10 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Several RV parks within driving distance of Elkton, Florida offer year-round accommodations for motorhome travelers. Encore Winter Quarters Manatee provides full hookups with both 30 and 50 amp electrical service, spacious pull-through sites, and big rig accessibility. Hidden River RV Resort features concrete pads with fire rings and ample space between sites, particularly in their riverfront section. Pleasant Lake RV Resort maintains a 4.5-star rating with level sites that accommodate larger rigs. Sun Lake RV Resort offers full hookup sites with 50 amp service, though spaces tend to be more compact. "Our site was a pull thru spot that was plenty long enough to leave our dolly hooked up to our 33' class A, and still have plenty of room to park in front," noted one RV camper about their experience at a nearby park.
Winter RV camping in this region requires advance reservations, especially for premium waterfront sites. Most RV parks are pet-friendly with designated dog parks, though policies vary regarding breed restrictions and number of pets allowed. Sanitary dump stations are available at all parks, with most sites offering direct sewer hookups. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the area, with Verizon providing the strongest coverage. Propane refill or exchange services can be found at several locations, including some RV parks and nearby travel centers. Many parks offer cable TV connections and WiFi, though internet speeds vary considerably. Laundry facilities are standard amenities, with most parks maintaining clean, modern restrooms with shower facilities.
"The grounds were ok overall and internet worked fine. The electrical (30 amp and 50 amp) was farther back than the water, which wasn't a huge deal but might be inconvenient for some."
"The staff is very friendly. well-kept park BUT, it's right next to Highway 75.We were fortunate to have a site on the opposite side of the lake, farthest from 75, and the noise was no problem."
"In Palmetto, easy access to Tampa, Sarasota, Gulf Beaches, and many other areas of Florida in a few hours driving distance. Pet-friendly."
"It looks a bit rundown from the first sight, but the amenities and infrastructure are really up to date, everything is clean, staff is friendly. Long term residents are also seem to t be nice."
"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!"
"For now we had no internet, and used our phones for Hot Spot.
Staff are friendly and helpful.""Great location"
"It is very dog friendly and the sites are spacious. There are a lot of activities and a great pool area. This campground is close to Busch Gardens Tampa. We stayed here in a motor home."
"We were less than an hour away from home at Lazydays RV Resort and it felt like we were on the other side of the planet. Got to spend uninterrupted time with my bride and it was awesome."
from $61 - $83 / night
"This campground has 2 new camping areas with concrete pads and fire rings. When you first enter, there are several back in camping spots before you reach the office/activity center."
"We did not have any luck getting wifi, but we have a Verizon Hotspot, and only one bar. To log in, there was a requirement to provide personal information, which we weren’t comfortable with."
"Well maintained campground with quite a few year-round residents it was pretty (for a suburban area), clean, quiet, and conveniently located. The Staff is professional, friendly, and very helpful."
"Quiet, even though it was close ro a highway. Wifi was good. Full hook ups, cable tv. Sites were a little small but that was our only complaint."
"So a lot of snowbirds are packed up and gone. I can't say what it's like in January, but I've had no problems. The permanent residents are friendly. The amenities are plentiful."
"We were looking for a new place to spend the winter. This is an amazing park"
GuideNice state park in a great location for visiting the area. Bathhouse near my site could use an update and newer bathhouse could use a good shower stall wash. I camp in a Travato Van so maneuvering in the campground was easy for me but larger rigs might struggle.
GuideThe 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.
LegendOn 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!
ScoutHaven't been camping here. Based on the photos, it looks like it is a beautiful place. Looks like somewhere to have a fun, crazy, spontaneous camp experience. I prefer natural nature. Cutting the trails, fire wood, catching dinner, fighting mosquitoes without harsh chemicals. Preserving the world. Maybe make a reservation. Leave the dogs with a sitter and not have a care in the world.
ScoutQuiet. 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
ScoutBeautiful 😁
ScoutGreat location
GuideNice little place. Gravel, pull-through sites, clean bathrooms, and friendly staff. Tons to do for the littles!
