Whether you’re exploring the local area or hanging out at the campground, KOA Holidays are an ideal place to relax and play. There’s plenty to do, with amenities and services to make your stay memorable. Plus, you’ll enjoy the outdoor experience with upgraded RV Sites with KOA Patio® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths for camping in comfort. Bring your family, bring your friends, or bring the whole group – there’s plenty of ways to stay and explore.
Whether you’re exploring the local area or hanging out at the campground, KOA Holidays are an ideal place to relax and play. There’s plenty to do, with amenities and services to make your stay memorable. Plus, you’ll enjoy the outdoor experience with upgraded RV Sites with KOA Patio® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths for camping in comfort. Bring your family, bring your friends, or bring the whole group – there’s plenty of ways to stay and explore.
From the North: Take US Hwy 19 S, 1 mile past Klosterman Road. KOA is on the left (east side).
From the South: Take US Hwy 19 N, 1 mile past Alderman Road. KOA is on the right (east side).
GPS: N28.108938, W82.739268
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If you've ever spent a perfect day at Honeymoon Island State Park — the kind where the Gulf water is glass-clear and the osprey are circling overhead — you've probably had the same thought every visitor has: I wish I didn't have to leave.
The catch is that Honeymoon Island doesn't offer overnight camping. The park gates close at sundown, which means even on the best days, everyone heads home. But that doesn't mean your trip has to end. Some of the best campgrounds and RV parks in the Tampa Bay area are just minutes from the island, giving you a home base to explore Honeymoon Island, nearby Caladesi Island, and all the Gulf Coast beaches in between.
Here's everything you need to know about camping near Honeymoon Island — and how to make the most of your stay.
Honeymoon Island State Park is a day-use park only. It's open from 8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year, with a vehicle entrance fee of $8. There are no tent sites, RV hookups, or overnight facilities on the island itself.
Its sister park, Caladesi Island State Park — accessible by ferry from Honeymoon Island — does offer a handful of primitive campsites right on the beach. But those sites are limited, require a boat or ferry to reach, and come with no running water or electricity. They fill up fast and aren't practical for most RV travelers or families.
The best option? Set up camp at a nearby campground on the mainland. You'll have full hookups, hot showers, a pool to come back to, and you can drive to Honeymoon Island in under 15 minutes.
Several campgrounds and RV parks sit within easy driving distance of Honeymoon Island. Here are your top options in the Palm Harbor and Clearwater area:
Clearwater / Lake Tarpon KOA Holiday — Located on US Highway 19 in Palm Harbor, this KOA is less than six miles from Honeymoon Island. It offers full-hookup RV sites (30/50-amp, up to 65 feet), two cabins, a heated pool that's open year-round, mini golf, a KampK9 pet park with a wash station, and complimentary light breakfast. It's also directly across from the Innisbrook Golf Resort and within walking distance of several restaurants. If you're looking for a campground that combines beach access with real amenities, this is the closest full-service option to Honeymoon Island.
Sun Retreats Dunedin — A campground in Dunedin, about 8 miles south of Honeymoon Island. It's an adults-only park with full hookups and a pool, situated along the Pinellas Trail.
Caladesi RV Park — Also in Palm Harbor, this park is a straightforward RV-focused option with full hookups, a pool, and a camp store. A solid budget choice close to the island.
One of the best things about camping in the Palm Harbor area is that Honeymoon Island is just the beginning. Within a short drive of your campsite, you'll find:
Caladesi Island State Park — Consistently ranked among the top beaches in the country, Caladesi Island is reachable by ferry from Honeymoon Island or by private boat. The beach is uncrowded, the water is crystal clear, and it's one of the few completely natural barrier islands left in Florida.
Fred Howard Park — A 155-acre county park in Tarpon Springs with a one-mile causeway leading to a white-sand beach. Calm waters, kayak rentals, picnic shelters, and a butterfly garden. Entrance is $5 per vehicle — a local favorite that most tourists don't know about.
Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks — Just 15 minutes north of most Palm Harbor campgrounds, the historic sponge docks offer authentic Greek restaurants, sponge diving boat tours, bakeries, and waterfront shopping. It's one of the most unique cultural destinations on Florida's Gulf Coast.
Anclote Key Preserve State Park — A completely undeveloped barrier island accessible by boat from Tarpon Springs. Four islands with pristine beaches, shelling, bird watching, and a historic lighthouse. Several charter services run trips from the Anclote River.
The Pinellas Trail — A 47-mile paved trail running from Tarpon Springs to St. Petersburg, perfect for biking, jogging, or a long walk. Several campgrounds in the area are within easy reach of trail access points.
Arrive at the park early. Honeymoon Island reaches capacity on busy weekends — especially from October through April. The parking lot can fill by mid-morning on peak days. Getting there when the gates open at 8 a.m. gives you the best shot at a stress-free visit.
Bring your own shade. There are some covered picnic areas, but most of the beach is open. A pop-up canopy or beach umbrella is a must, especially in the summer months.
Don't skip the nature trail. The Osprey Trail on the north end of the island is a short, shaded loop through coastal hammock and mangrove habitat. You'll see osprey nests, gopher tortoises, and — if you're lucky — the occasional bald eagle.
Plan for pets. Honeymoon Island has a dedicated pet beach on the south end of the island, making it one of the few state parks in Florida where dogs are welcome on the sand. If you're camping nearby at a pet-friendly park like the Clearwater / Lake Tarpon KOA, you can bring your dog to the beach during the day and let them cool off at the pet wash station when you get back to camp.
The Clearwater / Lake Tarpon KOA Holiday is the closest full-service campground to Honeymoon Island, with RV sites, cabins, and everything you need for a Gulf Coast camping trip. Full-hookup RV sites start at $69 per night.
Reserve your site at Clearwater / Lake Tarpon KOA Holiday
That doesn't mean this area has to always be empty. When you start reviewing camping options, your history will display here to help compare sites and find the best stay. You will be able to share your stay information with friends or family and save it for a later time if you have a KOA Account.
Make checkout easy by booking all your reservations at once. Add your sites from different campgrounds into your shopping cart* and then choose checkout.
