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Alyssa H.
Scout
ScoutEncore Clover Leaf Forest RV Resort
Beautiful pools and showers, washer and dryer on site are only like $2.50 each and very nice! They’ve done a lot of recent updates
Camping near Port Richey, FL
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Port Richey and the surrounding areas offer several established campgrounds with options ranging from primitive tent sites to full-service RV accommodations and cabins. Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park, located about 5 miles southeast of Port Richey, features tent sites, RV spaces, and cabin rentals with amenities including drinking water, showers, and flush toilets. The Anclote Key Preserve State Park Campground provides a more remote boat-in camping experience on an offshore island, while Starkey Wilderness Preserve's Serenova Tract offers tent and RV camping in a more natural setting.
Camping conditions in this region are influenced by Florida's subtropical climate, with high humidity and temperatures throughout much of the year. Most campgrounds remain open year-round, though summer months bring increased rainfall, mosquitoes, and occasional severe weather. Several parks require reservations, especially during winter months when seasonal visitors increase demand for camping spaces. Facilities at established campgrounds typically include restrooms, picnic tables, and fire rings, while water and electrical hookups vary by location. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the area, though coverage may be limited at more remote sites. A visitor to Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park described it as "a great get away in west-central Florida as a day trip or long weekend stay."
Waterfront and shaded sites receive consistently positive reviews from campers in the Port Richey area. The region's unique combination of coastal access, cypress wetlands, and pine forests creates diverse camping environments within short distances. Several campgrounds offer access to hiking and biking trails, with the Withlacoochee Rails to Trail path mentioned in multiple reviews as an appealing feature. Wildlife sightings are common, with one reviewer at Anclote Key noting, "We saw sting rays, a baby turtle, many different birds and other wildlife within 5 minutes of parking the boat." Campers frequently mention the proximity to water activities as a highlight, though some report highway noise affects certain campgrounds, particularly those near Interstate 75. Most sites offer good shade coverage, an important consideration given Florida's heat and abundant sunshine.
Best Campgrounds near Port Richey (260)
1. Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park
"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."
2. Caladesi RV Park
"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."
"I stayed two weeks here with my dog and loved the location— great bike access to nearby trails and easy drives to Honeymoon Island."
Check Availabilityfrom $45 - $75 / night
3. Serenova Tract Campsites
"Starkey wilderness park and can be accessed off of Route 52 in Land O' Lakes, Fl."
"You do have to apply for a permit to camp here through the SW Florida water management site. The campground is gated so you need a code to get in, which is a nice safety feature."
4. Anclote Key Preserve State Park Campground
"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."
5. Hickory Point RV Park
"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. "
6. Clearwater / Lake Tarpon KOA Holiday
"We camped at Clearwater/ Lake Tarpon KOA Holiday in a Fifth Wheel."
Check Availabilityfrom $45 - $120 / night
7. Starkey Wilderness Preserve — Serenova Tract
"You must reserve a site with Southwest Florida Water Management by website. It is sometimes closed to hunting. There are lakes and multiple varieties of terrain."
8. Encore Holiday Travel Park
"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."
9. Hillsborough River State Park Campground
"Then exit 7 to Highway 301 north about 10 miles to the campground. The way in which the state park and campground are set up is easy too."
"This was my first time at a campground in Florida! I was surrounded by beautiful wildlife (alligators, birds, and even a wild boar). The hiking trails were perfect for a beginner or a regular hiker."
Check AvailabilityCampground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $24 / night
10. Oak Springs RV Resort
Drive Time
- 42 min from Tampa, FL
- 46 min from Homosassa Springs, FL
- 1 hr 8 min from Lakeland, FL
Recent Camping Photos near Port Richey, FL
266 Photos of 260 Port Richey Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park
Anclote Key Preserve State Park Campground
Serenova Tract CampsitesL
Lake Rogers Park
Caladesi RV ParkA
Encore Winter Quarters PascoD
Cody's RV Park
Cypress Creek Preserve
Camper's Holiday
Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve
Oak Ridge Primitive Campground
Encore Clover Leaf Forest RV ResortD
Recent Reviews near Port Richey, FL
1032 Reviews of 260 Port Richey Campgrounds
James W.
GuideSt. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA Holiday
The bayou site are excellent. Reasonably level, nice patios, and a bit of a view. The staff are nice and helpful. They seem to have a section for those of us who are not snowbirds.
Stuart K.
LegendFort De Soto Campground
The Most Perfect Campground in Florida?
