Best Campgrounds near Seminole, FL
Campgrounds near Seminole, Florida range from waterfront sites to urban RV parks, with several options located along the Gulf Coast. Fort De Soto Campground in Saint Petersburg offers tent, RV, and glamping accommodations with water access, while St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA Holiday provides cabin camping options approximately 10 miles northwest of Seminole. Shell Key Preserve offers primitive boat-in camping for those seeking a more remote experience. The camping landscape includes both public park campgrounds and private RV resorts, with many sites featuring water views of Tampa Bay or the Gulf of Mexico.
Reservations are essential for most campgrounds in the region, particularly for weekend stays and during winter months when seasonal visitors arrive. A camper noted, "Fort De Soto turned out being everything we expected and more. As a camper with northern roots, I have found it hard to camp in Florida. This campground helped me relieve those worries." Many campgrounds in the area maintain tropical vegetation between sites for privacy despite their proximity to urban areas. Summer camping requires preparation for heat, humidity, and afternoon thunderstorms, while winter offers milder temperatures but increased competition for sites. Alcohol policies vary by campground, with some locations like Fort De Soto prohibiting alcohol entirely, while others permit it within designated camping areas.
Waterfront camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors to the Seminole area, with several campgrounds offering direct water access. A recent review highlighted that "We saw sting rays, a baby turtle, many different birds and other wildlife within 5 minutes of parking the boat" at Shell Key Preserve. Campers frequently mention the contrast between the natural setting of many campgrounds and their proximity to urban amenities. Fort De Soto Campground features sites with mangrove views and wildlife viewing opportunities despite being relatively close to developed areas. Several mixed-use campgrounds accommodate both tent and RV camping, though tent-only areas tend to offer more seclusion and natural surroundings. Proximity to beaches, fishing opportunities, and biking trails represents a common theme in positive reviews of camping areas throughout the region.
