Campgrounds near St. Petersburg, Florida offer access to both coastal waters and inland environments across Pinellas County. The region sits at sea level with average temperatures between 65-90°F throughout the year. Campsites near St. Petersburg range from primitive island locations accessible only by boat to full-service RV parks with various hookup options.
What to do
Kayaking on Little Manatee River: Rent canoes or kayaks for day trips along this natural waterway. Canoe Outpost Little Manatee River provides equipment and transportation for various trip lengths. "We rented canoes & kayaks, and had a fun day on the river. Employees were very nice & helpful!" reports Annabelle.
Wildlife viewing: Look for native Florida species at local parks and preserves. "We saw raccoons, dolphin, manatee, tons of birds!" shares Brennan H. about their stay at Fort De Soto Campground. Take binoculars for spotting ospreys and wading birds.
Beach activities: Access Gulf beaches from several campgrounds for swimming, fishing, and shelling. "The beaches are gorgeous, there are plenty of secret trails, a dog beach, general store, historic walks, boat ramps, kayak access, and much more!" notes Alyssa D.
Hiking and biking trails: Explore natural Florida habitats on marked trails. The Pinellas County trail runs alongside some camping areas. "Great bike trails" are available at Fort De Soto according to David G., while Terry Tomalin Campground offers "amazing" trails though campers should "be careful or you might get lost."
What campers like
Waterfront campsites: Many campers appreciate direct water access. At E.G. Simmons Regional Park, "All the sites along the water on this side are nice" according to B M., who adds that "We had a screened room that has a no see um mesh on it and we blast a big fan in there so we do stay semi bug free."
Privacy between sites: Natural vegetation provides separation between campers at several parks. "They did a great job at keeping a lot of natural growth to maintain privacy and a true tropical feel," notes Joe R. about Fort De Soto Park.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses and amenities make camping more comfortable. "The bath house's are nice & kept very clean" at E.G. Simmons according to B M., while Terry Tomalin Campground gets praised for being "newly renovated" with "nicely spaced out" campsites.
Natural surroundings: Mature trees and native plants create habitat for wildlife and shade for campers. "Beautiful old oak trees with lots of shade" are highlighted by the R. at Canoe Outpost Little Manatee River. "Lots of trees to add shade. Nice clean pool and rec center," adds Joy H. about St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Winter months (November-April) see highest occupancy rates with more pleasant temperatures. The summer brings heat, humidity and insects. "The bugs can be bad this time they were bad last year no problem," reports B M. about E.G. Simmons.
Reservation requirements: Many popular sites book up months in advance. At Fort De Soto, "they do start booking 6 months out and open up 10% of the sites for the weekend each friday at 7am if you want to try and get lucky," explains Joe R.
Primitive camping options: For those seeking more remote experiences, Shell Key Preserve offers free camping with a permit but requires boat access. Dan X. advises, "Pack it (everything you'd need) in and pack it (all of your trash!) out" and notes it's "one of the easiest island paddles out there - just a little over a mile."
Noise levels: Some campgrounds experience road noise or activity from day visitors. Canoe Outpost Little Manatee River is "located right off the highway, so you get all the noise. All day and all night," according to Giovanni G.
Tips for camping with families
Accessible swimming areas: Several parks offer protected swimming spots ideal for children. "The campground is a County Park in Pinellas County. Well maintained with some of the best beaches in the US," writes David G. about Fort De Soto.
Playground access: Kids can burn energy at dedicated play areas. Joe R. notes that at Fort De Soto Park, "There is a playground with good swings and also a sturdy playground that offered plenty of opportunity for my four year old to blow off some steam. The ground is all recycled rubber, which I love as a parent."
Pet policies: Not all campgrounds allow dogs. St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA Holiday is described as "Great for kids & pets" by Virginia D., while Terry Tomalin prohibits pets entirely. Fort De Soto has "three loops one for guests with pets. BRING YOUR RABIES VACCINE PAPERS!"
Family-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds offering organized recreation. "They even had a movie night at the pool," mentions Joy H. about the KOA, where you can also find "a small putt putt course" according to Nicole.
Tips from RVers
Site spacing considerations: RV sites vary widely in size and proximity. At St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA Holiday, some report that "Sites are smashed together and no privacy" with "super crowded" conditions, particularly during winter months.
Hookup availability: Check which utilities are available at each site. MacDill AFB FamCamp provides "Full hook up (electric/water/sewer) and cable" though has "No wifi (so weak it didn't work) and cell coverage almost non-existent (AT&T)" according to Eleanor the Airstream R.
RV size restrictions: Some campgrounds have limits on vehicle dimensions or challenging access. At Fort De Soto, David G. notes there are "Electric and water. 2 dump sites on property," but other locations may have tighter turns or limited maneuvering space.
Entrance logistics: Military base campgrounds have special entry requirements. Eleanor advises for MacDill AFB, "Make sure you arrive at the base through the gate at the end of Dale Mabry, as it's the only gate campers can come thru. And be sure to go to the far right lane, even if it's got a red X showing the lane is closed."
