Stay beneath starlit skies and rest beside lapping waves at GTB campgrounds
Temperatures are dropping, and beautiful weather is falling upon Greater Tampa Bay. Now is the perfect time to escape the urban bustle and immerse in breathtaking natural beauty at the area’s myriad of campgrounds.
GTB’s diverse landscapes, from rivers and forests to marshes and beaches, ensure there are options to suit every taste and activity preference. Whether camping within the comfort of an RV with the whole family or enjoying the solitude of a tent and campfire beneath the stars, boundless adventures await.
Shell Key Preserve
Wonderfully unspoiled by development, Shell Key Preserve is a barrier island accessible only by shuttle boat. Camping permits and a “leave no trace” mentality are required to stay on these 1,800 acres of protected land.
A sensitive habitat and sanctuary for nesting and migrating birds, Shell Key is a premier destination for unique wildlife viewing, fishing and boating.
Palmettos and sea grass conspire with mangrove islands to form a unique terrain tailor-made for hiking, swimming and exploring. Rent a clear-bottomed kayak for an unobstructed view of the magical aquatic wonderland, or simply pitch a tent, light a fire and stargaze alongside the lulling lapping waves.
Alafia River State Park
Two campgrounds nestled alongside a picturesque lake provide visitors with easy access to one of the top three destinations for off-road mountain biking enthusiasts in Florida.
Alafia River State Park showcases the intense adrenaline rushes afforded by this reclaimed phosphate mine, which is now a collection of challenging trails graced by hills and valleys that are rare finds in Florida’s naturally flat topography. There are also roughly 20 miles of horse-friendly trails and equestrian camping.
Fort De Soto Park
Fort De Soto Park boasts 236 campsites that hug the waterfront in Pinellas County. A variety of bicycle and hiking trails weave their way to all reaches of the park.
Cast off a fishing line from the sandy shore or from one of the two piers. Paw Playground and a dog-friendly beach provide the whole family with equal opportunity for fun. Journey into history among the ruins of the namesake fort with its rusted cannons and antique jail cells. A camp store, water conveyance rentals, clean showers and grills for picnics make for a convenient camping experience.
Hillsborough River State Park
Nature mingles with historic structures and more than seven miles of hiking trails that cater to different endurance levels.
Pack up some gear and drinking water for a more primitive camping adventure or enjoy the comforts of 112 campsites equipped with fire pits, picnic tables and running water.
Rare to find in Florida, Hillsborough Park offers Class II rushing river rapids for the intrepid kayaker or canoer. The park is home to a wonderful ecosystem to fish for bass, catfish and bream, and it also provides the opportunity to spot alligators from the safety of the soaring suspension bridge.
By Brandon Duff
