The city of Tampa is a densely populated, bustling metropolitan area located on Florida’s west coast. Due to its urban landscapes, some may be surprised to learn that Florida is home to nearly 175 state parks, several of which are in or around Tampa.
So, if you are looking for some quiet time you cannot find within a busy, buzzing city, consider spending a weekend camping in any of the beautiful state parks in Florida has to offer. Each has unique features like canoeing, hiking, natural springs, and much more.
To help you decide which park will best meet you or your family’s needs, we have created this selection.
We have highlighted the best parks to camp in near Tampa, some in your own backyard. So, all you need to do is pack your tent and sleeping bag, put your hiking boots on and go enjoy the beauty of nature.
Honeymoon Island State Park
- Phone: 7272416106
- Address: 1 Causeway Blvd, Dunedin, FL 34698
If you are looking for a quiet day outside of the city, Honeymoon Island State Park is just a short drive from Tampa.
There are more than four miles of beaches to explore, some with beautiful white sand and others with fascinating fossilized coral.
Take a stroll through one of the last virgin slash pine forests on a three mile path, or learn more about the park’s history at the Rotary Centennial Nature Center. You’ll even see tons of wildlife such as eagles, great horned owls, and gopher tortoises.
The park has 385 acres of land area, so there are plenty of things to do such as swimming, biking, and picnicking. As the most visited state park in Florida, expect it to be busy. However, there is plenty of parking and tons of space.
The entrance fee to the island is $8 per vehicle, and leashed dogs are allowed on the dog-friendly beach and nature trails. If you get hungry, there are plenty of concession areas as well.
Terra Ceia Preserve State Park
- Address: 130 Terra Ceia Rd., Terra Ceia, FL 34250
- Phone: (941) 723-4536
If you are looking to experience a rawer version of nature, the 2,000-acre Terra Ceia Preserve State Park may be exactly what you are looking for. Conversely, if you are not, you may want to give this a skip.
This area of forests and wetlands does not have restrooms, and there is some overgrowth, but it offers gorgeous untouched nature while bird lovers will likely be particularly pleased by their visit here.
Kayaking is another activity that many engage in at this park. Some who do get to enjoy seeing manatees up close. Also, visitors who arrive here by boat get to enjoy more hours in the park as water access is available 24 hours a day while those traveling here on foot are only allowed access from 8 a.m. to sunset.
If you do make the trip here, come prepared with a strong insect repellent as mosquitoes and related insects are numerous here.
Hillsborough River State Park near Tampa
- Phone: (813) 987-6771
- Address: 15402 US-301 N, Thonotosassa, FL 33592
The first park is one that is popular due to its proximity to Tampa and boasts diversity. A refuge from city life, it’s a favorite for camping and due to its seven miles of trails and myriad of places to cool off in the water and has been for decades.
During the Great Depression of the 1930’s, the Civilian Conservation Corps – a group of young, unemployed males tasked with developing natural resources on rural land owned by the government – established the area as a public park.
Many of the bridges and structures exist as examples of the Corps’ rustic architecture while the trails show off the park’s natural beauty. The most popular trail, the Rapids Nature Trail, meanders to a point where limestone rock has created rapids, making it a favorite spot to take photos.
Though there is biking, a gift shop, and canoeing or kayaking, many guests come to camp at the 112-site campground for tents and RVs.
Each site offers water, electricity, a fire ring, and a picnic table, and campers have access to laundry facilities and restroom facilities with hot water.
Also, pets are welcome if they are on a leash or contained. Primitive camping with no amenities is also available.
Little Manatee River State Park
- Address: 215 Lightfoot Rd, Wimauma, FL 33598
- Phone: (813) 671-5005
The Little Manatee River has a long history that has shaped the park and surrounding communities. In fact, the Uzita were the first native people to settle on the river over 10,000 years ago.
Then, early settlers sought the wilderness and solitude the Little Manatee River offered, to help them escape. Deserters of the Second Seminole War, outcasts, outlaws used it to escape the growth of the cities.
To this day, the river remains one of the most pristine blackwater rivers in southwest Florida.
Some amenities the park offers is bicycling and equestrian camping. Namely, there are more than fifteen miles of equestrian trails and a campsite that offers a picnic table, a fire ring, a water hook-up, and an electrical hook-up. This site has a horse stable behind it and a restroom facility with hot water (though a composting toilet is conveniently located nearby).
Caladesi Island State Park – Best for Beach Lovers
- Address: 1 Causeway Blvd, Dunedin, FL 34698
- Phone: (727) 469-5918
Caladesi Island is an untouched island on the west coast that is only accessible by boat. Originally part of a larger barrier islands, the islands of Caladesi and Honeymoon was created in 1921 when a hurricane divided the island into two parts.
Caladesi Island State Park has a marina with floating docks for “camping” in your boat. They come with thirty amps of electric service and water hookups and other amenities are a covered pavilion for picnicking, a snack bar, and a gift shop. A few sites are ADA (American Disabilities Act) accessible.
