Best Cabin Camping near Safety Harbor, FL

Rustic cabins and cozy rental units provide overnight accommodations near Safety Harbor across several outdoor destinations. St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA Holiday offers deluxe cabins equipped with full kitchens, fresh linens, private patios with grills, and fire rings. Clearwater-Lake Tarpon KOA provides similar cabin accommodations with utility hookups and picnic tables. Hillsborough River State Park Campground features more rustic cabin options set in a natural wooded environment. Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park maintains primitive cabins without electricity, giving visitors a true back-to-nature experience. "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."

Cabin styles vary considerably from basic wooden structures to fully furnished units with modern amenities. Primitive cabins at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park require guests to bring all supplies and utilize communal bathrooms, while KOA properties offer cabin rentals with electricity, water, and often air conditioning. Dunedin RV Resort includes cabin accommodations with added amenities. Reservations are essential, particularly during winter months when northern visitors increase demand. Many properties require minimum stays during peak periods. A camper wrote: "I've hosted friends in their Deluxe Cabins before, and they were thoroughly impressed. The cabins had a great view of the lush mangrove lined Long Bayou."

Most cabin rentals provide basic furniture and beds but require visitors to bring their own linens, pillows, and towels unless otherwise specified. Cabins at Encore Vacation Village and Hickory Point RV Park include standard amenities but vary in kitchen facilities—some offer full kitchens while others provide only mini-refrigerators and microwaves. On-site camp stores stock essential items at KOA locations, though prices are typically higher than at nearby grocery stores. Walmart and Publix supermarkets are accessible within short driving distances from most cabin locations. Several properties restrict fires near cabins, so portable cooking equipment may be necessary. Water and electric hookups are standard at most cabin sites, though primitive options have limited or no utilities.

Best Cabin Sites Near Safety Harbor, Florida (38)

    1. 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."

    "They have a heated pool, mini golf course, shuffle board,dog run. There are the typical bike rentals, four person bikes, that are found at most KOAs.

    We rented. Cabin this time."

    2. Clearwater-Lake Tarpon KOA

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

    $25 / night

    "This park was okay, but we were at the front and the road noise was bad. Lots of sirens and traffic. It was noticeably quieter at the back of the campground. Roads are really narrow."

    "Doggie playground nice They are still updating many of the sites but it is very nicely landscaped and clean. Workers very friendly and helpful. Pool was excellent"

    3. Hillsborough River State Park Campground

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

    $24 / night

    "Church groups and other not for profit organizations can book this space if the scouts have not - but they are given first opportunity according to park staff that I worked with."

    "One of the most awarded State Parks! This park has everything! 3 full service camping loops full of sites - lots of space for RV's and Tents - 2 designated hammock camping spots."

    4. Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park

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

    "Part of the Starkey Wilderness Preservethis location is full of multi use trails, has primitive cabin rentals (no electric"

    "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."

    5. 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!"

    6. Dunedin RV Resort

    2 Reviews
    Dunedin, FL
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (727) 784-3719

    $75 - $129 / night

    "We didn’t really explore the amenities as we were only in for a night but they looked nice from a distance. Bathrooms are ok."

    7. Hickory Point RV Park

    4 Reviews
    Tarpon Springs, FL
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (727) 937-7357

    "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. "

    "They’re all premium sites on the legend they have two cabins a few water sites. 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."

    8. Key Lime Bay RV Resort

    1 Review
    Oldsmar, FL
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (813) 333-1212

    "Hook ups are perfect, with awesome WiFi. Huge amenity center with gym, pool and hot tub, gorgeous clean showers and laundry. Great floating dock and two dog parks too."

    9. Sherwood Forest RV Resort

    3 Reviews
    Palm Harbor, FL
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (727) 784-4582

    10. Encore Holiday Travel Park

    4 Reviews
    Holiday, FL
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "The hookups at my site are convenient and unlike another place I stayed, I'm not sharing a single water line with another space. Someone else said the spaces are tight."

    "This is an amazing park"

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 38 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Cabin Reviews near Safety Harbor, FL

260 Reviews of 38 Safety Harbor Campgrounds


  • Jeanene A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 12, 2017

    Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park

    Anything but stark...

    Part of the Starkey Wilderness Preservethis location is full of multi use trails, has primitive cabin rentals (no electric) and tent camping available. Front country (car camping) and back country camping (hike in only). There are specific equestrian camping sites as well.

    Cabins are pretty close to each other. All sites need to be reserved.Tent, cabin, shelter and pavilion reservations: Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park, (727) 834-3247. Picnic tables and fire pits are provided. Pavilions are also available to rent and they take reservations for large groups as well.

