Camping options around Apollo Beach, Florida range from waterfront sites with kayak access to forested campgrounds with full hookups. Within a 20-mile radius, several established campgrounds serve visitors seeking Gulf Coast recreation, including E.G. Simmons Regional Park in Ruskin and Fort De Soto Campground in Saint Petersburg. Most campgrounds accommodate tents and RVs, while Little Manatee River State Park, Canoe Outpost, and Alafia River State Park also offer cabin accommodations. The region includes both county-managed parks and state recreation areas, with varying levels of development and proximity to Tampa Bay waters.
Access to campgrounds typically requires no special vehicle clearance, with most sites featuring paved roads suitable for RVs and passenger vehicles. Weather significantly impacts camping comfort, with hot, humid conditions prevailing much of the year. No-see-ums and mosquitoes present consistent challenges, particularly at dusk and dawn near water. Many waterfront campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis rather than reservation systems, including E.G. Simmons Park, which has a 14-day maximum stay limit. Hillsborough and Pinellas county parks maintain separate regulations from state-managed facilities. According to one visitor, "The no-see-ums could have carried us away but nothing you can do about that! Nice size lots on most sites."
Water access represents the primary attraction for many campers visiting the Apollo Beach region. Tampa Bay and its associated waterways provide opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and wildlife viewing, with several campgrounds offering direct water access from individual sites. Campgrounds near mangrove areas allow exploration of coastal ecosystems where visitors frequently report manatee and dolphin sightings. While waterfront sites receive higher ratings overall, they typically offer less shade and privacy than inland locations. A camper noted: "We had site #65 on the water with water and electric hookup. This is a nice campground with a beach, little island you can wade to, and we always see Manatees there with lots of great areas to Kayak or paddle board." Site spacing varies considerably between facilities, with some private RV resorts described as having very tight spacing compared to more generous layouts at county and state parks.
$38 - $48 / night
"As an camper with northern roots, I have found it hard to camp in Florida. This campground helped me relieve those worries. I will start by saying that this campground is south of St."
"Nice walking/bicycle path around the edge. Bike paths also throughout the park. Sites 1-8 or so have direct beach access, but swimming is not allowed. Mangroves surround the rest of the peninsula."
$22 / night
"A lot of walking trails for people and horses. A surprise was the amphitheater. Washers and dryers are located outside the bathrooms. Friendly hosts and other campers. Would came again."
"This campsite is right outside of Little Manatee River State Park. I even missed the entrance and went to Little Manatee because I missed the turn."
$24 / night
"Nearly every campsite is right on the water - easy in and out for kayaks, large boat ramp and many picnic pavilions."
"Close to the boatramp. Raccoons can be annoying. Has picnic pavilions and several fishing docks"
$24 - $109 / night
"It’s also located right off the highway, so you get all the noise. All day and all night. Now, for canoe and kayak trips, I guess it’s a good spot. There’s a lot of folk that come just for that."
"The place is tucked in and has a great vibe."
"Close to a small beach and marina with a restaurant walking distance. Several dog parks but muddy/dirt. Laundry available for fee. Bath houses clean and large. Good amenities on base."
"The tent area is large and almost 100% shaded , The white sand beach is steps away and had the most amazing sunsets ."
$22 / night
"Widely known in Florida for the mountain bike trails. Not much else to do in the area, but very nice space to chill out. The night sky is far enough away that you can really take in the stars."
"For Florida this is a great campsite especially for me because it's so close overall a great place for any activity"
$22 / night
"Was bordered by the camp road and the bike/walking path so often noisy with no sense of privacy. Bad mosquitoes, but to be expected."
"If you’re looking for a place to camp on the west coast of Florida that is quiet and has campsites that give you privacy, Lake Manatee State Park is a great choice."
$24 / night
"Stayed over mother's day weekend at Lithia Springs."
"Stayed over mother's day weekend at Lithia Springs."
$24 / night
"Then exit 7 to Highway 301 north about 10 miles to the campground. The way in which the state park and campground are set up is easy too."
"This was my first time at a campground in Florida! I was surrounded by beautiful wildlife (alligators, birds, and even a wild boar). The hiking trails were perfect for a beginner or a regular hiker."
"Lithia Springs Conservation Park is a hidden gem for camping in Florida. The campground is clean, well-maintained, and tucked away in a peaceful natural setting."
"Canoe and Kyak launch is easily accessible to enjoy the calm waters of the Alafia River. Restrooms and showers were clean and plentiful around the grounds. We will definitely be back."
ScoutWe stumbled upon this little gem this spring break. Our campsite backs up to the lagoon and seems quite private! Bathrooms are super clean, pool is festive, and staff are awesome! Would definitely come back!
ScoutI'd like to give you the positives. Crisp, clean, manicured, food and bar pretty good, well-appointed amenities. We had a pretty good week, having found a quiet pool area. Saw a bald eagle and a swallow-tail kite. I’d like to tell you about that, but that’s not the review.
