Camping near St Petersburg

Get your fill of white sand beaches, waterways, and wildlife near St.

98% (1391 reviews)
98% (1391 reviews)

Popular camping styles for St Petersburg

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Petersburg.

Camping near St Petersburg guide

Overview

To explore Gulf Coast beaches, waterways, and wildlife near a city with a lively food and arts scene, look no further than St. Petersburg. Set on the western edge of Tampa Bay, St. Petersburg is a few minutes away from public beaches in St. Pete Beach, as well as numerous state park beaches with a more undeveloped and natural feel. These shores are home to dolphins, manatee, and tropical fish, plus hundreds of species of local and migrating birds. Boating, kayaking, fishing, swimming, snorkeling, and shelling are classic St. Petersburg pastimes for campers, but there are hiking and biking trails for land-based adventures too.

Where to go

St. Petersburg Surrounds  

Just over the water from St. Petersburg is St. Pete Beach. The entire barrier island has calm beaches where you can watch the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico. There are local outfitters for kayak and paddle board rentals, jet skis, and fishing charters throughout this area. For an easy nature getaway in town, the Boyd Hill Nature Preserve can’t be beat. They have a public raptor rescue program, hiking and biking trails, and ample opportunities to spot gators and water birds like herons or the roseate spoonbill in its wetlands.

 

Fort De Soto Park

For a more natural beach site away from the hotels and condos, check out Fort De Soto Park. This sprawling beach park at the northern mouth of Tampa Bay has fishing piers, boat launches, and a campground on the water.

 

Honeymoon Island State Park

Honeymoon Island State Park has 4 miles of beach, paved biking routes, hiking trails, and cafes. On-site concessionaires rent kayaks and bikes. When the waves are up, the north end of this park is a popular surf spot.

 

Caladesi Island State Park

Considered by many to be one of the best white-sand beaches on the Gulf Coast, Caladesi Island State Park is well worth the ferry ride or hike it takes to access. The ferry leaves from Honeymoon Island right off the Dunedin Causeway, while the long, 4.5-mile hike starts at the northern tip of Clearwater Beach.

When to go

In general, expect winters in St. Petersburg to be warm and comfortable, while summers trend hot and humid. Camping is possible year-round, but summer campers may get better sleep with a fan or AC, unless you’re tent camping right on the beach to catch the breeze. Rain can occur in St. Petersburg year-round, but is more frequent and heavier in summer. Summer and fall is hurricane season on Florida’s Gulf Coast, so be sure to monitor the National Hurricane Center’s Atlantic forecast during this time.

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