    We chose car camping for our visit to check the place out. A favorite for hiking and biking. This place has gotten busier as development has been growing steadily over the years. Many of the trails are without shade and the recent fire season hit the back part of the tract pretty hard (Spring 2017) but you would not see any signs of this unless you hiked out the furthest trails from entrance.

    Bring your bikes, hiking shoes, horses, or telescopes. Birders bring your binoculars! Over 150 species call Starkey home either full or part time. There is something here for everyone.

    As always in Florida bring bug spray, sunblock, hat, and please leave no trace!

  • G
    Jan. 25, 2020

    Canoe Outpost Little Manatee River

    Decent spot. If you want privacy and primitive, it’s not the spot

    So I grew up camping a lot and like to be more primitive/ private. The campsites are close together, with little privacy. It’s also located right off the highway, so you get all the noise. All day and all night.

    Now, for canoe and kayak trips, I guess it’s a good spot. There’s a lot of folk that come just for that. The staff is very friendly. They drive around maybe once a couple of hours. They are pet friendly. A long as your pup isn’t running around the whole property. I’m pretty sure every site has water and electricity.

    • firer ring -picnic table
    • BBQ pit
  • Dark Wolf ..
    Nov. 30, 2021

    Mary’s Fish Camp

    More for RV camping

    The place is very nice and well put together if you have an RV. I do primitive camping mostly and can say that there is a lack of care for the placement for the sites. There’s a few lots for tent camping with one “cabin” which is just two bunk beds in a shed with a mini fridge and microwave. The coolest part about that is it has a screened porch. The camping sites are directly in the sun the entire day until sundown. There is no real parking for the sites and the restroom is a walk to get to tucked behind the office in between two rental units. There’s water views if you walk around the site and a nice deck with a view of the swamps. My biggest complaint is having any problems and then 3 different people coming up to me and my girlfriend asking if we had checked in and had a reservation after 10pm at night. The first guy came up waving his arms in the air asking if we knew what bird was chirping and then said his family owns the place and wanted to make sure we paid. Then two others later on asked if we were able to get checked in. Mind you, this is after 10pm at night and there is literally no lighting where the site was. Overall, it’s definitely worth a stay and not far from walmart and other places to eat. Phone service was almost non existent and their wi-fi they offered doesn’t reach near the camp sites.

  • Kytka The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2024

    St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA Holiday

    Natural Spot Hidden in the City

    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.

  • Steve S.
    Jul. 6, 2016

    Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park

    Hidden gem in Florida

    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. The park has separate primitive tent, car-camping (tent) and cabin campgrounds near the entrance of the park along with over 50 miles of biking, hiking, nature as well as equestrian trails to enjoy. Not to mention several parking areas throughout with playgrounds and an educational center make this a favorite for families to just get away.

    Reservations can be made for camping up to 90 days in advance either online or at the park. We noticed several rangers and volunteers performing various tasks to improve the parks appearance. Will definitely be returning!

  • Jeanene A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 25, 2019

    Withlacoochee River Park

    A Hidden Gem

    Wow... a few miles from home and one I will visit often! This lovely county run park you will find at the end of a 15 min drive down a back country road. There is so much to see and do here. The campsites are well shaded. (unless grounds were full when you reserved and you took option to camp in adjoining astronomy field). I would have rated a 5+ except that there is only 1 small bathhouse in campground. There are other bathrooms on property though. Staff on phone are not overly friendly - but do not let that dissuade you from booking a spot here!

    There are multiple tent camping sites dispersed on property and 1 primitive site that you have to hike into. The group site is very popular with local scouts! The RV/Tent sites are roomy and not too close together - but not very private either. There is a dump station onsite

    Next to campground you will find a historic church, a large and small cabin available for rent, 2 playgrounds, shelters, large pavilion with grill/fire pit, fishing dock, canoe launch, paved bike trail hiking trails and an observation tower. On new moon nights the local astronomy club uses neighboring field to gaze at the stars. This place is quiet and dark at night!

    Wildlife did not seem to be a problem at camp (but we are very careful with trash). There are lots of birds, deer and fishing was good on the river.

    You might have to compete with us for a reservation here - we will be back!

  • Patti D.
    Feb. 12, 2021

    Little Manatee River State Park Campground

    A lovely state park

    Really enjoyed our stay here, good size lot, #10, with electric, water, picnic table and fire ring. Clean dump station. Natural trees providing privacy between lots. A lot of walking trails for people and horses. A surprise was the amphitheater. Washers and dryers are located outside the bathrooms. Friendly hosts and other campers. Would came again.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 31, 2023

    Sherwood Forest RV Resort

    Megalopolis RV Circus

    Allow me to begin by saying I have never been to a large RV campground… ever! This place is so huge that you won’t be surprised if you get lost in this place at least a couple of times before you find your slotted RV destination for the night. Also, I was amazed by how close to the concrete jungle you are at this place, but once you turn on the winding little lane that will bring you to this megalopolis RV circus – fitting given your proximity to all of themed amusement parks! – after crossing through the entry gates, you immediately lose sight of all the traffic, noise and business as you are swallowed up by the lush verdant trees of pines, palms and Ancient oaks. 

