Best Campgrounds near Safety Harbor, FL

Campgrounds near Safety Harbor, Florida range from established RV resorts to primitive tent sites, with several options located within a 30-minute drive. Fort De Soto Campground in Saint Petersburg offers waterfront camping with both tent and RV sites, while the St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA Holiday provides cabin accommodations alongside traditional camping options. Clearwater-Lake Tarpon KOA in Palm Harbor features similar mixed-use facilities with tent, RV, and cabin camping. The region includes both public and private camping areas, with state parks and water management district lands providing more natural settings compared to the amenity-rich private campgrounds.

Florida's subtropical climate significantly impacts camping conditions, with summer months bringing high humidity, frequent afternoon thunderstorms, and mosquitoes. Most campgrounds in the area remain open year-round, with winter (November through April) being the peak season due to mild temperatures and lower humidity. Many sites require advance reservations, particularly during winter months when northern visitors seek warmer camping destinations. Water management is a consideration throughout the region, with some areas prone to flooding during the rainy season. Facilities range from primitive sites with minimal amenities to fully developed campgrounds with electric hookups, showers, and dump stations. A visitor noted, "We saw sting rays, a baby turtle, many different birds and other wildlife within 5 minutes of parking the boat."

Waterfront camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors, with Fort De Soto Campground being particularly praised for its natural setting and wildlife viewing opportunities. Campers report encounters with dolphins, manatees, and various bird species at waterfront sites. The Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park offers a "hidden gem" experience with primitive camping options and extensive trail systems for hiking and biking. Several developed campgrounds provide shaded sites under mature oak trees, though proximity to Interstate 75 creates noise issues at some locations like Silver Lake Campground. Visitors frequently mention the privacy afforded by natural vegetation between campsites at places like Fort De Soto, where one camper noted, "They did a great job at keeping a lot of natural growth to maintain privacy and a true tropical feel." Campgrounds closer to urban areas tend to offer more amenities but less seclusion than those in state forests or preserves.

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Best Camping Sites Near Safety Harbor, Florida (212)

    1. Fort De Soto Campground

    140 Reviews
    Tierra Verde, FL
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (727) 582-2100

    $38 - $48 / night

    "As an camper with northern roots, I have found it hard to camp in Florida. This campground helped me relieve those worries. 

    I will start by saying that this campground is south of St."

    "Nice walking/bicycle path around the edge. Bike paths also throughout the park. Sites 1-8 or so have direct beach access, but swimming is not allowed. Mangroves surround the rest of the peninsula."

    2. Caladesi RV Park

    16 Reviews
    Palm Harbor, FL
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (727) 784-3622

    $45 - $75 / night

    "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."

    "We first came here a year ago and I was worried about it being so close to a main road, but after staying here I can tell you that it's very quiet and relaxing. "

    3. St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA Holiday

    26 Reviews
    Bay Pines, FL
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (727) 392-2233

    "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."

    "It has all of the amenities you would ever want and is so close to Florida beaches. Pool, hot tub, store, workout room, fishing and kayaking and lots more to do right in the park."

    4. Bay Bayou RV Resort

    6 Reviews
    Oldsmar, FL
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (813) 855-1000

    "There’s a place to fish, a place to chill on the dock and not fish, trees are everywhere and lots of random wildlife roaming around.

    Staff has been super friendly too."

    5. Clearwater-Lake Tarpon KOA

    6 Reviews
    Tarpon Springs, FL
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (727) 937-8412

    $25 / night

    "We camped at Clearwater/ Lake Tarpon KOA Holiday in a Fifth Wheel."

    6. Caladesi Island State Park Campground

    5 Reviews
    Dunedin, FL
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (727) 469-5918

    $24 / night

    "One of the last undeveloped barrier islands in Florida. It's around 650 acres with tons of boardwalks and hiking."

    "Next to honeymoon island state park and just south of anclote

    Boat camping ONLY — tents/Rvs are not permitted.

    First come/first serve boat slips, pet friendly (yay for dogs)"

    7. Hillsborough River State Park Campground

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

    $24 / night

    "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."

    8. Clearwater RV Resort

    4 Reviews
    Clearwater, FL
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 831-1204

    "Off a very busy road hidden behind a hotel and a restaurant. Very clean and tidy park with RV sites and park models. Huge laundry room and very nice bath houses. Customer service is good."

