Best Campgrounds near Palm Harbor, FL

Palm Harbor, Florida's camping landscape includes established campgrounds and RV resorts within a short distance of beaches and water access. Caladesi RV Park and Clearwater-Lake Tarpon KOA provide full-hookup sites for RVs with amenities like swimming pools and showers, while also accommodating tent campers at select locations. Most camping options concentrate along coastal areas, with Fort De Soto Campground and Anclote Key Preserve State Park offering boat-in camping opportunities approximately 20-30 minutes from Palm Harbor.

Several campgrounds in the area feature paved or gravel sites with water and electric hookups, though prices tend to be higher than state averages. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially during winter months when seasonal residents ("snowbirds") fill many parks to capacity. The region experiences hot, humid summers with frequent afternoon thunderstorms from June through September, while winter provides milder temperatures ideal for outdoor activities. Many parks maintain strict pet policies and quiet hours. According to one visitor, "The location is awesome, Clearwater right down the road, best pizza ever nearby. Grocery store and everything you need is right there."

Campers report high satisfaction with the proximity to beaches, bicycle trails, and urban amenities. The Pinellas Trail, accessible from multiple campgrounds, provides miles of paved path for walking and cycling. RV parks like Bay Bayou RV Resort and Hickory Point RV Park cater primarily to older visitors, with many operating as 55+ communities during peak season. Sites generally provide limited privacy between neighbors, with most parks featuring compact spacing. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, many campers appreciate the clean facilities despite the close quarters: "The grounds and the pool are kept up, lots of shade in the park, friendly neighbors, convenient area to live in, Pinellas hiking trail, good schools, etc." Water-based activities remain the primary draw, with most visitors using campgrounds as a base for exploring nearby beaches rather than for the camping experience itself.

Best Camping Sites Near Palm Harbor, Florida (209)

    1. Caladesi RV Park

    16 Reviews
    Palm Harbor, FL
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (727) 784-3622

    $45 - $75 / night

    "Decent size spot with stone drive and cement patio. Bathrooms and showers are kept clean. Nice laundry facilities with area to play cards if you wanted. Pool area is nice with shade spots."

    "We first came here a year ago and I was worried about it being so close to a main road, but after staying here I can tell you that it's very quiet and relaxing. "

    2. Fort De Soto Campground

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

    $38 - $48 / night

    "As an camper with northern roots, I have found it hard to camp in Florida. This campground helped me relieve those worries.  I will start by saying that this campground is south of St."

    "Nice walking/bicycle path around the edge. Bike paths also throughout the park. Sites 1-8 or so have direct beach access, but swimming is not allowed. Mangroves surround the rest of the peninsula."

    3. St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA Holiday

    26 Reviews
    Bay Pines, FL
    18 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."

    4. Clearwater-Lake Tarpon KOA

    6 Reviews
    Tarpon Springs, FL
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (727) 937-8412

    $25 / night

    "We camped at Clearwater/ Lake Tarpon KOA Holiday in a Fifth Wheel."

    5. Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park

    13 Reviews
    New Port Richey, FL
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (727) 834-3247

    "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."

    "3.2 mile hike through mostly open Florida pine forest with the occasional swamp. Perfect time of year to come. Site has great shade and opens up at the fire pit for great star gazing."

    6. Caladesi Island State Park Campground

    5 Reviews
    Dunedin, FL
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (727) 469-5918

    $24 / night

    "One of the last undeveloped barrier islands in Florida. It's around 650 acres with tons of boardwalks and hiking."

    "Next to honeymoon island state park and just south of anclote Boat camping ONLY — tents/Rvs are not permitted.

    First come/first serve boat slips, pet friendly (yay for dogs)"

    7. Anclote Key Preserve State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Holiday, FL
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (727) 638-4447

    "Short boat ride out to what felt like a secluded island, back when florida was all natural. We had the whole place to ourselves. Camping is definitely pack in pack out."

    "Spend your day swimming and sunbathing at the beach or kayaking around the island."

    8. Bay Bayou RV Resort

    6 Reviews
    Oldsmar, FL
    10 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."

    9. Hickory Point RV Park

    4 Reviews
    Tarpon Springs, FL
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (727) 937-7357

    "It’s Florida so it’s a tight fit in every spot. The staff we’ve met so far have been very friendly and helpful. It’s close to a lot of fun places to go and great beaches to see."

    "They have beach chairs near the water and a fire pit that they lit every evening near sunset. In addition to the Bark Park area, there is a nice wooded area where you can walk your dog as well. "

    10. Encore Holiday Travel Park

    4 Reviews
    Holiday, FL
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "Florida has a homeless population - that's sad, but if you want them to hide because they ruin your illusion that everyone lives your privileged life - you're the problem."

