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Best Tent Camping near Osprey, FL

562 Reviews

Tent campsites in the Osprey, Florida area range from established campgrounds to primitive wilderness sites, primarily within state parks and natural areas. Myakka River State Park offers primitive tent sites that require hiking up to 14 miles from trailheads, while Cayo Costa State Park provides a unique island camping experience accessible only by boat or ferry. These tent camping options allow visitors to experience Florida's diverse ecosystems including wetlands, coastal areas, and pine forests.

Tent campers should prepare for Florida's subtropical conditions when planning their stay. Most primitive sites have minimal amenities, with some locations like Myakka River State Park offering pitcher pumps for water that requires filtering or treatment. Fire regulations vary by location and season, with some areas like Cayo Costa restricting fires. Insects are a significant consideration, particularly no-see-ums and mosquitoes that can be prevalent year-round but especially problematic in warmer months. Several tent campgrounds provide composting or vault toilets, but backcountry sites often require pack-in, pack-out practices for all waste.

The tent camping experience near Osprey offers opportunities for wildlife viewing and natural solitude not available at developed campgrounds. Myakka River State Park's primitive tent sites feature three individual campsites per area, each with a fire ring and pack-hanging post. The tent-only areas in these parks provide access to hiking trails, paddling opportunities, and wildlife observation areas where campers might spot alligators, various bird species, and other Florida wildlife. Spaces between tent sites vary considerably, with some providing more privacy than others. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, "Myakka River State Park is 10 miles outside of Sarasota Florida, but feels very far removed from the city. The primitive campsites are my favorites because they're not as crowded as the established campgrounds."

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Best Tent Sites Near Osprey, Florida (11)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Osprey, FL

20 Photos of 11 Osprey Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Osprey, FL

562 Reviews of 11 Osprey Campgrounds

  • Ari A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 22, 2022

    Flying A Campground — Myakka State Forest

    Peaceful spot

    Nice but small primitive state forest campground. Only 10 sites and one is for the camp host. About half the sites are back-in and can hold small RVs. The rest are tent only although the parking space is large enough to put a van-sized RV in sideways.

    All the sites are quite large and well separated from neighboring sites. With the right mix of campers, you could have a super peaceful night in the forest without having to bushwhack your way in. (Our night included a site with small kids the parents kept yelling at. Ugh.)

    All sites have a fire ring and picnic table

    There are vault toilets available in the loop and there is a potable water spigot at the nearby ranger station (firewood also available there).

    Nearby hiking trails are rated easy and moderate and the trailhead is just a quarter mile down the road.

    The campground is gated (you get the lock code when you reserve a site). Note that this campground requires reservations.

    If you're self-contained and looking for a nice quiet spot to camp, this would be a good spot to choose.

    Cell service on Verizon was ok with a jetpack, better with a MIMO antenna attached. (1 bar without /2-3 bars with but data speeds with MIMO were decent).

    T-Mobile service was good but kept bouncing between 4G and 5G on phone, which made it a bit erratic. On jetpack that only does 4G, had a strong signal with good data rates.

  • Cosmo L.
    May. 31, 2019

    Fort De Soto Campground

    Nice once you get in.

    Reservations months in advance required. Nice dog beach. No alcohol allowed so keep it inside along with music. No hookups.

  • L O.
    Sep. 6, 2020

    Fort De Soto Campground

    Breathtaking beaches, get the low, tent-site numbers.

    Stayed two nights here. Arrived in the afternoon and found site number (38) easily. The tent sites on the outer side of the loops are bedded in sand, and the ones on the inner side are bedded in crushed shells and are nearer the restrooms and facilities. The back side of number 38 leads to a grassy area lined by trees on the far side that block the sunset. Recommend site 30 or below so that the back side of your site leads to the water and beautiful sunsets. Be prepared to deal with mosquitoes and raccoons. On the first night, a raccoon approached the table without regard and tried to open the portable trash can! They're active and large, and can be seen at night throughout the campground raiding the trash bins. Went on a bike ride the following day, and upon returning saw that a raccoon had opened the Coleman 52-gallon cooler, taken out the carton of eggs, cracked all six eggs, and eaten each egg yolk, leaving the whites and the shells strewn about the picnic table and ground nearby. Thankful that it had not touched the Ferrero Rocher chocolates. Resolved to put the cooler inside the car when absent henceforth. There is a campground store near the entrance with everything from ice to wood to tuna, milk, fishing supplies... it's a mini-market. There is a souvenir shop and food shop near the fort part. Didn't go to the fort or museum. Had a delicious fish and chips meal at the food shop. The bike paths are wide along the main vehicular roads. The highlight of the site is the North Beach. It's ample and clean. White sands. Shallow shores. Pleasant, perfect.

