David Go
Clearwater, Florida, renowned for its stunning white-sand beaches and vibrant Gulf Coast atmosphere, might not be the first place that comes to mind for a camping getaway. However, this beautiful region, along with its nearby towns, boasts a fantastic selection of camping sites that offer everything from serene wilderness escapes to amenity-rich RV resorts. Whether you’re looking to pitch a tent under the stars on a secluded island or enjoy the comforts of your RV with resort-style perks, Clearwater and its surroundings have a perfect spot for your next outdoor adventure. Dive into our curated list of the best camping sites, meticulously chosen for their prime locations, exceptional facilities, and unforgettable experiences, ensuring your Florida camping trip is nothing short of spectacular.
Clearwater / Lake Tarpon KOA Holiday
Clearwater / Lake Tarpon KOA Holiday offers a classic camping experience with the convenience of a prime location near many Pinellas County attractions. This well-maintained campground is perfect for families, RV enthusiasts, and those looking for a comfortable base to explore the Gulf Coast. Guests can enjoy spacious sites, modern restrooms, and reliable Wi-Fi. The friendly atmosphere and range of amenities, including a pool and various activities, ensure a relaxing and enjoyable stay. Its dog-friendly policy makes it an ideal spot for pet owners seeking an adventure with their furry companions, blending outdoor fun with resort-like comforts.
Amenities
- ✔ Good for Children
- ✔ Allows Dogs
- ✔ Has Restroom
- ✔ Has Wifi
Parking options
- ✔ Free parking lot
Accessibility
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible restroom
Payment options
- ✔ Credit Card
- ✔ Debit Card
- ✔ NFC
- ❌ Cash Only
Clearwater Travel Resort
Clearwater Travel Resort provides a welcoming retreat for RV travelers right in the heart of Clearwater, Florida. This pet-friendly resort offers a comfortable and convenient stay with essential amenities like laundry facilities, free Wi-Fi, and lighted shuffleboard courts for recreation. The resort’s location on Gulf to Bay Boulevard makes it an excellent base for exploring the vibrant local attractions, including pristine beaches, dining, and shopping. With a focus on a serene environment and functional services, it caters to those who appreciate a no-frills, hassle-free camping experience with easy access to everything Clearwater has to offer.
Amenities
- ✔ Pet-friendly
- ✔ Allows Dogs
- ✔ Has Restroom
- ✔ Has Wifi
- ✔ Laundry facilities
- ✔ Free Wi-Fi
- ✔ Lighted shuffleboard courts
Accessibility
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance
Payment options
- ✔ Credit Card
- ✔ Debit Card
- ❌ Cash Only
Anclote Key Preserve State Park
Anclote Key Preserve State Park offers an unparalleled primitive camping experience on a string of four undeveloped islands off the coast of Tarpon Springs. Accessible only by boat or ferry, this pristine sanctuary boasts white sand beaches perfect for shelling, swimming, and fishing. Campers seeking a true escape from modern amenities will appreciate the rugged beauty and tranquility. With a picturesque lighthouse and abundant wildlife, including dolphins and manatees, it’s an ideal spot for nature lovers and adventurers. The lack of Wi-Fi encourages a complete disconnect, immersing visitors in the raw, captivating beauty of Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Amenities
- ✔ Good for Children
- ✔ Allows Dogs
- ❌ Wifi
- ✔ Undeveloped beaches for camping & swimming
Accessibility
- ❌ Wheelchair accessible parking
Payment options
- ❌ Cash Only
St. Petersburg / Madeira Beach KOA Holiday
St. Petersburg / Madeira Beach KOA Holiday is a vibrant and family-friendly campground located conveniently close to the stunning beaches of Madeira and St. Petersburg. This KOA offers a full array of amenities designed for comfort and fun, including well-maintained restrooms, reliable Wi-Fi, and spacious sites suitable for various camping styles. Pet owners will appreciate the dog-friendly environment. Beyond the basic comforts, guests can enjoy a lively atmosphere with planned activities, making it an excellent choice for families with children. It serves as an ideal hub for exploring the vibrant Gulf Coast, offering a blend of relaxation and adventure.
