules to know:
-Picnic shelters are not rented for the months April - September. -All shelters, tables and grills and parking spaces are first come first serve -Due to the high demand of the swimming area and current conditions maximum capacity is -No rain checks / refunds
$24 / night
The Canoe Outpost Little Manatee River is a private, small, family business in operation since 1978. We offer RV and tent camping, group camping area, and cabin rentals, in a rustic setting under many oak trees on six acres on the banks of the Little Manatee River adjacent to the Little Manatee River State Park. We are also a full service canoe and kayak outfitter.
$24 - $109 / night
$24 / night
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$22 / night
Colt Creek State Park
$24 / night
Traveler
*Cabin 5 stars- Clean with comfortable furniture, updated decor, t.v. in living room and bedroom, nice size bathroom and bedroom, plenty of storage cabinets/closets, washer and dryer in bathroom, shower only-no tub, dishwasher, garbage disposal, very well stocked kitchen-even had a crock pot, spacious front porch, gravel driveway with this unit-some were paved, no picnic table, small charcoal grill, linens provided-very thick towels, decent pillows *Campground 4 stars- Clean, quiet, maintained landscaping, very few trees, cottage backs up to overlook an apartment complex, check-in office is a small building that has a walk up window for check in with limited hours, no gate *Amenities 4 stars- Clean and spacious rec center, 2 pools (1 with a kiddie pool), small but nice playground, shuffle board, lake, no putt-putt, no camp store, limited activities *Staff 4 stars-friendly
Legend
This is a great location to get away from everything, without going far. It has nice, spread out spots, and plenty of activities if you are outdoorsy.
Scout
Very nice staff, the showers and toilets are simple. You hear the nearby road.
Guide
This campground is a County Park in Pinellas County. Well maintained with some of the best beaches in the US. There are three loops one for guests with pets. BRING YOUR RABIES VACCINE PAPERS!
Many sites are waterfront and are mostly well separated. Great bike trails. Restrooms are dated but well maintained. Electric amd water. 2 dump sites on property.
Good cell coverage with wifi at the office.
Scout
People- 5 Stars Wildlife Viewing- 5 Stars Moise- Negative 10. On the weekends, the airport noise is painfully deafening and hurts your ear drums even with ear pods. Wish it could be better, but with the headaches and pain in my ears and lack of sleep here make it a no go ever!
Scout
Camp hosts were wonderful. Down to earth and friendly. Bathrooms and trash cans tended well. Springs with fossil finds! All the sites are pretty close together but unless it's crowded I didn't care. Plenty of big trees on every site for cover, and if you don't mind wandering in the woods, there's lots of potential to gather firewood. They do offer bundles of cut/dried for a reasonable price.
Guide
Nice level spots. Lots to around the state park.
Scout
Beautiful location with plenty of things to do. A natural Spring, with a large playground area and nice bathroom/shower facilities
Guide
This place is brand new and very clean. The owners/operators are extremely friendly and helpful. The have glamping tents that are very cool. This isn’t the ordinary crunched in resort camping. All of the sites are spacious with large cement pads. The overall feel is laid back and quiet. There are many activities and games if you choose to participate.
Scout
My boyfriend and I just camped here for 4 days. Weekends have a different vibe on the weekdays it’s quiet. Each campground has its primitive camp charm all come with a picnic table, parking spot, a wooden pole you can hang your garbage, and a water spout near by. Overall we had a great time it’s clean, there’s mosquitoes but that is Florida camping bring bug spray and keep the fire going helps. We’ll definitely be going back one day!
GuideI couldn’t make a reservation on the website so I strolled in hoping to reserve a site at the front desk. The lady was very helpful and got me a great site. Had a lovely stay, enjoyed the sunset and a few twinkling stars. Hopefully will be back in the future.
Scout
Sawmill Campground is not what it claims to be. The so-called "trails" are frequented by older men engaging in inappropriate activities in plain view, which is both disturbing and unhygienic. This kind of behavior fosters an environment that can promote the transmission of STDs, posing health risks to anyone who visits.
The overall quality of the patrons is less than appealing, and if you have any issues with management, don't expect professionalism. They will go to great lengths to deny problems and shift blame rather than address valid concerns.
Between the unsafe environment and the lack of accountability, this place is the definition of negligence. I strongly advise avoiding Sawmill Campground for your own safety and peace of mind.
Traveler
Cabin 5 stars- Immaculately clean with comfortable furniture, bright spacious living room, t.v. in living room and bedroom, bathroom and bedroom a little tight but adequate, tub/shower combo, loft area easily accessible with stairs, no porch-but paved driveway, picnic table and grill, linens provided but towels and pillows were on the thin side *Campground 5 stars- Family friendly atmosphere, clean, quiet, sunny, well maintained landscaping *Amenities 5 stars- Clean and spacious rec center with lots of scheduled activities for adults and children-Bingo, hot food/snacks available for purchase Outdoor amenities (pool, putt-putt, shuffle board, pickle ball, playground, etc.) looked nice but we didn’t utilize them on this visit *Staff 5 stars- Efficient and very responsive
Scout
Heated pool, firepit, cornhole, bocci ball on site. Pickleball courts, golf tee off and bark park being installed. Newly updated clubhouse and rates are better than any others I have seen. Hoping I can score an annual site!!
