Pinellas Park camping options exist within a network of waterways, with many sites located on Tampa Bay, the Intracoastal Waterway, and adjacent channels. The subtropical climate creates year-round camping conditions with temperatures rarely dropping below 50°F in winter. Overnight temperatures from December through February average in the mid-50s, while summer nights typically remain above 75°F.
What to do
**Wildlife photography: At Fort De Soto Campground, visitors encounter diverse wildlife within minutes of arrival. "We saw raccoons, dolphin, manatee, tons of Birds!" reports one camper. Another adds, "We were greeted by dolphins, sting rays and manatees" when kayaking from shoreline campsites.
Paddling excursions: Shell Key Preserve offers primitive boat-in camping for paddlers seeking remote experiences. "Get your permit online. Park off the Pinellas Byway before you get to the DeSoto bridge, paddle between Summer Resort Key and Sister Key and you're there. One of the easiest island paddles out there - just a little over a mile," reports one paddler who accessed the island.
Historic exploration: Beyond beaches, some campgrounds offer cultural attractions. At E.G. Simmons Regional Park, campers can explore preserved coastal history. "Great park with days worth of activities! The historic fort, scenic beaches, trails for hiking or biking, etc made for a great visit!" notes a visitor. The park provides water access with opportunities to "kayak down the channel into Tamp Bay what a great view of Tampa, St. Petersburg and the Skyway bridge."
What campers like
Waterfront privacy: Many sites at Shell Key Preserve provide uninterrupted water views and seclusion. "You can only get to this camping spot by water. Must reserve, no pets & no alcohol," explains a frequent visitor. Another camper notes, "The key is right across from South Beach at DeSoto so you're bound to hear some loud music from motor boats during the day, but it clears out and feels super remote by evening."
Urban accessibility: Camping near Pinellas Park FL provides quick access to urban amenities. The St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA Holiday offers this convenience with one camper noting it's "Located on the water. Lots to do. Great for kids & pets." Another visitor appreciates the "Good inner city spot. Friendly staff and the grounds are bigger then expected. Full hook ups for RVs and separate tent area."
Diverse wildlife viewing: Animal sightings rank among campers' top experiences. "We saw raccoons, dolphin, manatee, tons of Birds!" reports one Fort De Soto visitor. At E.G. Simmons Regional Park, campers regularly report marine life encounters, with one noting "we always see Manatees there and lots of great areas to Kayak or paddle board."
What you should know
Bug protection essential: No-see-ums and mosquitoes present challenges throughout the area. At Caladesi RV Park, "The grounds and the pool are kept up, lots of shade in the park," but this shade can harbor insects. One Fort De Soto camper warns "Very private spots lots of trees, lots of bugs in the summer time," while another emphasizes "Bring good bug spray lol."
Reservation timing: Most campgrounds fill quickly during winter. E.G. Simmons operates first-come, first-served with a 14-day stay limit. Fort De Soto starts booking 6 months ahead but releases some sites weekly, as one camper explains: "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."
Space constraints: Site sizes vary significantly between campgrounds. KOA visitors note "sites are smashed together and no privacy" with "very close together sites." Similarly, Avalon RV Resort campers report "The sites are a little tight but that's normal for most of Florida, specially in a heavy populated are like Clearwater."
Tips for camping with families
Water safety considerations: When camping with children near water, supervision remains critical. At Fort De Soto, families appreciate the "playground 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."
Wildlife education opportunities: Turn animal sightings into learning experiences. At MacDill AFB FamCamp, one family noted, "The white sand beach is steps away and had the most amazing sunsets. I loved everything about our stay including the patriotism of every camper there."
Activity planning: Structured recreation helps during longer stays. St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA offers "a heated pool, mini golf course, shuffle board, dog run. They have the typical bike rentals, four person bikes, that are found at most KOAs." Another visitor mentions, "There is a fishing dock near where we stayed. Lots of catfish."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: When booking at Pinellas Park FL camping areas, request specific sites when possible. At Fort De Soto, experienced RVers recommend waterfront sites: "There are three loops, one for guests with pets. BRING YOUR RABIES VACCINE PAPERS! Many sites are waterfront and are mostly well separated."
Access considerations: Some parks have challenging entrances. At Caladesi RV Park, "Called to check in and Managers had gone home for the day it was 3pm. Referred to a website that did not work." For military members, MacDill AFB FamCamp requires specific entry procedures: "Make sure you arrive at the base through the gate at the end of Dale Mabry, as it's the only gate campers can come thru."
