Camping near Fort De Soto Park

98% (22 reviews)

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Fort De Soto Park adventure.

These five Florida Keys have white-sand beaches, lush mangroves, and a 19th-century fort.

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Stay at a public campground in Fort De Soto Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Fort De Soto Park

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(600)

By the Pond...

12 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents33 acres · Ruskin, FL

Stay by a lovely pond on 33 acre fruit and ornamental tree nursery property with great vibes. Located near I-75 just 20 miles South of Tampa, 35 miles east of Saint Petersburg, 35 miles North of Sarasota, 2 hours West of Orlando. This property is home to a farm/nursery operation and has a large pond on the west side. The pond is Spring-fed at the headwaters of Marsh Branch Creek which begins at our property and flows West about five miles in to Tampa Bay. Approximately 33 private acres allows for plenty of space between our campsites. Property is home to a farm with hundreds of fruit trees- Lychee, Mango, Starfruit, Papaya, Guava). Red Mombin, and thousands of banana plants. Fishing can be great, wildlife and bird watching too. Fenced and gated for safety, this old historic nursery property has good vibes and plenty to offer. Until you see it - you really may not understand. Parts of property are wide open, other areas are rugged and difficult to walk through including some wetland areas. The nursery has plenty of trees, and some fields -the large pond is surrounded by cattails and marsh/wetlands and has fish (Bass, Tilapia, Sunfish, Catfish). Several species of wildlife have been seen on the property. We think the property is lovely, and definitely want you to enjoy your camping experience!

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(168)

Cotee River Bend

15 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · New Port Richey, FL

Our RV Campsites are located in a grassy field next to dense woods. Electric and water hookups are included in the RV/Camper sites, but not the Tent Site. All sites have a picnic table and fire ring. Our newly renovated restrooms on the property have toilets and one shower. A boardwalk takes you along the Cotee River to our open air pavilions with several places to sit and enjoy nature. Cell phone service is not a problem, as we are not that remote (although it sort of feels like we are when you are here) - we are 5 min from downtown New Port Richey, 2 minutes from groceries, gas, restaurants. This beautiful slice of Old Florida is named for the Pithlachascotee River that bends along the back side of the property. Pithlo is the Creek word meaning canoe, and chaskita means to dig or chop out, together signifying "place where canoes are chopped or dug out". Seminoles of this area used canoes dug out from the great cypress trees found along Florida rivers. From the 1980s until 2014, this property was owned by the Cotee River Lions Club. They held a popular monthly pancake breakfast fundraiser in the large pavilion along the river. We purchased this 4.9 acres of land in late 2019. It is now where we live and have a woodworking shop. It has been a magical place for us, with no shortage of wildlife, rich jungle forest, a lazy winding narrow river, and even the occasion river otter sighting. We are grateful to all the humans who have occupied this place over the centuries before us for keeping it as nature intended it. It is our intention to do our part to conserve and protect its natural beauty as long as possible. We hope you find it to be as restful and rejuvenating as we do.

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(264)

Rasayana Cove

2 sites · Lodging25 acres · Ona, FL

Rasayana Cove is a 25-acre eco-retreat located in the heartland of west central Florida. An hour's drive east of Sarasota surrounded by vast tracts of orange groves and ranch land, Rasayana Cove has been operating as a small retreat center since 1995. The long eastern boundary borders Horse Creek, a major tributary of the Peace River. The property features two spring-fed ponds - one small and the other large. The cabins are accessible by well constructed shell-topped roads with good drainage and a variety of nature pathways. A natural ecosystem remains undisturbed in the middle of the property - a Florida bay head of native flora and wildlife. While most of the state is crowded and overdeveloped, this eco-retreat offers a haven of peace in the pristine nature of Florida