Scout
Winter Quarters Manatee is a beautiful resort with a lot of activities and amenities (which include 2 heated pools and a spa). The staff have been great and the clubhouse is beautiful. Very close to beaches, Anna Marie Island, Sarasota, and Tampa. The only downside is that you are close to I75, and there is construction currently underway.
Legend
River Junction, Withlacoochee SF, Webster, FL. 1/2025:
(72 yr olds in 27’ trailer.)
NO PETS.
Overall Rating: 4 for site privacy and river access. Bathrooms are not clean during our stay which is following a full weekend.
Price 2024: $10 for seniors
Security: Gate w code
Usage during visit: Light during the week. Full over the weekend
Visual Privacy Between Adjacent Sites: thick shrubs
Site Spacing: Good
Pad surface: Sand
Reservations: Yes
Campground Noise: Quiet
Outside Road Noise: none
Through Traffic in campground: None
Electric Hookup: no
Sewer Hookup: no
Dump Station: yes
Potable Water Available: At site
Generators: I did not see any restrictions posted.
Bathroom: Flush toilets. Not very clean upon arriving just following a full weekend. .
Showers: yes. Not very clean.
Pull Throughs: I didn’t notice any restrictions posted
Cell Service (Verizon):
Setting: Oak Forest with low growing shrubbery
Recent Weather: Polar vortex is bringing the temps down to highs in the 50s and lows in the 30s.
Solar: Some sites better than others.
Insects: None.
Host: Yes
Rig Size: Backing can be tight
Sites: Some sites back up to river with view and access from picnic area .
Scout
I stayed with 3 adults and 3 children under the age of 8. We stayed two night in 40 degree weather. This is a great place for families wanting to start out primitive camping!
Super clean campsites and great easy trail out to the site. Very safe area. The rangers made sure there was plenty of fire wood in the wooden hut. There are trash cans at every site and campsite 1, 3 and 4 have hammock poles able to fit 3 hammocks at a time. The bathroom is a short hike with a water spout.
Only downfall is that there is a lot of road noise throughout the entire night. Definitely took away from the “nature” experience.
Such a great time! Highly recommend.
Traveler
There aren't many free spots in this area of Florida. Of course, they provide nothing other than a spot to camp with fire ring and old table, and an outhouse. We are in a 24' class C and found a nice private area that was surprisingly level. Trailers are accommodated at the equestrian campground. I suggest you arrive before dark as the road is a bit rough and narrow, with no light.
Scout
The campgrounds were nice but all campsites were too close to each other. The restrooms were not super neat but not terrible. The walking trails at this park were all quite small and friendly for all. We had a bear visit the garbage bin during the night, so you’ll have to pay attention to storing your food during the night.
Scout
Checked in to site 36 and discovered some very comfortable folks letting their gear go over multiple spots. They weren't happy we had actually showed up and "took their extra parking spot", so they parked blocking the road. No privacy, no barriers between spots. No wifi, no AT&T. Literally 3 yards away from their open fire, which also isn't legal in these dry conditions. When I asked for help with the site, I was told I was lucky to even have one at all. Ok......
Guide
Nice park. Lots of trails. Convenient location right off of highway 41, but sites are far enough in that it's quiet. Beaches are close. Restaurants are close. Power and water, but no sewer connections at sites. There is a dump station and dumpsters near the entrance of the camping area.
Scout
Very Clean Quiet and Very Helpful and Friendly Staff
Traveler
Excited to spend a few nights in some peace and quiet and was pleasantly surprised how close to Tampa this was. All to be extremely disappointed in the fact site is literally 50 feet from an active train track with trains sounding the horn all night long. Besides the road noise felt like we were next to a freeway. Not peaceful at all. 
Scout
Great campground for any type of camping. All sites at Palmetto Ridge are full hookup and many sites are pull through. ATT WiFi is fast enough to stream YouTube and YouTube TV via my Apple TV box tethered to my iPhone.
Guide
We camped overnight on a Friday and were the only people in the area. Lovely space for dispersed camping with a picnic table, fire pit, an outhouse and hiking trails. We'll definitely visit again when we're in Florida.
Traveler
I just called them and none are walk-in. All has to be reserved.
And you are not allowed pets.
ScoutThis was the first time we had camped at Fort De Soto and I was so excited because we planned it for my 61st birthday. However, the bugs were so bad. We set up camp with our tent and all our gear, the bugs became so bad we took it all down and went home.I love the fact that my two dogs could come, but the bugs are a no go. It was absolutely miserable. Other than that it’s a beautiful area so maybe we will try again in the winter. I live north of here in Pasco County and frequently bring my dogs down to the dog beach, which is absolutely beautiful. A shame the campground is so infested.
Camping near Lithia, Florida, offers a mix of natural beauty and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.
Camping near Lithia, Florida, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just be sure to plan ahead and check the specific campground details to make the most of your trip!
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Lithia, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, Lithia, FL offers a wide range of camping options, with 290 campgrounds and RV parks near Lithia, FL and 4 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Lithia, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Lithia, FL is Fort De Soto Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 136 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Lithia, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Lithia, FL.
What parks are near Lithia, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 parks near Lithia, FL that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.
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