    "Best location for moving around the area.  Use Drew not Gulf to Bay to move across the city.

    Great customer service Suzy and the crew are very helpful. "

    9. Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park

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

    "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."

    10. Encore Vacation Village

    5 Reviews
    Largo, FL
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "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!"

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Recent Reviews near Safety Harbor, FL

866 Reviews of 212 Safety Harbor Campgrounds


  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Belle Parc RV Resort

    Belle parc is a very relaxing campground

    So check in was easy and the ladies at the front office where amazing and very hospitable. We were shown to our campsite by a very nice gentleman. He even helped us back in and hook up. As for the stay it’s been very relaxing and quiet. The shower houses are awesome. We backed up to one of the lakeside areas where the fishing was excellent. We were Also located next to a pool and it was very clean with limited activity from other guest. Would definitely recommend to stay again.

  • SukiDookie ..The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Upper Hillsborough Water Management Area

    Very quiet and peaceful

    We were the only ones there for the weekend, probably because of the summer heat. However, it was nice and free. There is a porta-potty, but I didn’t check it out, so I’m not sure about the cleanliness. The grounds were nicely maintained, though. I do wish the fire rings weren’t so damaged, and the lack of trash cans was surprising. Just take your trash with you, leave no trace, and it was an enjoyable and free experience!

  • N
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Sundance Lakes RV Resort

    They don't care about their residents!

    I lived in this park full-time for 2½ years when Hurricane Helene submerged it under 3½ feet of water. The damage left the park without power for months, forcing us to move out and causing tremendous expenses. During that time, the park made no effort to assist or support the residents in any way. 

    When I applied for FEMA assistance, I was told I needed a simple letter from the park confirming the extended power outage. They refused to provide it, even though it would have cost them nothing and could have helped residents like me recover some of our losses. 

    Instead of showing compassion or accountability, they chose to do nothing. The staff at this park are unprofessional, unhelpful, and unwilling to take responsibility. It was a deeply disappointing experience, and I would never recommend living here.

  • Julia Marie H.
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Encore Vacation Village

    Mosquitoes beware

    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… with a pond down the street there is No end in site for air borne bug issues.

  • Jackie S.
    Aug. 15, 2025

    Gulfbreeze RV Park

    Great little cozy park

    Everyone here treats you like family here

  • C
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Bay Bayou RV Resort

    Excellent clean campground

    Excellent clean campground with great service.

  • Bunkwanaringümü D.
    Aug. 4, 2025

    Lake Rogers Park

    No longer for Camping

    This site no longer permits camping from my experience. I did camp there one night and nobody said anything but upon camping the second night I was told it’s no longer a public campground. Other than that it was a beautiful place.

  • Stacy
    Jul. 30, 2025

    Crooked River Campground — Withlacoochee State Forest

    Great idea for easy campground finds

    After days of searching to find a camp or lot for my cable van i can't across this little gem. The app easily downloaded and immediately provided me with numerous options and locations for my needs


Guide to Safety Harbor

Camping near Safety Harbor, Florida features a mix of waterfront sites and wooded inland campgrounds within 25 miles. The region's coastal areas provide wildlife viewing opportunities, while inland parks offer extensive trail systems. Maximum summer temperatures average 90°F with high humidity, while winter camping temperatures typically range from 50-70°F with significantly lower humidity and fewer insect concerns.

What to do

Explore marine wildlife: Fort De Soto Campground offers exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities where campers regularly encounter diverse marine species. "We saw raccoons, dolphin, manatee, tons of tons of Birds!" reports Brennan H., who appreciated the park's natural setting.

Hike wilderness trails: At Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park, over 50 miles of trails accommodate hikers, bikers and equestrians. The park features both paved and natural surface paths. "This park has a lot to offer, and is a great little spot," notes Rich S., who enjoyed the primitive camping options.

Fish from docks: Bay Bayou RV Resort provides waterfront access with fishing opportunities directly from the property. "Right on the bayou with a kayak launch and docks for fishing and relaxing," according to Mary G., who appreciated the well-maintained facilities.