TravelerGreat fishing docks, with lighting for nighttime fishing. Clean & great environment, kids had a blast. Will stay here again
RV sites near Elkton, Florida offer full-service accommodations for travelers exploring northeastern Florida's coastal region. Winter temperatures typically range from 45-70°F, while summer highs frequently exceed 90°F with high humidity. Most parks remain open year-round with peak season running November through April when advance reservations become essential.
Fishing access: Many RV parks provide direct water access for fishing enthusiasts. At River Vista RV Park, which features boat-in access, campers appreciate the water activities: "Very nice campground and lots of amenities. Very clean and well maintained and very friendly staff."
Golfing opportunities: Several parks are located near golf courses for those seeking recreational activities. Encore Silver Dollar features a golf course on-site, making it convenient for campers who enjoy the sport. As one visitor notes, "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."
Beach proximity: The Bradenton area offers easy access to Gulf beaches. Campers at Encore Terra Ceia appreciate the location: "This place is 20 minutes away from several beaches and the TB Rays stadium, the Trop. The facilities were clean and we have a view of the pond with ducks."
Pool facilities: Many RV parks maintain heated swimming pools for year-round use. At Lazydays RV Resort, guests enjoy the screened-in pool area: "The pool area is screened in and very clean. Will definitely stay again when in the area."
Concrete pads: Level, solid surfaces make setup easier for RVers. At Hidden River RV Resort, campers appreciate the quality sites: "This campground has 2 new camping areas with concrete pads and fire rings... the best area, in my opinion, is the lower area by the river and pool."
Security features: Gated access provides peace of mind for travelers. Pleasant Lake RV Resort offers enhanced security measures: "This is a beautiful place with beautiful views. Super clean everywhere. There is a lovely pool, billiard room, exercise and game room, etc. very easy to get to. There is a security gate. A code will be provided."
Site spacing variations: Some parks have tight spacing while others offer more room. At Sun Lake RV Resort, reviewers note: "Sites were a little small but that was our only complaint." Another camper adds: "These tiny spots and very tight roads with no room for vehicles... it is priced way out of line."
Permanent resident sections: Many parks have areas designated for long-term residents. At Encore Vacation Village, campers should know: "Many full time residents with older park models." Another review mentions: "Be careful entering the park. Very sharp turns."
Internet connectivity: Wi-Fi quality varies significantly between parks. At Pleasant Lake RV Resort, one camper reported: "We did not have any luck getting wifi, but we have a Verizon Hotspot, and only one bar. To log in, there was a requirement to provide personal information, which we weren't comfortable with."
Pet policies: Most parks allow pets but have specific restrictions. At Encore Winter Quarters Manatee, families with pets can take advantage of dedicated areas: "They have a dog park, and it is shady, which is needed in the FL heat, but not very kept up and clean."
Noise considerations: Highway proximity can impact noise levels at some parks. Winter Quarters Manatee is located near a major highway: "The only downside is that you are close to I75, and there is construction currently underway." Another reviewer adds: "right NEXT to I75.....noisy all the time."
Insect preparation: Some campsites experience significant insect activity. At Encore Vacation Village, campers warn: "This is a mosquito heaven!!! Being bug spray or candles! You will see a large amount of bugs in your area…. They used to spray. But now they don't."
Setup challenges: Site layouts may present difficulties for larger rigs. One RVer at Encore Winter Quarters Pasco describes: "I had a very difficult time parking my 37' foot travel trailer. If someone is parked across from you, you basically are stuck."
Utility placement: At some parks, utilities may require additional hoses or cords. A camper at Lazydays RV Resort notes: "Water and electric were located in the middle of the pad. The sewer was at the end of the pad, and we needed right at 20 feet of hose."
Water pressure management: High water pressure can damage RV plumbing systems. One visitor to Lazydays reports: "Water pressure was above 60 psi, so we needed a reducer."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular RV campsite near Elkton, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular RV campground near Elkton, FL is Encore Winter Quarters Manatee with a 3.8-star rating from 13 reviews.
What is the best site to find RV camping near Elkton, FL?
TheDyrt.com has all 245 RV camping locations near Elkton, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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