On my never-ending pursuit of finding the most perfect campground on earth ... I may have just landed it! Fort DeSoto State Park Campground, which rests at the southernmost edge of Pinellas County, reached by crossing a series of causeways from St. Petersburg until the land simply runs out and the Gulf of Mexico (as my friend John Cougar Mellencamp recently point out - not Gulf of ‘Merika) takes over. First impressions are pure Florida magic with palm-lined roads, sweeping water views of translucent aqua blue shimmering in the sun all accompanied by a salty breeze that makes you feel like vacation has officially begun. The campground itself is spread across a low-lying coastal landscape with mangroves, dunes and open skies punctuated by cotton candy clouds, and despite its popularity, this tri-loop campground haven manages to feel relaxed and unhurried if you pick your timing right.
This archipelago is shaped like a boomerang with 3 distinct campground loops – each with its own vibe, layout, amenities and overall character (more on this later) – leaving one with the impression that Fort DeSoto is both incredibly spacious as well as incredibly well-organized, offering a mix of waterfront and interior sites with paved pads, picnic tables, stand-up grills and access to modern bathhouses that are generally clean and well maintained. Many sites offer electric and water hookups, with a dump station available for RV travelers. Navigation through the one-way loops is straightforward, pets are welcome and the overall layout feels intentionally designed to handle high traffic without feeling chaotic. While there’s but just a modest playground on-site, there are much more amenities for the kids on North Beach, but throughout the campground area, the sheer amount of open space, bike paths, beach side access to inlets that will allow you to make the most out of being this close to the Gulf more than compensates for families.
What truly sets Fort DeSoto apart is everything just outside your campsite. Miles of white sand beaches wrap around the park, including North Beach which is frequently ranked among the best beaches in the country (note: not county ... country). Kayaking trails wind through calm mangrove tunnels, fishing piers stretch into Tampa Bay, and biking loops circle the entire park. History lovers can explore the restored fort and military ruins, while birders will find plenty to admire along the shoreline. For supplies, you’re about 15 minutes from Tierra Verde Market, Publix and a Walmart Supercenter on Pinellas Bayway as well as a handful of casual eateries like Billy’s Stone Crab and Sea Hags if cooking feels optional.
Trying to find out which 1 of the 3 loops might be best for you? I’ll try to break this down. First, of all, my brother and I stayed in Area #1, so let me begin there, not only because numerically that’s where we should begin, but also because I’m the most familiar with this loop, which consists of sites numbered #1-85. If you’re looking not just for ocean views with Gulf access – because like me, you’ve brought a kayak / canoe – then Area #1 for this solo reason is why you want to book here. And while it’s true that you likely could access water in Area #2, you’ll have to go the long way around to access the Gulf. Back to Area #1, I found this simple, single loop offering sites excellent in size, with TONS of shade (no need to bring your shelter to blot out the sun, although not a bad idea to have it handy in case of rain) and decent length long ‘driveways’ with which to pull in and set up camp, whether you’re packing tents (like me) or pulling in with your RV or sprinter van. Seriously, the scenery alone here in Area #1(at least sites #1-34) cannot be beaten with direct views of the Gulf, which you can access in less than 20 paces from where you’ve pitched your tent or parked for the night.
Each site is equipped with electric and water and for RVs needing sewage, there’s a spot as you exit prior to arriving at the ranger station that will accommodate you. The restroom and shower facilities in Area#1 are the best that I’ve ever seen in the state of Florida (which is saying something as I’ve camped in more than 100 spots here in the Sunshine state) – and wonder if this is because CG Hosts (versus FL state employees) are charged with keeping the CG clean?! – with very hot water (sometimes TOO hot) and lots of pressure would be an accurate description. Area #2 IMHO is somewhat cramped, very RV populated, with sites that are fairly crowded, yet heavily shaded with amenities that are similar to Area #1, albeit slightly more outdated; however, if you come with pets in tow, this is the ONLY area that will welcome you here at Fort DeSoto CG. Lastly, Area #3 has AMAZING water views, but given the seawall that surrounds this portion of the island, you won’t be able to actually access the water unless you dock your boat somehow to the wall and don’t mind jumping up 4-6 feet down to access your vessel. I found the sites here to be fine, although like Area #2, somewhat crowded, but yet still offering very good shade with restroom and shower facilities to be on par with the rest of the park. The best sites over here would be those from #197– 233 that look northernly towards the Gulf offering nothing short of AMAZING sunsets on the water.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a handful: (1) Waterfront sites in Loop 2 and Loop 3 are the most coveted for sunset views and breezes, but they book fast; (2) Bring bikes as this park is tailor-made for cruising on two wheels with flat, scenic loops in and around the campground area, but the best biking will be had once heading out past the ranger station to explore the larger areas of the island, where East Beach is worth a glide by (especially to watch the kite surfers where wind is at its strongest), but it’s North Beach that will have you stopping for a longer spell; (3) Kayaking through the mangroves on a calm morning is a must, especially for wildlife sightings; however, our absolute favorite moment of the entire trip was crossing the strong currents of shipping lanes to make it all the way to Shell Key, which apart from a few pensioners getting sunburnt in their beach chairs and an errant fishing boat or two, we had the entire island to ourselves … EASTER EGG: I’m a fairly solid kayaker and love oaring and with these strong currents, it IS manageable to cross, but you’ll want to plan on at least 1 hour of non-stop, albeit scenic oaring to make it to Shell Key; (4) Afternoon storms roll through quickly in summer, so plan beach time early and camp dinners later; (5) North Beach on the northernmost edge tends to be quieter and more family-friendly than the busier east-facing beaches near the fort; (6) If you’re visiting during peak season, weekday stays are noticeably calmer than weekends; and (7) When heading to the restroom facilities you will come across what is likely the largest sign I have ever seen in any campground WARNING YOU OF RACCOONS and, trust me, you want to HEED THIS SIGN as these black-eyed bandits are EVERYWHERE and not afraid to come right up to your tent and look in or right up to you sitting next to your campfire while looking for something to eat or steal, so be incredibly careful and PACK UP EVERYTHING whenever it’s not being used EVEN IN DAYLIGHT HOURS.