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Recent Reviews near Palm Harbor, FL

860 Reviews of 209 Palm Harbor Campgrounds


  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Serenova Tract Campsites

    Beautiful park

    The campground is nestled in a canopy of oaks ,pines with palmetto underbrush. It was packed when I arrived. But I found the ideal site around the Pavillion circle. It was nice to have neighbors after being alone for so long. My site doesn't have a fire ring, but a picnic table. Toilets and water not far away. Excellent trails to hike.

  • ZThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Lithia Springs

    October 2025

    It’s a beautiful campground. That’s a well maintained by The very friendly and helpful staff. The scenery and activities available at this part make it well worth the drive and work the stay.

  • R
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Lithia Springs

    Quiet, Clean, & Friendly

    Many of the lots are large & somewhat secluded. Trees for some shade. *Clean, friendly, & a gate code for safety. *Nothing can be tied to trees, including hammocks.

  • Stachianna K.
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Buttonwood Inlet RV Resort

    Quiet evening

    We stayed in Buttonwood inlet for one night. It was super easy to pull and out and it was clean and quiet to camp from a 30’ class C. Plus there was plenty of green areas for the pups to so the whole family gives this a 5 star review.

  • ZThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Alafia River Corridor Nature Preserve

    Alafia North of Baseball Parking

    “Alafia North Corridor Park is such a peaceful escape. The trails wind through beautiful natural scenery, and the quiet surroundings make it perfect for a relaxing hike. It’s a great place to slow down, take in the fresh air, and enjoy the simple beauty of nature. Whether you’re looking for a short walk or a longer hike, this park offers a calming outdoor experience.”

  • ZThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Lithia Springs

    Lithia Springs Park

    Lithia Springs Conservation Park is a hidden gem for camping in Florida. The campground is clean, well-maintained, and tucked away in a peaceful natural setting. Sites are spacious with plenty of shade, and the amenities like restrooms and picnic areas are kept in great shape. The best part is being just a short walk from the beautiful natural spring, perfect for swimming and cooling off. It’s a great spot for families or anyone looking to relax and enjoy the outdoors. I’ll definitely be coming back!

  • Dan M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve

    Very Nice but ....

    Very Nice just being wood panels. It's a long dirt road to get to the campsite and I didn't think my car would make it through some of the big puddles after rain. Chevy Malibu isn't really known for off-roading lol

  • Carlos T.
    Sep. 18, 2025

    Encore Silver Dollar

    Mobile home park, with rv sites.

    We stay there four times over a couple of years.  We have not see much of the park because we only arrive at night, plug in for ac, and in the morning we leave.


Guide to Palm Harbor

Palm Harbor camping options extend beyond the nearby established RV parks, with several boat-in camping opportunities and wilderness parks available within 30 miles. The area sits in a subtropical climate zone with average temperatures ranging from 70-90°F during summer camping season and cooler 50-65°F winter nights. Rainfall averages 52 inches annually with the driest camping months from October through May, making these months ideal for overnight stays near the water.

What to do

Kayaking through mangroves: Access the extensive mangrove tunnels from Anclote Key Preserve State Park, located about 25 minutes north of Palm Harbor. This primitive island camping experience requires bringing all supplies by boat. "We kayaked out from Anclote river park and stayed two nights on the island. There are no amenities so we packed everything we would need in the kayak. During the day there were quite a few boats on the island but by about 4pm we basically had the island to ourselves," explains Kaitlin B.

Nature hiking and wildlife observation: The wilderness preserves near Palm Harbor offer extensive trail systems for spotting local wildlife. "We spent the day hiking the numerous off-road trails and enjoying some of the amenities the park has to offer. The park has separate primitive tent, car-camping (tent) and cabin campgrounds near the entrance of the park along with over 50 miles of biking, hiking, nature as well as equestrian trails to enjoy," says Steve S. about his experience at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park.

Beach exploration and swimming: The beaches near Palm Harbor campgrounds attract many visitors for their accessibility and water quality. The Fort De Soto Campground offers direct beach access. "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 tons of Birds!" reports Brennan H.

What campers like

Water views from campsites: Many visitors specifically seek out waterfront sites for the views and water access. At Hickory Point RV Park, campers appreciate the direct water access. "We had a waterfront site, great campground. Spendy but worth it. Has boat launch, waterfront community area, volleyball, small beach, dock, etc. Short drive from downtown Tarpon Springs and several beaches," shares Elgin S.

Shaded camping areas: The natural canopy at many campgrounds near Palm Harbor provides relief from the Florida sun. At the more primitive sites like those at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park, the tree coverage creates comfortable camping conditions. "Primitive 1 is a heavily shaded and flat site with plenty of room and privacy. There is a picnic bench and a carved out tree for sitting, as well as a fire pit," notes Rich S.

