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Just minutes from downtown Tampa, this Hillsborough River State Park Camping offers a refuge from city life with its seven miles of nature trails and ample places to cool off in the water.
Except for occasional reenactments, the cannon and guns are now silent at Fort Foster. No longer do Seminole Indians have to fight to keep a foothold in Florida, and soldiers no longer guard a strategic river crossing. The reconstructed fort and its surroundings are now part of Hillsborough River State Park.
Besides a living history lesson, visitors can kayak or canoe class II river rapids, rare in Florida, hike seven miles of nature trails and swim in an ADA accessible swimming pool.
Tucked away, only a short distance from the bustling city of Tampa, camping is a popular activity at Hillsborough River State Park.
$24 / night
Separate primitive camping areas available for individual and equestrian camping. Backcountry camping available. Campsites for cars and primitive cabins available. Groups can reserve tent site or cabins up to 90 days in advance. Reservation and fee are required and can be made up to 30 days in advance.
This wilderness park consists of 113 acres and there is so much to enjoy at this beautiful park. There is an observation tower, bird houses, a paved bike path, you can hike through the nature trails, stroll through the botanical garden and watch the birds and butterflies surround you. There is an outdoor amphitheater and primitive camping for families or group events. Shelters can be reserved for birthday parties or picnics online or you can visit one of the following locations and pay on site.
Dogs are allowed at the park on a 6' leash in designated areas. Please obey signs posted throughout the park.
The Suncoast Trail is located near the park and can be accessed via public roads and sidewalks. View the Florida Greenways and Trails website for more information on maps and other trails to explore.
The Central Pasco and Gulf Railroad, Inc. offers free rides on their scaled down train on the 2nd Saturday of each month from 10 am to 3 pm. The train depot is located near Shelter Number 2 by the log cabin. The train can be reserved for birthday parties only by contacting Central Pasco and Gulf Railroad. View the Central Pasco and Gulf Railroad website.
Well-known for its natural spring which flows year-round, cool, clean water into the Alafia River, the Lithia Springs Park was originally purchased by Gardinier, Inc., a mining company that soon became Mosaic Phosphate, Inc. When the company leased the park to Hillsborough County as a recreational area in 1957, the 160-acre site slowly became a popular camping spot.
After setting up camp, hikers can explore the woodsy trails and its diverse plant communities, river cypress swamps, and hardwood hammocks. But it is the natural spring that serves as the park’s major attraction, which---courtesy of the water’s 72 degree temperature---provides an excellent swimming experience all year long. In addition to swimming, visitors can fish and play volleyball. There is also a bath house for the parents to rest and chat, while their kids can play at the park’s playground.
The park’s 44 camping sites---which is also suitable for RVs---include water/shower and electrical services. The campers also have access to picnic shelters and tables, restrooms, and barbecue grills. There are no reservations for these sites; everything is done on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Park rules to know:
-Picnic shelters are not rented for the months April - September. -All shelters, tables and grills and parking spaces are first come first serve -Due to the high demand of the swimming area and current conditions maximum capacity is -No rain checks / refunds
$24 / night
Located in northwestern Hillsborough County, Lake Rogers Park is the “newest” of the County’s regional parks when it opened in 2000. Owned by the City of St. Petersburg, this 272-acre park was developed as a joint venture between the City and Hillsborough County.
First time visitors will notice that the park has two public entrances along North Mobley Road, with kiosks and parking lots, while an entrance for staff access and maintenance is along Gunn Highway. Fishermen and kayakers can enjoy the two fresh water lakes that enhance the beauty of the park, including Lake Rogers, which is the one of the largest Lakes in the County and the only one that is completely under public ownership by the City.
After strolling and biking through trails flanked by pine flatwoods and oak hammocks, Campers can take advantage of the park amenities, such as picnic shelters and tables, portable restrooms, and barbecue grills.
A free camping reservation is required and must be displayed.
Guide
We camped overnight on a Friday and were the only people in the area. Lovely space for dispersed camping with a picnic table, fire pit, an outhouse and hiking trails. We'll definitely visit again when we're in Florida.
Traveler
I just called them and none are walk-in. All has to be reserved.
And you are not allowed pets.
Scout
It’s a clean park with easy access to boat rentals (kayaks, canoes) and a boat launch if you have your own. Publix and Walmart are ~10 minutes away if you need anything. I came in September after a heavy rain and it was pretty buggy. Bring mosquito repellent. There are a number of long term campers with poorly kept RVs, but everyone is friendly.
Scout
This was the first time we had camped at Fort De Soto and I was so excited because we planned it for my 61st birthday. However, the bugs were so bad. We set up camp with our tent and all our gear, the bugs became so bad we took it all down and went home.I love the fact that my two dogs could come, but the bugs are a no go. It was absolutely miserable. Other than that it’s a beautiful area so maybe we will try again in the winter. I live north of here in Pasco County and frequently bring my dogs down to the dog beach, which is absolutely beautiful. A shame the campground is so infested.
Scout
I recently had a wonderful experience at the St. 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. The cabins were equipped with everything needed for a comfortable stay—fresh linens, a full kitchen, and even a private patio with a grill and fire ring. And they had a great view of the lush mangrove lined Long Bayou.
