Booking a campsite at Fort De Soto Park
Published 2026-10-18 · Updated 2026-10-18 · Facts from Pinellas County Parks & Conservation Resources, each linked.
Short answer: Fort De Soto books on Pinellas County's own reservation system, not Florida State Parks. Online on the Pinellas County reservation system, by phone at (727) 582-2100 (option 2, Mon–Fri 8 a.m.–5 p.m.) or at the Parks office in Largo. Up to six months ahead; Pinellas County residents up to seven months. [Pinellas County Parks & Conservation Resources]
Quick facts
| Booking window | Up to 6 months ahead; Pinellas County residents up to 7 (proof of residency at check-in) [Pinellas County Parks & Conservation Resources] |
|---|---|
| RVs | Sites 1–85: units shorter than 16 ft; sites 86–236 accommodate all camping units (no maximum length stated) [Pinellas County Parks & Conservation Resources] |
| Hookups | Water and 30/50-amp electric at all sites (no sewer listed) [Pinellas County Parks & Conservation Resources] |
| Pets | Pets allowed only in Area 2 (sites 86–164) [Pinellas County Parks & Conservation Resources] |
| Fees | Per night plus 6% tourist tax and 7% state tax: sites 1–85 $40.50 ($42.50 waterfront); sites 86–236 $45.50 ($47.50 waterfront) [Pinellas County Parks & Conservation Resources] |
Reservation window calculator
Today is Sat, Oct 31, 2026 (Eastern time at the destination). Each system releases one new arrival date per day at its opening time; dates below are the latest arrival you can book once today's release opens. Our arithmetic from each agency's published rule — confirm on the booking site, which is the authority.
| Booking system | Window | New dates open | Bookable today through | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida State Parks | 11 months | 8 a.m. ET | Thu, Sep 30, 2027 | Florida State Parks |
| Recreation.gov | 6 months | Time not listed — see the campground's Seasons & Fees tab | Fri, Apr 30, 2027 | Recreation.gov; Recreation.gov |
| Pinellas County (Fort De Soto) | 6 months | Time not listed by Pinellas County | Fri, Apr 30, 2027 | Pinellas County Parks & Conservation Resources |
- Florida State Parks: Florida residents can reserve up to 11 months before arrival and non-residents up to 10 months; new dates open daily at 8 a.m. Eastern. The calculator uses the 11-month resident window; subtract a month if you live out of state.
- Recreation.gov: Most campsites can be booked six months before arrival, but not always; each campground's Seasons & Fees tab has its own window. Fort Pickens says all its sites open 6 months ahead.
- Pinellas County (Fort De Soto): Fort De Soto campsites can be reserved up to six months ahead; Pinellas County residents up to seven months, with proof of residency at check-in.
- Florida State Parks: already inside the 11-month window (opened Fri, Jun 19, 2026)
- Recreation.gov: opens Thu, Nov 19, 2026 (opening time not listed)
- Pinellas County (Fort De Soto): opens Thu, Nov 19, 2026 (opening time not listed)
Fort De Soto Park sits on five islands at the mouth of Tampa Bay in Pinellas County. The county runs the campground and takes reservations online, by phone or at the Parks office in Largo. [Pinellas County Parks & Conservation Resources]
Pick the right area before you book
Sites 1–85: units shorter than 16 ft; sites 86–236 accommodate all camping units (no maximum length stated). Pets allowed only in Area 2 (sites 86–164). [Pinellas County Parks & Conservation Resources]
If you're bringing a dog, book in the pet area; if you're towing a trailer of 16 ft or more, stay out of the small-unit sites.
Season and office hours
Year-round rates; camp office open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily (Pinellas County) [Pinellas County Parks & Conservation Resources]
The campground
Frequently asked questions
- How far ahead can I book Fort De Soto?
- Up to six months ahead; Pinellas County residents can book up to seven months ahead and show proof of residency at check-in. [Pinellas County Parks & Conservation Resources]
- Are dogs allowed at Fort De Soto's campground?
- Pets allowed only in Area 2 (sites 86–164). [Pinellas County Parks & Conservation Resources]
Related
- St. Pete & Clearwater campgrounds
- Florida State Parks booking
- Tampa Bay campgrounds
- Hurricane season camping guide
- Winter camping demand
Sources
- Pinellas County Parks & Conservation Resources — Camping Information (Fort De Soto Campground) (checked 2026-10-18)
- Florida State Parks — Reservation Information (checked 2026-10-18)
- Recreation.gov — Tips for Making Campsite Reservations at Popular Locations (checked 2026-10-18)
- Recreation.gov — Fort Pickens Campground (checked 2026-10-18)