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Best Campgrounds near Tarpon Springs, FL

871 Reviews

Several good camping options around Tarpon Springs put you close to Florida's Gulf Coast attractions. Fort De Soto Campground sits on the water with fishing spots right off the shoreline. Camp Margaritaville RV Resort works well for families and has complete hookups for RVs. If you want hiking trails, Colt Creek State Park Campground has plenty of paths through natural Florida landscapes. Many people head to Lake Manatee State Park Campground for kayaking and watching birds in a quiet setting. The weather stays mild during winter, so camping year-round is possible here. The summer heat and humidity can be intense, so bring extra water and sunscreen during those months. You won't have trouble reaching most campgrounds since the roads are in good shape, though some spots might need higher vehicles if it's been raining a lot. You'll find toilets and drinking water at most places in the area. Fort De Soto goes a step further with showers you can use after a day at the beach. RV campers get good-sized spots with modern hookups at Camp Margaritaville. Tarpon Springs camping fits different styles, from family groups to people traveling alone.

Map showing campgrounds near Tarpon Springs, FloridaExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Tarpon Springs, Florida (223)

    1. Caladesi RV Park

    16 Reviews
    Palm Harbor, FL
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (727) 784-3622

    $45 - $75 / night

    "Decent size spot with stone drive and cement patio. Bathrooms and showers are kept clean. Nice laundry facilities with area to play cards if you wanted. Pool area is nice with shade spots."

    "We first came here a year ago and I was worried about it being so close to a main road, but after staying here I can tell you that it's very quiet and relaxing. "

    2. Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park

    12 Reviews
    New Port Richey, FL
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (727) 834-3247

    "Great get away in west-central Florida as a day trip or long weekend stay.

    We spent the day hiking the numerous off-road trails and enjoying some of the amenities the park has to offer."

    "3.2 mile hike through mostly open Florida pine forest with the occasional swamp. Perfect time of year to come. Site has great shade and opens up at the fire pit for great star gazing."

    3. Anclote Key Preserve State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Holiday, FL
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (727) 638-4447

    "Short boat ride out to what felt like a secluded island, back when florida was all natural. We had the whole place to ourselves. Camping is definitely pack in pack out."

    "Spend your day swimming and sunbathing at the beach or kayaking around the island."

    4. Clearwater-Lake Tarpon KOA

    6 Reviews
    Tarpon Springs, FL
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (727) 937-8412

    $25 / night

    "We camped at Clearwater/ Lake Tarpon KOA Holiday in a Fifth Wheel."

    5. Fort De Soto Campground

    140 Reviews
    Tierra Verde, FL
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (727) 582-2100

    $38 - $48 / night

    "As an camper with northern roots, I have found it hard to camp in Florida. This campground helped me relieve those worries. 

    I will start by saying that this campground is south of St."

    "Nice walking/bicycle path around the edge. Bike paths also throughout the park. Sites 1-8 or so have direct beach access, but swimming is not allowed. Mangroves surround the rest of the peninsula."

    6. Hickory Point RV Park

    4 Reviews
    Tarpon Springs, FL
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (727) 937-7357

    "Short drive from downtown Tarpon Springs and several beaches."

    "It’s Florida so it’s a tight fit in every spot. The staff we’ve met so far have been very friendly and helpful. It’s close to a lot of fun places to go and great beaches to see."

    7. Caladesi Island State Park Campground

    5 Reviews
    Dunedin, FL
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (727) 469-5918

    $24 / night

    "One of the last undeveloped barrier islands in Florida. It's around 650 acres with tons of boardwalks and hiking."

    "Next to honeymoon island state park and just south of anclote

    Boat camping ONLY — tents/Rvs are not permitted.

    First come/first serve boat slips, pet friendly (yay for dogs)"

    8. Encore Holiday Travel Park

    4 Reviews
    Holiday, FL
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "Florida has a homeless population - that's sad, but if you want them to hide because they ruin your illusion that everyone lives your privileged life - you're the problem."

