Fort De Soto Campground, Florida: Best Information, Tips, & More 2024
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Are you looking to stay at Fort de Soto?
Is Fort De Soto Campground worth visiting? Fort De Soto Campground is located on a beautiful barrier island in Florida and offers breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico. It’s also home to miles of white sand beaches, nature trails, fishing spots, and more.
The campground amenities are sparse, but being right inside Fort De Soto State Park makes this trip totally worth it. Morning walks on the beach, paddleboarding on the gulf and all the sand dollars your heart desires are some of the things you can look forward to when you stay here.
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What is Fort Desoto known for?
Fort De Soto is known for its beautiful beaches, spectacular sunsets, and pristine nature trails. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach or take a hike through the park, Fort De Soto has something for everyone. The campground also provides convenient access to nearby attractions like historic St Petersburg, Johns Pass, Pass-a-Grille Beach, Shell Key Preserve, and bustling Tampa Bay.
Is Fort De Soto Campground Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! Not only does this campground offer some of the most stunning views, but it also has plenty of activities to keep you busy. With a wide variety of on-site water sports, fishing opportunities, and nature trails, you’ll have no shortage of things to do.
And with its convenient location near St. Pete Beaches, you can take advantage of all that the area has to offer. Whether you’re looking for a short weekend getaway or an extended vacation, Fort De Soto Campground is well worth the money spent.
Does De Soto State Park Have Full Hookups?
All sites have water and electric hookups. There is a dump station available for campers, but no full hookups. However, the campsites are HUGE and will accommodate most RVs (even big rigs) and they all have picnic tables.
We are spoiled with full hook-up sites and a tankless hot water heater so we were a little worried about coming for a week with no sewer hook-ups, however by the end of the week we didn’t want to leave! The bathhouses are very clean and evenly spread throughout the campground. Each bathhouse has 4 showers and we experienced how nice to have everyone clean and ready to go at the same time.
How much does it cost to camp in Fort de Soto?
Camping at Fort De Soto starts at $40 per night. A waterfront site at Fort De Soto starts at only $42, making it one of the most affordable camping spots in Florida.
If you’re looking for a great RV camping spot with plenty to do and amazing views, Fort De Soto Campground is definitely worth the visit! You won’t regret it! So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable experience.
Things to Do While Staying At Fort De Soto Campground
Swimming and sunbathing on the beach
Fishing in several of the camping areas
Kayaking around Mullet Key Bayou
Exploring nature trails and boardwalks
Playing beach volleyball or horseshoes
Explore the historic Fort
Shopping and dining in downtown St. Petersburg
Enjoying a day of bird watching or dolphin spotting
Visit Fort De Soto Museum
Hunt for Sand Dollars
Fort De Soto is one of the most beautiful and affordable camping spots in Florida, with plenty to do for everyone!
What Is The Best Area At Fort Desoto Beach?
The best area to visit at Fort De Soto Beach is North Beach. This beach offers stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico and is the perfect place to relax and spend a day in the sun.
The sand here is soft and white, making it an ideal spot for swimming, kayaking, or simply lounging around. Plus, it has plenty of amenities such as restrooms, showers, picnic areas, and more.
If you walk all the way to the end of the beach you will find a sand bar with hundreds of sand dollars! They literally just wash up and sit on the surface, so be on the lookout and come prepared with something to put them in.
FAQ: Is Fort Desto Campground Worth Visiting?
Is alcohol allowed in Fort Desoto Campground?
No, alcohol is not allowed in Fort De Soto Campground. This state park has a strict no-alcohol policy in place to ensure that all visitors enjoy their camping experience. Make sure to leave your alcoholic beverages at home and respect the rules of the campground!
Can you have a fire at Fort De Soto Campground?
Yes, campfires are allowed at Fort De Soto Campground. There are fire pits and grills available in the camping areas, so you can enjoy a cozy night under the stars. However, make sure to only build fires in designated areas and be mindful of any local fire restrictions that may be in place.
Is Fort De Soto campground crowded?
Fort De Soto Campground is a very popular campground in Florida, and books months in advance. You will definitely need to make reservations to guarantee a spot for yourself and avoid any disappointment! I suggest calling the campground directly because while there are no sites showing online we saw dozens of empty sites during our week here.
What body of water is Fort De Soto’s campground?
Fort De Soto Campground is located on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico and Mullet Key Bayou, which is part of the Tampa Bay Estuary. The campground offers stunning views of this beautiful coastal estuary and its surrounding wildlife habitats.
Where is the best shelling in Fort Desoto?
The best place to find shells in Fort De Soto is the North Beach area. This beach has an abundance of shells that are perfect for collecting and taking home as souvenirs. So don’t forget to bring a bag along when you come to this area!
Conclusion: Is Fort De Soto Campground Worth Visiting?
This is one of our favorite campgrounds by far. With its stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico, a wide variety of activities, and a convenient location near St. Petersburg, Florida, Fort De Soto Campground is certainly worth visiting. So if you’re looking for a fun and unique camping experience, then this is definitely the place to visit!
Looking for more travel tips?
We love to share about our favorite destinations! Read more about Acadia National Park, including things to do in Acadia when it rains, Bar Harbor, our favorite things to do in Kentucky, Top Cincinnati attractions, kid-friendly activities in Santa Rosa Beach, and how to spend Christmas in Florida.
For our favorite places to stay, check out our campground page where you can learn more about the top camping memberships, including Passport America and Thousand Trails.