In sum, I absolutely loved this campground and will now be comparing every single one I visit to Fort DeSoto Campground.
Happy Camping!
- Stuart K.Legend
Countryside RV Park
Wild West Meets Old Florida
This Old Florida location has a Western bent to the place with the covered wagon motif and ranch-styled main office with what looks to be a horse tie up on the porch, so whatever the theme might be, this RV enclave is a good stretch away from the I75 highway that you moseyed onto in to find this 55+ retirement one lane (OK, there’s a simple loop) cowboy retirement OK corral. You’ll access Countryside RV Park via Country Rd 489 just off of Route 470 and if you blink (you know, because of all that dust blowing off the prairie), you’d miss the turn-off, so keep your eyes peeled, pardner, and about 20 yards into the property, you’ll swing by the office on what looks to be freshly laid, small single vehicle lanes and check in with the sheriff (er, the RV manager), who will direct you to your humble piece of very flat land, which no doubt will be draped in shade provided by the scattered ancient and live oaks that are sweating Spanish moss creating a very (trust me) un-wild, wild west vibe.
There’s some basic amenities here in addition to the standard pull-through parking pads and FHUs offering 20 / 30 / 50 amp electric, water and sewage, including: sanitary dump, impeccably clean his / her restrooms and shower facilities, picnic tables, WiFi, cable TV, coin-operated laundry, horseshoes, side X side shuffle boards that are in pristine condition, recreation room with billiards, dog park, fire pit, retention pond, on-site storage, exercise equipment and gym. There’s even a proper mail room in case you plan on staying long enough that you need to receive mail here or have it forwarded (beats waiting for the Pony Express to arrive). Due to this being a semi- or full-retirement zone, Countryside offers additional diversions and activities like bingo, Karaoke, bowling, arts & crafts as well as Bible study, in addition to learning how to lasso your very own steer (OK, I made up this last one).
Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) If your ID or social security card doesn’t clearly state that you are 55+ you won’t have any luck at this hideout; (2) If you do manage to stay here, IMHO the best spots are those either on the western - but of course - side of this depot (#6 – 22) or eastern (#46–#59) perimeters; (3) Should you need to load up on anything while here, there’s not much nearby apart from a Dollar General and Kal’s Food Grocery, but if you don’t mind driving slightly further afield, there’s a Publix NE of here and a Winn-Dixie and Walmart due south of here towards Bushnell; and (4) In the event that you’d like to grab some local grub, there’s Big Apple Café and a Subway nearby in the small town here, or up on Lake Panasoffkee there’s Big Bass Grill Lakefront Restaurant & Marina, which I highly recommend.
Happy Camping!
- aalan F.Scout
Hillsborough River State Park Campground
Showers and bathrooms are closed
- GGordon S.Scout
Little Manatee River State Park Campground
Quiet. Definitely skewed toward equestrian. Sites are well spaced. Outer loop is best. Restroom/showers are very well kept. Not much for kids. Short trails are ok. Cayaking is best option if you're in to that. Relax here, enjoy the peace and have your favorite beverage
Julio B.ScoutFort De Soto Campground
Beautiful 😁
- EEfstathios A.Scout
Encore Winter Quarters Pasco
Great location
- CCorey S.
TravelerBay Bayou RV Resort
Great time @ a great campground.
Great fishing docks, with lighting for nighttime fishing. Clean & great environment, kids had a blast. Will stay here again
Guide to Port Richey
Camping options near Port Richey, Florida benefit from the region's subtropical climate with year-round accessibility. The area features a mix of coastal lowlands and inland pine forests with elevations rarely exceeding 15 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures typically range from 85-95°F with high humidity, while winter months bring milder 55-75°F conditions that attract seasonal visitors from northern states.