    As for the campground itself, you’ll enter off the very busy 192 and head south on Scott Boulevard, where you’ll pass 3 intersecting lanes before arriving to Sherwood Forest RV Resort. There will be plenty of signage, so you shouldn’t get lost arriving here – it's another story once inside this massive compound. To navigate yourself to the proper location you have been assigned of the 514 potential overnight possibilities that exist, you’ll first want to stop off at the administration building, where they should give you a map – and if they don’t, be sure to ask for you, because you’re going to need it! Basically, this entire place is back-to-back RV’s parked at a diagonal with very little to no privacy whatsoever and given that Sherwood Forest is so heavily populated, you are going to encounter both a decent amount of traffic (the golf cart kind) and noise. And while I would normally encourage folks to get as close to the pool area as possible, I found this main congregating place to be quite jam packed and noisy. 

    Amenities: Clubhouse / lounge, mini-golf, basketball, dog park, RV storage, restroom / shower facilities, horseshoe pit, WiFi (at a cost away from the main building), shuffleboard, darts, fitness center, in-ground heated swimming pool, nearby Tiki bar, LP gas refill station, laundr-O-mat, ballroom, mail room, library, banquet hall, catch-and-release lake fishing, marketplace store, playground, game room, billiards, whirlpool / spa / hot tub, picnic tables, pavilion areas, fire pits, BBQ grill, designated trash receptacles, trash compactor, cable TV / satellite and back-in / pull-through sites with full hook-ups (30/ 50 amp electric, water and sewage). In addition to all of the amenities, there’s also a ton of activities, including live music concerts, potluck dinners, BBQ cookouts, dance lessons, ice cream socials, craft-making classes, outdoor chess, mini-golf tournaments, church services, aerobic dancing, exercise classes, line dancing (yeehaw!), board game nights, Bingo, card playing as well as formal holiday dinners around Thanksgiving and Christmas. 

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) The best sites, in general, are all of the ones that are completely on the perimeter of Sherwood Forest RV Resort, specifically sites #1– 137 (you will note that there are a handful of cottages and cabins for rent in these slots as well); (2) When you get done staring down the inside of your cooler or mini-fridge and are looking for a place to sit down and eat for a change, then there are no shortage of food joints to have a look at, including: Krispy Kreme (my personal favorite), Cracker Barrel (my personal least favorite restaurant in the universe), Longhorn Steakhouse, Ichiban Buffet, Martin’s BBQ, Olive Garden and 192 Crab & Lobster Juicy Seafood & Bar;(3) If by chance you have forgotten anything, avoid paying double or triple the price at the on-site market by going to either Walmart or Publix, which are both about a mile and half away; and (4) If you would actually like to enjoy a bit of the outdoors while staying at this RV amusement park, go for a day trip to Lake Tohopekaliga, which has some pretty amazing bass fishing as well as a few choice places to drop your boat into, like Twin Oaks or Cherokee Point Conservation Areas (and if you don’t have your own kayak, canoe or boat, contact Wild Willys Airboat Tours and they’ll show you around). 

    Happy Camping!

  • Jeanene A.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 29, 2019

    Hillsborough River State Park Campground

    Group Camping with Girl Scouts

    The group camping site at Hillsborough River State Park is perfect for all scouting adventures. The group site can hold multiple troops at a time and is away from the regular tent and rv camping sites It typically is booked up on weekends 3-4 months in advance but during the weekdays is seldom used. Church groups and other not for profit organizations can book this space if the scouts have not - but they are given first opportunity according to park staff that I worked with.

    There is plenty of wildlife in this part of the park, group camp is a short walk from rapids Trail and gift shop, canoe rentals and other concessions. Fishing along the river is hit or miss - and there are alligators so refrain from fishing with chicken or liver. There is a large fine for harassing a gator (or feeding them) and this is strictly monitored. If you get a gator on your fishing line you should call a ranger  - do not just cut your line.

    Bathrooms at the group site are something to be desired. They are are small, even tiny...and as old as the park. Just forget about the group camp shower... There are nicer facilities a short 10 min walk down the road near gift shop where you will also find a play ground.

    Winter months are best- that is when mosquitoes are not too bad. June and July are nearly impossible to find relief from these insects.

    I personally camped in a hammock and had a baby raccoon playing with my lines at night. YOU HAVE TO SECURE YOUR FOOD!

