Best Campgrounds near St. Petersburg, FL
Camping near St. Petersburg takes advantage of Florida's coastal and inland environments. Fort De Soto Campground draws many families with its beaches and good facilities. You can camp right by the Gulf of Mexico at Turtle Beach Campground, where you'll hear waves all night long. Myakka River State Park lets campers hike through different Florida ecosystems and see alligators and many birds up close. Fort De Soto has big campsites with clean bathrooms and shower buildings. The camping at Turtle Beach feels more compact with fewer sites total, which many people like for the quieter atmosphere. Myakka River has several different camping areas, each with its own feel and setup. The park has strict rules about storing food to keep wildlife from visiting your campsite. Most people camp in this area between November and April when the weather is milder. The summer months bring high humidity, heat, and almost daily afternoon thunderstorms. You'll need reservations well ahead for Fort De Soto during winter months when the campground fills up. Turtle Beach works well as a base camp for checking out what Sarasota has to offer. At Myakka River, you can take a nice drive through the park or spend time kayaking and fishing. The three campgrounds each have their own character, so you can pick one that matches what you want from your trip. St. Petersburg area camping ranges from beachfront sites to wild forest spots.