Best Campgrounds near Ruskin, FL

The Ruskin camping scene in Florida has good options for families and solo campers. Fort De Soto Campground draws water-loving campers who want to hit the beach or go kayaking without traveling far. A bit of a drive from Ruskin, Oscar Scherer State Park Campground lets you rent bikes right there to check out the trails. Kids won't get bored at many local campgrounds that have activities planned for them. You can camp around Ruskin pretty much any time of year thanks to the subtropical weather, though summer brings humidity and some afternoon storms. The winter months work best for camping with milder temperatures and less rainfall. It's smart to book ahead, particularly during spring break and holiday periods when sites fill quickly. Most places let you reserve online now. Getting to campgrounds is usually easy on good roads, but a few spots might need a vehicle with better clearance if the ground is sandy. Wildlife shows up regularly around Ruskin's camping areas - birds and raccoons are common, and you might spot an alligator. Always store food properly and follow the posted wildlife guidelines. The campgrounds near Ruskin work well whether you want to relax by water or bike through natural areas.

Best Camping Sites Near Ruskin, Florida (220)

    1. Fort De Soto Campground

    140 Reviews
    Tierra Verde, FL
    18 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."

    2. Little Manatee River State Park Campground

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

    $22 / night

    "A lot of walking trails for people and horses. A surprise was the amphitheater. Washers and dryers are located outside the bathrooms. Friendly hosts and other campers. Would came again."

    "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."

    3. E.G. Simmons Regional Park

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

    $24 / night

    "Nearly every campsite is right on the water - easy in and out for kayaks, large boat ramp and many picnic pavilions."

    "Close to the boatramp. Raccoons can be annoying. Has picnic pavilions and several fishing docks"

    4. Canoe Outpost Little Manatee River

    15 Reviews
    Wimauma, FL
    5 miles
    Website

    $24 - $109 / night

    "It’s also located right off the highway, so you get all the noise. All day and all night.

    Now, for canoe and kayak trips, I guess it’s a good spot. There’s a lot of folk that come just for that."

    "The place is tucked in and has a great vibe."

    5. Lake Manatee State Park Campground

    27 Reviews
    Parrish, FL
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (941) 741-3028

    $22 / night

    "Was bordered by the camp road and the bike/walking path so often noisy with no sense of privacy. Bad mosquitoes, but to be expected."

    "If you’re looking for a place to camp on the west coast of Florida that is quiet and has campsites that give you privacy, Lake Manatee State Park is a great choice."

    6. MacDill AFB FamCamp

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

    "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."

    "The tent area is large and almost 100% shaded , The white sand beach is steps away and had the most amazing sunsets ."

    7. Encore Winter Quarters Manatee

    12 Reviews
    Palmetto, FL
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "Wonderfully situated around a lake. Good amenities and close to everything. Some highway traffic noise but nothing bad."

    "One of the two pools on the property provides a lovely view of the lake and a hot tub.The recreation hall is beautiful and has a lot of activities."

    8. Alafia River State Park Campground

    19 Reviews
    Lithia, FL
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 433-0287

    $22 / night

    "Widely known in Florida for the mountain bike trails. Not much else to do in the area, but very nice space to chill out. The night sky is far enough away that you can really take in the stars."

    "For Florida this is a great campsite especially for me because it's so close overall a great place for any activity"

    9. Tampa South RV Resort

    3 Reviews
    Ruskin, FL
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (813) 645-1202

    10. St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA Holiday

    26 Reviews
    Bay Pines, FL
    22 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."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 220 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Ruskin, FL

990 Reviews of 220 Ruskin 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.

  • 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.

  • April L.
    Jul. 25, 2025

    Oak Ridge Primitive Campground

    Nice

    It's nice quiet clean close to Publix and gas station, trails are not really maintained but great for horses. Camping is ok I guess .

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 21, 2025

    Love's RV Hookup-Auburndale FL 228

    24HR Parking Depot

    This Love’s RV Hook-up located off I4 just NW of Lakeland in the drive-by town of Auburndale is open 24 hours and has a number of dedicated slots for your overnight parking pleasure and if you are driving on 18 wheels and hauling freight, there’s a massive open parking area in the rear of the store just for you. In addition to providing about a dozen or so dedicated RV and 5th Wheeler slots with FHUs, there’s full fueling capacity in front of the store for cars and trucks as well as a much larger and taller fueling station along with CAT Scales in the rear for big rigs and RVs.

    This pit stop has the typical roadside marketplace as well as an Arby’s embedded within the store along with a designated private shower area along with his / her restrooms that were just in marginal condition when we stopped by. There’s both a propane tank exchange as well as bulk propane for sale, RV dump service, WiFi, video gaming, Bulk DEF for sale and ATM onsite as well as a small doggie park in addition to offering laundry facilities. Should your RV need it, there’s a tire service here along with commercial truck oil change offering. As this spot is located right next to a very busy I4 heading out of Orlando towards Tampa, there’s a ton of traffic and the overnight parking for RVs is the closest to the highway, so filter in earbuds as a requirement if staying here.

