Camping site near Tampa?

[nissanh]

I am planning to camp near Tampa and prefer a beach front. Does anybody know a safe place to camp with a family?
I also like to meet/greet any cruiser members while I am there. The days are December 22nd through 26th.
Thanks

 

[Wetwillie]

Ft. Desoto State Park ..... Beautiful Island. It's in St .Petersburg, Nice campgrounds with many activities .

 

[Rcmay]

I'll second the recommendation for ft desoto

 

[Murckman]

I did the Hillsborough River State Park a couple years back and although it's not on the beach it was a really cool time. It has the biggest pool I have even seen in my life (my 6 year old went into it in December), you can hike, canoe or kayak, rent a golf cart and drive around the park, and eat at their restaurant. Might be worth checking out. Fort Desoto is usually booked out for months.

 

[nissanh]

Thanks for all of you. Yes, both places seem to be fantastic. I am lucky, December 26th got 1 spot open in Fort De Soto!

 

[Murckman]

Nice! You did get lucky.
Bring a fishing pole (or two). Fishing is always great at Ft Desoto!

 

[bucfl]

I'm in Tampa. Hit me up if you wanna meet up.

 

[oakback]

I camped at Ft. Desoto a few months ago, it's a great park. Several beaches to choose from, and 2 piers. You can bike all over the park. The biggest boat ramp I've ever seen. If you got the tent-only campsites, it's pretty much its own little island (no RVs allowed). If you have kayaks you can park them right by your campsite and slip into the water, I saw some jetskis parked there too. Also it's shallow around there, I saw plenty of people wade fishing.

 

[cmck]

Assume that the raccoons will come out at dark and eat anything that is out. They are friendly, but don't feed them. At dusk during an out going tide the porpoise catch fish in the current under the 1st bridge (just past the toll booth).