3 campgrounds with availability next weekend
The St. Petersburg area features several RV campgrounds with full hookups, big rig-friendly layouts, and year-round availability. Encore Vacation Village in Largo provides full hookup RV sites with 50-amp electric service, water, and sewer connections. Sites are typically arranged close together on gravel pads. "Park has a lot of long term RVs and many of them older. Dog friendly and has a decent sized dog run. We had a pull thru spot that was plenty long enough to leave our dolly hooked up to our 33' class A," noted one visitor. Terra Ceia RV Resort in Palmetto accommodates big rigs with spacious sites and offers year-round availability, while Encore Winter Quarters Manatee in Bradenton features waterfront sites but with considerable highway noise from nearby I-75.
Advance reservations are strongly recommended for most RV campgrounds in the region, particularly during winter months when snowbirds significantly increase occupancy rates. Full hookup sites at Pleasant Lake RV Resort and Avalon RV Resort maintain high ratings for their level pads and reliable utilities. Cell service varies considerably throughout the area, with several reviewers mentioning weak AT&T coverage at certain locations. Many parks enforce pet policies that include designated dog areas but restrict certain breeds or sizes. Dump stations are available at most parks, though older facilities may have dated equipment. A recent review noted that "the electrical (30 amp and 50 amp) was farther back than the water, which wasn't a huge deal but might be inconvenient for some" at Winter Quarters Manatee RV park. Propane refill services are limited at the parks themselves, requiring trips to nearby commercial suppliers.
"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!"
"In Palmetto, easy access to Tampa, Sarasota, Gulf Beaches, and many other areas of Florida in a few hours driving distance. Pet-friendly."
"It looks a bit rundown from the first sight, but the amenities and infrastructure are really up to date, everything is clean, staff is friendly. Long term residents are also seem to t be nice."
"The grounds were ok overall and internet worked fine. The electrical (30 amp and 50 amp) was farther back than the water, which wasn't a huge deal but might be inconvenient for some."
"The staff is very friendly. well-kept park BUT, it's right next to Highway 75.We were fortunate to have a site on the opposite side of the lake, farthest from 75, and the noise was no problem."
"So a lot of snowbirds are packed up and gone. I can't say what it's like in January, but I've had no problems. The permanent residents are friendly. The amenities are plentiful."
"We were looking for a new place to spend the winter. This is an amazing park"
"We did not have any luck getting wifi, but we have a Verizon Hotspot, and only one bar. To log in, there was a requirement to provide personal information, which we weren’t comfortable with."
"Well maintained campground with quite a few year-round residents it was pretty (for a suburban area), clean, quiet, and conveniently located. The Staff is professional, friendly, and very helpful."
"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. I will definitely come back to this campground."
"It is pet friendly and everyone seems to clean up after their pets. The pool is clean and clear and that works for me."
from $45 - $75 / night
"For now we had no internet, and used our phones for Hot Spot.
Staff are friendly and helpful.""Great location"
"The sites are a little tight but that's normal for most of Florida, specially in a heavy populated are like Clearwater. It's unbelievably quiet although it's right off of US 19. Staff is so great."
"Sites were small, Service was friendly, Okay amenities- small pool, dog ‘park’ was a tiny walking area. Expensive considering location and amenities."
"Some new sites done very well with concrete slabs, picnic tables, water,sewer, electric and wifi. Pool and water access too."
"Very nice campground and lots of amenities Very clean and well maintained and very friendly staff"
GuideNice state park in a great location for visiting the area. Bathhouse near my site could use an update and newer bathhouse could use a good shower stall wash. I camp in a Travato Van so maneuvering in the campground was easy for me but larger rigs might struggle.
GuideThe bayou site are excellent. Reasonably level, nice patios, and a bit of a view. The staff are nice and helpful. They seem to have a section for those of us who are not snowbirds.