  • Jeanene A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 9, 2017

    Cayo Costa State Park Campground

    Best Island Camping in Florida

    Want to avoid the crowds and have a heavenly beach camping experience? Cayo Costa is absolutely the best place for getting away from everything civilized!. They offer primitive camping only, bring your tent and good stakes as the wind is steady there) or rent a cabin (there are 12 of them - no a/c - no sleeps 6 - single stacked wooden bunks - no padding) and reachable only by ferry (must reserve ahead) or private boat. There are showers and restrooms but no sinks for washing dishes and you are asked to take everything you bring on the island off with you.

    Can you say dark... make sure you bring flashlights and headlamps because this place is DARK at night!

    No phone signals and no electricity so leave your cell phones at home unless you have a charging block and want to use to take photos. Easiest way to get there is by ferry, they will haul your camping gear and even your kayak if you reserve in advance.There are carts available to load your gear in to get it off the dock from the ferry (but you may have to wait in line to use), and a golf cart/tram or truck will take you back to the camping area.During the day the beach is busy during summer break, but many folks come out for the day only. The island is fun to explore - "At one time approximately 20 fishing families lived on Cayo Costa in the early 1900s, where they established a school, a post office and a grocery store." per the state park website

    The 9 miles of beach is great! Nice and shallow for a bit (on parts of the beach) but the shelling is awesome. Lots of different shells and sharks teeth from many varieties of sharks . Usually you are able to purchase wood for fires at the ranger station. Bring all of your food and WATER. Also pack lots of bug spray for no-see-ums and mosquitos, Sunblock, Sunglasses and a hat - you will be glad you did as the reflection off the water can be brutal..You are pretty much on your own out there after the last ferry leaves for the day, enjoy a moonlit walk on the beach or an amazing sunset.

    One of our top 5 favorite camps in Florida!

  • Jeanene A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 16, 2019

    Oak Hill Campground - Peace River

    Ranger Review: ICEMULE Cooler at Peace River

    Campground Review: If you are looking for a clean, remote, large camping area, with large spread out sites and few amenities - this is it. Reservations for the Oak Hill campground can only be acquired through the Peace River Canoe Outpost. They maintain, clean and patrol the sites in addition to hauling your gear/firewood there so you do not have to paddle down the river with it. Sites have picnic tables, fire rings and port-o-lets available.

    You can hike around the peninsula of Oak Hill and explore, look for fossils and sharks teeth at the waters edge or just site back and enjoy the peace and quiet. We had no trouble from squirrels or raccoons (we hung our trash out of reach just in case). Kids will find a way to keep busy exploring but there is space for a bit of catch or game of Frisbee.Manhunt was popular on our trip! These sites are very popular with scouting troops and locals - call easily to schedule your trip especially on weekends!

    Product Review: As a “Ranger” for The Dyrt, I get products to test from time to time – this weekend I tested the ICEMULE Pro backpack cooler. This cooler was the large model (23L) in my favorite color green! Product was put through it’s paces on a hot spring day in Florida while kayaking on the Peace River. We packed a couple frozen water bottles and a few chilled bottles and everything for breakfast casserole for 11 the next morning, 2 small icepacks and a quart size back of loose ice cubes. Everything held temperature. We barely had room to fold over top 3 times as suggested and we did inflate just a small bit to add to the insulation properties per instructions using small valve on side of bag. Backpacking straps were a bonus for carrying to the launch and back to camp!

    This cooler is so well built and tough! All seams are well put together and sturdy exterior fabric will surely last though quite a bit of abuse. I did not test to see if it floats when full as advertised. This cooler rolls up nice and small when empty and for storage – but mine will not see much storage time – this cooler will be going out on the water with me all summer! The ICEMULE Pro outperformed 2 other coolers persons in our party brought… they will be purchasing one like mine soon!

  • Colin R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 4, 2023

    St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA Holiday

    Great time and very clear facilities.

    We tent camped here for two nights. I really enjoyed our stay and the staff were very friendly and helpful.

    We stayed one of the premium tent sites, but unfortunately there is a very bright street light on all night right next to premium camping. The primitive campsites with no hookups are in a much more secluded area and not affected by lighting at night.

    Other than that, everything else was great.

