Beach Days & Starry Nights: 4 Days at Fort De Soto Park

Looking for the best place to camp in Florida? Spoiler alert: It’s Fort De Soto Park! With miles of beautiful views of the sandy shoreline, this popular park covers five islands and 1,136 acres on the Gulf Coast & Tampa Bay.
This beautiful park is located at the southern tip of Tierra Verde, just south of St. Pete-Clearwater. Fort De Soto is a true hidden gem just waiting to be explored, and with its proximity to downtown St. Pete (20 minutes) and the Gulf Coast beaches and beach towns (12-plus minutes) it’s also a great base camp.
Follow along for tips from influencer Tee George who enjoyed a weekend camping getaway at Fort De Soto Park!








Fort De Soto Park
The Fort De Soto campground consists of 236 campsites, including those where you can bring your pet and the others that are pet-free. All the sites have electrical outlets and a drinking water spigot. Even though there are hundreds of spots, they fill up fast!
Rent a waterfront camping spot and stayed in a camper van, but you can also sleep under the stars in a tent if you wish. You can explore the park by foot, bike, or even by water. This was the perfect place to take in the beautiful nature that the St. Pete-Clearwater area offers.








Explore Fort De Soto Park
Not only did can you stay here, but you can also enjoy adventuring in just a small part of this massive park. There are 7 miles of paved trails for exploring via foot or bike (bikes are available for rent). You can also go on a 1.4-mile walk on the Fort De Soto Park Nature Trail or a 1.75-mile stroll through native fauna and flora on Soldiers Hole Trail. Spend time at the beach, soaking up that beautiful Florida sun. For the more active visitors, there are kayaks, beach cruiser bikes, and other pedal-powered vehicles for rent.
Topwater Kayak Outpost
Enjoy a peaceful paddle on the water at your own pace during a self-guided tour with Topwater Kayak Outpost! Choose from single or double kayaks and an array of paddleboards. If you are lucky, you might be able to see a few manatees and other wildlife. This truly is the perfect way to spend a day on the water. All guests are welcome on a first-come, first-served basis.
Island Grille & Raw Bar
The Island Grille & Raw Bar is an island-inspired restaurant on Tierra Verde is a can’t-miss. Come and try the delicious food, taste the fresh oysters from the raw bar, and take in a sunset while you sip a cocktail.
Sea Worthy Fish + Bar
Sea Worthy Fish + Bar is a chef-owned establishment featuring inspired seafood, coastal cocktails, and stunning Gulf views. Their goal is to provide the best of the Gulf's bounty while using quality ingredients from around the globe.
MadFish
Located just 15 minutes away by car on the award-winning St. Pete Beach is MadFish — a casual, eclectic diner offering homestyle breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They offer a twist on classic favorites with an innovative flare, providing the ultimate comfort food to locals and travelers alike.
Phila Deli
Phila Deli is a full-service deli located on the Pinellas Bayway has hands down the best Cheesesteaks around and they are as authentic as the original masterpieces you will find coming out of South Philly!
Billy's Stone Crab
Serving award-winning seafood and steak since 1972, Billy’s Stone Crab Restaurant is waterfront and built completely out of native cypress and pine. With breathtaking views of the harbor plus occasional live music on weekend the ambiance could not be better. As you can tell from the name, there is no better place to get fresh crab – they say it’s especially best October through May when the restaurant serves up the fresh catch from their own traps!
Paradise Grille
Paradise Grille is located right on the beach in the famous Pass-A-Grille area. With options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner there is no bad time to visit. Feet away from the beach it’s the perfect place to grab a bite before (or after) spending a day in the sun.