Fort DeSoto Park
About This Campground
Tampa Bay island camping with pristine beaches. Kayaking, birding, and warm waters.
Amenities & Facilities
Location
Van Life Tips
Potable water is available — bring containers to fill up for your van.
At 4.4 stars with 543 reviews, this site is well worth checking out.
Van Life Guide to Fort DeSoto Park
Overview
Fort DeSoto Park sits on Mullet Key, an island at the mouth of Tampa Bay. Seven miles of shoreline, a former military fort you can actually walk through, and some of the calmest kayaking water on the Gulf Coast. It's the kind of place where you set up camp and realize you don't need to drive anywhere for days. The county park runs it well — paved roads, real bathrooms, and a camp store that sells ice, firewood, and decent coffee. For van lifers coming off I-275, it feels like a different world, even though downtown St. Pete is 20 minutes away.
Facilities & Services
Flush toilets and hot showers included in camping fee — a genuine luxury after days on the road
No electrical hookups at campsites, but the park has charging stations near the marina
Camp store with basic groceries, ice, firewood, and camping supplies (open year-round)
Potable water spigots throughout the campground — fill your jugs for free
Paved, level campsites with picnic tables and fire rings
Free WiFi at the marina area (signal weak at most campsites)
Walmart Supercenter is 15 minutes south in St. Pete for restocking
Van Life Essentials
Cell signal is solid for all three carriers — Verizon and AT&T get full bars, T-Mobile is strong. Good enough for remote work from your van
Solar charging works well here. Sites have partial shade in the morning but full afternoon sun for panels
The park entrance fee is $5 per vehicle on top of camping — budget for it
Laundry facilities are not in the park, but there's a laundromat 10 minutes away in Tierra Verde
Pro tip: arrive Tuesday through Thursday if you can. Weekends fill fast, especially November through April
Best Time to Visit
Spring (Mar–May)
Best weather window. Warm but not brutal, low humidity, wildflowers blooming. This is peak season for a reason.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Hot, humid, and daily afternoon thunderstorms are normal. Beach is still swimmable. Bugs are aggressive — bring repellent.
Fall (Sep–Nov)
Hurricane season tails off by November. October is still warm but less crowded. Great value window.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Mild and pleasant — 60s and 70s most days. This is when snowbirds fill the park. Book well in advance.
Nearby Recommendations
Pass-a-Grille Beach
10 min drive
Old-school Florida beach town. Good restaurants, surf shops, and a laid-back vibe.
Egmont Key State Park
Boat access only
Kayak over from Fort DeSoto for deserted beaches and lighthouse ruins. Half-day trip minimum.
St. Petersburg
25 min drive
Dalí Museum, craft breweries, and the kind of city infrastructure van lifers need — Costco, REI, mechanic shops.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fort DeSoto Park free to camp at?
Fort DeSoto Park costs $32/night. Check recreation.gov for current rates and reservation availability.
What amenities are available?
Available amenities include: flush toilets, water, showers, picnic tables.
Is Fort DeSoto Park good for van life?
Fort DeSoto Park is a great option for van life camping. Located in St. Petersburg, Florida, this county park campground offers camping at $32/nightfor van dwellers exploring the area.
Florida Van Life Guide
Complete guide to van life in Florida — costs, best camping, laws, and tips.
View Florida Guide