Visit historic sites: Fort De Soto Park includes an interesting historic fort with educational displays. "The historic fort, scenic beaches, trails for hiking or biking, etc made for a great visit!" shares Brennan H., highlighting the diversity of activities available at this popular destination.

What campers like

Waterfront privacy: Fort De Soto Campground receives high marks for its secluded waterfront sites. "Many sites are waterfront and are mostly well separated," notes David G., who appreciated the campground's layout and amenities. The park offers electric and water hookups with dump stations available on property.

Clean facilities: Clearwater-Lake Tarpon KOA maintains exceptionally clean bathroom facilities. "Undoubtedly the Cleanest showers I've ever seen!" raves Cher C., who also appreciated the campground's daily trash pickup service and convenience to local attractions.

Natural surroundings: Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park offers primitive sites with natural character. "Primitive 1 is a heavily shaded and flat site with plenty of room and privacy. There is a picnic bench and a carved out tree for sitting, as well as a fire pit," explains Rich S., who noted that water sources can be limited during dry periods.

Trail access: The Pinellas Trail runs behind Caladesi RV Park, providing direct access for cyclists. "The Pinellas bike trail is also located right behind the park and easy to get on," mentions Diana M., who appreciated having recreation options directly accessible from the campground.

What you should know

Reservation timing: Fort De Soto Campground requires advance planning due to high demand. "Book in advanced, especially if you want to stay more than a night or two," advises Taylor T. Reservations open six months ahead with limited sites released weekly for last-minute bookings.

Traffic noise: Some campgrounds near major roads experience significant noise issues. "This park was okay, but we were at the front and the road noise was bad. Lots of sirens and traffic," reports Tina about Clearwater-Lake Tarpon KOA, noting that sites at the back of the campground were noticeably quieter.

Pets policy: Many campgrounds near Safety Harbor welcome pets but have specific restrictions. Caladesi Island State Park allows pets, but Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park does not permit pets at its primitive camping areas. Fort De Soto has a dedicated loop for campers with pets where "BRING YOUR RABIES VACCINE PAPERS!" is essential advice from David G.

Site spacing: Campground density varies significantly across the region. At Caladesi RV Park, "The sites are spaced out far from each other which was great! I have travelled to a lot of parks That have sites right on top of one another," notes Diana M., contrasting with more crowded facilities.

Tips for camping with families

Playgrounds available: Many campgrounds include children's play areas. At Fort De Soto, "There is a playground with good swings and also a sturdy playground that offered plenty of opportunity for my four year old to blow off some steam," shares Joe R., who appreciated the recycled rubber ground surface for safety.

Educational opportunities: Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park offers nature education programs. "Nature education center for children. Playgrounds and pavilions for get togethers," mentions Tim L., highlighting the park's family-friendly amenities.

Weekend noise levels: Weekends bring more crowded conditions. "IF YOU ARE HOPING FOR PEACE AND QUIET, DO NOT GO ON A WEEKEND," warns Shaun C. about Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park, noting that some sites had nearly eight tents despite a two-tent limit.

Swimming options: St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA Holiday provides a heated pool suitable for year-round swimming. "Great heated pool & hot tubs," notes Hope L., who visits regularly during January stays.

Tips from RVers

Site selection strategy: At Clearwater-Lake Tarpon KOA, site location significantly impacts stay quality. "It was noticeably quieter at the back of the campground," reports Tina, recommending interior locations over roadside sites.

Connectivity concerns: Wi-Fi quality varies between parks. "Wifi was really good and cable worked well," notes Tina about Clearwater-Lake Tarpon KOA, which matters for those needing to stay connected during their visit.

Leveling challenges: Site conditions can affect RV setup. At Caladesi RV Park, Kevin noted they had a "Decent size spot with stone drive and cement patio," making for easier leveling compared to some of the more natural sites available in the area.

Mail services: For extended stays, some campgrounds accommodate package deliveries. "Mail forwarding; AMAZON delivery," mentions Cher C. about Clearwater-Lake Tarpon KOA, which provides important logistics for longer-term visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Safety Harbor, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, Safety Harbor, FL offers a wide range of camping options, with 212 campgrounds and RV parks near Safety Harbor, FL and 4 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Safety Harbor, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Safety Harbor, FL is Fort De Soto Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 140 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Safety Harbor, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Safety Harbor, FL.