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The Olive Grove Cabin Tent

19 sites · Lodging, Tents4 acres · Brookridge, FL

Glamping in The Olive Grove. Aframe Cabin Tent nestled in a 4 acre olive orchard. We are a working farm and harvest and mill our olives into high quality, extra virgin olive oil. Free range chickens and ducks and rescue dogs roam the grounds. Cabin tent side opens, queen bed, Wi-fi, heat and AC, TV, electric outlets and fire pit. Kitchenette and bathrooms are separate from the cabin tent. Kitchenette has coffee maker, toaster over/ air fryer, hot plate, pots and pans. Bathrooms have showers with hot water and flushing toilets. Located on the bike path, close to Weeki Wachee River Mermaids and the beautiful Chassahwitzka River. Relax, rest and take it all in. No pets please. Enjoy farm fresh eggs and fresh olive oil with your stay, our gift. Firewood available $1 per log. Farm Store open on weekends August thru March. Ask about our kayak and sailboat adventures.

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(95)

Cedarkirk Camp & Conf. Center

6 sites · RVs, Tents170 acres · Lithia, FL

Cedarkirk was founded in 1971 as a year-round camp and conference center that serves churches, not-for-profits, and schools. Our beautiful property and amenities exist for all people to enjoy recreation and renewal in nature. We own 170 acres of land, most of which looks like wild Florida has for thousands of years, and provides sanctuary for many native plants and animals. We are excited to welcome you to this "place apart."

90%

(66)

Sandy Bottom River Retreat

5 sites · Tents8 acres · Wimauma, FL

Learn more about this land:Come relax and rejuvenate in our private peaceful oasis. Surround yourself with the tranquility of the woods and private river access in this very rustic, near amenity-less experience; home to towering pine trees, fluffy saw palmettos, soaring air plants, you name it! Looking to spot a few critters? You’ll likely encounter squirrels, rabbit and may even find an occasional deer or hog. Bird watchers welcome, it’s easy to spot real beauties in this quiet untouched gem. Make your way down to the river for tubing, canoeing, wading or just picnicking on the bank overlooking the pristine golden sandy bottom where the water is almost always just knee high. Need to pick up snacks? You’ll be pleased to find that delivery is just one click away via Walmart, Instacart, Amazon and more but you’re also just minutes away from shopping, restaurants, entertainment and the interstate is no more than a 10 minute drive from the property :-)

85%

(57)

Tamiami Trails

6 sites · RVs, Tents23 acres · Ruskin, FL

RV sites located at an established petting zoo with common and exotic animals. Horseback riding is also available on site. Our property is centrally located with easy access to Tampa, St Pete, and Sarasota. Horse and hiking trails are all through native Florida landscaping. Short drive to well maintained boat ramps and marinas.

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(26)

Mad Beach Rv Or Trailer Spot

1 site · RV1 acre · Madeira Beach, FL

Experience the ultimate beachside getaway at our charming single home, just a short 3-block walk from the beach. Park your RV alongside our property and enjoy all the amenities of the home right at your fingertips. With both 30-amp and 50-amp plug connections available, you'll have everything you need to power up your RV and settle in for a relaxing stay. Our outdoor toilet and shower facilities are accessible 24/7, providing convenience and comfort during your beachside retreat. Relax and unwind on our spacious patio, complete with exterior seating and a cozy breakfast nook where you can enjoy your morning coffee or a leisurely meal. For entertainment, our outdoor smart TV with surround sound is perfect for movie nights under the stars. As the sun sets, watch your favorite films in style with our exterior chandelier casting a warm glow over the patio area. Whether you're lounging in the evening breeze or soaking up the sun during the day, our beachside oasis offers the perfect blend of comfort and convenience for your RV adventure.

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(6)

Beach Glamping

2 sites · Lodging1 acre · Bay Pines, FL

Affordable glamping located just minutes from the beach! Enjoy drinks by the pool, catch a gorgeous sunset at Madeira Beach, and relax by the fire pit in the evening. Check out one of the many delicious restaurants this area has to offer. This inviting camper has all the perks of a hotel, but for a fraction of the price.