Here’s the review: if you book here, you will be checking into a bizarre combination of tropical paradise, tailgate party, spring break, and a middle school playground. On St. Patrick's Day, we had been doing some sightseeing. We came back to our site, and the folks who had arrived behind us fired up their music. I don't have a problem with music or other noise prior to"quiet time," so long as it's not over the top. This was way over the top. Kim was on the phone with the nursing home about her 91-year old mother and she couldn't hear the other end of the call.
We called Security and asked for help, they came around and talked to the offenders. Whereupon the offenders started yelling around"who complained about our music?" And, they sent their preteen daughters on their bicycles going around and asking"did you complain?” Let's just say it was downhill from there. They jacked the volume even more, and started taunting us. Kim lost her temper and started yelling at them to quiet down. They responded by threatening her. She told me to call security, but since they hadn’t helped, and the on-duty rent-a-cop had no interest in helping, I called 911(which the campground rules said to do in an emergency). Apparently, that was a mistake. The rent-a-cop was pissed off that we called 911 when he was supposed to already be on top of it(which he wasn't). So there was a conclave of police cars, and the night manager, and the three large guys from the offending site, etc.
Bottom line: management demanded that WE leave, in half an hour, or be arrested. It’s 10:30 pm, and I told the rent-a-cop that I was in no shape to drive. “Figure it out,” he said, and walked away. So two 70-year olds had 30 minutes to get everything packed up and drive to some alternative place.
While we were striking the site, the kids at the offending site were chanting"we won, we won." And they started playing"Hit the Road You Jack" quite loud. And the adults were yelling"we're Republicans. We can do whatever we want." They noted our Maine license plates and told us to"go back to Canada where you belong."
We ended up in a wicked expensive hotel in the next town over, paying spring break prices($340 a night!!). And we lost the cost of two nights at the campground.
So if you’re a party animal, this may be your kind of place. Just don’t complain about anything, or you will be asked to leave.
It’s interesting to note which rules are enforced and which aren’t. For instance, there’s a poolside bar, and lots of signs between the bar and the pool saying“no food or drink beyond this point.” Not only was there lots of food and drink around the pool, there were wait staff taking orders and delivering it.
In retrospect, the fact that they have a rent-a-cop cruising the premises every night should have been a red flag. I’ve never seen that before, but apparently they expect rowdiness. They just don’t want to deal with the negative repercussions.
ScoutCheck in is at 2 PM onwards, check out by 2 pm Sunday. Lively rivers and trails to explore for kids.
TravelerSpring break got hit with a cold front but we got 1 day in the springs. It’s nice and clean
ScoutNice enough spots but pretty tight to neighbors.
ScoutI stayed two weeks here with my dog and loved the location— great bike access to nearby trails and easy drives to Honeymoon Island. Sites were roomy, shaded by beautiful oak trees and there was other people my age around. This is a rare park, for almost everything is 55 and up. But I am 40 and was not surrounded by the old ancient and cranky lol!! The full hookups worked well. Park is quaint and clean, staff were friendly at check‑in, and the heated pool was a nice bonus. Dog-friendly overall(plenty of grassy areas for walks) and doggie doo doo stations all throughout, so bring a long leash but don't stress about poo bags. They offered Wi‑Fi but I use a Star Link because I do love to stream Netflix at night, and guest wifi at parks can be lagging with everyone trying to use it. I got great recommendations from Amanda in the office about places to eat around there. She is a local, and locals know all the good places! Uh let's see, oh Lloyd I think is the maintenance guy. He helped me with my sewer hook up since I was struggling that first day. Check in was easy, because there was no formal one, I got a text with a bunch of info for the bathrooms,wifi and a map. So overall it was a great stay, great location and I'll defiantly be back.
GuideJust left the Peace Love & Vans Rally needed a convenient resupply space ¯_(ツ)_/¯ KOA site clean, safe, and well organized
TravelerThere appears to be new management in the campground. Procedures are completely different and much better than previous visits. It is cleaner and more organized. It is now possible to get a reservation for the full hookup section. The river and woods trails are in great shape. Hopefully they will get the mini golf course turf replaced, it is currently painted concrete and not much fun to play on.
ScoutRelaxing campsite, most sites have water access or view. The raccoons are a little too comfortable they will make their selves at home and borrow anything that you leave open.
Camping near Apollo Beach, Florida typically involves contending with seasonal mosquito populations while enjoying direct access to Tampa Bay's marine ecosystems. The area experiences summer temperatures averaging 90°F with frequent afternoon thunderstorms from June through September, creating challenging conditions for tent campers without adequate ventilation or rain protection. Sites closest to waterways offer cooler evening breezes but require additional insect management strategies.
Spring swimming: $2 admission at Lithia Springs Conservation Park provides a natural 72-degree swimming experience year-round. "The spring area so nice the sound of the breeze through the trees, just wow!" notes one visitor who appreciated the refreshing waters that maintain constant temperature regardless of season.
Mountain biking on former phosphate mines: Alafia River State Park Campground offers technical trails built on reclaimed mining land with significant elevation changes unusual for Florida. "This park is close to home for me, I come here often for the Mountain Biking and the awesome humans. The facilities are clean and the MTB trails are constantly changing so we are never bored here," explains a regular visitor.
