We’ve selected nine public campgrounds near Tampa Bay for their scenic beauty, low prices and prime opportunities for hiking, biking, kayaking and canoeing. We think you’ll like these choices.
Tampa Bay
Hillsborough River State Park offers a wilderness experience not far from Tampa
Camping, kayaking, hiking, biking and a humongous swimming pool are the top features of this state park that straddles the Hillsborough River.
Cortez Fishing Festival : 2021 event cancelled
This tiny fishing village wedged between Bradenton and Anna Marie Island celebrates its rich heritage as a commercial fishing hub.
St. Pete Brewpubs Part II: The gathering
St. Petersburg has emerged as a Florida hot spot for craft brewers, artisans who are setting the pace with exciting new variations of malt beverages. We visit three trendsetters: The Cage, Pinellas Ale Works and 3Daughters Brewery.
Trio of St. Petersburg breweries put hops in your self-guided art walk
Travel writer Vicki McCash Brennan has a passion for craft beer, museums and art galleries, and they all come together in this brewpub walking tour of St. Petersburg’s historic Edge and Central Arts districts.
Primitive camping at Alderman’s Ford: Kick it up a notch
The 1,140-acre park in eastern Hilllsborough County has a multi-use trail for hiking and cycling, and launch point for the Alafia River Paddle Trail.
Five favorite places to paddleboard in Tampa Bay area
For paddle boarding, it would be hard to find a better destination than Tampa Bay. In addition to beaches and bays, you can paddle amid mangrove islands, in tannic rivers with alligators and, within a two hour drive, one of the most spectacular clear spring runs in Florida.
Island Camping: Anclote Key Preserve is a sea-kayaking adventure
If pitching a tent on a tropical island is your thing, then add Anclote Key to your bucket list. Anclote Key Preserve State Park is in the Gulf of Mexico, three miles west of Tarpon Springs over open water, and it is accessible only by boat.
Myakka River State Park: Camp at this playland on the prairie
Myakka River State Park is one of Florida’s oldest and largest state parks with three main campgrounds, as well as backcountry campsites, miles of hiking and biking trails, endless opportunities for kayaking and canoeing, and abundant wildlife.
Camping near Tampa Bay: Fort Desoto
This public park is spread over 900 acres on five interconnected islands with seven miles of waterfront, including three miles of award-winning beaches .Nearly half of the 233 campsites in the campground are waterfront, allowing you to launch your kayak or canoe from your site.
