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Best Campgrounds near Tampa, FL

933 Reviews

Several camping areas near Tampa give you options between beach settings and wooded retreats. Fort De Soto Campground sits by the shores in Tierra Verde, with both tent and RV sites close to beaches and walking paths. Hillsborough River State Park Campground has sites among the trees where you can hike or take a canoe out on the water. Watch out for wildlife like raccoons and alligators - proper food storage is important in these parts. The drive into Tampa is quick if you want to check out city attractions between camping days. Roads to these campgrounds are usually in good shape, though they can get muddy during rainy periods. Both campgrounds have bathrooms and showers, making longer stays more comfortable. Fishing is good along the river and in nearby lakes if you bring your gear. Hiking trails run throughout the natural areas surrounding both campgrounds. You'll find these camping spots easily with the clear signs posted on main roads. The contrast between beach camping at Fort De Soto and forest camping at Hillsborough River gives you completely different experiences close to the same city. Make sure to follow the posted rules about wildlife and camping practices while you're there.

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Pasco County - Crews Lake Wilderness Park

Pasco County - Crews Lake Wilderness Park

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Hardee Lakes Park

Hardee Lakes Park

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Best Camping Sites Near Tampa, Florida (254)

    1. Hillsborough River State Park Campground

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

    $24 / night

    "What a neat park :) This park is only a ½ hour from Tampa and I checked it out while in town on business."

    "Fantastic Campground not far from Tampa. This could be a good park to stay at if you want to do Busch Gardens which is just 16 miles away."

    2. Fort De Soto Campground

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

    $38 - $48 / night

    "Very good option in the Tampa Bay"

    "Ft.DeSoto sits at the mouth of Tampa bay and The Gulf of Mexico. The campground is open year around with 236 sites. They have a tent area and a separate pet area. Water sites are available."

    3. Lazydays RV Resort

    14 Reviews
    Lee, FL
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (813) 246-4777

    "Great location just outside Tampa, Fl. Wonderful facilities and friendly staff. nearby RV dealership is largest in America with huge service department and camping/RV store."

    "This campground is close to Busch Gardens Tampa. We stayed here in a motor home."

    4. MacDill AFB FamCamp

    9 Reviews
    Gibsonton, FL
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (813) 840-6919

    ".); you have to drive to the main side for those. Not a big deal.

    For long-terming, you're responsible for your yard. The FamCamp officer loans them out from the office."

    "Close to a small beach and marina with a restaurant walking distance. Several dog parks but muddy/dirt. Laundry available for fee. Bath houses clean and large.

    Good amenities on base."

    5. E.G. Simmons Regional Park

    19 Reviews
    Ruskin, FL
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (813) 671-7655

    $24 / night

    "Right on Tampa Bay. Public swim area and picnic area. Lots of paved roads which was great for biking. Several Osprey nests and other birds to watch on the water."

    "When you kayak down the channel into Tamp Bay what a great view of Tampa, St. Petersburg and the Skyway bridge.  Beautiful sunsets from the beach and boat ramp or out in the kayak."

    6. Lithia Springs Conservation Park

    12 Reviews
    Durant, FL
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (813) 744-5572

    $24 / night

    "Stayed over mother's day weekend at Lithia Springs."

    "Stayed over mother's day weekend at Lithia Springs."

    7. Bay Bayou RV Resort

    6 Reviews
    Oldsmar, FL
    11 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."

    8. Lake Park

    5 Reviews
    Lutz, FL
    9 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!"

    9. St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA Holiday

    26 Reviews
    Bay Pines, FL
    23 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."

    10. Little Manatee River State Park Campground

    25 Reviews
    Ruskin, FL
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (813) 671-5005

    $22 / night

    "Tampa is not too far away, but the park is kind of removed."

    "This campsite is right outside of Little Manatee River State Park. I even missed the entrance and went to Little Manatee because I missed the turn."

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Recent Camping Photos near Tampa, FL

252 Photos of 254 Tampa Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Tampa, FL

933 Reviews of 254 Tampa Campgrounds

  • Amanda W.
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Camp Margaritaville RV Resort and Cabana Cabins Auburndale

    So fun! Huge sites!!