LegendOn my never-ending pursuit of finding the most perfect campground on earth ... I may have just landed it! Fort DeSoto State Park Campground, which rests at the southernmost edge of Pinellas County, reached by crossing a series of causeways from St. Petersburg until the land simply runs out and the Gulf of Mexico (as my friend John Cougar Mellencamp recently point out - not Gulf of ‘Merika) takes over. First impressions are pure Florida magic with palm-lined roads, sweeping water views of translucent aqua blue shimmering in the sun all accompanied by a salty breeze that makes you feel like vacation has officially begun. The campground itself is spread across a low-lying coastal landscape with mangroves, dunes and open skies punctuated by cotton candy clouds, and despite its popularity, this tri-loop campground haven manages to feel relaxed and unhurried if you pick your timing right.
This archipelago is shaped like a boomerang with 3 distinct campground loops – each with its own vibe, layout, amenities and overall character (more on this later) – leaving one with the impression that Fort DeSoto is both incredibly spacious as well as incredibly well-organized, offering a mix of waterfront and interior sites with paved pads, picnic tables, stand-up grills and access to modern bathhouses that are generally clean and well maintained. Many sites offer electric and water hookups, with a dump station available for RV travelers. Navigation through the one-way loops is straightforward, pets are welcome and the overall layout feels intentionally designed to handle high traffic without feeling chaotic. While there’s but just a modest playground on-site, there are much more amenities for the kids on North Beach, but throughout the campground area, the sheer amount of open space, bike paths, beach side access to inlets that will allow you to make the most out of being this close to the Gulf more than compensates for families.
What truly sets Fort DeSoto apart is everything just outside your campsite. Miles of white sand beaches wrap around the park, including North Beach which is frequently ranked among the best beaches in the country (note: not county ... country). Kayaking trails wind through calm mangrove tunnels, fishing piers stretch into Tampa Bay, and biking loops circle the entire park. History lovers can explore the restored fort and military ruins, while birders will find plenty to admire along the shoreline. For supplies, you’re about 15 minutes from Tierra Verde Market, Publix and a Walmart Supercenter on Pinellas Bayway as well as a handful of casual eateries like Billy’s Stone Crab and Sea Hags if cooking feels optional.
Trying to find out which 1 of the 3 loops might be best for you? I’ll try to break this down. First, of all, my brother and I stayed in Area #1, so let me begin there, not only because numerically that’s where we should begin, but also because I’m the most familiar with this loop, which consists of sites numbered #1-85. If you’re looking not just for ocean views with Gulf access – because like me, you’ve brought a kayak / canoe – then Area #1 for this solo reason is why you want to book here. And while it’s true that you likely could access water in Area #2, you’ll have to go the long way around to access the Gulf. Back to Area #1, I found this simple, single loop offering sites excellent in size, with TONS of shade (no need to bring your shelter to blot out the sun, although not a bad idea to have it handy in case of rain) and decent length long ‘driveways’ with which to pull in and set up camp, whether you’re packing tents (like me) or pulling in with your RV or sprinter van. Seriously, the scenery alone here in Area #1(at least sites #1-34) cannot be beaten with direct views of the Gulf, which you can access in less than 20 paces from where you’ve pitched your tent or parked for the night.
Each site is equipped with electric and water and for RVs needing sewage, there’s a spot as you exit prior to arriving at the ranger station that will accommodate you. The restroom and shower facilities in Area#1 are the best that I’ve ever seen in the state of Florida (which is saying something as I’ve camped in more than 100 spots here in the Sunshine state) – and wonder if this is because CG Hosts (versus FL state employees) are charged with keeping the CG clean?! – with very hot water (sometimes TOO hot) and lots of pressure would be an accurate description. Area #2 IMHO is somewhat cramped, very RV populated, with sites that are fairly crowded, yet heavily shaded with amenities that are similar to Area #1, albeit slightly more outdated; however, if you come with pets in tow, this is the ONLY area that will welcome you here at Fort DeSoto CG. Lastly, Area #3 has AMAZING water views, but given the seawall that surrounds this portion of the island, you won’t be able to actually access the water unless you dock your boat somehow to the wall and don’t mind jumping up 4-6 feet down to access your vessel. I found the sites here to be fine, although like Area #2, somewhat crowded, but yet still offering very good shade with restroom and shower facilities to be on par with the rest of the park. The best sites over here would be those from #197– 233 that look northernly towards the Gulf offering nothing short of AMAZING sunsets on the water.