    While scoring criteria may vary from one person to the next, here are the 5 most important criteria that informed my rating of this overnight location: convenience (EZ on- and off-access), safety & security, quality (of facilities), peace & quiet and amenities (either on-site or nearby). Here’s how I ranked this particular overnight spot:

    Convenience: 5 

    Safety & Security: 3 

    Quality: 2 

    Peace & Quiet: 1 

    Amenities: 2 

    Overall, I scored this location a 3.

    Happy Overnighting!


Guide to Ruskin

Camping near Ruskin, Florida, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Kayaking and Fishing: Enjoy the water at Fort De Soto Campground. One camper mentioned, "I was able to do some fishing and got a few spotted sea trout." The area is known for its wildlife and scenic views.
  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Hillsborough River State Park Campground. A visitor shared, "There are lots of trails to hike as well," making it a great spot for nature lovers.
  • Biking: Rent bikes at Oscar Scherer State Park Campground. One reviewer noted, "The campground has everything you need," including easy access to biking trails.

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of restrooms and showers. A visitor at Hillsborough River State Park Campground said, "Restrooms and showers across from site and very clean."
  • Wildlife Viewing: Many enjoy spotting wildlife. A camper at Myakka River State Park mentioned, "It's quiet, and there's plenty of wildlife to be seen: Lots of birds, alligators, deer, wild turkeys."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers love the spaciousness of sites at Colt Creek State Park Campground. One reviewer said, "Very quiet and spacious. Wildlife in abundance."

What you should know

  • Bugs: Be prepared for bugs, especially in warmer months. A camper at Fort De Soto Campground warned, "The bugs were so bad... it was absolutely miserable."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may have limited amenities. A visitor at Highlands Hammock State Park Campground noted, "The actual campground needs some love. It’s too packed together."
  • Noise Levels: Be aware of noise from nearby roads or activities. A camper 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 campgrounds with activities for kids. St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA has a "fenced in dog park area" and a heated outdoor pool, making it a great spot for families.
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a plan for activities. A camper at Peace River Campground said, "There are trails to walk, river to kayak/fish, 4 wheeling: amazing!!"
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Keep everyone happy with snacks. A visitor at Lake Manatee State Park Campground mentioned, "Pine firewood available for $5 a bundle."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Hillsborough River State Park Campground noted, "The roads in the campground are a little narrow."
  • Look for Full Hookups: Choose sites with full hookups for convenience. A reviewer at Myakka River State Park said, "Site was spacious and the park even had smiling gators."
  • Be Prepared for Weather: Check the weather before you go. A camper at Colt Creek State Park Campground mentioned, "We planned on trail riding, but rain changed the plans."

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I find cabins for camping in Ruskin, Florida?

While Ruskin itself has limited cabin options, several excellent cabin accommodations are available within a reasonable drive. Palmetto Ridge Campground — Myakka River State Park offers hidden, private cabins tucked away from the main paths. These spacious accommodations come with their own picnic tables and grills. For those willing to venture a bit further, Oscar Scherer State Park Campground provides cabin options with access to hiking trails, kayaking, and other outdoor activities. Little Manatee River State Park also has cabins available for rent, offering a quiet, natural setting close to Ruskin.

What campgrounds are available in Ruskin, Florida?

Ruskin and its surrounding area offer diverse camping opportunities. Hillsborough County E. G. Simmons Regional Park provides waterfront sites with saltwater access in an exceptionally shallow and calm bay, operating on a first-come, first-served basis. Little Manatee River State Park Campground is nearby, offering reservable sites with water access. For those seeking unique experiences, Shell Key Preserve provides boat-access-only camping with amazing wildlife viewing opportunities. The area also features Canoe Outpost Little Manatee River for paddlers and various RV parks for those preferring more amenities.

What cities and attractions are near Ruskin, Florida?

Ruskin is strategically positioned near several major Florida destinations. Tampa lies about 30 minutes north, offering attractions like Busch Gardens and the Florida Aquarium. St. Petersburg and its beaches are accessible within 45 minutes. Nature enthusiasts can explore Lake Manatee State Park Campground, which provides excellent hiking, biking trails, and water activities. Fort De Soto Campground is within reach, featuring pristine beaches and historic sites. The Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve offers extensive recreation opportunities as one of the largest natural areas in Hillsborough County. Sarasota, with its cultural attractions, is approximately 45 minutes south.

Are there RV parks near Ruskin, Florida?

Ruskin offers several RV-friendly options. Manatee RV Park provides convenient spots near town, though sites can be close together. Many long-term residents stay here. Tampa South RV Resort is another option with full hookups and amenities. For those seeking a waterfront experience, Hillsborough County E.G. Simmons Regional Park offers first-come, first-served RV sites with saltwater access, though calling ahead to check availability is recommended. Additional options include Encore Terra Ceia in nearby Palmetto, which provides easy access to Tampa, Sarasota, and Gulf beaches.