What to do
Paddle the waterways: The Anclote River provides access to island camping experiences at Anclote Key Preserve State Park Campground. "We kayaked out from Anclote river park and stayed two nights on the island. During the day there were quite a few boats on the island but by about 4pm we basically had the island to ourselves. Beautiful sunset and sunrises with crystal clear water," notes a camper named Kaitlin.
Explore primitive trails: For those seeking more solitude, the backcountry sites at Serenova Tract Campsites offer multiple hiking options. "Serenova tract is part of the larger Jay B. Starkey wilderness park and can be accessed off of Route 52 in Land O' Lakes, FL. The park offers free camping with a reservation which needs to be made with the Southwest Florida Wildlife Management District," explains a reviewer named Steve.
Wildlife spotting: Early mornings and evenings are prime times for wildlife viewing. One camper at Serenova Tract noted, "Saw a good bit of wildlife: deer and wild boar." Several campsites provide dedicated wildlife observation areas or trails that connect to wetland viewing points.
What campers like
Beach proximity: Many campers value sites that allow quick access to Gulf Coast beaches. At Hickory Point RV Park, one visitor shared, "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."
Privacy between sites: Several campgrounds receive positive mentions for spacious layouts. A camper at Serenova Tract described, "The campsites are very well maintained, shaded by oak trees and separated enough to allow everyone to enjoy their peace while not disturbing their neighbors."
Clean facilities: Bathroom cleanliness ranks highly in reviews. At Caladesi RV Park, a guest reported, "The restroom/shower house is ALWAYS clean. We don't always want to shower in our rv so this is important to us."
Stargazing opportunities: Several sites offer good night sky viewing due to minimal light pollution. A camper at Anclote Key described, "Enjoy a night of primitive camping under the stars without a sound except insects and lapping waves on the beach."
What you should know
Weather challenges: The subtropical climate brings predictable challenges. As one reviewer at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park warned, "Be prepared for sun exposure, with sunblock and lots of water recommended as you will be hiking under open sky in the Florida heat."
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds near Port Richey require advance booking. A visitor to Serenova Tract noted, "Need a reservation, there are just a handful of sites. Each has a fire ring and a table. Locked gate (you need a code they give you in your reservation confirmation)."
Water considerations: Several primitive sites lack reliable water sources. A Jay B. Starkey camper advised, "They have water stations, but do not count on these being full at all times. Bring water with you. Don't risk it!"
Seasonal crowding: Winter months (December-March) see significantly higher occupancy. A camper at Jay B. Starkey warned, "IF YOU ARE HOPING FOR PEACE AND QUIET, DO NOT GO ON A WEEKEND. I went on a Friday night, and the entire campground was PACKED."
Tips for camping with families
Accessible playgrounds: Facilities for children are available at several campgrounds. A parent who visited Jay B. Starkey noted, "Starkey Park campground is clean, rustic, and has lots of firewood for campers. There are many hiking, bike trails, and 2 playgrounds within mere steps of your tent or cabin."
Educational opportunities: Several sites offer nature education facilities. At Hillsborough River State Park Campground, one visitor shared, "Rental canoe staff were amazing. Tons of wildlife," making it ideal for nature-oriented families.
Mosquito protection: Bug protection is essential, especially for children. A Hillsborough camper warned, "Bring plenty of bugspray, the mosquitoes here are big enough to carry away a small dog."
Bathroom accessibility: When camping with kids, bathroom proximity matters. A Jay B. Starkey visitor mentioned, "The bathrooms are clean and easily accessible," while another noted that at campsite #14, the "bathroom was also directly across from site."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose sites away from highways when possible. A visitor to Caladesi RV Park cautioned, "It's a tiny rv park, with small sites, right off a busy road. BUT the bathrooms and laundry are clean, the staff is nice..... and location. Location. Location...... the location is awesome."
Hookup reliability: Full hookups vary between parks. A camper at Caladesi reported, "Decent size spot with stone drive and cement patio," providing enough space for slideouts and outdoor setup.
Laundry facilities: Access to laundry can extend comfortable stays. One Caladesi visitor noted, "Nice laundry facilities with area to play cards if you wanted," offering a practical amenity for longer-term campers.
Local access: Many campgrounds provide convenient access to necessities. A visitor to Serenova Tract mentioned, "Supermarket and several restaurants just across the street. Gas station not even half a mile down the road. Super easy to get to and short drive down a dirt road."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Port Richey, FL?
What camping is available near Port Richey, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, Port Richey, FL offers a wide range of camping options, with 260 campgrounds and RV parks near Port Richey, FL and 4 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Port Richey, FL?
Which is the most popular campground near Port Richey, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Port Richey, FL is Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park with a 4.3-star rating from 13 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Port Richey, FL?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Port Richey, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Port Richey, FL.
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