The 10 Best Campgrounds Near Tampa, FL
Waterfront views and sunshine define Tampa for most tourists, but there are several outdoor spots hiding just outside of the city. While you might be tempted to spend all your time on the beach (and who could blame you?), there are several great parks, forests, and campgrounds near Tampa, FL for you to enjoy.
When to Visit Tampa, FL
The city of Tampa (and no, it’s not Tampa Bay, despite the football team’s name) has a weather pattern that’s classically Floridian. Sure, you have the rainy season in late summer, and maybe you want to plan around that, but it’s pretty much beautiful all year round.
Summers are hot and humid, but if you spend all your time on the water, they’re perfectly manageable. Really, Tampa has two distinct seasons of summer and winter, and that’s about it.
Summer tends to run from May to October, and winter goes from November to April. Winter is going to be cooler and drier, making it a really popular time for those looking to escape harsh winter weather while camping near Tampa, FL.
June to September accounts for a whopping two-thirds of all annual rainfall, so the ideal months to visit tend to be October to May. Travelers who can only get to Tampa during the summer should do their best to go early on, as late summer tends to see the most rain, even as the rainy season here goes.
Outdoor Destinations Near Tampa, FL
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Tampa has the original location, but interestingly enough, there’s a second Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Virginia. The 300-plus acre amusement park in Tampa is one of the city’s highlights, ideally suited for family-centered activities.
Busch Gardens holds both a theme park and an animal encounter section. While you can visit this park as a day trip, it’s generally recommended to allot two days minimum here.
Tampa Riverwalk
The focal point of Tampa’s downtown area, the Riverwalk is the center of Tampa’s arts and culture, allowing you to enjoy the sunshine while you see everything it has to offer. Just over 2.5 miles long, the Tampa Riverwalk is a great place to spend an afternoon seeing the sights, shopping, or just stretching your legs after lunch.
ZooTampa at Lowry Park
This independent, nonprofit zoo is one of the most celebrated zoos in the Sunshine State for its educational and conservation efforts. ZooTampa is one of the best outdoor activities for families in the area, with a running list of attractions and events on tap that are always changing and updating.
Best Campgrounds Near Tampa, Florida
1. Hidden River RV Resort (Age Restricted 55+) – Riverview, FL
(11 miles from Tampa)
While most resorts and campgrounds near Tampa, FL are all ages, there are a handful of spots reserved for older travelers who want a more relaxing stay. Hidden River RV resort provides all the comforts of a 55+ resort with great proximity to Tampa. Busch Gardens, Disney World, and the St. Petersburg beach are all nearby at this relaxing resort stay.
Just because you’re looking for something quieter doesn’t mean you can’t have fun. With amenities including an arcade, boat launch, and even a rotating calendar of special events, Hidden River RV Resort has the best of both worlds.
Unique Amenity: Clubhouse
Sites offered here:
- Premium loft rental 1 bedroom
- Premium rental 1 bedroom
- Premium highlands full hookup RV site
- Premium highlands pond full hookup RV site
- Premium riverside full hookup pull-through RV site
- Premium riverside full hookup RV site
- Premium accessible rental 1 bedroom
Book This Relaxing Resort Experience
2. Tampa East RV Resort – Dover, FL
(13 miles from Tampa)
While not age-restricted, this resort has the same perks as Hidden River. Just a few minutes away from Tampa, this Dover, Florida campground is perfect for the energetic adventurer on the go.
Being so close to Tampa is great, but the resort also has plenty to offer on its own, including a tennis court, arcade, and great fishing. All of this within 45 minutes of the Gulf of Mexico!
