Updated November 4, 2026
Planning your day trip
Many Tampa Bay campers set up base at one campground and drive out each day. For attractions, events and ideas around the bay, see The Bay Weekend. Below are state and county parks we found with official pages, with the status notes on those pages as of November 4, 2026. Parking for large rigs is not always available, so leave the motorhome at camp when you can.
Pinellas: Fort De Soto
Fort De Soto Park sits on a chain of islands near Tierra Verde. Pinellas County reported that the historic fort, dog beach and fishing piers reopened January 6, 2025, after Hurricane damage. It is also a campground with 236 sites, so you can stay on site. Check the county page for current area closures.
Hillsborough: rivers and springs
Hillsborough River State Park in Thonotosassa has seven miles of trails, Class II rapids on the Hillsborough River, and paddling; the park page lists a $6 vehicle fee and says the pool is closed until further notice. Lithia Springs Conservation Park is a Hillsborough County park known for its spring; as of the county page update of 11-3-26, the spring is closed due to high water, so call before you go. Little Manatee River State Park in Wimauma has paddling access, though its North Trail and Oxbow Nature Trail were temporarily closed per the park page.
Sarasota and Manatee: wild Florida
Myakka River State Park has trails, a campfire circle and the Pink Gator Cafe, with the Birdwalk closed for structural repairs after Hurricane Milton. Oscar Scherer State Park in Osprey has about 15 miles of hiking trails and access to the 12-mile Legacy Trail. Lake Manatee State Park offers a swimming beach with no lifeguards, fishing docks and a boat ramp.
Beyond the bay: springs and the Nature Coast
About two hours north, Rainbow Springs State Park offers river swimming, paddling and kayak rentals; note that day-use visitors have needed a reservation since April 29, 2026, and parking is limited through February 4, 2027, per the park page. Near Orlando, Wekiwa Springs and Blue Spring are popular: Blue Spring's spring run closes to water activities during manatee season (roughly November 15 through March 31), and day-use reservations are required there starting July 15, 2026.
Tips for towing and parking
- Call ahead: parks fill and close at capacity, especially in summer at Wekiwa Springs.
- Most state parks open at 8 a.m. and close at sundown, so plan your return trip before dark.
- Pets: leashes of 6 feet or less are common, and pets are not allowed in swim areas.
- Burn bans mean no campfires in several parks right now; bring a propane stove instead.
- Ask each campground about day-trip parking before bringing a large rig into a crowded beach lot.
Sample weekend plans
Here are three simple ideas using only places with official pages in our directory:
- Pinellas weekend: camp at Fort De Soto and spend the days on the island park, then check The Bay Weekend for events on the mainland.
- Sarasota-Manatee weekend: base at Lake Manatee, Oscar Scherer or Myakka River State Park, and take the Legacy Trail from Oscar Scherer on a bike.
- Hillsborough and Pasco weekend: stay at a Zephyrhills resort or Hillsborough River State Park, and explore the river trails and paddling spots nearby.
Each park page lists a vehicle fee (for example $5 at Oscar Scherer and Lake Manatee, $6 at Myakka River and Hillsborough River), so keep a few dollars handy. Call before you go if the weather has been wet; the Lithia Springs and Hillsborough River notices show how closures can change quickly.
What to bring
For most of these stops, a few items make the day easier: a printed or saved copy of the park page, water, sun protection, a leash for your dog where pets are allowed, and your reservation confirmation if you need a day-use pass. Several parks now require day-use reservations (Rainbow Springs and, from July 15, 2026, Blue Spring), so check the official page before you drive. If your campground has a camp store, ask what is available; Rainbow Springs, for example, has a campground store and Myakka River has a cafe.
Finally, check the weather before heading to Gulf-side or river-side parks, because high water and storm cleanup can close trails and swim areas with little notice.