3 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Several cabin options near St. Petersburg provide year-round accommodations with varying amenities. St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA Holiday offers deluxe cabins equipped with full kitchens, private patios with grills and fire rings, and views of Long Bayou. "The cabins were equipped with everything needed for a comfortable stay—fresh linens, a full kitchen, and even a private patio with a grill and fire ring," notes one visitor. Little Manatee River State Park Campground features more rustic cabin rentals with electric hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings, though these lack indoor plumbing facilities. Myakka River State Park also offers cabin rentals set away from the main camping areas, providing additional privacy.
Rustic and fully-equipped cabins are available depending on location and price point. Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park provides primitive cabins without electricity, while other locations like Hillsborough River State Park Campground offer more modern accommodations. Most cabins require advance reservations, especially during winter months when northern visitors seek warmer weather. Pet policies vary significantly—St. Petersburg KOA welcomes pets in designated cabins, but many state park cabins prohibit animals. A reviewer mentioned that "the cabins are off the main path, tucked away and private. They are super roomy and comfortable with their own picnic tables and grills."
Basic supplies are typically provided in deluxe cabins, while rustic options require guests to bring their own bedding, towels, and cooking equipment. Most cabin sites include outdoor fire rings or grills for cooking, though deluxe units may feature stovetops or microwaves. Water access varies by location, with some cabins offering running water while others require guests to use communal facilities. On-site camp stores at locations like St. Petersburg KOA and Hillsborough River State Park stock essential items, though selection is limited. Walmart and Publix supermarkets are located within a short drive of most cabin sites, allowing visitors to purchase groceries and supplies as needed.
"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."
"They have a heated pool, mini golf course, shuffle board,dog run. There are the typical bike rentals, four person bikes, that are found at most KOAs.
We rented. Cabin this time."
"Really enjoyed our stay here, good size lot, #10, with electric, water, picnic table and fire ring. Clean dump station. Natural trees providing privacy between lots."
"The Car/RV camping spots are roomy, somewhat private. bathrooms are clean, almost always have camp hosts available. Access to the back country loop trail and camping is just down the road."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $22 / night
"There are 6 cabins also available with electric– no ac. One of the things that really impressed us was the bathroom facilities."
"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."
from $30 / night
"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!"
"So I grew up camping a lot and like to be more primitive/ private. The campsites are close together, with little privacy. It’s also located right off the highway, so you get all the noise."
"Since this is Florida and its practically summer all year round I feel those are the best times. Overall, its a great set up and great camping spot."
from $24 - $109 / night
"Church groups and other not for profit organizations can book this space if the scouts have not - but they are given first opportunity according to park staff that I worked with."
"One of the most awarded State Parks! This park has everything! 3 full service camping loops full of sites - lots of space for RV's and Tents - 2 designated hammock camping spots."
Available this weekend
from $24 / night
"70 site resort, no table, no fire pit,clean, private."
"Hook ups are perfect, with awesome WiFi. Huge amenity center with gym, pool and hot tub, gorgeous clean showers and laundry. Great floating dock and two dog parks too."
"This park was okay, but we were at the front and the road noise was bad. Lots of sirens and traffic. It was noticeably quieter at the back of the campground. Roads are really narrow."
"Doggie playground nice They are still updating many of the sites but it is very nicely landscaped and clean. Workers very friendly and helpful. Pool was excellent"
from $45 - $120 / night
"We booked three nights at this park. Shady, and wide sites. We have a 2020 Tiffin Allegro 36 LA. We had site 28 at first, couldn’t get any power! Ranger then moved us to site 13."
"Small state park, with really large sites and great facilities. The only thing missing are sewer hookups. Widely known in Florida for the mountain bike trails."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $22 / night
ScoutHaven't been camping here. Based on the photos, it looks like it is a beautiful place. Looks like somewhere to have a fun, crazy, spontaneous camp experience. I prefer natural nature. Cutting the trails, fire wood, catching dinner, fighting mosquitoes without harsh chemicals. Preserving the world. Maybe make a reservation. Leave the dogs with a sitter and not have a care in the world.
ScoutShowers and bathrooms are closed
ScoutQuiet. Definitely skewed toward equestrian. Sites are well spaced. Outer loop is best. Restroom/showers are very well kept. Not much for kids. Short trails are ok. Cayaking is best option if you're in to that. Relax here, enjoy the peace and have your favorite beverage
ScoutGreat location
GuideNice little place. Gravel, pull-through sites, clean bathrooms, and friendly staff. Tons to do for the littles!
GuideTook the littles (ages 5 &4) for their first tent camping trip - had a blast once they learned what s’mores were all about! Decent space, warm days and unusually cool nights.
LegendWe had a wonderful experience at the 4-year-old Terry Tomalin Campground! The tent sites are spacious and nicely spread out, giving you plenty of room to set up camp without feeling crowded by your neighbors. The campground has a peaceful, natural atmosphere that makes it easy to relax and enjoy being outdoors. There are 6 cabins also available with electric– no ac.
One of the things that really impressed us was the bathroom facilities. The restrooms and showers were very clean and well-maintained, which makes a huge difference when you’re tent camping. It was great to be able to enjoy a more primitive camping experience without giving up the convenience of a nice bathroom and shower.
The location next to Boyd Hill Nature Preserve is what really makes this campground special. Campers have access to the preserve’s pedestrian trails, making it easy to spend time exploring nature and then return to your campsite to relax.
Overall, Terry Tomalin Campground is a hidden gem in St. Petersburg and a fantastic place for anyone who enjoys tent camping and being surrounded by nature. We would definitely stay here again!
