Hello all,We are headed for Florida on Sunday. We want to stay somewhere around Tampa Bay area for a week. We'd like full hook ups but can go without sewer. Don't want to be out in the boondocks. Would like to be close to shopping and beaches. Hubby loves to fish and we do have our bikes with us. Haven't used them yet but they are with us. :) First time to Florida so interested in touristy stuff. We are traveling in a 36 ft motor home with 2 small dogs. Got any suggestions for Rv parks and/or things to do in the area? ThanksKim & Ed

When we go to that area to see family members, we stay at Ft. Desoto, which is a Pinellas County Park. It has a large number of sites with water and electric, and has two dump stations. Note one section is for campers with dogs.Very popular - but they save some sites for walk-ins. Just avoid arriving on a weekend because there will be a long line. Many of the sites are on the water, either facing the gulf or on water facing inland.It is not exactly boondocks, but has a lot of vegetation and is near the base of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge... built on a collection of islands. Was once a military base and hospital, turned over to the state later. It's a short drive to grocery stores and restaurants.Gorgeous swimming beaches, a dog park, fort to explore, small museum. Rates are about $40 a night IIRC. I love the place. There are some other RV parks in the area but many of them closer to Tampa are more like winter snowbird parks with many park model units, and small, close together sites for visiting RVs. We've stayed at Yankee Traveler in Largo, for example, which has one section for units with dogs. It served us well, but is right in a busy shopping neighborhood. Others may respond with good alternatives they've used closer to Tampa.

You may have some problems finding a spot with March break now in full swing.

Lazy Days RV park outside of Tampa may work, you can eat there and use the Rec stuff. Pool etc.

Along Highway 19 south from Spring Hills there are all kinds of RV parks with openings now with the Snowbirds starting the migration north!

Florida Gulf Coast Rv camping | Good Sam Community

16 Replies

Campingmason
Explorer
Mar 20, 2014
I know this is late for the particular post but if you are searching for an RV park, Bay Bayou in Oldsmar is a beautiful resort. Right outside of Tampa, easy access to all spring training game sites, close drive to Clearwater Beach and Honeymoon Island. Wonderful large shaded sites. Kayaking right from resort and a wonderful city park with good kayaking right across the highway. Very unusual for a private campground. Weekly only really available staring in March but we go every year on March 1st and love it. We are typically State Park fans but this one is nice.
Iluvrvcamping
Explorer
Mar 20, 2014
Fla-gypsy, we are staying in Williston. Went and checked out Salt Springs like you recommended. It is a very nice park. Nice large Rv spaces. The Spring was so crystal clear. Will differently stay here sometime in the future. Thanks for sharing.
Kimberley
portliz
Explorer
Mar 18, 2014
Three Lakes in Hudson is offering a week special for $119. It is about 45 minutes north of Tampa. 30 minutes to Tarpon Springs and great Greek food.
jonlin
Explorer
Mar 17, 2014
We are presently at Buttonwood Inlet RV park. Great location, you can walk or bike to the beach. Lots of good eating places within walking or biking distance. Anna Maria Island is one of the top beaches in the state. Lots of Activities in the area... easy driving to St, Pete, Clearwater, Bradenton, Sarasota, and Tampa. Within a mile or two of all the major stores... You might be able to get in if you call... I would keep trying. Their number is 941-798-3090.

Good luck on finding a place,
Site 8
fla-gypsy
Explorer
Mar 10, 2014
Iluvrvcamping wrote:
Fla-gypsy. I did check out those SP you mentioned. They are booked full. Will try to visit them next winter. Have read great reviews about those SP.
I will look into Ft Desoto. We will be arriving on Tuesday, maybe we will get lucky and get a spot.
I've been worried about arriving in Florida during Spring break without any reservations but my DH has insisted that we won't have any problems. Would like to be close to the beach but if we have to go inland to find a spot, it is what it is. I'm going to keep notes of the places I want to come back to and make reservations for them next year.
I'm still trying to find us a place for this trip. I'm the worry wort of the family. Lol

If you have to go inland stop at Salt Spgs Recreation area in the Ocala National Forest for a night or two. You won't be sorry.
Iluvrvcamping
Explorer
Mar 09, 2014
Sdianel thanks for the info. Rv park doesn't have to be on the beach. Just looking for one in the area. Maybe 20 min. from a town. DH informed me tonight that we will be stopping around Destin area for a few nights first. :-)
sdianel_-acct_c
Explorer
Mar 09, 2014
not many RV parks near the beach in the Tampa area. Bay Bayou RV Resort is probably the closest to meeting your needs if Ft Desoto is booked. You can find parks closer to the beach south of Tampa Bay area. In the Tampa area we like Quail Run RV Resort in Wesley Chapel but it does not have fishing and is not near the beach. (25 mile drive).
spoon059
Explorer II
Mar 08, 2014
We stay at Buttonwood RV Park in Cortez, Fl. Its about 45 minutes south of Tampa on the gulf coast. The park is literally 3/4 of a mile from the Gulf and even closer to Tampa Bay. Anna Maria Island is the beach area there. There are also other parks in the Cortez or Palmetto area nearby.

Anna Maria Island is a beautiful island with parks for kids and what not. Lots of restaurants and fun activities on the beach. Close to Sarasota, Clearwater, Tampa etc.
Iluvrvcamping
Explorer
Mar 08, 2014
Fla-gypsy. I did check out those SP you mentioned. They are booked full. Will try to visit them next winter. Have read great reviews about those SP.
I will look into Ft Desoto. We will be arriving on Tuesday, maybe we will get lucky and get a spot.
I've been worried about arriving in Florida during Spring break without any reservations but my DH has insisted that we won't have any problems. Would like to be close to the beach but if we have to go inland to find a spot, it is what it is. I'm going to keep notes of the places I want to come back to and make reservations for them next year.
I'm still trying to find us a place for this trip. I'm the worry wort of the family. Lol
fla-gypsy
Explorer
Mar 08, 2014
JMO but the best gulf coast camping is in the panhandle. You should at least make a stop at Henderson Bch SP, Grayton Bch SP or Topsail Hill SP to see how nice it is. Reservations are recommended.