Clean facilities: Despite their rustic settings, many campers praise the maintenance at area campgrounds. "Bathhouse very clean and nicely done. Doggie playground nice. They are still updating many of the sites but it is very nicely landscaped and clean. Workers very friendly and helpful. Pool was excellent," says Nancy I. about her stay at Clearwater-Lake Tarpon KOA.

What you should know

Reservation timing: Many Palm Harbor area campgrounds fill quickly, particularly waterfront sites. Fort De Soto Campground operates a specific reservation system: "They do start booking 6 months out and open up 10% of the sites for the weekend each Friday at 7am if you want to try and get lucky," advises Joe R.

Site privacy considerations: Campsite spacing varies significantly between parks. "Site #14 is practically on top of 13 and 15 giving very little privacy," warns Shaun C. about his experience at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park, while adding, "IF YOU ARE HOPING FOR PEACE AND QUIET, DO NOT GO ON A WEEKEND."

Weather preparation: Florida's weather patterns affect camping comfort substantially. Prepare for heat, humidity, and insects. "If you are looking for a bit of a spook, I highly suggest walking this at night time," says Shaun C. about trails at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park, while another camper at Anclote Key advises: "Make sure to have everything you need, too, especially bug spray — the mosquitos (among other bugs) are insane during the summer."

Tips for camping with families

Look for dedicated family areas: Some campgrounds near Palm Harbor have specific family-friendly zones with amenities for children. "The playground is amazing with good swings and also a sturdy playground that offered plenty of opportunity for my four year old to blow off some steam. The ground is all recycled rubber, which I love as a parent," notes Joe R. about St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA Holiday.

Educational opportunities: Several parks offer nature programs specifically designed for younger campers. "Nature education center for children. Playgrounds and pavilions for get togethers. Large group bon fire pits and cabins for rent," mentions Tim L. about Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park.

Water safety considerations: With so many water-adjacent sites, family campers should prepare accordingly. "We have an inflatable raft that we took out in the water. We were greeted by dolphins, sting rays and manatees," shares Joe R. about Fort De Soto, highlighting both the opportunities and need for supervision near water.

Tips from RVers

Length restrictions: Many campgrounds near Palm Harbor have limitations on RV size. "30ft max, full hookups. The park is in a bad part of town," warns Zachary J. about Encore Holiday Travel Park, providing important sizing information for potential visitors.

Age demographics: Many RV parks in the area cater to older crowds. "Packed in like sardines tho and there is a rules list a mile long and people WILL complain. But I did have a pretty good stay. Prices are fairly high," notes Steve D. about his experience at Bay Bayou RV Resort.

Site surface variations: RV sites in the Palm Harbor area can have different ground surfaces that affect leveling and comfort. "The roads are paved, but the sites are sandy, shelly gravel," reports Ray & Terri F. about Hickory Point RV Park, providing practical details for RV setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a KOA campground in Palm Harbor?

Yes, Clearwater-Lake Tarpon KOA is located near Palm Harbor. This KOA offers drive-in access with reservable sites, water hookups, restroom facilities, and is big-rig friendly. It provides a convenient base for exploring the Palm Harbor and Clearwater area while enjoying typical KOA amenities and services. The location offers easy access to local attractions while maintaining the family-friendly camping experience KOAs are known for.

What are the best campgrounds in Palm Harbor, FL?

While Palm Harbor itself has limited camping options, several excellent campgrounds are within easy driving distance. Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park is a top choice offering tent sites, cabins, and numerous hiking trails for a great weekend getaway. For a more primitive experience, Oak Ridge Primitive Campground provides well-maintained facilities in a natural setting. Both offer a peaceful retreat from city life while being close enough to Palm Harbor for convenience.

What beach camping options are available near Palm Harbor?

For beach camping near Palm Harbor, Shell Key Preserve is a standout option accessible only by water. This pristine area offers incredible wildlife viewing with sightings of stingrays, turtles, and numerous bird species. Reservations are required, and note that pets and alcohol are prohibited. Fort De Soto Campground is another excellent choice, providing waterfront camping with convenient beach access. For a boat-in experience, consider Caladesi Island State Park for its unspoiled beaches and natural setting.

Are there any RV parks in Palm Harbor with full hookups?

Cedars Lake MH & RV Park in nearby Old Homosassa offers full hookups in a charming setting. Sites are situated around a small pond under large oak canopies with friendly full-time residents and helpful on-site management. Another option is Encore Terra Ceia in Palmetto, which is pet-friendly and provides easy access to Tampa, Sarasota, and Gulf beaches. For those willing to travel a short distance, Hickory Point RV Park near Tarpon Springs also offers full-service sites with all the amenities RV campers need.