State Parks Near Clearwater, Florida With Camping Overnight

Caladesi Island State Park

• Caladesi Island is a beautiful island that has been kept completely natural, and is only accessible by boat. Located in the Tampa Bay area of Florida's Gulf coast, the island is blessed with wild temperatures year round, and calm and warm surrounding Gulf waters. Caladesi's beaches were named by Dr. Beach in 2008 as America's Best Beach, and swimming and sunbathing on the island are exceptionally relaxing. Saltwater fisherman can cast off from their boat or surf fish, and enthusiasts can hike the nature trail or paddle the kayak trail around the island. There are picnic shelters and tables near the beach, and the marina has water and electric hookups for overnight campers.

  Caladesi Island State Park
  1 Causeway Boulevard
  Dunedin, Florida 34698
  727- 469-5918
  floridastateparks.org/

Anclote Key Preserve State Park

• Anclote Key Preserve State Park is made up of four islands along the Gulf coast of Florida about three miles off the shore from Tarpon Springs. The beaches of the islands are lapped by warm, blue-green Gulf waters. Accessible only by ferry service or private boat, the park is 403 acres, boasts more than 40 species of birds, and has a125 year old lighthouse at its southern end. Swimming, sunbathing, grilling and picnicking are common during the day. Overnight visitors are welcome to pitch a tent and enjoy camping under the stars. No provisions are offered on the island, so be sure to pack water and supplies. Dogs are allowed on North Anclote Bar.

  Anclote Key Preserve State Park
  c/o Honeymoon Island State Park
  1 Causeway Boulevard
  Dunedin, Florida 34698
  727-469-5942
  floridastateparks.org

Lake Manatee State Park

• Lake Manatee State Park sits on three miles at the southern end of Lake Manatee. (There are no manatees at the park due to the dam on the Manatee River.) In addition to swimming, sunning, and boating, there are opportunities for hiking in the pine forests and flatwoods that make up the rest of the park. A boat ramp provides easy access and boats with motors less than 20 hp are welcome. Kayaking and canoeing are popular in the park, and the lake also offers great freshwater fishing from a boat or the park's fishing dock. Picnic shelters, tables, and grills are provided throughout the park. Campers will find full-facility camping a short walk from the lake, suitable both for large RV's and tent campers.

  Lake Manatee State Park
  20007 State Road 64
  Bradenton, Florida 34212
  941-741-3028
  floridastateparks.org