    Margaritaville is so clean & spacious!! The store has so much great stuff and there is always entertainment. They even have a big farmers market on Sundays with tons of vendors. There are two big pools (the back one is quiet) with bars, yummy drinks and good food. They are pet friendly & have dog poo stations along the roads. Very close to a long biking trail & there’s a gas station near the entrance. Beautifully landscaped & friendly staff.

  • 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.

Guide to Tampa

Camping near Tampa, Florida, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Explore the beaches: Many campgrounds, like Fort De Soto Campground, are close to stunning beaches. One camper mentioned, "I love coming here when I am in St. Pete! They have a dog beach too!"
  • Kayaking and fishing: At Hillsborough River State Park Campground, you can rent kayaks or canoes. A visitor shared, "You can rent kayaks or canoes to take a trip down a wonderfully peaceful river."
  • Wildlife watching: Myakka River State Park is great for spotting alligators and birds. One camper noted, "It's quiet, and there's plenty of wildlife to be seen: Lots of birds, alligators, deer, wild turkeys."

What campers like:

What you should know:

  • Bugs can be a problem: Some campers have reported issues with bugs, especially in warmer months. A review for Fort De Soto Campground mentioned, "The bugs were so bad... it was absolutely miserable."
  • Limited amenities at some sites: Not all campgrounds have full hookups. A camper at Lake Manatee State Park Campground noted, "It does not have full hookups."
  • Noise from nearby roads: Some campgrounds are close to busy roads or racetracks. A visitor 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 Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, which offers activities for kids. One camper said, "There are so many sites and yes there are people around but there’s serious vegetation between all the sites that you have plenty of privacy."
  • Plan for activities: Make sure to check out local attractions. A review for St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA mentioned, "You must visit John’s Pass. The view on the water is amazing."
  • Pack for the weather: Florida can be hot and humid, so bring plenty of water and sunscreen. A camper at Hillsborough River State Park Campground noted, "The sites have picnic tables and a fire ring."

Tips from RVers:

Camping around Tampa, FL, has something for everyone, whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin. Enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is beach camping available near Tampa Bay?

Yes, beach camping is available near Tampa Bay with several excellent options. Shell Key Preserve offers a premier beach camping experience accessible only by water. This pristine location features amazing wildlife viewing including stingrays and various bird species, though reservations are required and there are restrictions (no pets or alcohol). E.G. Simmons Regional Park near Ruskin provides waterfront camping with boat access to Tampa Bay. For those seeking amenities with beach proximity, St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA Holiday offers full facilities within easy reach of Gulf beaches.

Where are the best campgrounds in Tampa, Florida?

Tampa offers several outstanding campgrounds within easy reach of the city. Hillsborough River State Park Campground stands out just 30 minutes from Tampa, featuring class 2 rapids (rare in Florida), a swimming pool, kayak rentals, and over 13 miles of hiking trails. For RV enthusiasts, Lazydays RV Resort provides excellent facilities, friendly staff, and convenient access to America's largest RV dealership with a comprehensive service department. Other notable options include Edward Medard Park with full RV services and water activities, and Alafia River State Park for budget-conscious campers seeking a well-maintained facility with a small lake.

What tent camping sites are available in the Tampa area?

The Tampa area offers diverse tent camping options. Oak Ridge Primitive Campground provides an excellently maintained primitive camping experience through the Southwest Florida Water Management District. For a more developed experience, Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park features shaded tent sites with fire pits perfect for stargazing, though occasional air traffic from Tampa International is noticeable. Additional options include Alafia River State Park with affordable sites around a small lake, and Little Manatee River State Park Campground offering riverside tent camping. Most sites require reservations, and facilities range from basic (pit toilets, no showers) to full-service campgrounds with bathhouses.

What are the closest camping options near Busch Gardens Tampa?

Hillsborough River State Park Campground is just 16 miles from Busch Gardens Tampa, making it an ideal base for visiting the theme park. The campground offers comprehensive amenities including hiking trails, a swimming pool, and kayak rentals. Another convenient option is Edward Medard Park, located a short drive from Tampa with full RV hookups, clean bathroom facilities, and recreational activities like kayaking. For those willing to stay a bit further out, Bay Bayou RV Resort and MacDill AFB FamCamp (military access required) also provide good access to Busch Gardens while offering full hookups and resort amenities.

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