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Fort De Soto Park Campground

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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.

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    Available campgrounds nearby

    Top-rated for location, privacy, and amenities near Fort De Soto Park

    More to explore nearby

    97%
    22 ratings · 5 reviews
    Avatar
    Tony B.recommends
    March 25, 2019
    This is my favorite place to camp It is so hard to get sites but worth it
    Avatar
    Ken V.recommends
    February 13, 2019
    Kayak from your site. But booked long in advance and not many pet friendly sites.
    Avatar
    Alyssa M.
    March 7, 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.
    Avatar
    Jimmy F.
    April 22, 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.
    Avatar
    Adventures Of F.
    March 28, 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.

    Your guide to camping in Fort De Soto Park Campground

    Overview

    Biking

    The park’s 7-mile, multi-use trail runs right by Fort De Soto Park Campground, letting cyclists, rollerbladers, and runners beach-hop the entire park away from traffic.

    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 Egmont Keys.

    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 swimming center with seasonal summer lifeguards and concessions, making it perfect for families. East Beach, which also features a swimming center, is closer to the campground and less crowded.

    Wildlife watching

    Fort De Soto offers tons of wildlife spotting opportunities, including the chance to see loggerhead turtles, manatee, dolphins, rays, and tropical fish. Osprey, white pelicans, and roseate spoonbill are just a few of the 328 bird species that also call the area home.

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