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.

Best Camping Sites Near St. Petersburg, Florida (182)

    1. Fort De Soto Campground

    140 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

    9 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. Encore Vacation Village

    5 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!"

    9. Canoe Outpost Little Manatee River

    15 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."

    10. Northeast St Pete Sprinter Van or Small Camper Spot

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

    $95 - $225 / night

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Showing results 1-10 of 182 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near St. Petersburg, FL

815 Reviews of 182 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 are the best campgrounds in St. Petersburg, FL?

Fort De Soto Campground consistently ranks as the top campground in the St. Petersburg area, offering waterfront sites with full shade for most RV spots. The campground features extensive bike paths, proximity to beautiful white sandy beaches, and opportunities for kayaking and wildlife viewing. Reserve well in advance as it's very popular. Another excellent option is Shell Key Preserve, an uninhabited island that provides a unique primitive camping experience. This preserve requires a free permit from Pinellas County and is only accessible by water, offering amazing views and abundant wildlife including stingrays and various bird species.

Can I find camping with good fishing opportunities near St. Petersburg?

E.G. Simmons Regional Park offers excellent fishing opportunities with waterfront sites that have water and electric hookups. Campers regularly spot manatees and enjoy fishing directly from their sites. The park also features a small island you can wade to and numerous areas for kayaking or paddleboarding while fishing. Lake Manatee State Park Campground is another great option for anglers, providing access to Lake Manatee where you can fish for bass, bluegill, and catfish. Both locations offer the perfect combination of comfortable camping facilities with prime fishing spots.

Are there RV parks and resorts in St. Petersburg, Florida?

St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA Holiday is a well-established RV resort in the area with friendly staff and numerous amenities. Located in the Largo/St. Petersburg area, it provides convenient access to local attractions, though sites can be somewhat close together. Many guests stay long-term, creating a community atmosphere. Encore Vacation Village near Largo is another option for RV travelers seeking resort amenities. The area has several private RV parks catering to different preferences, from basic accommodations to luxury resorts with full hookups, pools, and organized activities.

What camping options are available near St. Pete Beach?

Terry Tomalin Campground offers a convenient camping option near St. Pete Beach with both drive-in and walk-in access. This reservable campground provides water and toilet facilities for visitors wanting to stay close to the popular beaches. For those seeking a unique experience, MacDill AFB FamCamp provides another nearby option with big-rig-friendly sites and full amenities, though military affiliation is required for access. Beach lovers can also consider smaller private accommodations like Northeast St. Pete spots for camper vans, providing easy access to St. Pete's famous beaches and downtown attractions.