They loved the blend of cozy and convenient, making their getaway truly enjoyable. At the end of the road driving out of this campground is a great restaurant called Doe Doe's that makes a delicious homestyle breakfast if you don't want to cook it yourself.
Wanting to be close to them I opted for one of the small tent sites at the end of the park where I car camped in my Subaru Outback. It was a peaceful and charming spot, perfect for a relaxing camping experience - and away from more of the centrally located activities that people camping with children enjoy.
Overall, the amenities were top-notch, including the heated outdoor pool, bike and kayak rentals, and clean and large facilities. They have something called KampK9 which is a fenced in dog park area. Less than a mile away is Bay Pines Park which is nice to jog or ride your bike through and there is also a super Walmart nearby so you can stock up for your drive to the next campground. You also have easy access to the Gulf Coast's stunning beaches and the scenic Pinellas Trail.
Driving on the main road, and seeing the somewhat industrial area you pass through on your way down the small side street to this campground, you wouldn't expect much - but this KOA has been there for decades and is one of the nicest family campgrounds in the middle of a city I have experienced.
Legend
We stayed in site 26, which was tucked back and fairly private. We planned on trail riding, but rain changed the plans. We didn’t get to explore much, but will be back. Nice long drive down to the sites. Electric and water were both great, and dump stations easy. Staff was extra friendly.
Traveler
The park is fantastic! The park rangers constantly ensured our safety and were very friendly and helpful. They made sure to keep us up to date regarding changes in weather and flooding. Oh, and the pricing to stay per week is amazing! It's a must-visit!
GuideI stay for 5day during the last week of July 2024. It was beautiful, I stayed at site 34 in had water view and access. So I was able to wake up early and walk 10step and I was on my SUP. Plenty of wild life & I was able to do some fishing and got a few spotted sea trout. Staff at the front desk, store and grounds were friendly and attentive. My site had water and electric and walking distance to a clean restroom.
Scout
Horrible management, the president is a joke I will never stay again. The majority of the people that live in the park are nice but there are also a lot of nasty people, just horribly mean and very nosy. Terrible place!! Wish I could put 0 stars
Scout
You have to get called back, not working with international numbers. Form on website won’t solve the captcha.
Sometimes automating everything is stupid.
Scout
Stayed in spot #8, not as much shade as I had hoped for, would've been better in 10-14. Sites are plenty large and relatively well spaced out. There was a large anthill between the spot and where you park which made packing in and out an adventure (very active colony). Otherwise, the site was level and devoid of rocks & roots. A good night's sleep despite the racoon who pilfered my SunChips during the night.
Traveler
We were down for a funeral so we, unfortunately, didn’t spend any time in the park or campground. The park is absolutely gorgeous and we can’t wait to return in November for a week long stay. The roads in the campground are a little narrow so maneuvering a larger rig might take some time backing into sites but there were plenty of big rigs there so it is doable. The sites have picnic tables and a fire ring. As far as we could tell, all sites are sandy so I’m sure it would be a little messy after a rain with possible flooding. Our site was perfectly level with no side to side adjustments needed. Our loop was very shaded with gorgeous trees. The rangers were amazing and patrolled the campground on a regular basis. There is a huge pool but it was closed for renovations, opening sometime this summer. There is a small cafe with ice cream and you can rent kayaks or canoes to take a trip down a wonderfully, peaceful river. It was so clear that we could see fish swimming around. No swimming is allowed in the river because of gators but experienced paddle boarders would love the easy paddle. Lots of trails to hike as well.
Definitely a great place to stay right outside the Tampa area. Recommend highly.
LegendFHU, gravel site. The sites Very close together and guests pull in all around your site and park their boats, cars, trucks, golf carts. Luckily, we only stayed a weekend. Lots of full time residents. The dog park is big, Pool house, jacuzzi and pool are large and clean. There were activities planned for the kids which was fun! There are tennis courts, which we didn’t use. The playground has many different play areas and was tidy. There are lots of area attractions and a beach with a designated swimming area at the end of the road. If we had come off season, it would have been great. The swing and pond, behind our RV, was a nice touch for our puppy and granddaughter.
Guide
Sites were small, Service was friendly, Okay amenities- small pool, dog ‘park’ was a tiny walking area. Expensive considering location and amenities.
Legend
We have a 36 ft Class A with a Cherokee Trailhawk tow and stayed in site 132 for 3 days in mid April. The CG is very clean, well maintained, but relatively expensive. The CG is a mixture of long-term and transient folks. The roads are paved, but the sites are sandy, shelly gravel. The staff is friendly and very helpful. 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.
AT&T coverage was pretty good, with 3-4 bars of 5G service and speeds up to 11 MB/s. The CG has a lot of trees, but the sites in the front of the park are pretty open. We had no line-of-site to the DISH satellites, but did have an open view north, so Starlink usable, but the CG had WiFi and we were right across from the antenna, so we didn’t use Starlink. The CG WiFi achieved speeds up to 8 MB/s.
