Wanderlust World Wanderlust World Fort De Soto Park's North Beach consistently ranks as one of the top 10 in the nation. You can stay at the park on a mangrove-lined bayou in one of 85 sites reserved especially for tents, pop-ups and vans. The tent area lies away from RV traffic and has its own camper's dayroom, restrooms, laundry and playground. Only 25 sites out of the park's 238 sites are nonreservable, and lines form early in the day to procure one. Camp at the park up to 14 days when you make a reservation or one to three days at one of the first-come, first-served sites. Pets are allowed in the tent camping area.
Camp on the southern end of Shell Key Preserve at a primitive site of your choice. The 1,800-acre preserve provides excellent bird watching at one of the largest undeveloped barrier islands in the country. The island is only accessible by boat, and no amenities are provided. Bring plenty of drinking water, a portable toilet and trash container, but leave pets behind. Get the required permit at no charge from Pinellas County before heading out to Shell Key.
Treat yourself to a few extra camping luxuries at the St. Petersburg/Madiera Beach KOA. Relax in a hot tub, cool off in the pool, fish or play miniature golf. Rent a bike and head out along the Pinellas County Trail, or rent a kayak and paddle the bayou. Work out in the exercise room, watch TV or engage in a variety of sports. Tent sites come with or without water and electric hookups right at your site, and you'll have the conveniences of hot showers, flush toilets and a laundromat just a short walk away.
Pinellas County is a major winter destination for visitors escaping cold weather, and campgrounds can fill up fast. Make your reservations as far in advance as possible, but if you can't get in at the park you want, keep checking back each morning. Cancellations during the winter are frequent as campers cancel at one park in favor of securing a spot at their preferred sites. If Pinellas County tent sites are full, head east to the Tampa area where you'll find tent accommodations at more than a half-dozen state parks.