Thanks to the fact that the St Petersburg area is heavily developed, there aren't an overflowing amount of campgrounds here. That doesn't mean that St Petersburg camping isn't possible, or that it can't be rewarding. Heading out to one of the underdeveloped barrier islands, or keys, is always an option if you want to do some beach camping in St Petersburg. If you want to camp on pristine Shell Key, be forewarned that the island sorely lacks in facilities and amenities, which means you'll have to bring a bunch of stuff over on the boat.

If you're looking to set up camp in St Petersburg during your visit, you can always make a break for the St Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA. One of the more complete St Petersburg campgrounds, this KOA offering is just a couple of miles from the white sand beaches on the Gulf of Mexico coast, so you can enjoy plenty of beach time during your stay. There are lots of fun things that you can do on the side when you camp in St Petersburg, and visiting the area beaches is just one of them. The St Petersburg Resort KOA is pet friendly, and it offers both tent and RV sites. Camping lodges and cabin accommodations are also available if you prefer. Because it is set along a bayou, this St Petersburg camping destination is a good place to fish. Among the amenities is a fishing dock. Other campground amenities include a collection of hot tubs and an outdoor swimming pool. There's even a miniature golf course here!

St Petersburg camping can see you hooking up your RV at a few different area campgrounds. Among them are the Dunedin RV Resort, which boasts 233 tent and RV sites, and the Yankee Traveler Recreational Travel Park, which has 200 RV-only sites. Both of these St Petersburg campgrounds have swimming pools, as is also the case at the Sherwood Forest RV Park. Like the Dunedin RV Resort, the Sherwood Forest RV Park has both RV and tent sites, and it features a pool as well. You'll be close to some of the best beaches in the area when staying at one of these RV resorts, which is part of the reason why they are quite popular. The St Petersburg area boasts some of the top beaches in Florida, which is saying quite a lot, and staying close to the coast has its definite advantages.

St Petersburg Map

Shoving off to Shell Key at some point is recommended when visiting the St Petersburg area. While most people come for just a few hours to relax on the deserted beaches on Shell Key, others look to stay overnight. Since there are no hotels on Shell Key, those who wish to stay overnight have to camp. You'll have to bring everything with you when you Shell Key is where you choose to camp in St Petersburg. This includes a portable toilet. You can only camp in the southern public use area on Shell Key, and you can set up close to the sand if you please. Over at nearby Fort De Soto Park, which is home to one of the best beaches in the entire country, the facilities are more abundant.

Fort De Soto Park offers what is easily one of the best St Petersburg campgrounds. The 238 family-friendly sites at this island park boasts ample facilities, including laundry facilities. Other facilities, or amenities if you prefer, include electricity, barbecue grills, garbage disposal stations, restrooms, showers, and fresh water. There's also a camp store here, not to mention a play area for youngsters. Making your St Petersburg camping reservations in advance is always a good idea, especially if you are looking to camp on one of the island campgrounds, such as the one at Fort De Soto Park. A special permit is required if you want to camp on Shell Key, so you have no other choice but to arrange your stay in advance either way if that's where you choose to go when it comes to the St Petersburg campgrounds.