    9. Bay Bayou RV Resort

    6 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."

    10. St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA Holiday

    26 Reviews
    Bay Pines, FL
    22 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."

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Recent Camping Photos near Tarpon Springs, FL

245 Photos of 223 Tarpon Springs Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Tarpon Springs, FL

871 Reviews of 223 Tarpon Springs Campgrounds

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Belle Parc RV Resort

    Belle parc is a very relaxing campground

    So check in was easy and the ladies at the front office where amazing and very hospitable. We were shown to our campsite by a very nice gentleman. He even helped us back in and hook up. As for the stay it’s been very relaxing and quiet. The shower houses are awesome. We backed up to one of the lakeside areas where the fishing was excellent. We were Also located next to a pool and it was very clean with limited activity from other guest. Would definitely recommend to stay again.

  • SukiDookie ..The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Upper Hillsborough Water Management Area

    Very quiet and peaceful

    We were the only ones there for the weekend, probably because of the summer heat. However, it was nice and free. There is a porta-potty, but I didn’t check it out, so I’m not sure about the cleanliness. The grounds were nicely maintained, though. I do wish the fire rings weren’t so damaged, and the lack of trash cans was surprising. Just take your trash with you, leave no trace, and it was an enjoyable and free experience!

  • N
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Sundance Lakes RV Resort

    They don't care about their residents!

    I lived in this park full-time for 2½ years when Hurricane Helene submerged it under 3½ feet of water. The damage left the park without power for months, forcing us to move out and causing tremendous expenses. During that time, the park made no effort to assist or support the residents in any way. 

    When I applied for FEMA assistance, I was told I needed a simple letter from the park confirming the extended power outage. They refused to provide it, even though it would have cost them nothing and could have helped residents like me recover some of our losses. 

    Instead of showing compassion or accountability, they chose to do nothing. The staff at this park are unprofessional, unhelpful, and unwilling to take responsibility. It was a deeply disappointing experience, and I would never recommend living here.

  • Julia Marie H.
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Encore Vacation Village

    Mosquitoes beware

    This is a mosquito heaven!!! Being bug spray or candles! You will see a large amount of bugs in your area…. They used to spray. But now they don’t… with a pond down the street there is No end in site for air borne bug issues.

  • Jackie S.
    Aug. 15, 2025

    Gulfbreeze RV Park

    Great little cozy park

    Everyone here treats you like family here

  • C
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Bay Bayou RV Resort

    Excellent clean campground

    Excellent clean campground with great service.

  • Bunkwanaringümü D.
    Aug. 4, 2025

    Lake Rogers Park

    No longer for Camping

    This site no longer permits camping from my experience. I did camp there one night and nobody said anything but upon camping the second night I was told it’s no longer a public campground. Other than that it was a beautiful place.

  • Stacy
    Jul. 30, 2025

    Crooked River Campground — Withlacoochee State Forest

    Great idea for easy campground finds

    After days of searching to find a camp or lot for my cable van i can't across this little gem. The app easily downloaded and immediately provided me with numerous options and locations for my needs

Guide to Tarpon Springs

Camping near Tarpon Springs, Florida, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Kayaking and Fishing: Many campers enjoy kayaking and fishing in the nearby waters. At Fort De Soto Campground, one visitor mentioned, "I was able to do some fishing and got a few spotted sea trout." The area is rich in wildlife, making it a great spot for nature lovers.
  • Hiking Trails: Explore the trails at Hillsborough River State Park Campground. One camper noted, "Lots of trails for walking, hiking, and biking," which makes it perfect for those who love to be active outdoors.
  • Relaxing at the Beach: Enjoy the natural beaches at Little Manatee River State Park Campground. A reviewer shared, "This campground is very quiet and peaceful," making it ideal for a relaxing day by the water.

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. At Colt Creek State Park Campground, one visitor said, "Restrooms and showers across from site and very clean."
  • Spacious Campsites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A camper at Alafia River State Park Campground mentioned, "Very spacious camp sites with lots of room between sites."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of the staff. At Lake Manatee State Park Campground, a visitor said, "The park rangers were great," which adds to the overall positive experience.