Unique Amenity: Arcade
Sites offered here:
- Oaks premium cottage 1 bedroom
- Oaks super full hookup pull-through RV site
- Oaks super full hookup RV site
- Palms premium cottage 1 bedroom
- Palms premium cottage 3 bedroom
- Palms premium full hookup RV site
- Palms standard full hookup RV site
- Palms super full hookup pull-through RV site
- Palms super full hookup RV site
- Rainbow economy full hookup RV site
- Rainbow premium cabin 2 bedroom
- Rainbow standard full hookup RV site
- Rainbow premium cottage 1 bedroom: accessible
- Rainbow premium cottage 1 bedroom
3. Rainbow Village of Largo RV Resort (Age Restricted 55+) – Largo, FL
(17 miles from Tampa)
Rainbow Village of Large RV Resort is the second of three age-restricted RV resorts in the general Tampa area. This vibrant RV park has more than 300 sites that are big rig-friendly, so even the largest class A motorhomes should be able to navigate this Florida campground with ease.
Be sure to check out all the outdoor games and sports fields the campground offers, including shuffleboard and bocce ball. Of course, with the park’s size, it’s easy to get in a good walk as well.
Unique Amenity: Pool
Sites offered here:
- Vacation rental 1 bedroom
- Full hookup pull-through RV site
- Standard full hookup RV site
Book This Well-Manicured RV Resort
4. Sun Retreats Dunedin – Dunedin, FL
(20 miles from Tampa)
Billing itself as the “perfect getaway on the Gulf of Mexico,” Sun Retreats Dunedin certainly has some big shoes to fill, but far from overpromises. This feature-packed getaway certainly is a great Gulf of Mexico stay when you’re looking at campgrounds near Tampa, FL.
Over 200 sites are spread out on this Florida campground, meaning that getting a spot with full hookups here is never too hard. Of course, those wanting to get out of the RV for a night or two can check out one of the park’s spacious cabins.
Unique Amenity: Playground
Sites offered here:
- Deluxe back-in RV
- Hotel deluxe rental
- Hotel standard rental
- One bedroom cottage
- Premium one bedroom cottage
- Pull-through RV site
- Standard back-in
- Hotel standard rental: accessible
Book This Gulf of Mexico Getaway
5. Sweetwater RV Resort (Age Restricted 55+) – Zephyrhills, FL
(24 miles from Tampa)
Last but certainly not least among the age-restricted Tampa RV resorts on this list is Sweetwater RV Resort.
Sweetwater balances proximity to the city of Tampa with the charm of small-town Florida in a town of just 17,000 people. The park’s 280 spaces can accommodate rigs up to 40 feet, so most campers should have no problem here.
Those wanting to make new friends will love all the events and outdoor amenities. Consider throwing some horseshoes, sitting by the pool, or playing some pool in the clubhouse.
Unique Amenity: Dog park
Sites offered here:
- Premium rental 1 bedroom
- Cozy full hookup RV site
- Elite full hookup RV site
- Premium rental 1 bedroom
- Rental 1 bedroom
- Standard full hookup RV site
Book This Small Town Park Stay
6. Ellenton Gardens RV Resort – Ellenton, FL
(28 miles from Tampa)
Stay on picturesque riverfront property when you’re at Ellenton Gardens RV Resort.
On the banks of the Manatee River, there are few RV sites with better views than the waterfront sites at Ellenton Gardens. Year-round RVers will love staying at this Florida campground, especially in the winter with the heated pool. When getting out of the camper and stretching your legs, be sure to check out the expansive clubhouse and cast a few lines on the water.
Unique Amenity: Shuffleboard
Sites offered here:
- Economy rental trailer
- Premium rental 1 bedroom
- Premium rental lakefront 1 bedroom
- Standard full hookup RV site
- Premium rental 1 bedroom
7. Three Lakes RV Resort – Hudson, FL
(32 miles from Tampa)
The Hudson Region of Florida is one of the absolute best gateways to Tampa, though it’s a destination in its own right. With lots of lakefront views (as the name suggests), there are boundless opportunities to be on the water and in the sun at this campground near Tampa, Florida.
Travelers wanting a comfortable stay will love the premium cottages that can accommodate up to four guests. Wind down after a long and exciting day at the on-site tiki lounge or keep the energy up with a game of pickleball.
