Skip to Content

Frog Creek: Little-known Tampa Bay kayak trail

This is one of the best paddles you’ve never heard of.

Your launch point is hidden behind a private campground in Palmetto, the Frog Creek RV Resort and Campground.

Frog Creek in Palmetto
Frog Creek in Palmetto. (Photo: Frog Creek RV Resort and Campground)

The resort is really not difficult to find, and while campers are familiar with it, not many paddlers know about it. You can launch your own kayak ($10 fee) or rent one. 

What makes this paddle remarkable is that in one trip, it encompasses two completely different environments — a canopied fresh water cypress and oak creek with open water areas flowing into tidal salt water mangrove tunnels.  

When you enter the creek and paddle off to your right from the launch you enter very old Florida scenery and are surrounded by an overhanging canopy of cypress, oak, palms and a plethora of Spanish moss.

Frog Creek in Palmetto
Frog Creek in Palmetto

There are several magnificent old Live Oaks along the early part of the paddle which will make you stop and stare in wonder.

We first did this in April, and along the way we saw a myriad of morning glories, wild petunias and bright red fire bush. You will also see and hear many Florida birds, including Roseate spoonbills, herons, osprey and hawks.

frog creek frogcreek moreoaks Frog Creek: Little-known Tampa Bay kayak trail
Live oak along Frog Creek

On our most recent paddle in September, the flowers and wildlife were not as abundant, but that can most likely be attributed to the extremely hot weather we had this summer. It is a beautiful paddle notwithstanding.

About 25 minutes into your paddle, you’ll come to a large area of open water where you see a change in the flora from old cypress and oak to salt water mangroves.

Note: A reader reported in October 2023 that mangroves are blocking the kayak trail and you might not be able to paddle the entire route.

Frog Creek and Terra Ceia Preserve State Park in Palmetto
Frog Creek and Terra Ceia Preserve State Park in Palmetto

You are entering Terra Ceia Preserve State Park, two-thousand acres of wetlands, mud flats, mangrove forests, marshes, and tidal ponds.

Along the way you can see several Indian shell mounds — garbage dumps, if you will — some of which archaeological evidence date to 8,000 BC.

Frog Creek and Terra Ceia Preserve State Park in Palmetto
Great Blue Heron on Frog Creek in Palmetto. (Photo: Deb and Ed Higgins)

You will now be paddling through some open and some narrow mangroves in a complete change of scenery from the first part of the trip. This is tidal water, and although it was very shallow the day we did it, we had no problem.

A high or slack tide would probably be ideal.

There are no houses along this paddle, but you are never far from road noise, and the closer you get to the end, the noise increases. 

Frog Creek and Terra Ceia Preserve State Park in Palmetto
Frog Creek and Terra Ceia Preserve State Park in Palmetto

If you are unsure which mangrove tunnel to take, just head toward noise on I-275. There are some ribbon markers along the way to help you stay on course, and the RV resort will give you a trail map as well.

When you come to the two I-275 bridges, go under them and head to the third bridge you see (Terra Ceia Road). The white steep bank directly in front of you is your takeout/turnaround point.

NOTE: A planned shuttle service is still not operating, but with a second vehicle, you can arrange your own shuttle from the takeout at Terra Ceia Road (77th Street East) (see this map)

You can do it either one way from the campground and shuttle back, or as we did, return by paddling back the 2.85 miles upstream for a leisurely under-three hour trip.

This paddle is really the best of both worlds, and despite the fact that you can hear some road traffic from I-275 along the paddle, you will very soon tune it out and enjoy where you are.

This is definitely the best paddle you’ve never heard of and a must do.


Planning your trip to Frog Creek in Palmetto

Paddle on Frog Creek (video)

Getting there: Take Exit 2 off I-275 and merge onto US 41 North (Tamiami Trail). Drive ½ mile and turn left onto Bayshore Rd. Frog Creek RV Park is on the right at 8515 Bayshore Road, Palmetto, FL 34221.

After you arrive at the campground stop at the main office to pay the $10 launch fee or to rent a canoe/kayak.

The kayak/canoe launch area is around the corner from the office, and you can drive right up to the creek and unload your gear before moving your vehicle to a parking area. It has an easy kayak launch area and there is plenty of parking, although during the fall and winter season it can get crowded with camper’s vehicles and you may be directed to use alternate parking.

For the best wilderness experience, we always try to do our paddles during the week and out of season.


Kayaking at Frog Creek

Rates listed on the Frog Creek RV Park website:

Single Kayak or Canoe Rental: $15 per hour | $35 Half Day (3 hrs.) | $50 full day of paddling

Tandem Kayak or Canoe Rental: $22 per hour | $50 half day (3 hrs.) | $60 full day of paddling

The kayak/canoe launch area is around the corner from the office, and you can drive up to the creek to unload your gear before moving your vehicle to a parking area.

Reservations are recommended but not required. Call 941-722-6154


Camping at the Frog Creek RV Resort and Campground

Full hookups, including 30- & 50-amp electric, for rigs up to 42 feet. Heated pool, complimentary clubhouse and jam-packed social calendar. Restrooms with showers and laundry facilities, all ADA compliant. Here are RV rates.

Book online at frogcreekrv.com, or call: 1-800-771-3764


Directions to Frog Creek put-in at Frog Creek RV Resort

Take I-75 North to exit 228, (I-275 North) toward St. Petersburg. Take exit 2 off I-275 and merge onto US 41 N/S (Tamiami Trail). Drive for approximately ½ mile and turn left onto Bayshore Rd. Frog Creek RV Park is on the right.


Frog Creek paddle is Chapter 7 in “More Paddles in Paradise,” by Ed and Deb Higgins. 

“Paddles in Paradise” and “More Paddles in Paradise” are available on Amazon: Paddles in Paradise. $18.95 on Amazon. More Paddles in Paradise. $18.95 on Amazon. Or you can purchase both books at a discount on their web site, paddlesinparadise.com. The books may also be available at your local bookstore.


Links mentioned in story

Terra Ceia Preserve State Park

Frog Creek RV Resort and Campground

More things to do in the Tampa Bay area

Dunedin: Delightful biking, breweries, beaches & more

Safety Harbor Spa: Healing waters are star of charming town

Pass-A-Grille: Top beach; charming old town in St. Pete Beach

Fort De Soto Park is Tampa Bay treasure

Best camping near Tampa Bay: 9 choice campgrounds

7 things to do in St. Petersburg for an Old Florida flavor

Frog Creek: Little-known Tampa Bay kayak trail

Egmont Key: 5 things I love about this wild island

Emerson Point Preserve: Four reasons to discover this jewel in Palmetto

Hillsborough River State Park adds ‘glam’ to its camping options


All articles on FloridaRambler.com are original, produced exclusively for our readers and protected by U.S. Copyright law. Any use or re-publication without written permission is against the law.

This page contains affiliate links from which Florida Rambler may earn a sall commission when a purchase is made. This revenue supports our mission to produce quality stories about Florida at no cost to you.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Shelly

Saturday 7th of October 2023

Went on Frog Creek today. Half way through the mangroves are over grown and could not get through. Doesnt look like anyone has been though this year. Going to go back and put in Terra Ciera side and go in that way. Hopefully someone will clear the trail as it was a beautiful ride

Bonnie Gross

Saturday 7th of October 2023

Thank you for this information! I've added a note in the article warning others that the way may be blocked.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.