Canoeing through mangrove tunnels: Fort De Soto Campground provides exceptional paddling opportunities with wildlife encounters. "Great park with days worth of activities! The historic fort, scenic beaches, trails for hiking or biking, etc made for a great visit! Tons of wildlife - we saw raccoons, dolphin, manatee, tons oftons of Birds!" reports one camper who explored the waterways.
Equestrian camping options: Horse owners can access dedicated trails and stalls at multiple area parks. "Very nice facilities. Miles of horseback trails to ride. Very nice horse stalls to put horses in overnight. Perfect place for equine vacation!" notes a rider who stayed at Alafia River State Park.
Waterfront camping with wildlife viewing: Sites along Tampa Bay provide natural entertainment. "We were greeted by dolphins, sting rays and manatees," shares a visitor at E.G. Simmons Regional Park who brought an inflatable raft for better wildlife observation.
Military facilities with security: MacDill AFB FamCamp offers restricted access camping with amenities. "I absolutely loved the MacDill FamCamp. It's right by the beach and marina. There's a small dog beach and two dog parks. Laundry facilities are centrally located. Cable is included," explains a military visitor appreciating the secured environment.
Natural springs access: Sites near lithia springs allow for swimming in crystal-clear 72-degree water year-round. "The park ranger loans out yard tools from the office. A pain for the annex, but still free," mentions a long-term visitor about the maintenance expectations at certain facilities.
Winter temperature advantages: December through February offers comfortable camping with highs in the 70s and significantly reduced insect pressure. "While it may be hot in the summer, the winter months are amazing!" notes a camper who experienced Lake Manatee State Park in different seasons.
Insect protection strategies required: No-see-ums pose significant challenges in waterfront locations, particularly at dawn and dusk. "You really cannot stay outside at dusk. Citronella torches, spray, fans, Avon skin so soft...none of these work for the no-see-ums," warns a candid reviewer from E.G. Simmons.
Vehicle access restrictions: Larger RVs must enter MacDill AFB through specific gates. "Make sure you arrive at the base through the gate at the end of Dale Mabry, as it's the only gate campers can come thru. And be sure to go to the far right lane, even if it's got a red X showing the lane is closed," advises a camper who learned the hard way.
First-come camping without reservations: Several county parks operate without reservation systems. "First come (no reservations) with 14 day stay limit. We were in site 55 of the East CG which was right on the water where we launched our kayaks to paddle the canals amongst the Mangroves," explains a visitor describing the check-in process at E.G. Simmons.
Road noise impacts: Some campgrounds experience significant traffic sounds. "CONS: right next to a highway/large road with TONS of traffic noise," reports a visitor to Canoe Outpost Little Manatee River who was disappointed by the constant background noise.
Playground access priorities: Several parks offer modern play equipment with safety features. "There is a playground with good swings and also a sturdy playground that offered plenty of opportunity for my four year old to blow off some steam. The ground is all recycled rubber, which I love as a parent," notes a visitor to Fort De Soto.
Swimming options for children: Natural springs provide safer alternatives to ocean swimming. "Very well kept up groundskeeper. Meeting mike at the gate to the park so so nice. Only waited for a short time to have a spot and enjoy the park," shares a visitor to Lithia Springs who appreciated the staff and swimming areas.
Educational wildlife opportunities: Multiple parks offer kid-friendly nature observation. "We saw raccoons, dolphin, manatee, tons oftons of Birds!" exclaims a visitor to Fort De Soto who found the wildlife watching accessible for all ages.
Shade availability for summer visits: Tree coverage varies significantly between campgrounds. "Campsites were nice. Lots to do. Rapids to look at. Plenty of hiking and biking. Rental canoe staff were amazing. Tons of wildlife," reports a visitor to Hillsborough River State Park who appreciated the activities available for families.
Site spacing considerations: Private RV parks offer different experiences than state parks. "The annex has more space between spots, but no amenities (laundry, etc.); you have to drive to the main side for those. Not a big deal," notes a MacDill AFB visitor comparing the facility's different camping areas.
Seasonal availability challenges: Winter months see highest occupancy rates. "The winter season is October-April and the campground gets extremely full, going over capacity from December to February or March," warns a MacDill visitor about planning ahead for popular months.
Water and electric hookups without sewer: Most state parks provide partial hookups only. "We were in site 55 of the East CG which was right on the water where we launched our kayaks to paddle the canals amongst the Mangroves," explains an RVer who selected a waterfront site at E.G. Simmons despite limited hookups.
Limited shade at some parks: Several campgrounds lack adequate tree cover for summer cooling. "Sites and facilities are nice and clean. Sites were decent size. Good for RVs and tents. However, sites are not shaded at all," cautions a reviewer about Little Manatee River State Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Apollo Beach, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, Apollo Beach, FL offers a wide range of camping options, with 244 campgrounds and RV parks near Apollo Beach, FL and 5 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Apollo Beach, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Apollo Beach, FL is Fort De Soto Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 141 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Apollo Beach, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Apollo Beach, FL.
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