Best Tent Camping near Pinellas Park, FL

Tent camping near Pinellas Park, Florida provides access to several natural areas within a 30-45 minute drive. The region features both established campgrounds and primitive tent-only sites, with notable options including Lake Park, Terry Tomalin Campground, and Hillsborough River State Park. Lake Park offers tent-only camping with walk-in sites accessible via short hiking trails, while Alderman's Ford Conservation Park Primitive Campground provides hike-in tent camping along the river. For those seeking backcountry tent camping experiences, Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park offers both front-country (car camping) and back-country (hike-in only) tent sites within its preserved natural setting.

Most tent campgrounds in the area require reservations, with facilities varying significantly between locations. Walk-in tent sites at Lake Rogers Park have basic amenities including toilets and trash disposal but lack drinking water and fire rings. In contrast, Hillsborough River State Park provides more developed tent campsites with drinking water, fire rings, and shower facilities. Seasonal considerations are critical for tent camping in this region - summer months bring intense mosquito activity and potential flooding. According to reviews, sites along the riverside loops at Hillsborough River can hold 4-6 inches of water after heavy rains. Winter and early spring months (November through April) offer the most comfortable tent camping conditions.

The primitive tent camping experience in this region features diverse ecosystems and wildlife viewing opportunities. One camper at Alderman's Ford noted, "The camp sites are hike in only. Bring a manageable pack with everything you need. There is no water, power, or restrooms at the sites." At Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park, visitors should prepare for sun exposure on many trails and bring adequate water supplies. The backcountry tent sites require proper preparation - campers report needing "camping toilet paper and a shovel for human waste disposal" at some locations. Wildlife sightings are common, particularly along water bodies where alligators reside, making proper food storage essential at all tent campsites in the region.

Best Tent Sites Near Pinellas Park, Florida (16)

    1. Terry Tomalin Campground

    3 Reviews
    Gulfport, FL
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (727) 893-7441

    $30 / night

    "The campsites are nicely spaced out so you aren’t to close to other campers. The trails are amazing but be careful or you might get lost."

    "It’s in an awesome location, too - we had other plans but made last-minute plans to stay here for a night and they were pretty empty on a Friday night."

    2. Hillsborough River State Park Campground

    65 Reviews
    Thonotosassa, FL
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (813) 987-6771

    $24 / night

    "I typically avoid tent camping here in the summer months– early summer the trails are heavy with mosquitoes and summer rains bring a large amount of flooding."

    "Lots of RV campers, sites that are quite close to each other, and rock-hard ground from being packed down by heavy vehicles day after day."

    3. Lake Rogers Park

    3 Reviews
    Odessa, FL
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (813) 264-3917

    "This centrally located primitive camping spot is centrally located near the Odessa area near Tampa."

    "Lake Rodgers trail and campsites are beautiful and well kept up. The 3 trails( upper, mid, and lower) make it nice to walk thru different terrains."

    4. Lake Park

    5 Reviews
    Lutz, FL
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (813) 264-3806

    "I live in an adjacent neighborhood (2 years) and walk this park daily with my doggos. I’ve biked all the trails and been here from sunrise to sunset."

    "This is a great park with trails, restrooms, boating, a fun playground, nice picnic areas, volleyball, BMX, and more."

    5. Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park

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

    "Part of the Starkey Wilderness Preservethis location is full of multi use trails, has primitive cabin rentals (no electric"

    "We stayed at one of the hike-in sites and had a good time. Be prepared for a trek, as the site was a couple miles in. The trail was nice and paved though, suitable for bicycling in."

    6. Lithia Springs Conservation Park

    12 Reviews
    Durant, FL
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (813) 744-5572

    $24 / night

    "Stayed over mother's day weekend at Lithia Springs."

    "Stayed over mother's day weekend at Lithia Springs."

    7. Island Retreat Florida

    1 Review
    Gibsonton, FL
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (813) 523-6834

    $50 - $75 / night

    8. Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve

    2 Reviews
    Thonotosassa, FL
    31 miles
    Website

    "Other parks and trails are located at the Wilderness Park Off Road Loop Trail System, [Flatwoods Park](https://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us"

    "No hookups or dumpsites. There is a pump well for non potable water and a port a potty on site. Miles of trails and plenty of space to explore."

    9. Alderman's Ford Conservation Park Primitive Campground

    4 Reviews
    Lithia, FL
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (813) 757-3801

    "This location is utterly beautiful! So many different environments can be seen just walking the trials."

    "The camp sites are hike in only. I LOVE this. Bring a manageable pack with everything you need. There is no water, power, or restrooms at the sites."

    10. Pasco County - Crews Lake Wilderness Park

    3 Reviews
    Spring Hill, FL
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (727) 861-3038

    "Awesome park with well maintained trail. There are a lot of other small trails that lead off into the woods. If you wander, bring a compass and throw some az. Fun times"

    "Love this place so many trails"

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Showing results 1-10 of 16 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Pinellas Park, FL

698 Reviews of 16 Pinellas Park Campgrounds



Guide to Pinellas Park

Tent camping near Pinellas Park, Florida offers a variety of options for outdoor enthusiasts looking to enjoy nature while still being close to urban amenities.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • At Lake Park, you'll find picnic tables, drinking water, and restrooms, making it a convenient spot for families.
  • Teri Tomlinson Campground features spacious sites with electric hookups and showers, perfect for those who want a bit more comfort while camping.
  • For a more primitive experience, Cypress Creek Preserve offers basic amenities like toilets and firewood, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature.

Tips for tent camping near Pinellas Park

  • Be aware that camping at Lake Rogers Park is primarily for organized groups, so plan accordingly if you're going solo or with friends.
  • If you're looking for a quiet retreat, consider Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park, which offers spacious sites and a variety of trails for hiking and biking.
  • For a unique experience, check out Island Retreat Florida, accessible by boat, where you can enjoy kayaking and fishing right from your campsite.

Local attractions for outdoor enthusiasts

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Pinellas Park, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Pinellas Park, FL is Terry Tomalin Campground with a 4-star rating from 3 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 16 tent camping locations near Pinellas Park, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.