Unique Amenity: Arcade
Sites offered here:
- Premium cottage 1 bedroom
- Premium cottage 1 bedroom: accessible
- Standard full hookup RV site
Book This Waterfront Wonderland
8. Buttonwood Inlet RV Resort – Cortez, FL
(35 miles from Tampa)
Buttonwood Inlet RV Resort is one of the best campgrounds near Tampa, FL, that caters to active lifestyles. If you want to experience Tampa and the surrounding areas to the fullest, this is the place to do it.
Once you’ve had your fill after a long adventure-filled day, escape back to the resort for all the best comforts, including a cozy clubhouse, outdoor games, and a calendar filled with special events.
Unique Amenity: Special Events
Sites offered here:
- Premium cottage
- 30/50-amp full hookup RV site
- 30/50-amp waterfront full hookup site
- 30/50-amp zone D full hookup RV site
9. Arbor Terrace RV Resort – Bradenton, FL
(35 miles from Tampa)
There’s just a certain communal feel to Arbor Terrace RV Resort that not every Florida campground can replicate. The cabins here are charming and capture the essence of central Florida, and the RV sites are spacious and well-equipped.
For campers who need to stay connected, there’s available Wi-Fi so you can stay on top of everything while enjoying the Florida sunshine.
Unique Amenity: Pool
Sites offered here:
- Cozy full hookup RV site
- Economy full hookup RV site
- Premium cottage 1 bedroom
- Premium cottage 2 bedroom
- Premium full hookup RV site
- Standard full hookup RV site
- Super full hookup RV site
Book This Well-Equipped Campground
10. Sun Outdoors Sarasota – Sarasota, FL
(42 miles from Tampa)
Sun Outdoors Sarasota is a routine fan favorite among those camping near Tampa. We’re talking award-winning fan favorite here.
It’s a longer drive to Tampa than some of the other spots on this list, but no one is going to beat Sun Outdoors Sarasota for amenities or quality of the luxury experience they offer.
Activities abound here, so longer-haul travelers will always have something to do when they’re here. Families spending a break will love all the active amenities offered, including a massive slide, state-of-the-art fitness and wellness centers, and even an Olympic-size heated pool.
Four-legged family members aren’t forgotten either as Sun Outdoors Sarasota offers a pair of bark parks to choose from.
Unique Amenity: Waterpark
Sites offered here:
- Platinum 1 bedroom cottage with loft
- 1 bedroom cottage
- 1 bedroom cottage with loft (6)
- 2 bedroom bunkhouse
- Cozy full hookup RV site
- Deluxe 2 bedroom
- Deluxe full hookup pull-through RV site
- Deluxe full hookup RV site
- Elite full hookup RV site
- Gold 1 bedroom rental
- Gold 2 bedroom rental
- Platinum 1 bedroom lake view rental
- Platinum 1 bedroom rental
- Platinum 2 bedroom rental
- Premium full hookup RV site
- Silver 2 bedroom rental
- Standard full hookup RV site
- Gold 1 bedroom rental
Book This Ultimate Luxury Stay
Central Florida has plenty to offer travelers no matter the time of year. While crowds flock to Orlando and Miami, head to campgrounds near Tampa, FL to find underrated outdoor gems and quieter experiences in nature.
Joe Coleman is a freelance travel and outdoor writer based in East Texas. His love for the outdoors started when living near Olympic National Park and has stayed with him ever since. Taking a respite from social media, you can reach him exclusively at joecolemanfreelance@gmail.com.
Image Credit: Hidden River RV Resort, Tampa East RV Resort, Rainbow Village of Largo RV Resort, Sun Retreats Dunedin, Sweetwater RV Resort, Ellenton Gardens RV Resort, Three Lakes RV Resort, Buttonwood Inlet RV Resort, Arbor Terrace RV Resort, Sun Outdoors Sarasota