What you should know

  • Bugs Can Be a Problem: Some campers have reported issues with bugs, especially during warmer months. One camper at Fort De Soto Campground said, "The bugs were so bad... it was absolutely miserable."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have extensive amenities. A reviewer at Crystal Isles RV Resort noted, "The sites are very close together," which might not be ideal for everyone.
  • Noise from Nearby Roads: Some campgrounds are near 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 campgrounds with activities for kids. At Camp Margaritaville RV Resort, one parent said, "The kids loved the slide," highlighting the fun amenities available.
  • Plan for Outdoor Activities: Bring bikes or kayaks for family fun. A camper at Hillsborough River State Park Campground mentioned, "You can rent kayaks or canoes to take a trip down a wonderfully peaceful river."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having food on hand can make family outings easier. A visitor at St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA noted, "The pool area needs to be pressure washed," but they enjoyed the amenities available for families.

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the campsite. A reviewer at Colt Creek State Park Campground mentioned, "Very long 50 amp and water only," which is helpful for RVers.
  • Look for Full Hookups: Some campgrounds offer full hookups, which can make your stay more comfortable. A camper at Crystal Isles RV Resort said, "FHU, gravel site," indicating the convenience of having all necessary connections.
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Popular campgrounds can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A visitor at Camp Margaritaville RV Resort noted, "The pool area seemed a little small for the number of people there," so plan accordingly.

Camping around Tarpon Springs, FL, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to check the specific campgrounds for their unique features and amenities!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find RV camping near Tarpon Springs?

Encore Holiday Travel Park is located just minutes from Tarpon Springs and about 30 minutes from downtown Tampa Bay. The park offers sites for both RVs and campers, with the front section generally considered more desirable. For a waterfront RV experience, Encore Terra Ceia in Palmetto provides easy access to Tampa, Sarasota, Gulf beaches, and is pet-friendly. This location serves as a great base for exploring the region, with many Florida attractions within a few hours' driving distance. Clearwater-Lake Tarpon KOA is another option near Palm Harbor offering drive-in access, reservable sites, and big-rig-friendly facilities.

What campgrounds are available in Tarpon Springs, Florida?

While Tarpon Springs itself has limited camping directly in town, several excellent options surround the area. Hickory Point RV Park offers waterfront sites with amenities including a boat launch, community area, volleyball court, small beach, and dock - all within a short drive from downtown Tarpon Springs. For those seeking a more rustic experience, Serenova Tract Campsites provides a quiet, clean camping area with vault toilets and convenient access to groceries at nearby Publix. Note that Serenova requires you to bring your own water and has no electricity. The area is also close to Anclote Key Preserve State Park Campground, accessible only by boat.

What are the most affordable camping options in Tarpon Springs?

For budget-conscious campers, the most affordable option near Tarpon Springs is Hog Island Campground — Withlacoochee State Forest, located on the eastern bank of the Withlacoochee River. This public campground offers reasonable rates while providing access to nature and water activities. Shell Key Preserve is another economical choice, offering a unique boat-in camping experience with no fees. This preserve provides amazing wildlife viewing opportunities including stingrays, turtles, and various birds. Note that Shell Key requires reservations, prohibits pets and alcohol, and doesn't allow campfires. For those with their own boats, these water-accessible sites offer exceptional value while providing memorable Florida camping experiences.

Is there lake camping available near Tarpon Springs?

Yes, several lake camping options exist near Tarpon Springs. Crooked River Campground — Withlacoochee State Forest offers camping on the shore of Silver Lake, part of the Withlacoochee River system, just a short drive from I-75. For a more primitive experience, Oak Ridge Primitive Campground provides well-maintained sites managed by the Southwest Florida Water Management District. Both locations offer peaceful water views and access to nature. If you're willing to drive a bit further, Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park also offers hiking trails and camping opportunities in a natural setting with lake access.

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