100%

(3)

Owen's Family Farm

6 sites · RVs, Tents6 acres · Lithia, FL

We are a small hobby farm in Lithia, FL, looking to provide boutique camp experiences for guests looking for a nature-based yet centrally located agro-tourism family environment. Our property is six acres, and the central feature is our natural spring-fed pond with gorgeous waterfront views. The camping designated area is a one-acre pasture across the pond from the farm house we live in. If you like privacy, you will be happy to know that we have very few designated RV and glamping sites. The property sits at the end of a private road in a quiet country-like setting with mature oak trees decorated with Spanish moss. The current inhabitants of our farm include our three mini-cows, Stormy, Lila, and Boots, two donkeys, Pancho, a standard, and Cindy Lou, a mini. Another two friendly faces you will see are Liza and Louise, two Kune-Kune sows. Other animals you will see everywhere are our chickens, ducks, and other wild birds. The chickens and ducks don't have names but are also filled with personality. Our farm is strategically located. We call it 'one-hour and ten-minutes to anything'. Here's why: We are an hour away from Disney World, Downtown Tampa, the downtown St. Petersburg and Clearwater beach. Most of Tampa Bay suburban areas are also under an hour away. We are also a little over an hour away from some of the most breathtaking springs in Florida. Alderman's Ford, a Hillsborough County conservation park with over seven miles of hiking trails, is within walking or biking distance. The park's most famous attraction is a 1.9-mile paved and one of the state's most popular canoe spots. The loop, which is hiker, dog-walker, and bicycle-friendly, links with a boardwalk and footbridges leading into shaded woods of gigantic cypress and oak trees. There is also a designated horse trail. About 10 minutes down the road, the Alafaia River State Park offers some of the most radical elevation changes in the state. This topography is uncommon for most of Florida, making the park a hot spot for mountain bikers, equestrians, and hikers. The hilly trails at Alafaia River total about 20 miles and run through forests, flatwoods, and lakes. Lithia Springs is also a 10 minute drive and is well-known for its natural spring which flows year-round, cool, and clean water. Great for swimming on a hot day. Also, all standard suburban amenities, including banks, franchised restaurants, fast food, grocery stores, nail and hair salons, coffee shops, urgent care, etc., are 10 minutes away. Inquire about staying at our farm today!

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(33)

Two Tall Pines

2 sites · RVs1 acre · Venice, FL

We will share our piece of paradise with you. It is 3 blocks (cross no main roads) to Shamrock Park and the Venetian Intercoastal Waterway with walk and bike trail, playground, tennis courts, basketball hoops and nature center plus restrooms at the park. Our quiet, safe neighborhood includes a boat ramp, a separate kayak launch as well as fishing spots along the intercoastal. All 4 of the Venice beaches (including a dog beach) are within 7 miles of our location and are well known for finding shark teeth. Our beach's offer free parking, outdoor yoga, drum circle and live music. Downtown Venice offers a variety of stores, restaurants, souvenir shops, high end clothing, an interactive splash fountain and several ice cream shops. It also offers Historic Walking Tours and Farmer's Market (Saturday mornings). Venice has four main beaches: Venice Municipal Beach 4.8 miles (the most popular); Nokomis Beach 6.9 miles (home of the Drum Circle at sunset on Wednesday and Saturday evenings); South Brohard Beach (22 acres including a dog park) 4.5 miles and Caspersen Beach 5.3 miles (the longest beach in Sarasota County and famous for its shark teeth). 30amp electric and water included. You must use holding tanks. Maximum stay is 7 days.

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(39)

