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Best Campgrounds near Tierra Verde, FL

801 Reviews

Camping areas around Tierra Verde, Florida include both established campgrounds and dispersed options along the Gulf Coast. Fort De Soto Campground in Saint Petersburg provides waterfront sites with views of the bay and mangroves, while Shell Key Preserve offers boat-in primitive camping on a barrier island. The region includes a mix of county parks, state parks, and private campgrounds accommodating tents, RVs, and cabin stays within 30 miles of Tierra Verde. St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA Holiday provides full-service camping with cabin rentals approximately 12 miles north of Tierra Verde.

Florida's subtropical climate significantly impacts camping conditions throughout the year. Summer months (June-September) bring high temperatures, humidity, and frequent afternoon thunderstorms, while winter (November-February) offers milder temperatures ideal for camping. Many campgrounds in the area require reservations months in advance, particularly Fort De Soto which books up quickly during peak season. Flooding can affect some campgrounds during heavy rain periods, especially those near water bodies. "One of my favorite places to camp in Florida, hands-down. You can only get to this camping spot by water. Must reserve, no pets and no alcohol. We saw sting rays, a baby turtle, many different birds and other wildlife within 5 minutes of parking the boat," noted one visitor about Shell Key Preserve.

Waterfront camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors to the Tierra Verde area. Fort De Soto Campground stands out for its combination of privacy and water access, with sites backing to either open bay views or mangroves. Campers frequently mention wildlife viewing opportunities, including dolphins, manatees, and numerous bird species. Several visitors highlighted the importance of securing food from raccoons, particularly at Fort De Soto. While most campgrounds provide basic amenities like picnic tables and fire rings, regulations vary regarding alcohol consumption and pets. A camper at Fort De Soto noted, "The sites in the tent area are equipped with a picnic table and grill and an electrical hookup. There is a water point at each site. There are lots of trees in each site, and we were easily able to hang up 3 hammocks." Mixed-use campgrounds throughout the region balance natural settings with convenient access to beaches and urban amenities.

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Best Camping Sites Near Tierra Verde, Florida (161)

    1. Fort De Soto Campground

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

    $38 - $48 / night

    "There is a small campstore on site, and a grocery and convenience store in Tierra Verde just a mile or so up the road outside the park (there is a toll bridge that you have to pass going in and out)."

    "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."

    2. St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA Holiday

    26 Reviews
    Bay Pines, FL
    11 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."

    3. Shell Key Preserve

    7 Reviews
    Tierra Verde, FL
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (727) 453-6900

    "One of my favorite places to camp in Florida, hands-down. You can only get to this camping spot by water. Must reserve, no pets & no alcohol."

    "Shell Key is one of the larger uninhabited islands off of the west coast of Florida near St. Petersburg."

    4. E.G. Simmons Regional Park

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

    $24 / night

    "Nearly every campsite is right on the water - easy in and out for kayaks, large boat ramp and many picnic pavilions."

    "Close to the boatramp. Raccoons can be annoying. Has picnic pavilions and several fishing docks"

    5. Little Manatee River State Park Campground

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

    $22 / night

    "A lot of walking trails for people and horses. A surprise was the amphitheater. Washers and dryers are located outside the bathrooms. Friendly hosts and other campers. Would came again."

    "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."

    6. Terry Tomalin Campground

    3 Reviews
    Gulfport, FL
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (727) 893-7441

    $30 / night

    "The campsites are nicely spaced out so you aren’t to close to other campers. The trails are amazing but be careful or you might get lost."

    "It’s in an awesome location, too - we had other plans but made last-minute plans to stay here for a night and they were pretty empty on a Friday night."

    7. Encore Winter Quarters Manatee

    12 Reviews
    Palmetto, FL
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "Wonderfully situated around a lake. Good amenities and close to everything. Some highway traffic noise but nothing bad."

    "One of the two pools on the property provides a lovely view of the lake and a hot tub.The recreation hall is beautiful and has a lot of activities."

    8. Encore Terra Ceia

    4 Reviews
    Terra Ceia, FL
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "In Palmetto, easy access to Tampa, Sarasota, Gulf Beaches, and many other areas of Florida in a few hours driving distance.

    Pet-friendly."

    "They have a nice pool and laundry facilities - would recommend coming with a separate vehicle as there's not much within walking distance, but it's only a short drive to Tampa, St."

    9. MacDill AFB FamCamp

    9 Reviews
    Gibsonton, FL
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (813) 840-6919

    "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."

    "The tent area is large and almost 100% shaded , The white sand beach is steps away and had the most amazing sunsets ."

    10. Buttonwood Inlet RV Resort

    4 Reviews
    Bradenton Beach, FL
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (941) 798-3090

    "You can't beat the location, walkable to restaurants, a short drive or bike ride to beaches. The park itself is well maintained and quiet minus the days they mow and pick-up the garbage."

    "Location is great, close to Anna Maria Island and Cortez restaurants"

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Recent Camping Photos near Tierra Verde, FL

168 Photos of 161 Tierra Verde Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Tierra Verde, FL

801 Reviews of 161 Tierra Verde Campgrounds

Guide to Tierra Verde

Camping near Tierra Verde, Florida, offers a fantastic mix of natural beauty and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options that cater to different camping styles.

What to do:

  • Explore the beaches: Enjoy the stunning Gulf Coast beaches nearby. Campers rave about the beautiful sunsets and the relaxing atmosphere. One visitor at Turtle Beach Campground said, "This is an all-around winner. On the beach with shells, sunsets, waves, and all that the beach has to offer."
  • Wildlife watching: Many campgrounds, like Myakka River State Park, are known for their diverse wildlife. A camper shared, "It's quiet, and there's plenty of wildlife to be seen: Lots of birds, alligators, deer, wild turkeys."
  • Kayaking and fishing: The area is perfect for water activities. At Hillsborough River State Park Campground, one reviewer mentioned, "You can rent kayaks or canoes to take a trip down a wonderfully peaceful river."

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Colt Creek State Park Campground noted, "Restroom clean and showers, laundry $1.50 each."
  • Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites that accommodate big rigs. One camper at Lake Manatee State Park Campground said, "The sites are large, private, and nicely surrounded by woods."
  • Friendly staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of campground staff. A reviewer at Oscar Scherer State Park Campground remarked, "The staff were very helpful."

What you should know:

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

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose family-friendly campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. Fort De Soto Campground has a dog beach and plenty of space for kids to play. One reviewer said, "Dog friendly it has a huge dog beach and separate dog run."
  • Plan for shade: Some sites can get hot, so pick a spot with trees. A camper at Hillsborough River State Park Campground mentioned, "Our loop was very shaded with gorgeous trees."
  • Bring outdoor games: Keep the kids entertained with outdoor games. A visitor at Colt Creek State Park Campground suggested, "Lots of walking, biking, and hiking."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Hillsborough River State Park Campground noted, "The roads in the campground are a little narrow so maneuvering a larger rig might take some time."
  • Look for electric hookups: Many RVers prefer sites with electric. A visitor at Myakka River State Park mentioned, "Our site had water and electric."
  • Plan for dump stations: Ensure you know where the dump stations are located. A camper at Colt Creek State Park Campground said, "Dump stations easy."

Camping near Tierra Verde, Florida, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Tierra Verde, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, Tierra Verde, FL offers a wide range of camping options, with 161 campgrounds and RV parks near Tierra Verde, FL and 3 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Tierra Verde, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Tierra Verde, FL is Fort De Soto Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 140 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Tierra Verde, FL?

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

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