RV campgrounds near St. Petersburg, Florida offer diverse options for travelers exploring Tampa Bay and the Gulf Coast. The area features numerous commercial RV parks within a 30-mile radius of downtown, with most facilities providing full hookup services and centralized access to beaches and attractions. Winter months bring significantly higher occupancy rates with seasonal temperature averages ranging from 60°F to 80°F.
What to do
Beach access opportunities: Caladesi RV Park in Palm Harbor provides a convenient base for visiting nearby beaches. "The beach is a 5 minute drive and pet friendly! The Pinellas bike trail is also located right behind the park and easy to get on," notes one camper. The park's location allows for easy day trips to multiple Gulf beaches.
Fishing spots: River Vista RV Park in Ruskin offers water access for anglers. "Some new sites done very well with concrete slabs, picnic tables, water, sewer, electric and wifi. Pool and water access too," says one reviewer, making it ideal for fishing enthusiasts wanting direct water access.
Local attractions: Encore Terra Ceia in Palmetto serves as a strategic location for exploring the region. "This place is 20 minutes away from several beaches and the TB Rays stadium, the Trop. The facilities were clean and we have a view of the pond with ducks," reports a visitor. The campground's central position allows campers to access multiple attractions within short driving distances.
What campers like
Pool facilities: Multiple St. Petersburg area RV campgrounds maintain swimming pools as primary amenities. "The pool is clean and clear and that works for me. Also, the manager is always around greeting people and doing things around the park so the grounds are nice and tidy," mentions a guest at Caladesi RV Park, highlighting the well-maintained recreation areas.
Convenient locations: Encore Winter Quarters Manatee in Bradenton receives praise for its strategic position. "Location is nice because you are right off I-75 and can be anywhere in the Greater Tampa Bay area with easy access," notes one camper, though they mention persistent highway noise as a drawback.
Friendly communities: Several parks foster social environments, particularly for longer-term stays. "Wonderfully situated around a lake. Good amenities and close to everything. Some highway traffic noise but nothing bad," shares a visitor about Winter Quarters Manatee. Many parks feature predominantly permanent or seasonal residents who create community atmospheres.
What you should know
Site spacing varies significantly: Avalon RV Resort in Clearwater features typical Florida site configurations. "The sites are a little tight but that's normal for most of Florida, specially in a heavy populated area like Clearwater. It's unbelievably quiet although it's right off of US 19," reports one camper.
Traffic and noise considerations: Several RV campgrounds near St. Petersburg sit adjacent to major highways. "Located right on U.S. 19 so don't expect quiet," warns a camper about Holiday Travel Park. Traffic noise impacts many parks, particularly those with convenient highway access.
Permanent resident populations: Most parks maintain a mix of travelers and long-term residents. "We had a very difficult time parking my 37' foot travel trailer. If someone is parked across from you, you basically are stuck. The rules are extremely strict, as this is mainly a retirement community," explains a visitor to Winter Quarters Pasco.
Tips for camping with families
Pool accessibility: Tampa South RV Resort and several other parks offer swimming pools suitable for families. "Nice little resort. About 100 sites including park models. Place is very clean & well maintained. Sites are close but everyone is very friendly," shares a visitor, though families should confirm pool hours and supervision requirements.
Pet accommodation: Most campgrounds allow pets but enforce specific rules. "Dog friendly and has a decent sized dog run," notes one visitor about pet amenities. Families traveling with pets should verify breed restrictions, designated dog areas, and leash requirements before booking.
Noise levels: Some campgrounds enforce strict quiet hours appropriate for families with children. "Super Peaceful! We are only staying one week but it has been very pleasant so far," mentions a camper at Avalon RV Resort, noting the surprisingly quiet environment despite highway proximity.
Tips from RVers
Hookup configurations: RVers should confirm specific utility layouts before arrival. "Very convenient location and close to Walmart and Costco. We will definitely be back!" shares an RVer about Winter Quarters Manatee, appreciating the practical location near supplies.
Navigation challenges: Several parks feature narrow internal roads requiring careful maneuvering. "Staff is so great. I even had 2 maintenance guys help us park our big rig!" reports an Avalon RV Resort visitor, highlighting the assistance needed for larger vehicles.
Reservation timing: Advanced booking remains essential during peak winter months at St. Petersburg RV campgrounds. "We were looking for a new place to spend the winter. This is an amazing park," notes a visitor to Holiday Travel Park, emphasizing the importance of securing winter accommodations well in advance due to "snowbird" seasonal migration patterns.
