Gulp up Gulf Coast beaches, parks, and activities with a camping trip to Dunedin, Florida.
Dunedin may border the Gulf Coast, but it sits at the center of Florida’s action, with Tampa, Clearwater, and St. Petersburg all within reach. Start your Dunedin camping trip with a leisurely stroll downtown before you make your way to the scenic St. Joseph Sound. Check in to a beachfront RV campsite overlooking the Gulf of Mexico or a family-friendly camping resort along one of the area’s trademark lakes. If you’d rather maximize your time on land, linger instead in an A-frame surrounded by Dunedin’s signature pine trees. With so many landscapes in one area, Dunedin warrants more than just a detour.
Here’s a must-see for honeymooners—or any camper with a yen for hiking, birdwatching, swimming, and exploring. Sure, your Dunedin campsite may already feel like paradise, but Honeymoon Island State Park takes Florida’s beauty a step further. Scan the sky for eagles and osprey and the shore for seashells. You’ll start your Dunedin camping trip with more than just a glimpse of its water.
Once you’ve visited Honeymoon Island, take the ferry to Caladesi Island State Park. Only reachable by boat, the park rewards all campers who pay it a visit, so come prepared for a full day of fun in the sun. Aspiring mermaids can explore the pristine waters of paradise by kayak or canoe, while leisure-seekers can soak up island vibes directly from the shore.
Freshwater lakes surface all over Dunedin, from the smaller lakes in and around the city, to the larger Lake Tarpon on the periphery. Settle into a lakefront RV campsite, and sip your morning coffee with a stunning view. Come sunset, crack open a beer and grab your fishing rod. If you catch a big enough bass, why not make your dinner—straight from your campsite with a grill?
So much of Dunedin’s charm is in its location, so plan your camping trip to maximize your time in the water. Florida’s heat rarely falters, though you’ll want to keep an eye on hurricane season, which runs from late June through November. While you can certainly camp year-round, swimmers, boaters, and snorkelers should plan accordingly. If you do camp during the rainier months, an RV campsite or log cabin with wifi will better cover your bases.