  • S
    Jul. 9, 2021

    Thousand Trails Peace River

    Enjoyed our stay

    This was our second Thousand Trails stay. Unlike The Oaks at Point South you have to find your own spot. It's a little unnerving. Fortunately, we had a few to choose from as soon as we arrived. There are a few paved roads but others are not. It had just rained a lot due to Hurricane Eta and there are huge potholes. So go slow!!!! We chose D14, back in. All of their sites are back in and they stress that over and over. FHU, no shade at our site, picnic table, fire ring with flip grill, grass pad. Fire rings are close to your neighbors camper b/c of mowing. Just move it. No cable or WiFi. Great Verizon. Pool was suppose to be open but they had to redo the pool deck. It was open the last day we were there and it's very nice. There is road noise, with air on not a problem. The back part of part is closed b/c of drainage issues. The site next to us the electricy didn't work which was great for us. Extra room! The sites are very spacious. In the winter when it's crowded they have a system of getting sites. Our water hookup didn't have a handle. Notified the office and it was fixed. You don't see staff out much at all. In a week, I saw 2 employees drive by.

  • Meghan O.
    Jul. 4, 2018

    Fort De Soto Campground

    Busy Campground With Nice Ammenities

    close to the breweries in art district of St Pete Florida, Fort Desoto Campground has everything you could want for a long weekend or quick getaway. There's a general store if you want to stock up on snacks, fishing tackle, pool floats, or ice cream, or just catch a little air conditioning and Wi-Fi. The General Store also has a nice balcony overlooking the water and some oyster beds.

    The campsites are suitable for car camping, hammock camping, tent camping, or RVs. Be sure to bring your rain gear and rain flies, as Florida thunderstorms are brief but no joke. You can rent bicycles down closer to the actual Old Fort where there's also a huge fishing pier and plenty of old military installations to explore. However don't rely on using the bikes to get back to the campground as there's no drop-off on the other side.

    It can be a bit of a long walk from the campground itself to the Old Fort, which shouldn't be a problem unless you didn't pack the right clothes or shoes. If, like me, you find yourself a little under-prepared, there is Lyft and Uber in the area and in a pinch you can use that to get back and forth between the campground and the fort.

    Our neighbors at the next campsite over we're, unfortunately, a bit of a party crowd, which made for a loud night and very little sleep. That said the restrooms were nice and easy to reach and all of the amenities or what you would expect at a bigger busy or campground.

  • Elliott B.
    May. 31, 2017

    Fort De Soto Campground

    Nice shaded sites in a great area

    Make a reservation online in advance (as far in advance as you are certain you'll be there) at https://public.co.pinellas.fl.us/parks/ParksMain.jsp

       Although, good luck. These sites are almost always booked up months in advance (I mean months) since Pinellas County residents can book 7 months in advance, but they are changing up the reservation and cancellation fees and process up which will hopefully make it easier to get a site. (I was able to stay with a friend whom is a resident). 

    The waterfront sites are awesome, especially if you have a kayak or canoe. I personally like the tent, popup, van only sites more (we didn't have an RV and I don't like the noise they generate). Instead of heading to the main beach areas is you can get the even numbered sites 30-40 where the beach meet the mangroves you’ll have a much better time as you won't have many people around and right out in front of your site you’ll have great beach access. All the sites are all nicely tucked away under the trees providing great shade and excellent flat spots.

    All of the sites have water and electrical hook-up (30-50 amp service), an like normal picnic table and a grill. The campground also has a small camp store, dump stations and pretty nice modern restrooms with showers and laundry facilities.

    The Park itself is awesome, great beaches, the fort is really cool. There are miles of nice paved paths for biking around and really just lots of space.

Guide to Osprey

Tent camping near Osprey, Florida offers a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure, perfect for those looking to escape into the wilderness.

Tent campers should check out Primitive Sites — Myakka River State Park

  • This location features a variety of landscapes, including prairies and swamps, making it an ideal spot for those who enjoy diverse hiking experiences.
  • Each campsite is equipped with a fire ring and a post for hanging gear, ensuring a comfortable stay in the great outdoors.
  • The park is home to Florida's wildlife, including panthers and alligators, providing a thrilling backdrop for your camping adventure.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities at Crowley Museum and Nature Center Group Camp

  • The campground offers a screened pavilion and an outdoor kitchen, perfect for group gatherings and meal preparation.
  • Visitors can explore 191 acres of old Florida habitats, complete with hiking trails through various ecosystems.
  • The site is rich in history, featuring restored buildings from the late 1800s, adding a unique cultural element to your camping experience.

Local activities for tent campers at Cayo Costa State Park Campground

  • Enjoy pristine beach camping with opportunities for shelling and swimming in the Gulf waters, creating a perfect seaside getaway.
  • The campground is well-maintained and offers amenities like drinking water and showers, ensuring a comfortable stay.
  • Experience the tranquility of a private island atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and exploration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Osprey, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Osprey, FL is Primitive Sites — Myakka River State Park with a 5-star rating from 3 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Osprey, FL?

TheDyrt.com has all 11 tent camping locations near Osprey, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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