Best Backpacking Destinations in Tampa, United States
1. Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge
A secluded island refuge with pristine beaches and abundant wildlife, offering a peaceful retreat for backpackers.
- Wildlife Spotting: Opportunity to observe sea birds, dolphins, manatees, and other marine life.
- Historic Fort: Visit the remains of a historic Civil War-era fort on the island.
- Accessibility: Ferry service is required to access Egmont Key, adding an adventure element to the trip.
2. Cypress Creek Preserve
A vast wetland area with miles of trails, ideal for backpacking and wildlife observation.
- Wildlife Observation: Spot alligators, otters, birds, and other unique Florida wildlife.
- Mangrove Tunnels: Explore the unique mangrove tunnels that provide a sense of wonder.
- Solitude: Offers a secluded and peaceful experience for backpacking enthusiasts.
3. Oleta River State Park
Florida's largest urban state park featuring backcountry camping on Biscayne Bay.
- Backcountry Camping: Offers the unique experience of backpacking through a state park.
- Paddleboarding and Kayaking: Explore the beautiful mangrove tunnels by paddleboard or kayak.
- Proximity to Miami: Ideal location for backpackers looking to explore both nature and city life.
4. Anclote Key Preserve State Park
An island preserve with a historic lighthouse and beautiful beaches for backpacking.
- Historic Lighthouse: Visit the Anclote Key Lighthouse, built in 1887.
- Shelling: Enjoy shelling on pristine beaches along the Gulf Coast.
- Sandbar Exploration: Explore the sandbars that form at low tide and offer a unique experience.
5. Florida National Scenic Trail – Tampa Bay Area
A section of the Florida National Scenic Trail passing through Tampa's wilderness areas.
- Long-distance Hiking: Participate in long-distance hiking on a portion of the Florida National Scenic Trail.
- Diversity of Landscapes: Experience diverse landscapes, including swamps, prairies, and pine flatwoods.
- Urban to Wilderness Transition: Offers a unique transition from urban Tampa to wilderness areas.
6. Upper Tampa Bay Trail
A paved trail with scenic views of the bay and opportunities for wildlife spotting.
- Wildlife Spotting: Spot a variety of birds, alligators, and other wildlife along the trail.
- Accessibility: Paved trail offers an accessible backpacking experience for all skill levels.
- Scenic Views: Enjoy stunning views of Upper Tampa Bay and the surrounding wetlands.
7. Big Cypress National Preserve
A vast wilderness area with diverse ecosystems for backpacking and camping.
- Wilderness Experience: Experience the raw beauty of a vast wilderness area.
- Airboat Tours: Take an airboat tour to explore the unique ecosystems within the preserve.
- Camping Opportunities: Offers multiple campgrounds and backcountry campsites for overnight stays.
8. Myakka River State Park
A vast wilderness area with diverse ecosystems and opportunities for backpacking and camping.
- Wilderness Experience: Experience the raw beauty of a vast wilderness area.
- Airboat Tours: Take an airboat tour to explore the unique ecosystems within the park.
- Camping Opportunities: Offers multiple campgrounds and backcountry campsites for overnight stays.
9. Perkins Preserve
A protected wetland area with miles of hiking trails and opportunities for wildlife spotting.
- Wildlife Spotting: Spot alligators, otters, birds, and other unique Florida wildlife.
- Mangrove Tunnels: Explore the unique mangrove tunnels that provide a sense of wonder.
- Solitude: Offers a secluded and peaceful experience for backpacking enthusiasts.
10. Fort De Soto Park
A massive park with campgrounds, beaches, and miles of trails for hiking.
- Camping Opportunities: Offers multiple campgrounds for overnight stays.
- Beaches: Enjoy beautiful, secluded beaches along Tampa Bay.
- Miles of Trails: Explore miles of hiking trails through various habitats.
11. St. Petersburg City Passage
A waterfront trail connecting downtown St. Petersburg with Tampa Bay's beautiful beaches.
- Urban to Beach Transition: Experience a transition from urban St. Petersburg to beautiful beaches.
- Scenic Views: Enjoy stunning views of Tampa Bay and the city skyline.
- Accessibility: Paved trail offers an accessible backpacking experience for all skill levels.
12. Weedon Island Preserve
A coastal preserve with miles of hiking trails, mangrove forests, and opportunities for wildlife spotting.
- Wildlife Spotting: Spot alligators, otters, birds, and other unique Florida wildlife.
- Mangrove Forests: Explore the unique mangrove forests that provide a sense of wonder.
- Solitude: Offers a secluded and peaceful experience for backpacking enthusiasts.
13. Lower Tampa Bay Trail
A paved trail with scenic views of the bay and opportunities for wildlife spotting.
- Wildlife Spotting: Spot a variety of birds, alligators, and other wildlife along the trail.
- Accessibility: Paved trail offers an accessible backpacking experience for all skill levels.
- Scenic Views: Enjoy stunning views of Lower Tampa Bay and the surrounding wetlands.
14. Lettuce Lake Park
A park with hiking trails, canoe rentals, and opportunities for wildlife spotting.
- Wildlife Spotting: Spot alligators, otters, birds, and other unique Florida wildlife.
- Canoe Rentals: Rent a canoe to explore the park's waterways.
- Hiking Trails: Explore miles of hiking trails through various habitats.
15. Honeymoon Island State Park
A beautiful island state park with beaches, hiking trails, and opportunities for wildlife spotting.
- Beaches: Enjoy beautiful, secluded beaches along the Gulf Coast.
- Hiking Trails: Explore miles of hiking trails through various habitats.
- Wildlife Spotting: Spot alligators, otters, birds, and other unique Florida wildlife.