Fort De Soto Campground
Fort Desoto Campground
Close to beaches, beach parking is paid via campground fees. Quiet this time of year, fairly good size sites.
258 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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.
"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."
"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."
from $45 - $75 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
"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. "
"We camped at Clearwater/ Lake Tarpon KOA Holiday in a Fifth Wheel."
from $45 - $120 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
"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."
from $24 / night
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Close to beaches, beach parking is paid via campground fees. Quiet this time of year, fairly good size sites.
This is an excellent, quiet campground conveniently near the Chassahowitzka River Boat Ramp. It's incredibly cool and shady, so valuable in Florida. Sites are level and trees well trimmed. As newer RVers, I'd point to spots 13, 14, 15, 18, 19, and 20 as among the easiest back-in spots, as you can utilize the turn of the driveway to get straightened up better. All of these spots also are shady and private. The campground was quiet on the weekend we visited, but during high season, sites 19, 20 and 48 (pull through) are among those offering the most privacy from neighbors.
Regarding the boat ramp access: take note, the ramp is easily accessible from the campground but not "walking distance" if you are carrying a kayak. You will either need to drive your boat(s) down or rent. Parking fee is $5 vehicle only/$7 vehicle plus boat trailer, and you can access the spot before business hours and pay the fee in cash in the Honor System box on the side of the boat house. The Chassahowitzka is a gorgeous, spring-fed, clear-water river, a true gem in Florida, and just gorgeous for observing fish and birds. The place gets busy on weekends, so arrive early.
We loved our stay and this camp is on our "must return" list!
Great place just know this campground has no shower house etc it’s just a nice quiet place with a beautiful sunset! Starlink works great
Took the littles (ages 5 &4) for their first tent camping trip - had a blast once they learned what s’mores were all about! Decent space, warm days and unusually cool nights.
Great views! Most sites have water-access backyards. Gravel pads are long enough and grassy area behind them goes to waters edge. Room for kiddos to play and adults to wade fish for seatrout on the flats
The host Nor treated me like trash. He mandates you leave a lock off of your hitch so he can move your Rv around as needed. Mind you I was going to be paying for a reserved spot on the property paying a monthly rate. When I inquired more about their policy to see if they damaged my Rv while moving it would it be covered by them for the repairs of damages. My reservation was then automatically canceled for no reason and Nor only gave me a partial refund for my booking. He is very rude and unprofessional. There are also other reviews in the neighbor app stating damages happened while moving someone's rv and he refused to take accountability or finance the repairs for that customer. Hints the reason I was wanting clarification on the matter. Instead of providing it he decided to cancel my reservation and tried to beat me out of my deposit. Dont bring your RV here for storage it is a huge risk!
I visited Preservation Point in June and really enjoyed the stay. The property is a quiet with a lot of open space and natural scenery. The RV sites were clean, brand new, level, and easy to get set up on. The hookups were simple, and everything felt well laid out with plenty of room for the RV. Gail was very helpful and welcoming, which made the whole experience easy from the start. There is plenty of room to relax, enjoy the wildlife, and take in the natural setting. It is also a nice location for exploring nearby Inverness, the Withlacoochee State Trail, and other Central Florida spots. You can tell the park is still growing, but the foundation is excellent. For anyone looking for a clean, quiet, RV-only place with easy hookups and a peaceful setting, Preservation Point is definitely worth considering.
Good clean site.
We had a wonderful experience at the 4-year-old Terry Tomalin Campground! The tent sites are spacious and nicely spread out, giving you plenty of room to set up camp without feeling crowded by your neighbors. The campground has a peaceful, natural atmosphere that makes it easy to relax and enjoy being outdoors. There are 6 cabins also available with electric– no ac.
One of the things that really impressed us was the bathroom facilities. The restrooms and showers were very clean and well-maintained, which makes a huge difference when you’re tent camping. It was great to be able to enjoy a more primitive camping experience without giving up the convenience of a nice bathroom and shower.
The location next to Boyd Hill Nature Preserve is what really makes this campground special. Campers have access to the preserve’s pedestrian trails, making it easy to spend time exploring nature and then return to your campsite to relax.
Overall, Terry Tomalin Campground is a hidden gem in St. Petersburg and a fantastic place for anyone who enjoys tent camping and being surrounded by nature. We would definitely stay here again!
Notes: Only open on weekends, no pets, strict rules against vaping and alcoholic beverages. This location is very busy in the summertime as there are not many camping options in the area. Large group fire pits (not at each site)
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.
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.
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."
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."
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."
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?
According to TheDyrt.com, Port Richey, FL offers a wide range of camping options, with 258 campgrounds and RV parks near Port Richey, FL and 4 free dispersed camping spots.
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?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Port Richey, FL.
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