Traveler
Friendly people running the campground and it’s pretty spacious! 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. Nice facilities, but restrictive like another review says - we didn’t have our dog this time around but they don’t allow dogs so it may be hard for us to come back. We didn’t try the trails but everything else we saw was well-kept. We liked it!
Traveler
Suncoast RV doesn't have a clubhouse and hasn't for years. It had propane gas leaks and the ceiling fell in. The Wifi doesn't work. Cable issues. Pool table has a shredded top, bent sticks, missing balls and cobwebs in the pockets. Pavilion is a storage area for the park. The park will tell you background checks are done. They aren't or they are ignored. Do a simple search online of registered sex offenders living in this family friendly park. The park manager's husband (has a different name than hers) and is one of the registered sex offenders living here. He is parked within feet of the pool and where kids play. The pool's heater is broken and they refuse to fix. The park floods and many people's units were destroyed in the fall of 2023. The park lied for years about building a new clubhouse and didn't put in for a permit until the end of 2023 according to Pasco County. The shower houses are closed down due to falling in and you have to use portable units that homeless wander into the park and use. The park wasn't maintained and at least 1 vehicle had a branch fall and crush their hood and shattered their windshield. People bring guest to live in their "pop-up" rooms outside. Laundry's washers can only be used on cold water. Full-time residents are what keep the park looking decent and they get targeted for speaking up. The public and the residents are being lied to and have been lied to. Suncoast RV and Gemstone Communities put out false and misleading material about what is being offered knowing fully that the listed items do not exist. And from what I am reading vacationers who pay don't get refunds. Park will also turn your water off and it is provided with your lot rent. A lot I can put here and I have taken tons of photos and videos of what is going on. It sounds like a class action lawsuit or an individual one might be needed or the government to get involved with the false and misleading information being put out on the internet about their amenities, services, buildings, and accommodations that are not provided. I provided a few photos and have a lot more on my phone.
Scout
Nice park, great residents. We had a park model for two seasons. December 2023, we'd been there about a month, our boxer dog caught parvo in the park. As soon as I realized she was sick, I let the park know. We were immediately kicked out. I had already been quarantining her, but they made me leave. It was Christmas time and my husband was in the hospital, they didn't care. It was so unnecessary and cruel. I wouldn't let my worst enemy stay there.
ScoutThe ground are lovely and people are wonderful but the office management just ruins the experience. One of the ladies is a gossip who pics favorites and is openly mean to those she doesn't like. The atmosphere is oppressive. We were 6/6 residents for two seasons, we had to move somewhere else. I wouldn't advise anyone to purchase or stay for any length of time.
Scout
Quiet, huge oversized slips, gorgeous, trees are amazing and taken care of as well as the grounds. Not a big park so you get more personalized response with the staff. Everyone is very helpful and makes you feel welcome. We have been traveling Florida for a while and this is our favorite place by far.
Ranger
No surprise on a military base but felt like a campground equivalent of base housing. Tight spots with full hook ups. Lots of snow birds, so getting in was a challenge. We had to show up without a reservation and take advantage of first come, first serve spots.
Full hook up (electric/water/sewer) and cable. No wifi (so weak it didn't work) and cell coverage almost non-existent (AT&T).
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. Gym not too far and massive.
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. And be sure to go to the far right lane, even if it's got a red X showing the lane is closed. They will open the wider lane for you. You don't want to know why I know that or how close our Airstream was to the guard shacks if you don't go in the far lane!
ScoutLove the place very quite perfect spot to camp in nature
Scout
Good place but only bad thing is power connection on boxes they have melted plugs I wouldn’t connect to it but other than that’s it’s a very good place I would of stood longer if that issue was fixed but never fixed it
LegendSmall spacious park. Restroom clean and showers, laundry $1.50 each. Firewood available to purchase. Lots of walking, biking, and hiking. Beautpark. Great camp hosts and ranger.
Guide
Amazing water access and dog friendly! The staff and rangers are kind and helpful. During our stay, there was E. coli in water which means water activities and fishing were restricted. Lots of raccoons and no see-ums. Bring citronella candles. Overall, beautiful park and friendly people. Would definitely return.
GuideFort De Soto county park is a fantastic park for the nature adventurer. With a huge variety of activities available it’s perfect for the whole family.
Dog friendly it has a huge dog beach and separate dog run.
Bike and kayak rentals are available as well as additional fee ferries to Shell and Edmont islands.
The campground area is huge with a separate area for those campers with dogs and kid friendly.
The restrooms are clean with hot water and have washer/dryer available for $1.75 per load.
Most campsites have electric and good water hookups. A pump out station is available near the entrance. 
The camp store and park gift shop are fully stocked with any thing you could need.
One negative is the loop I stayed on the loop road itself is full of potholes and really need to be dragged.
RangerLove it! Great campground with good shade and privacy between sites. Peaceful. Cool weather in February meant little to no bugs (yay!). Clean facilities, level site. Really nice hikes - but unfortunately it’s a bit of a walk from the campground to the trailheads. Worth it though! We will return!
Frequently Asked Questions
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Port Richey, FL is Hillsborough River State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 63 reviews.
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