Just Like The Beach

1 site · RV1 acre · Tarpon Springs, FL

Tarpon Springs Suites has been landscaped with the feel of being in the Florida Keys. We are meticulous about the maintenance of the property and the residences. You will feel like you are at the beach, although it is a short distance away. A little known historical fact is our property and the neighborhood are the site of the old Tarpon Zoo. If you look closely while walking the neighborhood you might notice some old remnants that were left behind. Tarpon Springs is steeped with history with many sites on the National Register of Historic Places. The Sponge Docks and the adjacent Greek community is quite unique. Greek residents take great pride in their culture. Local and cultural activities abound, including festivals, Greek Orthodox religious ceremonial celebrations such as Epiphany are all open to the public. Tarpon Springs Aquarium, Suncoast Primate Sanctuary, performing arts, museums, award-winning art festivals, music festivals, microbreweries, pristine beaches, waterside parks with fresh and saltwater boat ramps that can accommodate boats of all sizes, as well as outdoor movie nights can all be found within Tarpon Springs. The Pinellas Trail is also just a few blocks away to go for a nice walk, jog, or to ride a bike. The trail runs from Tarpon Springs to St. Pete allowing for an all-day adventure with many shops and restaurants along the way. For those who want to relax, or not worry about parking, take the Trolley. The Trolley runs from Tarpon Springs to St Pete with stops including the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and the top-rated Clearwater Beach and St Pete Beaches. The space is private and fenced. A 12' wide gate for entry and has room for a 45' motorhome, fifth wheel, or travel trailer slide-out. You will be parking on an area made of limestone and crushed shell which provides a great surface to park on and allows for easy leveling. Full hookups are conveniently located at the back of the space and include a sewer hookup, 50 Amp RV Receptacle with breaker, and potable water hose. NOTE: if your rig does not have 50 amp service you will need to buy an adapter to transition your rig's connection to the 50 amp service connection, There is a Walmart across the street and a Camping World a few miles north that can sell you a 50 amp to 30 amp or 50 amp to 15 amp adapter. Please note pictures of the receptacle plug-in to be sure you buy the correct adapter. You will be sharing the common area with the guests of the four pet-friendly, spacious, clean, 2 BD /1 BA apartments that are also located on the property. The grounds are landscaped, with plenty of seating consisting of a large picnic table, chaise lounges, tables, and chairs that make it perfect for relaxing while visiting with friends and family, catching some rays, or grilling out. There is a large oak tree that provides lots of shade for when you want to kick back and relax.

The best camping near Fort De Soto Park guide

Overview

About

Fancy lounging on the palm-fringed shores of the Florida Keys or camping by tropical beaches but don’t want to stray too far from Tampa? Fort De Soto Park is the perfect compromise, with its five interlinked islands affording 1,136 acres of white-sand beaches and manatee-filled mangroves along the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay. Bring your boat, opt for a kayak rental, or get out on a canoe to paddle around the islands, hike or bike along miles of scenic nature trails, and explore the Fort De Soto historic site. You’ll want to stay longer, so snag a tent or RV site at the beachfront campground, all a short stroll from the water.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Campers can reserve one of 238 Fort De Soto Park Campground campsites in advance via the Pinellas County Parks online reservation system.
Fort De Soto is often mistaken for a state park, but campsite reservations for this county park open six months in advance for non-residents of Pinellas County and seven months in advance for residents.
Camping spots book up fast, especially for summer and holiday weekends, and many sites sell out on the first day of availability. Plan ahead and reserve your site as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
Tent camping sites are more likely to be available on shorter notice but still come with picnic tables and charcoal grills.

When to go

Fort De Soto Park is hugely popular with both locals and travelers, especially during the summer months and on sunny weekends throughout the year. Expect heavy traffic and long wait times along the road to the island during peak times—arrive early (before 10am) to avoid the worst and plan a weekday visit if possible. The park is open daily from 7am through sunset.

Know before you go

Fort De Soto Park is set at the mouth of Tampa Bay, off the coast of St. Petersburg. Access to the park's islands is via Pinellas Bayway S/679. Shell Key Preserve is nearby but only accessible via boat.
Daily parking fees apply at Fort De Soto Park; admission is free for visitors arriving on foot or by bike. A saltwater fishing license is required to fish anywhere in the park.
Facilities include a small camp store, food stands, picnic areas, restrooms, a dog beach, a boat ramp, and two fishing piers. Fort De Soto Campground has water and electric hookups, wifi, fire pits, dump station access for RVers, and laundry facilities.
There are accessible camping areas, beaches, restrooms, and picnic areas at Fort De Soto Park, including North Beach and Arrowhead.