Fort De Soto Campground sits on a barrier island at the mouth of Tampa Bay, offering a unique coastal camping experience with multiple loops situated at sea level. The campground provides both tent and RV sites with varying degrees of waterfront access. During summer months, temperatures typically reach 90°F with high humidity, while winter brings milder 70°F days with significantly less rainfall and more comfortable camping conditions.
What to do
Wildlife viewing from your campsite: At Fort De Soto Campground, marine wildlife is abundant directly from waterfront sites. "Great spot for relaxing by the water. Highly recommend. Bring good bug spray lol," advises David B. The park attracts diverse wildlife beyond the water too, with campers reporting, "We saw raccoons, dolphin, manatee, tons of birds!"
Kayaking through mangroves: E.G. Simmons Regional Park provides excellent paddling opportunities through natural mangrove tunnels. "There's some great day use areas, nice park," notes one reviewer. The park offers kayak rentals and multiple launch points for exploring the sheltered waterways. "Great place to paddle a kayak in the Mangrove canals. Right on Tampa Bay," explains Bran P.
Hiking varied trail systems: The St. Petersburg area features multiple trail networks ranging from coastal paths to inland forests. "Myakka is not far from home and a great spot to visit for overnight trips or day trips! There are bike rentals I have taken advantage of, plenty of walking trails," reports Alyssa D. Some parks offer elevated boardwalks for unique perspectives of Florida ecosystems.
What campers like
Private waterfront sites: Many campers appreciate the waterfront sites at Palmetto Ridge Campground for their views and access. "The Palmetto Ridge pull thrus are gigantic. I would say the vegetation gives semi privacy but they aren't on top of each other so it's not like you're looking right at your neighbor," notes Amanda W. These sites typically include fire rings and picnic tables.
Clean, well-maintained facilities: Despite Florida's challenging climate, many campgrounds maintain high cleanliness standards. "Bath house's are nice & kept very clean. There are 2 loops we like the East campground the best," mentions one E.G. Simmons visitor. Another camper at Terry Tomalin Campground notes, "This place was newly renovated for guest to stay. The campsites are nicely spaced out so you aren't too close to other campers."
Diverse reservation options: The St. Petersburg area offers both reservation-based and first-come camping opportunities. "E.G. Simmons is superb place to enjoy camp for a quiet time or with family and friends. Very spacious and variety camp sites to choose from," explains Rebecca D. Availability varies significantly by season, with winter months requiring bookings several months in advance.
What you should know
Insect preparation is essential: Florida's coastal environment means insects are unavoidable, particularly in warmer months. At E.G. Simmons, one camper warns, "you really cannot stay outside at dusk. Citronella torches, spray, fans, Avon skin so soft...none of these work for the no see-ums." During summer, screened enclosures become valuable additions to your camping setup.
Campground restrictions vary significantly: Rules differ between parks regarding alcohol, pets, and RVs. Cypress Creek Preserve offers more relaxed primitive camping, while others have strict regulations. Terry Tomalin Campground has particularly stringent policies: "Please be aware that this is a very restrictive campground. You can only tent and you are not allowed to smoke anything, vape anything, drink anything alcoholic," notes Kevin W.
Early arrival recommended: Many campgrounds fill quickly, particularly waterfront sites. "I couldn't make a reservation on the website so I strolled in hoping to reserve a site at the front desk. The lady was very helpful and got me a great site," shares Erik C. about Fort De Soto. For weekend stays, Thursday arrival significantly improves site selection odds.
Tips for camping with families
Multiple playgrounds available: Several parks offer dedicated play areas for children. "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," notes Joe R. Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park features "many hiking, bike trails, and 2 playgrounds within mere steps of your tent or cabin."
Educational opportunities: Wildlife viewing becomes an educational experience for children at these parks. "Great park with days worth of activities! The historic fort, scenic beaches, trails for hiking or biking, etc made for a great visit! Tons of wildlife," shares Brennan H. Some parks include nature centers with organized programs for younger visitors.
Safety considerations: When camping with kids, be aware of specific hazards. "Went to drain the tanks yesterday morning and a large sounding gator started to growl territorially at me. So heads up with your pets please," warns one Palmetto Ridge camper. Water safety becomes particularly important at waterfront sites where supervision is essential.
Tips from RVers
Site selection crucial: RV campers recommend researching site dimensions carefully. At Hillsborough River State Park Campground, one camper advises: "Very private spots lots of trees. Lots of bugs in the summer time." Another notes, "Small tight spaces in the campground. Most with no coverage between sites."
Hookup availability varies: Different campgrounds offer varying levels of hookups. "This campground is a County Park in Pinellas County. Many sites are waterfront and are mostly well separated. Electric and water. 2 dump sites on property," explains David G. Most parks offer water and electric, but sewer connections are less common, requiring use of dump stations.
Weather preparation matters: Florida weather patterns affect RV camping comfort. "We had torrential downpours for a few hours one night," reports Lorilee S., noting their site "did not flood." Summer brings high temperatures requiring adequate cooling capacity, while winter offers more comfortable conditions with occasional cold fronts.