Guests may also choose to enjoy boating, fishing (though a fishing license may be required), hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and swimming.
Additionally, this is a great place to host a wedding with its pristine beach. In fact, it won an award in 2008 and was named America’s Best Beach. So if you want to see one the best Florida’s beaches, head to Caladesi.
E.G. Simmons County Park
- Address: 2401 19th Ave NW, Ruskin, FL 33570
- Phone: (813) 671-7655
E.G. Simmons County Park’s visitors become enamored with the park’s over 400 acres.
Located in Hillsborough County and just eighteen miles from Tampa, it provides peace, serene respite from city life. E.G. Simmons Park has two campgrounds with 103 sites.
The sites include a fire ring, a picnic table, water and electric hookups, and dump stations nearby. All but twelve sites are waterfront and they are spacious, though they offer little privacy. Namely, there is no vegetation between sites, so you will get no shade or privacy. Small boats can be launched from the campsite.
The park offers paddle trails for canoeing or kayaking through the quiet bays and mangrove islands out into the open waters of Tampa. You may also fish or go to the swimming beach. Additionally, there is a boat launch and a paved road that is ideal for bike riding.
Egmont Key State Park
- Location: Egmont Key, FL
- Phone: (727) 644-6235
This 450-acre park encompasses Egmont Key, and there is no land access whatsoever. Also note that it is a rugged park with no restrooms or fresh water. However, its sense of remoteness so close to much more populated parts of the Tampa Bay area is exactly what many of its visitors are looking for.
If you do not own a boat, you can take advantage of the Egmont Key Ferry. It provides access from Fort De Soto, which you can drive to; the departure point is 20 minutes from St. Petersburg while the boat ride lasts 25-30 minutes.
Animals that can be viewed while on the island include bald eagles, ospreys, gopher tortoises and dolphins while many enjoy collecting shells as they walk along its quiet beaches.
Lettuce Lake Park
- Address: 6920 E Fletcher Ave, Tampa, FL 33637
- Phone: +18139876204
Situated about a half-hour outside of Tampa, Lettuce Lake Park consists of hardwood forests, cypress domes, and a freshwater wetland that lies in the natural floodplain of the Hillsborough River.
You can rent canoes and kayaks to explore the river, as well as walk the 3,500-foot boardwalk with an observation tower full of scenic views where you can catch a glimpse of the natural wildlife. Boasting plenty of picnic areas and playgrounds, this park is perfect for the whole family.
With 240 acres of land, you are bound to find all kinds of things to do. The boardwalk is not pet-friendly, but the rest of the park welcomes your furry friends. Entry per vehicle is $2, which makes Lettuce Lake Park an inexpensive and fun trip for anyone.
Lithia Springs Park
- Address: 3932 Lithia Springs Rd, Lithia, FL 33547
- Phone: (813) 744-5572
Lithia Springs is well-known for its natural spring, which flows year-round and deposits cool, clean water into the Alafia River.
Originally purchased by a mining company called Gardinier, Inc. who became Mosaic Phosphate, Inc., they leased Lithia Springs as a recreational area to Hillsborough County in 1957 and its 160 acres slowly became popular for camping.
After setting up your site, campers can hike the wooded trails, check out the diverse vegetation, river cypress swamps, and hardwood hammocks. Though the biggest draw may be the natural spring. With a year-round temperature of seventy-two degrees, visitors can swim. In addition, visitors can fish and play volleyball. There is a playground for the kids and benches and picnic tables for the adults so the kids can play.
Weedon Island Preserve
- Phone: 7274536500
- Address: 1800 Weedon Dr NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33702
Weedon Island Preserve is a 3,000-acre natural area set in Tampa Bay. It’s home to a number of native animals and plants, an educational facility, and a significant cultural heritage.
It offers visitors a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk system starting at the main parking space. There is also a 45-foot-tall observation tower and three observation decks.
Birdwatching is a popular activity there. You can spot herons and egrets all year round. In winter, you can watch for American White Pelicans, Northern Shovelers, and Hooded Mergansers.
Would you like to see the preserve’s wildlife from a different perspective? There are also two water trails. Bring your own kayak or a canoe or simply rent one there. And don’t worry, there are no alligators in Weedon Island Preserve.
Starkey Wilderness Park
- Address: 10500 Wilderness Park Blvd, New Port Richey, FL 34655
- Phone: (727) 834-3247
If you are looking for a true camping experience to get closer to nature, Starkey’s Wilderness Park is the perfect place to go. A tent-only campground, Starkey’s is just thirty-five miles from downtown Tampa.
The park is approximately 12,000 acres and is part of an 18,000-acre water-management preserve. There are tons of hiking opportunities and a seven-mile paved trail, part of the forty-two-mile Suncoast Trail.
There are sixteen campsites with restrooms and showers. However, there are no hook-ups for water or electricity. Also, there are shared water spigots and a bathhouse near Site 13.
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