Notes: Only open on weekends, no pets, strict rules against vaping and alcoholic beverages. This location is very busy in the summertime as there are not many camping options in the area. Large group fire pits (not at each site)
TravelerSome bathrooms are better than others, but they are useable and spacious nonetheless. The spaces are large and most have some shade. The water hookup is a bit far so you definitely need about 30ft+ for some. They have a lake, playgrounds, and easy trails. I’ve seen lots of wildlife here too!
RangerMy friends and I stayed here on May 26th and 27th, and the campground was pretty empty, which is honestly a shame because it’s such a beautiful place. It feels like you’re right in the middle of an untouched natural oasis. The campsites are separated by large plants, which gives you a really private and cozy feeling. The bathrooms and showers were clean and well maintained. The host was also very kind and helpful. I’d definitely recommend staying here.
Cabins near St. Petersburg, Florida offer proximity to Tampa Bay and Gulf Coast waters, with average summer temperatures reaching 90°F and winter lows rarely dropping below 50°F. The region's coastal lowlands and subtropical climate create year-round camping conditions, though summer humidity can be intense from June through September when afternoon thunderstorms are common.
Kayaking and fishing access: Little Manatee River State Park Campground provides direct river access with natural wildlife viewing opportunities. "There were not a lot of things to do here beyond hiking and boating. The campground was small with about 30 sites, dispersed," notes one visitor who appreciated the park's seclusion.
Mountain biking trails: Alafia River State Park Campground features extensive trail systems built on former phosphate mines. "I come here often for the Mountain Biking and the awesome humans. The facilities are clean and the MTB trails are constantly changing so we are never bored here," states a regular visitor who appreciates the variety.
Swimming options: Several cabin locations provide pool access for cooling off during hot months. At Clearwater-Lake Tarpon KOA, visitors note "Pool was excellent" and "Super easy to hit all the attractions locally." The park also maintains a recreation area with television and seating for social gatherings.
Waterfront sites: St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA Holiday offers cabin sites with water views. "Nice campsites, some on water. Boat ramp on site. Mini golf. Lovely pool," explains one reviewer who discovered unexpected amenities during their stay.
Spacious cabins: Cabin layouts vary across locations, with some offering more room than others. A visitor to Terry Tomalin Campground observed, "The campsites are nicely spaced out so you aren't too close to other campers. The trails are amazing but be careful or you might get lost."
Campfire options: Fire regulations differ between locations. At Canoe Outpost Little Manatee River, cabins come with basic amenities for outdoor cooking. "Every site has water and electricity, fire ring, picnic table, BBQ pit," reports a visitor, highlighting the standard setup at most sites.
Pet policies: Rules about pets in cabins vary significantly by location. "The park is small, parking is crammed, and there's a lot of older trailers but overall it's a great location," notes a camper at Vacation Village RV Resort, which allows pets but has limited space for exercising them.
Noise considerations: Some cabin locations experience significant road noise. At Clearwater-Lake Tarpon KOA, a visitor warned that "We were at the front and the road noise was bad. Lots of sirens and traffic. It was noticeably quieter at the back of the campground."
Booking requirements: Most cabin sites require advance planning, especially during winter months. Key Lime Bay RV Resort, a newer property, features "perfectly level paver pads with beautiful landscape. Hook ups are perfect, with awesome WiFi," according to a recent visitor who appreciated the modern facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at camping cabins near St. Petersburg, FL?
Cabin amenities vary widely across the St. Petersburg area. At Palmetto Ridge Campground — Myakka River State Park, the cabins are roomy, comfortable, and tucked away in private settings, each equipped with its own picnic table and grill. The park offers numerous recreational opportunities including hiking, off-road biking, boating, and wildlife viewing. At Oscar Scherer State Park Campground, you'll find water and electric hookups, picnic tables, fire pits, clean restrooms, a nature center, kayak rentals, a swimming lake, and hiking trails.
Are there KOA campgrounds with cabins in St. Petersburg?
Yes, the St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA Holiday offers excellent cabin accommodations. Their Deluxe Cabins are well-equipped with everything needed for a comfortable stay, including fresh linens and modern amenities. Guests consistently rate their cabin experience highly, making this KOA a popular choice for visitors wanting the convenience of cabin camping with proximity to St. Petersburg and Madeira Beach. Another option in the wider region is Clearwater-Lake Tarpon KOA near Palm Harbor, which also offers cabin rentals with drive-in access and various amenities.
How much do cabin rentals cost in the St. Petersburg area?
Cabin rental prices near St. Petersburg vary based on location, amenities, and seasonality. At Hillsborough River State Park Campground, group camping sites are more affordable but typically booked 3-4 months in advance for weekends. For budget-conscious travelers, Little Manatee River State Park Campground offers more economical options with good-sized lots that include electric, water, picnic tables, and fire rings. State park cabins generally range from $30-60 for primitive options to $90-150 for those with more amenities, while private resorts like KOA typically charge $75-200 depending on cabin type and season.
Where can I find cabin rentals in St. Petersburg, FL?
Several excellent options for cabin rentals exist near St. Petersburg. The St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA Holiday offers deluxe cabins that are fully equipped for a comfortable stay. For a more rustic experience, Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park provides primitive cabin rentals (no electricity) nestled in a beautiful wilderness preserve with multi-use trails. Both locations are within easy driving distance of St. Petersburg, giving you options between beachside comfort and natural immersion.
Keep Exploring