Amenities
- ✔ Good for Children
- ✔ Allows Dogs
- ✔ Has Restroom
- ✔ Has Wifi
Parking options
- ✔ Free parking lot
Accessibility
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible restroom
Payment options
- ✔ Credit Card
- ✔ Debit Card
- ✔ NFC
- ❌ Cash Only
Fort De Soto Park Campground
Fort De Soto Park Campground offers an exceptional waterfront camping experience within the acclaimed Fort De Soto Park. With 238 sites featuring RV hookups, showers, grills, and picnic tables, it caters to both RV and tent campers seeking natural beauty and modern conveniences. The campground provides direct access to pristine beaches, fishing piers, and extensive nature trails, making it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Its dog-friendly policy and a dedicated dog beach ensure that every family member can enjoy the expansive surroundings. A camp store adds convenience, while the serene atmosphere and abundant wildlife promise a memorable Florida camping adventure.
Amenities
- ✔ Good for Children
- ✔ Allows Dogs
- ✔ Has Restroom
- ❌ Wifi
- ✔ Waterfront
- ✔ RV hookups
- ✔ Showers
- ✔ Grills
- ✔ Picnic tables
- ✔ Camp store
Parking options
- ✔ Free parking lot
- ✔ Paid parking lot
Accessibility
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible restroom
Payment options
- ✔ Credit Card
- ✔ Debit Card
- ❌ Cash Only
Sun Retreats Dunedin
Sun Retreats Dunedin offers a tranquil and inviting atmosphere for campers looking to enjoy the charm of Dunedin and its surrounding areas. This caravan park is designed for comfortable stays, featuring essential amenities like reliable Wi-Fi and clean restrooms. It’s a family-friendly and dog-friendly destination, ensuring that all members can partake in the adventure. The park’s serene setting, coupled with its proximity to downtown Dunedin’s vibrant arts scene, unique shops, and the scenic Pinellas Trail, makes it an ideal spot for relaxation and exploration. Enjoy the community feel and easy access to local attractions from this well-regarded retreat.
Amenities
- ✔ Good for Children
- ✔ Allows Dogs
- ✔ Has Restroom
- ✔ Has Wifi
Parking options
- ✔ Free parking lot
Accessibility
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible restroom
Payment options
- ✔ Credit Card
- ✔ Debit Card
- ❌ Cash Only
Shell Key Preserve
Shell Key Preserve is a breathtaking wildlife sanctuary offering primitive camping by permit on an undeveloped island. This secluded paradise is accessible primarily by boat, promising an exclusive and immersive nature experience. Visitors can enjoy pristine, uncrowded beaches, abundant opportunities for shelling, and frequent dolphin sightings. It’s a dog-friendly destination, allowing pets to explore the natural beauty alongside their owners. For those seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle, Shell Key Preserve provides a raw, unspoiled environment where the focus is on wildlife observation, beachcombing, and connecting with nature in its purest form, far from any modern distractions.
Amenities
- ✔ Good for Children
- ✔ Allows Dogs
- ❌ Wifi
- ✔ Camping available by permit
- ✔ Nature activities
- ✔ Dolphin sightings
- ✔ Shells on a secluded beach
Accessibility
- ❌ Wheelchair accessible parking
- ❌ Wheelchair accessible entrance
Payment options
- ❌ Debit Card
- ❌ Cash Only
Caladesi RV Park & Propane
Caladesi RV Park & Propane offers a cozy and community-oriented RV camping experience in Palm Harbor, just a stone’s throw from the renowned Caladesi Island. This homey campground is equipped with amenities designed to enhance your stay, including a heated outdoor pool for year-round enjoyment, a convenient bike trail for leisurely rides, and various social activities that foster a friendly atmosphere. Guests can expect clean restrooms and reliable Wi-Fi, along with the added convenience of propane services on-site. It’s a dog-friendly park, making it a perfect choice for those traveling with pets and seeking a comfortable base near Florida’s stunning Gulf Coast attractions.
