Best Campgrounds near Gulfport, FL

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Gulfport. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Gulfport. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Gulfport, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Best Camping Sites Near Gulfport, Florida (171)

    1. Fort De Soto Campground

    140 Reviews
    Tierra Verde, FL
    8 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. St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA Holiday

    26 Reviews
    Bay Pines, FL
    6 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."

    3. E.G. Simmons Regional Park

    19 Reviews
    Ruskin, FL
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (813) 671-7655

    $24 / night

    "Nearly every campsite is right on the water - easy in and out for kayaks, large boat ramp and many picnic pavilions."

    "Close to the boatramp. Raccoons can be annoying. Has picnic pavilions and several fishing docks"

    4. Shell Key Preserve

    7 Reviews
    Tierra Verde, FL
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (727) 453-6900

    "One of my favorite places to camp in Florida, hands-down. You can only get to this camping spot by water. Must reserve, no pets & no alcohol."

    "Shell Key is one of the larger uninhabited islands off of the west coast of Florida near St. Petersburg."

    5. Little Manatee River State Park Campground

    25 Reviews
    Ruskin, FL
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (813) 671-5005

    $22 / night

    "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."

    "This campsite is right outside of Little Manatee River State Park. I even missed the entrance and went to Little Manatee because I missed the turn."

    6. MacDill AFB FamCamp

    9 Reviews
    Gibsonton, FL
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (813) 840-6919

    "Close to a small beach and marina with a restaurant walking distance. Several dog parks but muddy/dirt. Laundry available for fee. Bath houses clean and large.

    Good amenities on base."

    "The tent area is large and almost 100% shaded , The white sand beach is steps away and had the most amazing sunsets ."

    7. Terry Tomalin Campground

    3 Reviews
    Gulfport, FL
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (727) 893-7441

    $30 / night

    "The campsites are nicely spaced out so you aren’t to close to other campers. The trails are amazing but be careful or you might get lost."

    "It’s in an awesome location, too - we had other plans but made last-minute plans to stay here for a night and they were pretty empty on a Friday night."

    8. Encore Vacation Village

    5 Reviews
    Largo, FL
    10 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!"

    9. Northeast St Pete Sprinter Van or Small Camper Spot

    1 Review
    St. Petersburg, FL
    6 miles
    +1 (727) 755-1223

    $95 - $225 / night

    10. Canoe Outpost Little Manatee River

    15 Reviews
    Wimauma, FL
    22 miles
    Website

    $24 - $109 / night

    "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 place is tucked in and has a great vibe."

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Recent Reviews near Gulfport, FL

804 Reviews of 171 Gulfport Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • April L.
    Jul. 25, 2025

    Oak Ridge Primitive Campground

    Nice

    It's nice quiet clean close to Publix and gas station, trails are not really maintained but great for horses. Camping is ok I guess .

  • Diana S.
    Jun. 18, 2025

    Lithia Springs

    Great camping and spring

    Camping here is always good. The rangers here are very friendly. The bathrooms are decent. Lots of shade at the campsites. We've been camping here off and on for the last year.

  • Lorilee S.
    Jun. 9, 2025

    Hillsborough River State Park Campground

    Nice campground

    To start with, the state park employees were fantastic!! Our site was spacious. It did not flood when we had torrential downpours for a few hours one night. Bathhouse was clean. They offer recycling, which is a great plus! It’s nice and dark at night.


Guide to Gulfport

Camping near Gulfport, Florida, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a quiet getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Kayaking and Fishing: Many campers enjoy kayaking and fishing in the nearby waters. At Fort De Soto Campground, one visitor mentioned, "I was able to do some fishing and got a few spotted sea trout." The area is known for its wildlife, making it a great spot for nature lovers.
  • Hiking Trails: Explore the trails at Hillsborough River State Park Campground. A camper shared, "Lots of trails for walking, hiking, and biking," highlighting the park's diverse outdoor options.
  • Beach Access: Enjoy the sun and sand at Turtle Beach Campground. One happy camper said, "On the beach with shells, sunsets, waves and all that the beach has to offer."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A reviewer at Oscar Scherer State Park Campground noted, "The bathrooms were clean and plenty of them throughout the campground."
  • Friendly Staff: Many visitors mention the helpfulness of the staff. At Colt Creek State Park Campground, a camper remarked, "Staff was extra friendly," making the experience more enjoyable.
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy having room to spread out. A review for Lake Manatee State Park Campground stated, "The sites are large, private, and nicely surrounded by woods."

What you should know

  • Bugs in Summer: Be prepared for bugs, especially in warmer months. One camper at Fort De Soto Campground mentioned, "The bugs were so bad... it was absolutely miserable."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have extensive amenities. A visitor at Peace River Campground said, "This place is mainly for trucks and ATVs," indicating a more rugged experience.
  • Noise Levels: If you're looking for peace and quiet, check the campground's surroundings. A reviewer at Lake Manatee State Park Campground noted, "The racetrack nearby made the location a bit unsettling."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. Hillsborough River State Park Campground has a pool and trails, making it a great choice for families.
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having snacks on hand can keep everyone happy. A camper at St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA mentioned, "The area has a ton of things to do," so you might want to fuel up for all the fun.
  • Plan for Outdoor Activities: Bring bikes or kayaks for family fun. A visitor at Myakka River State Park Campground shared, "The campsites are well-shaded and have easy access to walking & biking trails."

Tips from RVers

Camping around Gulfport, FL, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just be sure to check the specific campground details to find the perfect spot for your next adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Gulfport, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, Gulfport, FL offers a wide range of camping options, with 171 campgrounds and RV parks near Gulfport, FL and 4 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Gulfport, FL?

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

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Gulfport, FL?

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