Best RV Beach Camping Near Tampa, FL: 5 Scenic Waterfront Escapes
If you're dreaming of salty breezes, ocean views from your campsite, and a grill sizzling as the sun dips below the horizon, RV beach camping near Tampa, FL might be exactly what your soul needs.
Whether you're after a quiet lakeside getaway or crashing waves on the Gulf Coast, there are incredible spots just a short drive from the city where you can park your RV and soak in the beauty of waterfront living. With full hookups, picnic tables, and that sweet smell of sunscreen and barbecue, these destinations offer the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.
Here are five must-visit spots for RV renters looking to enjoy RV beach camping near Tampa, FL.
1. Fort De Soto Park – Tierra Verde, FL
Distance from Tampa: 45 minutes
If you want to wake up steps from the Gulf, Fort De Soto is your go-to. This award-winning park offers waterfront RV sites with full hookups, shaded picnic areas, and direct beach access.
What to Expect:
- Paddleboarding through mangroves
- Shell-hunting at sunrise
- Grilling fresh seafood while watching the sunset
Why It’s Great for RV Beach Camping:
It’s rare to find this level of natural beauty and amenities so close to the city. You’ll enjoy electric and water hookups, fire rings, and a peaceful setting without losing connection to modern comforts.
2. Henderson Beach State Park – Destin, FL
Distance from Tampa: 6 hours (best for a long weekend)
This is a stretch for a weekend, but for those willing to go the extra mile, the reward is sugar-white sand, emerald-green water, and uncrowded, pristine beaches. The park offers full hookup RV sites just a short boardwalk away from the Gulf.
What to Expect:
- Miles of untouched shoreline
- Romantic beach walks
- Bonfires under the stars
Why It’s Great for RV Beach Camping Near Tampa, FL:
It offers that "far away from it all" feeling with stunning Gulf views and modern RV amenities. Think peace, privacy, and pure beach bliss.
3. Fort Pickens Campground – Pensacola Beach, FL
Distance from Tampa: 6.5 hours
Set in the Gulf Islands National Seashore, Fort Pickens delivers a secluded beach camping experience that feels like you're part of another time. RV sites are nestled between dunes and old military forts, offering a quiet base to explore the coastline.
What to Expect:
- Swimming in clear Gulf waters
- Exploring 19th-century fort ruins
- Campfires and stargazing
Why It’s Ideal for RV Beach Camping:
There’s nothing commercial about this place—it’s just raw beauty and coastal history. Sites have water and electric hookups, and the surrounding nature is unbeatable.
4. Little Manatee River State Park – Wimauma, FL
Distance from Tampa: 35 minutes
While not oceanfront, this riverside gem offers shaded RV sites, access to swimming, kayaking, and grilling areas along the tranquil Little Manatee River. It’s a great inland option for those wanting to stay close to home.
What to Expect:
- Tubing or paddling on the river
- Quiet woods and wildlife watching
- Peaceful grilling spots near the water
Why It’s Still Beach Camping (Florida-Style):
Though not on the coast, it provides the same relaxed waterside vibe with easier access and fewer crowds.
5. Lake Kissimmee State Park – Lake Wales, FL
Distance from Tampa: 1.5 hours
Trade saltwater for freshwater without losing the magic of waterside RV camping. Lake Kissimmee State Park offers large RV sites near the lake, perfect for couples or families who love swimming, fishing, and grilling under the oaks.
What to Expect:
- Bass fishing right from shore
- Picnic lunches by the boat ramp
- Evenings filled with campfire stories and s’mores
Why It’s Great for RV Beach Camping Near Tampa, FL:
You’ll find the serenity of the water without the coastal crowds—plus fantastic birdwatching and hiking trails.
Pack the Grill, Grab the Swimsuits, and Hit the Beach
RV beach camping near Tampa, FL offers the perfect combination of freedom, comfort, and scenic beauty. Whether you want to surf and swim or just nap in a hammock with ocean breezes, there's a waterfront destination within reach—and your adventure starts with the right RV.
Looking to make your beach camping dreams a reality?
Start your trip with the best RV rental in Tampa. Visit Tampa RV Rentals to browse fully-equipped RVs perfect for beachfront escapes, lakefront lounging, or riverfront retreats. Choose your rig, pick your destination, and let the road lead to the water.
Because the best beach vacations don’t come with room service—they come with wheels.
