Fort De Soto Campground provides waterfront camping sites near Safety Harbor, Florida, located within Pinellas County just south of St. Petersburg. The area features a mixture of mangrove ecosystems and sandy beaches with moderate year-round temperatures averaging 73°F annually. Campers can expect a subtropical environment with summer highs in the 90s and winter lows rarely dropping below 50°F.
What to do
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Multiple waterways around Fort De Soto Campground attract diverse Florida wildlife. Campers frequently report seeing "dolphin, manatee, tons of Birds" throughout the preserve, with dolphin sightings often occurring directly off waterfront camping sites.
Biking extensive trail systems: Trail networks provide miles of paved and unpaved paths for cyclists near Safety Harbor. "Great bike trails" at Fort De Soto Campground connect various sections of the park, while other preserves in the area offer additional cycling options for families and solo riders.
Kayaking through mangroves: Launch directly from waterfront campsites at E.G. Simmons Regional Park for paddling adventures. One camper notes, "Great place to paddle a kayak in the Mangrove canals. Right on Tampa Bay." The park offers kayak rentals for those without their own equipment.
What campers like
Waterfront access: Campsites with direct water views and access rank highest among regional campers. At E.G. Simmons Regional Park, "Nearly every campsite is right on the water - easy in and out for kayaks, large boat ramp and many picnic pavilions." This allows for immediate water access without hauling equipment.
Spacious camping areas: Sites at Hillsborough River State Park Campground provide ample room for larger families or groups. One camper observed, "Our site was spacious. It did not flood when we had torrential downpours for a few hours one night." The campground features hammock-friendly areas with thick trees.
Clean facilities: Regular maintenance schedules keep comfort stations and common areas sanitary. A recent visitor to Hillsborough River State Park noted, "Bathhouse was clean. They offer recycling, which is a great plus! It's nice and dark at night." This attention to cleanliness extends across most established campgrounds in the region.
What you should know
Insect considerations: Biting insects present challenges in the summer months across all camping locations near Safety Harbor. At Cypress Creek Preserve, "The grass needed to be cut, it was up above my ankles," creating additional habitat for insects. Evening hours typically bring increased insect activity at waterfront sites.
Reservation requirements: Most campsites require advance planning during peak seasons from October through April. One camper recommends regarding Fort De Soto: "Book in advanced, especially if you want to stay more than a night or two." Some parks use gate codes for access that are only provided after confirming reservations.
Weather patterns: Summer afternoon thunderstorms occur regularly in this subtropical climate. Heavy rainfall can temporarily affect site conditions at some campgrounds, though proper drainage systems minimize flooding at established sites. Hurricane season (June-November) may impact camping availability.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple play areas provide recreation options for children. At Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park, visitors appreciate that "There are many hiking, bike trails, and 2 playgrounds within mere steps of your tent or cabin." This allows parents to set up camp while children explore safely.
Educational opportunities: Nature centers enhance camping experiences with structured learning activities. "The park has a nature education center for children," notes one Jay B. Starkey visitor, making it ideal for families interested in environmental education during their glamping experience near Safety Harbor.
Swimming options: Designated swimming areas provide safer alternatives to open water. Fort De Soto includes a "public swim area and picnic area" that creates contained swimming spaces with monitoring during peak seasons. These areas typically include shallow entry points suitable for younger children.
Tips from RVers
Concrete pad availability: Level sites with concrete pads reduce setup time and stabilization issues. Quail Run RV Park receives positive feedback for its "very nice site with full hook ups and cable. The park is secluded and away from highway noise." These established pads prevent shifting during rainfall.
Hookup configurations: Water and electrical connections vary across camping locations. A recent visitor to Hillsborough River State Park explained, "There was 30 amp as well as 50 amp water there's a dump station clean bathrooms nice showers even dedicated dishwashing sinks and a washer and dryer." This allows flexibility for different RV setups.
Site spacing considerations: Distance between campsites affects privacy levels for RV camping. One camper described Quail Run RV Park as having "nice big concrete lots," contrasting with other locations where sites may be positioned more closely together. Perimeter sites typically offer more separation than interior locations.