    There are lots of picnic tables to have for seating and nice fire pits.


Guide to Safety Harbor

Cabin rental options near Safety Harbor, Florida, provide overnight accommodation within convenient driving distance of Tampa Bay and Gulf Coast beaches. Most cabin properties operate year-round with varying peak seasons that affect availability and pricing. Winter months (November through March) typically require advance reservations of 2-4 months due to high demand from seasonal visitors.

What to do

Water activities at campground marinas: St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA Holiday has water access for fishing, crabbing, and kayaking directly from their property. "There is a fishing dock near where we stayed. Lots of catfish," notes Jenny K. The campground features a small marina suitable for various watercraft.

Hiking trail exploration: Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park offers extensive trail systems ideal for nature walks. "The park has separate primitive tent, car-camping (tent) and cabin campgrounds near the entrance of the park along with over 50 miles of biking, hiking, nature as well as equestrian trails to enjoy," mentions Steve S.

Local wildlife viewing: Hillsborough River State Park Campground provides opportunities to see native Florida wildlife in their natural habitat. "At night the green fireflies put on an amazing light show in the canopy," reports Jason D. The park's wooded environment supports diverse ecosystems with bird and animal species.

What campers like

Protected water access: St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA Holiday offers sheltered water access appreciated by families with younger children. "Located on the water. Lots to do. Great for kids & pets," says Virginia D. The intercoastal waterway location provides calmer waters than open Gulf beaches.

Clean bathroom facilities: Clearwater-Lake Tarpon KOA maintains exceptionally clean shower and restroom facilities. "Undoubtedly the Cleanest showers I've ever seen!" reports Cher C. Regular cleaning schedules and maintenance standards are evident throughout the property.

Peaceful cabin settings: Most cabin campers appreciate the relative quiet compared to hotel accommodations. "Nice campsites, some on water. Boat ramp on site. Mini golf. Lovely pool," notes Karen S. about St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA Holiday, highlighting the mixed recreational options available.

What you should know

Cabin availability varies seasonally: Winter months see significantly higher occupancy at all cabin properties near Safety Harbor. "We come back every January & it always feels like home!" mentions Hope L. about St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA Holiday, indicating the popularity during winter months.

Supply requirements differ by location: Hickory Point RV Park and similar properties offer varying levels of supplied essentials. "We had a waterfront site, great campground. Spendy but worth it. Has boat launch, waterfront community area, volleyball, small beach, dock, etc.," notes Elgin S.

Weather considerations impact experience: Florida's rainy season (June-September) can affect cabin camping. "Our site was spacious. It did not flood when we had torrential downpours for a few hours one night," reports Lorilee S. about Hillsborough River State Park, indicating proper drainage at well-maintained facilities.

Insect protection essential: "Bring plenty of bugspray, the mosquitoes here are big enough to carry away a small dog," warns Jake H. about camping at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park. Most cabin locations require insect repellent, particularly during warmer months.

Tips for camping with families

Choose cabins with specific amenities: Dunedin RV Resort offers family-friendly accommodations with appropriate facilities. "The community here was very nice. We didn't really explore the amenities as we were only in for a night but they looked nice from a distance," reports Sarah A., highlighting the welcoming atmosphere.

Select locations with kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated recreation facilities. "Very friendly, helpful staff. This place was always clean and well maintained... Nice clean pool and rec center. They even had a movie night at the pool," explains Joy H. about St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA Holiday.

Consider noise levels between properties: Some cabin areas maintain quiet hours while others permit more activity. "There's a small shallow marina. Great for Kayaks, canoeing... etc. We did some fishing off the floating pier as well. They have a heated pool, mini golf course, shuffle board, dog run," notes Doug E., describing the amenities available for families at St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA Holiday.

Tips from RVers

Site selection impacts experience: At Encore Holiday Travel Park, site location affects overall stay quality. "If you are lucky you can get a site near front which houses campers and RVs," advises Clifton B., suggesting specific site areas to request.

Wi-Fi considerations for extended stays: Network quality varies significantly between properties. "The clubhouse is pretty amazing. Clearly, they take pride in their facilities... Impressive library, pool tables, games, huge collection of jigsaw puzzles, social events and the pool is clean," reports Mandie Z. about Encore Holiday Travel Park.

Access challenges for larger vehicles: Some cabin areas have limited turning radius for larger tow vehicles. "30ft max. Full hookups," notes Zachary J. about site limitations at Encore Holiday Travel Park, an important consideration when bringing larger setups.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Safety Harbor, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Safety Harbor, FL is St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA Holiday with a 4.2-star rating from 26 reviews.

What is the best site to find cabin camping near Safety Harbor, FL?

TheDyrt.com has all 38 cabin camping locations near Safety Harbor, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.