The best waterside camping near Tampa

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On the east side of Florida on the Gulf Coast, Tampa delivers about 264 days of sunshine a year. Aside from downtown attractions like Busch Gardens, the Florida Aquarium, and ZooTampa at Lowry Park, campers like to venture outside the city for kayaking in Lake Kissimmee State Park and hiking at Hontoon Island State Park, where there’s a 300-year-old oak tree. Campers can expect excellent boating access at Fort De Soto Park and opportunities to sit back and catch some rays on its white sandy beaches. Find more camping options nearby, including primitive backcountry campsites, glamping in air-conditioned canvas tents, and RV parks with full hookups.

97% (1.6K) 5 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Tampa

By the Pond...

1. By the Pond...

97%
(772)
19mi from Tampa · 12 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$33
 / night
Honey Bunny’s Urban Oasis

2. Honey Bunny’s Urban Oasis

98%
(108)
20mi from Tampa · 3 sites
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.
Electrical hookup
Pets
from 
$39
 / night
Convenience & Comfort On A Budget!

3. Convenience & Comfort On A Budget!

100%
(2)
38mi from Tampa · 1 site
Welcome to convenience and comfort! We are offering our RV for your stay at a great price! Located on the side of our home, it’s equipped with electric (heat and AC), propane, filtered water, and full sewer! This beautiful home on wheels will accommodate up to 5 people! It has a private bedroom with a queen size bed, a pull out couch and two full size bunkbeds. Fully stocked with clean and comfy bedding, bath and swim towels, kitchen utensils, pots and pans, dish towels, dish soap, hand soap, toiletries, a kuerig with quality coffee, seasonings/olive oil, blue ray player w/ tons of DVDs, board games/playing cards, and even corn hole boards and bags (available by request)-basically everything is in there ready for you to enjoy this Floridian Paradise! The shower is nice and big and the bathroom has its own door to the outside. We are located 3 minutes from Sarasota Bay and 15 minutes from Anna Maria Island! There are over 20 amazing state parks within 35 miles of our location so you can explore your heart out! St. Pete Beach, Clearwater Beach, Pass-a-Grille Beach (and countless more), the Manatee Viewing Center and the Skyway Fishing Pier (longest fishing pier in the world) are about 30-45 mins away! Venice and Casperson Beach- the shark tooth capital of the world- is less than a hour drive from us! Come and go as you please! Safe and welcoming neighborhood. Park your vehicle in the driveway just feet from the RV. Our heated in ground pool, and backyard with charcoal BBQ, a blackstone grill and covered “tiki bar” area are available to use as well (ask about additional fee). Hope to see you soon! Message with any questions.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$95
 / night
Lake Manatee State Park

4. Lake Manatee State Park

100%
(7)
State park 35mi from Tampa · 54 sites
Discover Lake Manatee State Park's natural charm and outdoor fun.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires

On the east side of Florida on the Gulf Coast, Tampa delivers about 264 days of sunshine a year. Aside from downtown attractions like Busch Gardens, the Florida Aquarium, and ZooTampa at Lowry Park, campers like to venture outside the city for kayaking in Lake Kissimmee State Park and hiking at Hontoon Island State Park, where there’s a 300-year-old oak tree. Campers can expect excellent boating access at Fort De Soto Park and opportunities to sit back and catch some rays on its white sandy beaches. Find more camping options nearby, including primitive backcountry campsites, glamping in air-conditioned canvas tents, and RV parks with full hookups.

97% (1.6K) 5 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Tampa

By the Pond...

1. By the Pond...

97%
(772)
19mi from Tampa · 12 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$33
 / night
Honey Bunny’s Urban Oasis

2. Honey Bunny’s Urban Oasis

98%
(108)
20mi from Tampa · 3 sites
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.
Electrical hookup
Pets
from 
$39
 / night
Convenience & Comfort On A Budget!

3. Convenience & Comfort On A Budget!

100%
(2)
38mi from Tampa · 1 site
Welcome to convenience and comfort! We are offering our RV for your stay at a great price! Located on the side of our home, it’s equipped with electric (heat and AC), propane, filtered water, and full sewer! This beautiful home on wheels will accommodate up to 5 people! It has a private bedroom with a queen size bed, a pull out couch and two full size bunkbeds. Fully stocked with clean and comfy bedding, bath and swim towels, kitchen utensils, pots and pans, dish towels, dish soap, hand soap, toiletries, a kuerig with quality coffee, seasonings/olive oil, blue ray player w/ tons of DVDs, board games/playing cards, and even corn hole boards and bags (available by request)-basically everything is in there ready for you to enjoy this Floridian Paradise! The shower is nice and big and the bathroom has its own door to the outside. We are located 3 minutes from Sarasota Bay and 15 minutes from Anna Maria Island! There are over 20 amazing state parks within 35 miles of our location so you can explore your heart out! St. Pete Beach, Clearwater Beach, Pass-a-Grille Beach (and countless more), the Manatee Viewing Center and the Skyway Fishing Pier (longest fishing pier in the world) are about 30-45 mins away! Venice and Casperson Beach- the shark tooth capital of the world- is less than a hour drive from us! Come and go as you please! Safe and welcoming neighborhood. Park your vehicle in the driveway just feet from the RV. Our heated in ground pool, and backyard with charcoal BBQ, a blackstone grill and covered “tiki bar” area are available to use as well (ask about additional fee). Hope to see you soon! Message with any questions.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$95
 / night
Lake Manatee State Park

4. Lake Manatee State Park

100%
(7)
State park 35mi from Tampa · 54 sites
Discover Lake Manatee State Park's natural charm and outdoor fun.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best waterside camping near Tampa guide

Where to go

Lake Kissimmee State Park

Drive 1.5 hours east of Tampa to Lake Kissimmee State Park. Spend the day conquering the 10-mile long Buster Island Paddling Trail by kayak, or head to Joe Overstreet Landing for bird watching. Then, find a range of camping accommodations, from primitive campsites accessed by foot to drive-in campsites with laundry facilities, dump stations, and full hookups. For more luxury, go glamping in pioneer-style canvas tents with queen-sized beds and air-conditioning.

Hontoon Island State Park

Two hours northeast of Tampa, Hontoon Island State Park is ready to wow campers with its natural scenery. The island is only accessible by boat, but there is a public ferry system and a marina. On the island, campers will find canoe, kayak, and bike rentals, as well as a hike to Bear Tree Landing, which features a 300-year-old living oak tree. Rent a rustic cabin with bunk beds, picnic tables, outdoor grills, and electricity. Or, opt for a tent campsite with shared restrooms and heated showers. The park does not allow motorized vehicles, so RV campers will need to enjoy the island as a day trip.

Fort De Soto Park

With over 1,000 acres of land, including seven miles of waterfront and three miles of sandy beaches, Fort De Soto Park is consistently rated one of America’s top beaches. Wander to North Beach for swimming, or take your furry friend to Dog Park Beach where they can run off-leash. Boaters will also appreciate the 800-foot launch area in addition to several floating docks. Then set up at campgrounds within the park offering grills, potable water, electricity hookups, laundry facilities, flush toilets, and showers. Reservations can be made up to six months in advance, and it’s recommended to book ahead.

When to go

Due to its subtropical climate, Tampa experiences a wet season and a dry season. Summers last from June until October and often see temperatures in the 90s, along with thunderstorms. The winters, running from November until May, are dryer and a little bit cooler, with an average high of 71°F in January. The weather in spring and fall is warm with a low chance of rain—a prime forecast for hiking and swimming.