Description

Near the entrance to its namesake park, Fort De Soto Campground is set along the mangrove-lined shores of St. Christopher and St. Jean Keys. Its 236 campsites sit below palm trees and face the Mullet Bay Bayou with spots for tents, vans, pop-up trailers, and RVs, each equipped with a picnic table and fire ring, plus water and electric hookups, while maintaining a mellow, family-friendly atmosphere (gas generators and alcohol are prohibited). The campground features restrooms, showers, dump stations, a playground, and a camp store with free wifi.

Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation

  • All Fort De Soto Campground sites are reservable 6 months in advance, but Pinellas County residents get the first crack at reservations starting 7 months in advance. Campers can make bookings online or by calling (727) 582-2100.
  • Book well in advance for school breaks, national holidays, weekends, and summer at this popular campground.
  • Campsites #86-164 are pet-friendly for campers bringing pups.
  • When to Go

    Fall, winter, and spring are the most pleasant times for camping at Fort De Soto Park, when humidity recedes and night time lows drop to the upper 50s (there are more manatees in the water during winter, too). The summer months are hotter and more humid, with lows in the upper 70s and periodic rain showers. Many summer campers may prefer RV camping with fans to beat the heat. Summer and fall are also hurricane season on the Gulf, when monitoring the weather forecast is a must.

    Campsite area
    Tent or RV sites
    236 sites
    Up to guests per site
    Up to 6 vehicles
    No wheelchair access
    Essentials
    Campfires allowed
    Toilet available
    Pets allowed
    Amenities
    Potable water available
    Showers available
    Picnic table available

    Activities

    Offered near the campground.

    Biking

    The park’s 7-mile, multi-use trail runs right by Fort De Soto Park Campground, letting cyclists, rollerbladers, and runners bea...Read more

    Boating

    Fort De Soto features an 800-foot boat ramp on Madeleine Key, and campers can also ferry from the park to the nearby Shell and ...Read more

    Fishing

    Fort De Soto Park has two fishing piers, each with a tackle and bait shop nearby. Wade and surf fishing is also popular.

    Paddling

    Rent kayaks near Fort De Soto to paddle around the islands or take on the park's 2.25-mile canoeing trail.

    Swimming

    Fort De Soto's famous North Beach has white-sand shores, shelling, and sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico. It also features a swim...Read more

    Wildlife watching

    Fort De Soto offers tons of wildlife spotting opportunities, including the chance to see loggerhead turtles, manatee, dolphins,...Read more

    Hiking
    Wind sports

    Terrain

    Natural features you'll find at Fort De Soto Park Campground.

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    26 Reviews

    750
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    Drop some Fort De Soto Park Campground knowledge on us.
    Hipcamper Tony
    Tony B.
    recommends this listing.
    March 25th, 2019

    This is my favorite place to camp It is so hard to get sites but worth it

    Hipcamper Ken
    Ken V.
    recommends this listing.
    February 13th, 2019

    Kayak from your site. But booked long in advance and not many pet friendly sites.

    Hipcamper Alyssa
    Alyssa M.
    didn't provide a recommendation.
    March 7th, 2017

    This campground is beautiful but it can be a little noisy and overcrowded. My husband and I took our dog on a walk and came back to find that our kayak paddles had been stolen. It's a nice place to camp and there is a dog beach but lock up your valuables and DO NOT leave anything unattended.

    Hipcamper Jimmy
    Jimmy F.
    didn't provide a recommendation.
    April 22nd, 2015

    Make sure you explore Egmont Key while camping here. It's a short $20 ferry ride that leaves from the Bay Pier. Ferry leaves promptly at 10am during the longer days and they're now offering an afternoon trip at 2pm. Weekdays are best to beat the crowds.

    Hipcamper Adventures of
    Adventures Of F.
    didn't provide a recommendation.
    March 28th, 2015

    If you want a fire/firewood I suggest stopping at Publix first. $10 a bundle here (Death Valley prices :-0)! Also there aren't any fire pits so you have to rent one for $3/night and they hold a $20 deposit on your card until it's returned.

    Hipcamper Gilles D.
    recommends this listing.
    October 24th, 2019
    Hipcamper Janet S.
    recommends this listing.
    August 29th, 2018
    Hipcamper Janice A.
    recommends this listing.
    September 8th, 2018
    Hipcamper Jordynn H.
    recommends this listing.
    September 27th, 2018
    Hipcamper Nanette M.
    recommends this listing.
    November 4th, 2018
    Hipcamper Marisa A.
    recommends this listing.
    November 10th, 2018
    Hipcamper Teri A.
    recommends this listing.
    November 17th, 2018
    Hipcamper M. S.
    recommends this listing.
    August 15th, 2024
    Hipcamper Amy L.
    recommends this listing.
    June 6th, 2018
    Hipcamper Sally P.
    recommends this listing.
    May 30th, 2018
    Hipcamper Katherine K.
    recommends this listing.
    May 28th, 2018
    Hipcamper John C.
    recommends this listing.
    May 19th, 2018
    Hipcamper Rob B.
    recommends this listing.
    May 11th, 2018
    Hipcamper Kirstin C.
    recommends this listing.
    April 28th, 2018
    Hipcamper Carla B.
    recommends this listing.
    March 8th, 2018
    Hipcamper Bridget W.
    recommends this listing.
    February 27th, 2018
    Hipcamper Peter H.
    recommends this listing.
    February 4th, 2018
    Hipcamper Ian W.
    recommends this listing.
    September 25th, 2017
    Hipcamper Dawn C.
    recommends this listing.
    September 4th, 2017
    Hipcamper Alyssa M.
    has mixed feelings towards this listing.
    March 7th, 2017
    Hipcamper Christine  V.
    recommends this listing.
    February 13th, 2017
    Park
    Fort De Soto Park
    State
    Florida
    Country
    United States
    Phone Number
    (727) 582-2267
    Directions
    View on Google Maps
    Official Website
    View Website
    Coordinates
    27.641° N, 82.737° W
    Unknown price
    Tent / RV / Trailer: 236 Sites
    (Up to people per site)