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Fort De Soto Park Campground

In
Fort De Soto Park
·
98%
·
6 reviews
236 sites · RV, Tent

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.

    What this place offers
    Campfire allowed
    Pets allowed
    Showers
    Toilets
    Potable water
    Picnic tables
    Sewage hookups
    No electric hookups
    236 sitesRV, Tent
    Scanning sold-out campgrounds every 15 seconds. Get notified the moment Fort De Soto Park Campground becomes available.
    Scanning sold-out campgrounds every 15 seconds. Get notified the moment Fort De Soto Park Campground becomes available.

    Available campgrounds nearby

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

    • We loved seeing the honey bee hives
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    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!
    Pets
    Potable water
    Toilets
    from 
    $32.50
     / night
    • Cotee River Bend
    • During rainy summer months, the river flows higher and more swiftly.
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    Cotee River Bend

    8 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.
    Potable water
    Toilets
    Campfires
    from 
    $25.20
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    Rasayana Cove

    2 sites · Lodging25 acres · Ona, FL
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    Potable water
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    Costa Myakka

    4 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Myakka City, FL
    Welcome to the "Wild and Scenic Myakka River"! Our 20 acre ranch has everything from Longhorn cattle, to a white sand beach. We like to say our sand is like Siesta Key, except it's...in a swamp. Our property is not too far upstream from the Myakka State park, and parking is never a problem. ;-) We have a beautiful homestead, and you have the choice of a furnished camper with water and power hookups in our pasture, or 2 primative tent or RV spots on the edge of a beautiful stand of Live Oak trees and Sabal palms along the river. We have a porta potty on site that is regularly maintained. Bring your family, bring your dog, bring your friends.....and don't forget to bring a fishing pole!
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    Boulevard Landing

    4 sites · RVs1 acre · Port Richey, FL
    5645 Bay Boulevard is 2 blocks off US 19 in Port Richey Florida. The property is 1 mile east of the Gulf Of Mexico. There are 5 restaurants on the water that are a short ride bicycle, golf cart or 1 wheel ride away. One is a Hooters. Within 2 blocks is a Dunkin Donuts, Culvers and Hardees. Walmart is accessible without driving on 19. If you need fuel there is a WaWa and Walmart station. The Veteran's Expressway is a short drive east which makes a drive to the Tampa Fairgrounds less than 1 hour. We have a 50 amp covered full hook up spot, a 50 amp with water spot and 6 plus boondocking spots. We have a place to dump and refill the water tank. We aren't fancy, just very convenient. Convenience is what makes our property special. We enjoy being able to help people save while enjoying a nice safe place to stay John Thompson is the manager of the property and lives in the house .
    Pets
    Potable water
    Trash
    from 
    $27
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    • so close to the best beaches
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    97%
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    Honey Bunny’s Urban Oasis

    3 sites · RVs1 acre · St Petersburg, FL
    Send Van Type and Length with Request to Book 🐝 👀check out our EXTRAS👀 🐝 Elderberry Tonic/Tropic Spice Hot Sauce/Shoo Fly! Bug Spray 🦩WE ONLY HOST VANS/CLASS B vehicles/very small travel trailers🦩 If you need to book for longer VanLife stays just message me 🌈 Everyone Welcome 🌈 As a family who has towed campers across the US a couple times utilizing Hip Camp we know others will appreciate the ease of pulling into our little 1 acre urban oasis just a couple miles off the interstate in Floridas Coolest City. It’s an ideal location to explore St Pete as we are right between the beaches and downtown (5 miles to St Pete beach, 4 miles to downtown -$10 Uber ride), Sarasota and/or Tampa. Ours is an urban spot based on ease, safety and location, not a wilderness "experience" We have a paved circular driveway overlooking our beehives, henhouse and seasonal garden where you’ll find a table with chairs and plenty of space to cookout and enjoy a quiet evening with a great sunset by the blowing bamboo. This is one of South St Pete’s oldest neighborhoods- it surrounds an active former PGA golf course and lively country club. It’s a great place for safely biking or walking with green spaces, tennis courts, playgrounds and dog parks nearby. There are many owls, raptors, green parrots, purple martins and osprey overhead as we’re just a few blocks from the beautiful Boyd Hill Nature Preserve. - not to be missed! The Pinellas Trail is just a short bike ride away too and can lead you to downtown. It is a cyclists favorite! We love our city - happy to give recommendations.
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    Trash
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    The Happy Camper

    1 site · Lodging1 acre · St. Petersburg, FL
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    Potable water
    Toilets
    Campfires
    from 
    $52.20
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    • Near Beaches, Pool, RV Site #1
    • Near Beaches, Pool, RV Site #1
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    Near Beaches, Pool, RV Site #1

    2 sites · RVs1 acre · Seminole, FL
    Our unique little hideaway 2 miles from the beach, we have 2 camp sites #1 has full hook ups, water, sewer, electric, Wi-Fi, and can be 22ft max., small motorhomes or vans prefered for this spot, its very tight. Camp#2 has electric and water only and RV can be up to 28 feet max. We have a large saltwater pool to relax (not heated), read and sunbathe. A lot of privacy on our 1 acre lot, we keep it quiet, no kids staying or visiting. Set back from the road in a very nice and safe neighborhood. Jeff and I live on the property that is also shared with other vacationers. We have 3 rooms as short term rentals, each have a separate entrance and bath. All guests share outdoor common areas, pool, fire pits grill area and gas grill. When requesting to book please let us know the type, size of RV or TT, and tow vehicle to help us understand how much room you will need. This is a one of a kind in our area, come check it out! Come check us out!
    Pets
    Potable water
    Trash
    from 
    $69
     / night
    • Sandy Bottom River Retreat
    • Sandy Bottom River Retreat
    • Sandy Bottom River Retreat
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    Sandy Bottom River Retreat

