Nearly half of the 236 campsites at Fort DeSoto are waterfront, allowing you to launch a kayak from your back yard. And while these sites are hard to get, the price is right.
Tampa Bay Getaways
This channel features more than 40 articles about things to do in the Tampa Bay region, including state and county parks, wilderness areas and beaches near St. Petersburg, Tampa, Clearwater, Dunedin, Tarpon Springs, Ruskin and Bradenton.
Hillsborough River State Park offers historic charm, shady campground, lots to do outdoors
Hillsborough River State Park has been closed since October after getting slammed by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Fort De Soto beaches, campground re-open
Fort De Soto’s award-winning North Beach has finally reopened after a hurricane double-whammy this fall.
Cortez Fishing Festival: Feb. 14-15, 2026
This tiny fishing village wedged between Bradenton and Anna Marie Island celebrates its rich heritage as a commercial fishing hub.
Upper Manatee River: Kayak wild eastern part of river in Bradenton for nearby hidden gem
The Manatee River is wild, natural and serene in its eastern section. Just a half hour from downtown Bradenton, the Upper Manatee Paddling Trail is another world. Your trip can include a stop at a preserve where a pioneer cemetery marks the site of an early town.
Little Manatee River near Tampa: Great for kayakers, hikers & campers
Just 45 minute from Tampa/St. Pete, the beautiful river, state park and region is a natural haven that can keep you busy exploring for days. There’s an outfitter to make trip-planning easy, plus it offers cabins and camping.
Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park: Kayak to stilt houses, hike to small springs
Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park in New Port Richey is not well known outside its area. But it’s a good place to kayak both to see springs in the park and to paddle into the Gulf to see historic stilt houses.
Withlacoochee River Park, Green Swamp & dark skies
Withlacoochee River Park is a base camp for hiking and bicycling in the Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve with one special characteristic — it’s also a “dark sky” park favored by amateur astronomers.
Cool Escapes: The best springs in Florida for swimming, tubing, snorkeling, diving …
Floridians survive the heat and humidity of our brutal summers by turning to the state’s wealth of cool, clear, refreshing springs. These are our picks for the best springs in Florida.
7 State Parks with camping near Tampa Bay
From beach camping on a tropical island to camping on rivers in dense forests, you might be surprised by these Florida state parks with camping in the state’s second largest metropolitan area. (5th in a series)