Community Forums

Graygulf · 02-24-2013, 05:32 PM

Is there a place to camp on the beach near Tampa Bay Fla?

C-PHartley · 02-24-2013, 06:15 PM

Check out Ft. Desoto park.

jv52 · 02-25-2013, 07:33 AM

We stayed at Fort DeSoto two years ago and really liked it. Only a few sites where you could get satellite. We were able to get a back-in on the water. You must make reservations. They keep a few sites for walk up only but people sit outside the office from 5 am to 7 am to try and secure a site. I know because we wanted to stay longer and I had to do that. Good luck.

Mrjim · 02-25-2013, 07:48 AM

Ft. Desoto I thought was a ways away from the beach.......but you can camp along a sea wall. Walk to nearest beach a couple of miles. Closest place we've found to "beach" camp is Ft Myers, 100 miles south. Red Coconut RV Park.

Yarcola · 02-25-2013, 10:44 AM

Fort Desoto camping is right on the water; however, it's not the Gulf of Mexico, but a bay off of it. Our trailer was probably within twenty feet of the water - we would watch the sunset over the water while sitting at our picnic table. This is not the sandy beach found right on the Gulf, but if you're there for the view or for excellent kayaking instead of swimming, it can't be beaten. The swimming beaches are a short drive away.

gmadams · 03-03-2013, 07:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mrjim

Ft. Desoto I thought was a ways away from the beach.......but you can camp along a sea wall. Walk to nearest beach a couple of miles. Closest place we've found to "beach" camp is Ft Myers, 100 miles south. Red Coconut RV Park.

They pack you in like a sardine at Red Coconut.

gripper · 03-03-2013, 09:45 AM

I tried the Red Coconut, in Ft Myers Bch, two weeks ago. Was told no opening until May. There are only 10 or 12 sites right on the beach and the only way you can get more than a day or two, is to get one of the regulars, to will it to you, when they pass on.

EDALLSAILS · 03-03-2013, 05:35 PM

1st, there really isn't any beach in Tampa Area where you can camp. Even in Pinellas (Clearwater, St pete). going south Ft Meyers has many campgrounds but Ft Myers isn't on the gulf of Mexico. It is 20 miles inland. Down in Naples there are camp grounds mainly snow birds or long term residents. the snowbirds tie up all the state parks in Florida. Over on the east coast there are many places, but not near Daytona where there is water. down around Vero beach thede are a couple of parks on the water. Good luck getting reservations.

Mrjim · 03-03-2013, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gmadams

They pack you in like a sardine at Red Coconut.

Sardines eh? Never been to Alaska have you?
Never had a problem at red coconut, although we never do more than 2 days there. Several times we have stayed across the street and saved a couple bucks(still can walk bare footed to the beach).

timmer594 · 03-03-2013, 06:03 PM

Siesta Key has a beautiful campground. Packed in but one of the nicest beaches in the world. We stayed last summer. Ok nicest in Florida.

howie-2005 · 03-03-2013, 06:23 PM

I have the first weekend reservation at Red Coconut..... August 23 & 24th on the beach $215.34............

PanJH · 03-04-2013, 12:16 PM

E.G Simmons in Ruskin, right on Tampa Bay, Turtle Beach CG in Sarasota, right on the gulf

emoney · 03-04-2013, 12:25 PM

Ft Desoto has a beach and it's a beautiful place. It's on the southern tip of Pinellas County, but you'll be near all the "touristy" places too with St. Pete Beach right up the road. If you come, make sure you venture up to Clearwater Beach as the white sands and the clear water really are pretty. Enjoy your stay and welcome to the area!

JohnnyJohnso · 03-06-2013, 09:31 AM

Siesta Key is nice but the campground is small. If your camper is under 30' it's great. Walking out the campground onto to beach is a short walk. Only thing, straight out the beach is not flat. There is about a 8' drop off and the sand is not as white as other places. I was there this past Jan.