    7 sites · Tents8 acres · Wimauma, FL
    Come relax and rejuvenate in our private oasis. Surround yourself with the tranquility of the woods and private river access in this very rustic, 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 river otter, deer, or hog. Bird watchers welcome, it’s easy to spot real beauties in our untouched gem. Make your way down to the river for tubing, kayaking, 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 :-) Please note that there are currently only 2 camp sites that are situated directly on the river, the other campsites will require you to make a short trek to the river. Our property is nestled in the heart of a very rural area in Wimauma, our property is large enough that you do not need to see neighboring properties, however, our neighbors may ride ATVs or shoot guns on their properties, at their will and we have no control over the sounds you may hear during your stay as a result of that, if this is something that you are not comfortable with, please seek another Hipcamp property that may be more suitable to your comfort level. We have a zero-tolerance policy for and there is absolutely no hunting, shooting, archery, or the like, permitted on our property at any time. Please contact us in advance if you are looking to book for clothing optional friendly, one of the "on the river" camp sites, to confirm their availability and/or for special pricing to book the entire property for events.
    Pets
    Potable water
    Toilets
    from 
    $38.50
     / night
    • Heart of Cortez
    • Heart of Cortez
    • Heart of Cortez
    100%
    (16)

    Heart of Cortez

    1 site · RV1 acre · Cortez, FL
    RV parking spot in the heart of historic Cortez! 50amp plug on dedicated circuit breaker. Potable water hookup. Wifi included. Walk to 12 local restaurants and the Cortez Maritime Museum. 2 blocks to Cortez Market. Kroger refrigerated grocery delivery. 3 blocks to Cortez bridge, with free trolley on Anna Maria Island, running from 6am to 10pm daily. New water taxi on Anna Maria Island to tip of island and downtown Bradenton (only $6!). 2 houses from the bay. Quiet, dead end street.
    Potable water
    Trash
    from 
    $80
     / night
    • Having fun on the upper deck at campsite #1.
    • Island Retreat Florida
    • Having fun on the upper deck at campsite #1.
    98%
    (31)

    Island Retreat Florida

    1 site · Tent2 acres · Progress Village, FL
    *****PLEASE READ THIS PRIOR TO BOOKING: THIS IS TRUELY AN ISLAND THAT IS UN-INHABITED OTHER THAN NATURE. DUE TO THIS FACT YOU MUST HAVE YOUR OWN PERSONAL WATERCRAFT OR ADD AN "EXTRA" KAYAK/CANOE RENTAL OR SHUTTLE SERVICES TO YOUR BOOKING FOR ADDITIONAL COST BEYOND CAMPING FEE. THE ADDITIONAL SERVICES REQUIRE A HUMAN BEING TO BE ON CALL AND DELIVER EQUIPMENT AND MACHINES FOR YOUR ADVENTURE. **** if ok with the above please proceed as there has been some confusion about islands. About the Island: Ever wonder what it would be like to stay on a deserted island? This is truly an adventure you will never forget. Once you land in paradise you will wander thru the looping trail system to find your campsite. There are (5) campsites with elevated tent platforms tucked back in the trees. Once you are settled in,  it is time to gather wood and build a fire in one of the (2) 8 foot wide,  2 ton concrete fire pits.   Awake a dawn with a nice kayak/canoe trip on a secluded water trail thru mangrove islands and stop for lunch at River's Edge Bar and Grill across the river from the island.  Having too much fun, take a nap in hammock and rock to breeze and sounds of river.  This is an island is accessible via water only so there is some preparation to get here and stay here.  Kayaks, Canoes and a shuttle are available if you don't have your own transportation.  Please contact prior to booking to ensure you understand the packages, for example,  if you want to rent the whole island for yourself and need transportation for your group. We offer tailored quote for package based on your needs. Our Story: After 6 years of my neighbor bugging me to buy this island, I finally took him up on it. My neighbor bought it in the 1970's but did little with it. It has been overgrown for years. I am actively work to develop multiple campsites of the island for enjoyment of the river and its surrounding. All money from your stay here is re-invested back into the property.
    Pets
    Toilets
    Campfires
    from 
    $100
     / night

    More to explore nearby

    98%
    25 ratings · 6 reviews
    Avatar
    Sara J.
    5 reviews
    Recommends
    · April 2025
    Beautiful clean place
    T
    Tony B.
    6 years on Hipcamp
    Recommends
    · March 2019
    This is my favorite place to camp It is so hard to get sites but worth it
    K
    Ken V.
    6 years on Hipcamp
    Recommends
    · February 2019
    Kayak from your site. But booked long in advance and not many pet friendly sites.
    Avatar
    Alyssa M.
    8 years on Hipcamp
    March 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.
    10 years on Hipcamp
    April 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.
    10 years on Hipcamp
    March 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.
    LocationFort De Soto Park Campground, Fort De Soto Park, Florida, United States
    What this place offers
    Campfire allowed
    Pets allowed
    Showers
    Toilets
    Potable water
    Picnic tables
    Sewage hookups
    No electric hookups

    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.

    Top parks near Fort De Soto Park Campground

    Blue Spring State Park
    Collier-Seminole State Park
    Alafia River State Park
    Lake Kissimmee State Park
    Curry Hammock State Park
    Anastasia State Park
    Grayton Beach State Park
    Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park

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