Best Campgrounds near St. Petersburg, FL

St. Petersburg, Florida has several camping spots that range from beachfront to riverside settings for families and solo campers. Fort De Soto Campground sits right on the water with good beach access and plenty to do nearby. Little Manatee River State Park gives you a quieter place to camp with trails for hiking and chances to see local wildlife. Turtle Beach Campground on Siesta Key puts you right by the beach where you can watch the sun go down over the Gulf. These campgrounds have basic needs covered with picnic tables, bathrooms, and shower facilities. Some camping areas might need vehicles that can handle rougher roads, so check ahead of time. It's smart to book your site early, particularly in winter when northern visitors come down. Make sure you know about any fire rules before lighting a campfire. While the basics are available at most sites, bringing your own water and supplies is a good idea. You can camp in St. Petersburg throughout the year, though summer gets pretty hot and sticky. The area has good trails and water access if you want to hike or paddle. Remember to follow all the posted rules to keep these natural areas nice. St. Petersburg's camping options work well whether you're bringing kids or just want some time away from the city.

Best Camping Sites Near St. Petersburg, Florida (181)

    1. Fort De Soto Campground

    138 Reviews
    Tierra Verde, FL
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (727) 582-2100

    $38 - $48 / night

    "Plenty of bike paths everywhere and easy to get around on a bicycle, even if you want to go to St. Petersburg."

    "st. Petersburg.  very busy reserve way ahead."

    2. St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA Holiday

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

    "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."

    "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
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (813) 671-7655

    $24 / night

    "St. Petersburg and the Skyway bridge.  Beautiful sunsets from the beach and boat ramp or out in the kayak."

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

    4. Little Manatee River State Park Campground

    25 Reviews
    Ruskin, FL
    18 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."

    5. MacDill AFB FamCamp

    8 Reviews
    Gibsonton, FL
    11 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 ."

    6. Shell Key Preserve

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

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

    "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."

    7. Terry Tomalin Campground

    3 Reviews
    Gulfport, FL
    3 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. Canoe Outpost Little Manatee River

    16 Reviews
    Wimauma, FL
    20 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."

    9. Encore Vacation Village

    4 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!"

    10. Caladesi RV Park

    17 Reviews
    Palm Harbor, FL
    21 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. "

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Showing results 1-10 of 181 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near St. Petersburg, FL

808 Reviews of 181 St. Petersburg Campgrounds



Guide to St. Petersburg

Camping near St. Petersburg, Florida, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to enjoy the great outdoors.

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, "There are lots of trails for walking, hiking, and biking." This park is perfect for those who love to hike and enjoy the scenery.
  • Beach Access: If you love the beach, check out Turtle Beach Campground. One camper said, "This is an all-around winner. On the beach with shells, sunsets, waves, and all that the beach has to offer."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate clean restrooms and showers. A visitor at Hillsborough River State Park Campground noted, "Restrooms and showers across from site and very clean."
  • Wildlife Viewing: Many campers enjoy spotting wildlife. At Myakka River State Park, one reviewer mentioned, "There's plenty of wildlife to be seen: Lots of birds, alligators, deer, wild turkeys."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers love the spacious sites at Colt Creek State Park Campground. A camper remarked, "Very quiet and spacious. Wildlife in abundance."

What you should know

  • Bugs in Summer: Be prepared for bugs, especially in the summer. One camper at Fort De Soto Campground said, "The bugs were so bad... it was absolutely miserable."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may have limited amenities. A visitor at Lake Manatee State Park Campground mentioned, "It does not have full hookups."
  • Noise Levels: If you prefer peace and quiet, be aware that some campgrounds can be noisy. A camper at Peace River Campground noted, "You also get quite a lot of noise from the divided highway which runs adjacent to the site."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. Oscar Scherer State Park Campground has trails and a pool, making it a great spot for families. One camper said, "The park is absolutely gorgeous and we can’t wait to return."
  • Plan for Shade: Many campgrounds have limited shade, so plan accordingly. A visitor at Little Manatee River State Park Campground mentioned, "Partial shade" at their site.
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having snacks on hand can keep kids happy. A camper at St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA enjoyed the nearby restaurant for breakfast, saying, "Doe Doe's makes a delicious homestyle breakfast."

Tips from RVers

Camping around St. Petersburg, FL, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near St. Petersburg, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, St. Petersburg, FL offers a wide range of camping options, with 181 campgrounds and RV parks near St. Petersburg, FL and 4 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near St. Petersburg, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near St. Petersburg, FL is Fort De Soto Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 138 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near St. Petersburg, FL?

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

What parks are near St. Petersburg, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 parks near St. Petersburg, FL that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.