Amenities
- ✔ Homey RV campground
- ✔ Heated outdoor pool
- ✔ Bike trail
- ✔ Social activities
- ✔ Allows Dogs
- ✔ Has Restroom
- ✔ Has Wifi
Accessibility
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance
Payment options
- ✔ Credit Card
- ✔ Debit Card
- ❌ Cash Only
Fort De Soto Park
Fort De Soto Park is a sprawling, award-winning park encompassing five interconnected islands, renowned for its pristine beaches, historical fort, and diverse recreational opportunities, including camping. This vast park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering miles of trails for walking and biking, excellent fishing spots, and dedicated dog beaches. While the campground within the park (Fort De Soto Park Campground) provides specific facilities, the park itself is an experience, inviting visitors to explore its rich history and breathtaking natural beauty. Its commitment to accessibility and family-friendly amenities makes it a top destination for those seeking adventure and relaxation in a truly spectacular coastal setting.
Amenities
- ✔ Good for Children
- ✔ Allows Dogs
- ❌ Wifi
- ✔ Beaches
- ✔ Camping
- ✔ Trails
- ✔ Historic fort
- ✔ Observation deck
- ✔ Dog beaches
- ✔ Shelling
- ✔ Swimming
Parking options
- ✔ Paid parking lot
Accessibility
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance
Payment options
- ✔ Credit Card
- ✔ Debit Card
- ❌ Cash Only
Encore Vacation Village
Encore Vacation Village in Largo offers a practical and comfortable RV camping experience, conveniently located near Clearwater and St. Petersburg attractions. This informal campground provides essential amenities for a pleasant stay, including a refreshing pool, a welcoming clubhouse, clean restrooms and showers, and a handy laundromat. It’s a family-friendly and dog-friendly resort, making it an excellent choice for those traveling with pets and children. The village focuses on providing a laid-back atmosphere where guests can relax and enjoy the Florida sunshine, with easy access to shopping, dining, and the beautiful Gulf Coast beaches.
Amenities
- ✔ Good for Children
- ✔ Allows Dogs
- ✔ Has Restroom
- ✔ Has Wifi
- ✔ Informal RV camping area
- ✔ Pool
- ✔ Clubhouse
- ✔ Showers
- ✔ Laundromat
Parking options
- ✔ Free parking lot
- ✔ Paid parking lot
Accessibility
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible restroom
Payment options
- ✔ Credit Card
- ✔ Debit Card
- ✔ NFC
- ❌ Cash Only
Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park
Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park is a vast natural sanctuary located north of Clearwater, offering expansive opportunities for a genuine wilderness camping experience. This sizable tract of public land provides traditional camping sites and cabins amidst a diverse landscape of scrub forest, marshland, and cypress domes. It’s a paradise for nature enthusiasts, with miles of hiking and biking trails, excellent fishing, and abundant wildlife viewing. The park is family-friendly and dog-friendly, making it ideal for those seeking an active outdoor adventure. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of Florida’s natural ecosystem, a perfect escape from the urban hustle.
Amenities
- ✔ Good for Children
- ✔ Allows Dogs
- ✔ Opportunities for camping
- ✔ Nature viewing
- ✔ Fishing
- ✔ Cabins
- ✔ Hiking trails
- ✔ Scrub forest
- ✔ Marshland
- ✔ Cypress domes
Parking options
- ✔ Free parking lot
Accessibility
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance
Payment options
- ✔ Credit Card
- ✔ Debit Card
- ❌ Cash Only
From the primitive, unspoiled beauty of barrier islands to the convenience of modern RV resorts, the camping sites in and around Clearwater, FL, offer a diverse range of experiences for every type of outdoor enthusiast. Each location provides unique charm, whether it’s the rich history and pristine beaches of Fort De Soto Park, the tranquil wildlife viewing at Shell Key Preserve, or the family-friendly amenities of a KOA Holiday. We hope this guide helps you discover your ideal base for exploring the breathtaking natural landscapes and vibrant attractions of Florida’s Gulf Coast. Pack your bags, bring your adventurous spirit, and get ready to create lasting memories under the beautiful Florida sky!