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a handful: (1) Waterfront sites in Loop 2 and Loop 3 are the most coveted for sunset views and breezes, but they book fast; (2) Bring bikes as this park is tailor-made for cruising on two wheels with flat, scenic loops in and around the campground area, but the best biking will be had once heading out past the ranger station to explore the larger areas of the island, where East Beach is worth a glide by (especially to watch the kite surfers where wind is at its strongest), but it’s North Beach that will have you stopping for a longer spell; (3) Kayaking through the mangroves on a calm morning is a must, especially for wildlife sightings; however, our absolute favorite moment of the entire trip was crossing the strong currents of shipping lanes to make it all the way to Shell Key, which apart from a few pensioners getting sunburnt in their beach chairs and an errant fishing boat or two, we had the entire island to ourselves … EASTER EGG: I’m a fairly solid kayaker and love oaring and with these strong currents, it IS manageable to cross, but you’ll want to plan on at least 1 hour of non-stop, albeit scenic oaring to make it to Shell Key; (4) Afternoon storms roll through quickly in summer, so plan beach time early and camp dinners later; (5) North Beach on the northernmost edge tends to be quieter and more family-friendly than the busier east-facing beaches near the fort; (6) If you’re visiting during peak season, weekday stays are noticeably calmer than weekends; and (7) When heading to the restroom facilities you will come across what is likely the largest sign I have ever seen in any campground WARNING YOU OF RACCOONS and, trust me, you want to HEED THIS SIGN as these black-eyed bandits are EVERYWHERE and not afraid to come right up to your tent and look in or right up to you sitting next to your campfire while looking for something to eat or steal, so be incredibly careful and PACK UP EVERYTHING whenever it’s not being used EVEN IN DAYLIGHT HOURS.
In sum, I absolutely loved this campground and will now be comparing every single one I visit to Fort DeSoto Campground.
Happy Camping!
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.
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
ScoutBeautiful 😁
ScoutGreat location
GuideNice little place. Gravel, pull-through sites, clean bathrooms, and friendly staff. Tons to do for the littles!
TravelerGreat fishing docks, with lighting for nighttime fishing. Clean & great environment, kids had a blast. Will stay here again
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best RV parks in St. Petersburg, Florida?
St. Petersburg offers several excellent RV parks for visitors. St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA Holiday stands out with its deluxe cabins, comfortable amenities, and convenient beach access. Another top choice is Fort De Soto Campground, which provides waterfront sites in a beautiful natural setting. Both parks feature full hookups, clean facilities, and are well-maintained. The KOA provides more resort-style amenities while Fort De Soto offers a more natural park experience with excellent water access and outdoor activities.
What RV camping options are available in St. Petersburg, Florida?
St. Petersburg and the surrounding area offer diverse RV camping experiences. For those seeking waterfront options, Horseshoe Cove RV Resort provides well-maintained facilities with amenities like a pool, hot tub, and a private fishing island. Nature enthusiasts might prefer Palmetto Ridge Campground — Myakka River State Park, which offers paved sites with sewer hookups in a natural setting. For military personnel, MacDill AFB FamCamp provides full hookup sites on base. Most parks offer full hookups, while public parks may have more limited services but better access to outdoor activities.
Can you rent RVs in St. Petersburg, Florida?
Yes, you can rent RVs in the St. Petersburg area through various rental companies and peer-to-peer services. While specific rental agencies aren't mentioned in the reviews, the region has numerous options for RV rentals ranging from small campervans to large Class A motorhomes. Once you've secured a rental, parks like Hickory Point RV Park and Caladesi RV Park accommodate various RV sizes. Caladesi offers nicely spaced sites that provide privacy, while Hickory Point can accommodate larger Class A motorhomes with tow vehicles. Be sure to confirm size restrictions and hook-up availability when booking your campsite.
Are there long-term RV parks available in St. Petersburg, FL?
Yes, several RV parks around St. Petersburg accommodate long-term stays. Plantation Oaks is known for hosting many long-term RVers, offering a pet-friendly environment with a decent-sized dog run and helpful management staff. Sherwood Forest RV Resort is another large facility that accommodates extended stays with numerous amenities. Both parks maintain a community atmosphere with a mix of permanent and seasonal residents. Monthly rates are typically available, and some residents stay for entire seasons, particularly during winter months.
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