Best Campgrounds near Tampa, FL

Tampa's camping scene includes Little Manatee River State Park, a quiet spot with greenery and river access for kayakers and anglers. Fort De Soto Campground sits right on the Gulf Coast with water views and lots to do outdoors. Hillsborough River State Park Campground has good hiking and wildlife watching opportunities. The tree cover at this park helps block the intense Florida heat, which is why many campers choose it during summer months. You can easily reach Tampa attractions like Busch Gardens and the Florida Aquarium from these camping areas. Fall and winter bring the most comfortable camping weather around Tampa, as summers get hot and sticky - bring extra water and sunscreen if camping June through August. Most Tampa area campgrounds have basic facilities including bathrooms, showers and picnic tables. It's smart to book ahead, particularly during busy seasons, to get the campsite you want. Tampa's camping options work well whether you want peace and quiet or plenty of activities. The combination of natural areas and city access makes Tampa work well for many different types of campers.

Best Camping Sites Near Tampa, Florida (246)

    1. Hillsborough River State Park Campground

    64 Reviews
    Thonotosassa, FL
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (813) 987-6771

    $24 / night

    "What a neat park :) This park is only a ½ hour from Tampa and I checked it out while in town on business."

    "Fantastic Campground not far from Tampa. This could be a good park to stay at if you want to do Busch Gardens which is just 16 miles away."

    2. Fort De Soto Campground

    138 Reviews
    Tierra Verde, FL
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (727) 582-2100

    $38 - $48 / night

    "Very good option in the Tampa Bay"

    "Ft.DeSoto sits at the mouth of Tampa bay and The Gulf of Mexico. The campground is open year around with 236 sites. They have a tent area and a separate pet area. Water sites are available."

    3. Lazydays RV Resort

    14 Reviews
    Lee, FL
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (813) 246-4777

    "Great location just outside Tampa, Fl. Wonderful facilities and friendly staff. nearby RV dealership is largest in America with huge service department and camping/RV store."

    "This campground is close to Busch Gardens Tampa. We stayed here in a motor home."

    4. E.G. Simmons Regional Park

    19 Reviews
    Ruskin, FL
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (813) 671-7655

    $24 / night

    "Right on Tampa Bay. Public swim area and picnic area. Lots of paved roads which was great for biking. Several Osprey nests and other birds to watch on the water."

    "When you kayak down the channel into Tamp Bay what a great view of Tampa, St. Petersburg and the Skyway bridge.  Beautiful sunsets from the beach and boat ramp or out in the kayak."

    5. MacDill AFB FamCamp

    8 Reviews
    Gibsonton, FL
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (813) 840-6919

    ".); you have to drive to the main side for those. Not a big deal.

    For long-terming, you're responsible for your yard. The FamCamp officer loans them out from the office."

    "Close to a small beach and marina with a restaurant walking distance. Several dog parks but muddy/dirt. Laundry available for fee. Bath houses clean and large.

    Good amenities on base."

    6. Lithia Springs Conservation Park

    12 Reviews
    Durant, FL
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (813) 744-5572

    $24 / night

    "Stayed over mother's day weekend at Lithia Springs."

    "Stayed over mother's day weekend at Lithia Springs."

    7. Lake Park

    5 Reviews
    Lutz, FL
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (813) 264-3806

    "I live in an adjacent neighborhood (2 years) and walk this park daily with my doggos. I’ve biked all the trails and been here from sunrise to sunset."

    "This park has a really great walking trail around a lake with exercise stations. I’ve seen some horses on the trails also. There’s a cool BMX and rc car track too!"

    8. Bay Bayou RV Resort

    5 Reviews
    Oldsmar, FL
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (813) 855-1000

    "There’s a place to fish, a place to chill on the dock and not fish, trees are everywhere and lots of random wildlife roaming around.

    Staff has been super friendly too."

    9. St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA Holiday

    26 Reviews
    Bay Pines, FL
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (727) 392-2233

    "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."

    "It has all of the amenities you would ever want and is so close to Florida beaches. Pool, hot tub, store, workout room, fishing and kayaking and lots more to do right in the park."

    10. Little Manatee River State Park Campground

    25 Reviews
    Ruskin, FL
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (813) 671-5005

    $22 / night

    "Tampa is not too far away, but the park is kind of removed."

    "This campsite is right outside of Little Manatee River State Park. I even missed the entrance and went to Little Manatee because I missed the turn."

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Showing results 1-10 of 246 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Tampa, FL

922 Reviews of 246 Tampa Campgrounds



Guide to Tampa

Camping near Tampa, Florida, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Explore the beaches: Many campgrounds, like Fort De Soto Campground, are close to stunning beaches. One camper mentioned, "I love coming here when I am in St. Pete! They have a dog beach too!"
  • Kayaking and fishing: At Hillsborough River State Park Campground, you can rent kayaks or canoes. A visitor shared, "You can rent kayaks or canoes to take a trip down a wonderfully peaceful river."
  • Wildlife watching: Myakka River State Park is great for spotting alligators and birds. One camper noted, "It's quiet, and there's plenty of wildlife to be seen: Lots of birds, alligators, deer, wild turkeys."

What campers like:

What you should know:

  • Bugs can be a problem: Some campers have reported issues with bugs, especially in warmer months. A review for Fort De Soto Campground mentioned, "The bugs were so bad... it was absolutely miserable."
  • Limited amenities at some sites: Not all campgrounds have full hookups. A camper at Lake Manatee State Park Campground noted, "It does not have full hookups."
  • Noise from nearby roads: Some campgrounds are close to busy roads or racetracks. A visitor at Lake Manatee State Park Campground mentioned, "The racetrack nearby made the location a bit unsettling."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose family-friendly campgrounds: Look for places like Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, which offers activities for kids. One camper said, "There are so many sites and yes there are people around but there’s serious vegetation between all the sites that you have plenty of privacy."
  • Plan for activities: Make sure to check out local attractions. A review for St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA mentioned, "You must visit John’s Pass. The view on the water is amazing."
  • Pack for the weather: Florida can be hot and humid, so bring plenty of water and sunscreen. A camper at Hillsborough River State Park Campground noted, "The sites have picnic tables and a fire ring."

Tips from RVers:

Camping around Tampa, FL, has something for everyone, whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin. Enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Tampa, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, Tampa, FL offers a wide range of camping options, with 246 campgrounds and RV parks near Tampa, FL and 3 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Tampa, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Tampa, FL is Hillsborough River State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 64 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Tampa, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Tampa, FL.

What parks are near Tampa, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 parks near Tampa, FL that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.