Fort Desoto Campground, Florida

 My suggestion is: If you don't love water,  don't come here! This beautiful park is mostly used by locals.  So consider yourself lucky that I am sharing the top notch goods with you. Just kidding.

http://www.pinellascounty.org/park/camping.htm 

This affordable jungle-like campground is literally surrounded by water on all sides. It has approximately 236 sites and books often months in advance. There are many water sites to choose from, many of them very spacious.  You'll be by mangroves on some sites.  This is literally a Florida experience at its best. 

There are separate sections of the park: 

1. If you own or don't mind being around people with pets. The pet section. 

2. You guessed it:  Non-pet section for rigs of all sizes and tents. 

3. Tent sites that can only fit tents or very small trailers. No pets here. 

There is no lighting at night except for the entrance to the park and bath houses. Speaking of bath houses. There are plenty somewhat open concept ones, all within a short walk. No matter where in the park you are camping.  

This park does not have full hookup.  Your $$ will get you electricity and water. 

Here comes the fun part:  You'll have access to launch your kayak or boat from many areas. The beaches are all within a 5 minute car drive. There is a campstore near the entrance where you can buy basic nessesaties, including ice. Bikes are also available for rent there. A kayak rental is just a short drive away. 

Manatees and dolphins can be seen often. Not to mention birds of all sizes and tons of tiny cute lizards and geckos. The occasional snake. Raccoons. Then there's 🐟,  some of them mastered the art of flying.  Bald Eagles anyone? Yep, 5 nests were counted this year. 

There are 2 ferries within the same distance: Egmont and Shell Key. A boat launch area is nearby as well. See links below for schedules. 

https://www.hubbardsmarina.com/egmont-key-ferry-cruise/

https://www.hubbardsmarina.com/shell-key-ferry/

The Fort Desoto beaches are white, wide and easily accessible with plenty of parking.  

Pros:

- affordable

- well-maintained 

- pet friendly 

- nearby dog park, dog beach, people beaches & trails 

- within a 30 minute drive to St. Petersburg,  Pasadena, Gulfport, Pinellas Park, western Tampa and Bradenton, FL

- great winter destination 

Cons:

- toll-only access

- reservations online only

- 🐜 ants, mosquitos,  no-see-ums 

- hot & humid in the summer

As I am writing this Joe and I have camphosted here for 7 months and love this location.