Best Campgrounds near Pinellas Park, FL

Pinellas Park serves as a central hub for diverse camping experiences along Florida's Gulf Coast, with options ranging from waterfront sites to urban RV parks. Fort De Soto Campground, located 15 miles south in St. Petersburg, offers waterfront camping with beach access and natural vegetation between sites. The St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA Holiday provides a mix of tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals within city limits. Shell Key Preserve, accessible only by boat, offers primitive camping for those seeking a more remote experience. Most campgrounds in the region accommodate both tent and RV camping, with varying levels of amenities from basic to resort-style facilities.

Reservations are essential for most campgrounds in the Pinellas Park area, particularly during winter months when seasonal visitors fill facilities. Fort De Soto Campground typically books six months in advance, with limited sites released weekly for last-minute travelers. Summer brings higher humidity and temperatures, along with increased insect activity, but also improved availability. As one camper noted, "It can get busy in season but the area is designed to accommodate the crowds except for the one lane road to and from." Hurricane season (June through November) may affect camping plans, with some facilities closing during severe weather warnings. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region, though coverage may vary at boat-in sites.

Wildlife viewing ranks among the top experiences reported by campers in the Pinellas Park vicinity. At Fort De Soto, campers regularly spot dolphins, stingrays, and manatees from waterfront sites. The dense vegetation at many campgrounds provides natural privacy between sites while supporting diverse bird populations. Mosquitoes can be problematic, particularly at dawn and dusk, with one reviewer recommending "mosquito nets and some spray" as essential gear. Bicycle and walking trails connect many campgrounds to beaches and natural areas. Traffic noise affects some campgrounds closer to major roads, while waterfront sites generally offer more peaceful surroundings. Most facilities maintain clean restrooms and showers, though water pressure and privacy vary considerably between locations.

Best Camping Sites Near Pinellas Park, Florida (186)

    1. Fort De Soto Campground

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

    $38 - $48 / night

    "Great cycling, paddling, walking, exploring, fishing, kiting, or anything you want to do."

    "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."

    2. St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA Holiday

    26 Reviews
    Bay Pines, FL
    5 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."

    3. Caladesi RV Park

    16 Reviews
    Palm Harbor, FL
    15 miles
    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. "

    4. E.G. Simmons Regional Park

    20 Reviews
    Ruskin, FL
    17 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"

    5. Encore Vacation Village

    5 Reviews
    Largo, FL
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "The park is small, parking is crammed, and there’s a lot of older trailers but overall it’s a great location. This is our go to location when we have appointments at Bay Pines VA!"

    6. MacDill AFB FamCamp

    9 Reviews
    Gibsonton, FL
    14 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. Bay Bayou RV Resort

    6 Reviews
    Oldsmar, FL
    13 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. Shell Key Preserve

    7 Reviews
    Tierra Verde, FL
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (727) 453-6900

    "One of my favorite places to camp in Florida, hands-down. You can only get to this camping spot by water. Must reserve, no pets & no alcohol."

    "Shell Key is one of the larger uninhabited islands off of the west coast of Florida near St. Petersburg."

    9. Clearwater RV Resort

    4 Reviews
    Clearwater, FL
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 831-1204

    "Off a very busy road hidden behind a hotel and a restaurant. Very clean and tidy park with RV sites and park models. Huge laundry room and very nice bath houses. Customer service is good."

    "Best location for moving around the area.  Use Drew not Gulf to Bay to move across the city. Great customer service Suzy and the crew are very helpful. "

    10. Avalon RV Resort

    2 Reviews
    Largo, FL
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (727) 531-6124

    "The sites are a little tight but that's normal for most of Florida, specially in a heavy populated are like Clearwater. It's unbelievably quiet although it's right off of US 19. Staff is so great."

    "Sites were small, Service was friendly, Okay amenities- small pool, dog ‘park’ was a tiny walking area. Expensive considering location and amenities."

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Recent Reviews near Pinellas Park, FL

865 Reviews of 186 Pinellas Park 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 Pinellas Park

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

What to do

  • Kayaking and Fishing: Many campers enjoy kayaking and fishing in the nearby waters. At Fort De Soto Campground, one visitor mentioned, "I was able to do some fishing and got a few spotted sea trout." This campground is also great for paddleboarding, with easy access to the water.

  • Hiking Trails: Explore the trails at Hillsborough River State Park Campground. A camper noted, "Lots of trails for walking, hiking, and biking," making it a perfect spot for outdoor enthusiasts.

  • Beach Access: If you love the beach, check out Turtle Beach Campground. One happy camper said, "On the beach with shells, sunsets, waves and all that the beach has to offer."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate clean restrooms and showers. A review for Oscar Scherer State Park Campground highlighted, "The bathrooms were clean and plenty of them throughout the campground."
  • Wildlife Viewing: Nature lovers enjoy spotting wildlife. At Myakka River State Park, one visitor shared, "It's quiet, and there's plenty of wildlife to be seen: Lots of birds, alligators, deer, wild turkeys."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campers mention the helpful staff. A review for Hillsborough River State Park Campground said, "The rangers were amazing and patrolled the campground on a regular basis."

What you should know

  • Bugs in Summer: Be prepared for bugs, especially in the warmer months. One 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 Lake Manatee State Park Campground mentioned, "It does not have full hookups," so plan accordingly.
  • Noise from Nearby Roads: If you're sensitive to noise, be aware that some campgrounds are near busy roads. A review for Peace River RV and Camping Resort noted, "Although we were here in March, there seemed to be many available sites... except for the traffic nearby."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA offers a heated outdoor pool and bike rentals, making it a hit with families.
  • Plan for Outdoor Fun: Bring bikes or kayaks for family adventures. A camper at Hillsborough River State Park Campground mentioned, "Bike and kayak rentals are available."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Keep the kids happy with snacks. One visitor at Lake Manatee State Park Campground said, "The sites are large, private, and nicely surrounded by woods," perfect for a picnic.

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A review for Colt Creek State Park Campground noted, "Spacious and open sites that are very big rig friendly."
  • Be Ready for Limited Hookups: Some campgrounds may not have full hookups. A visitor at Little Manatee River State Park Campground mentioned, "You have to drive around and pick a 30 amp site."
  • Plan for Dump Station Access: Know where the dump stations are located. A camper at Thousand Trails Peace River said, "The sites that are open are spacious," but be aware of the nearby traffic noise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What campgrounds are available in Pinellas Park?

While Pinellas Park itself has limited camping options, the surrounding Pinellas County offers several excellent campgrounds. Fort De Soto Campground is a popular choice featuring beautiful beaches, cycling paths, and water activities. For RV travelers, Encore Terra Ceia in nearby Palmetto provides easy access to Tampa, Sarasota, and Gulf beaches. Other nearby options include Clearwater RV Resort and Avalon RV Resort, both offering convenient locations for exploring the area.

How do I make camping reservations in Pinellas County?

Reservations for Pinellas County campgrounds vary by location. For county and state parks like Oscar Scherer State Park Campground, book through the Florida State Parks reservation system up to 11 months in advance. Shell Key Preserve, accessible only by water, requires permits through Pinellas County. Private campgrounds like Bay Bayou RV Resort accept reservations directly through their websites or by phone. During peak season (winter months), book several months ahead, especially for waterfront sites and popular weekends.

What camping is available near Pinellas Park, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, Pinellas Park, FL offers a wide range of camping options, with 186 campgrounds and RV parks near Pinellas Park, FL and 4 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Pinellas Park, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Pinellas Park, FL is Fort De Soto Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 140 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Pinellas Park, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Pinellas Park, FL.