We just spent a month at the MacDill AFB Family Campground (aka FamCamp). We love its central location to tons of activities and amazing beaches! It is very large with 366 full-hookup sites (electricity, water, sewer, and cable TV). Folks staying for a few months can even get an account with the local provider and get internet/telephone service. They also have several partial hook-up spots with water and electric and a tent camping area.
Main FamCamp
The campground is divided into two parts. The main FamCamp is by the base beach on Tampa Bay. This area has two dog parks and new this year, a dog beach! The main campground also has a laundry room and bathhouse. This is really the only place with a strong Wi-Fi signal, but the drawback is that both times we have stayed at this campground, the air conditioner was out in this building.
Base Beach and Seascapes
The water is not really deep enough to swim, but you can wade in the water or just enjoy soaking up the sun. The beach also has a volleyball net and picnic pavilions. If you prefer, you can enjoy the restaurant, Seascapes BeachHouse, which is open for lunch on weekdays and dinner on weekends. The outdoor Tiki Hut bar is also on the weekends so you can enjoy a cocktail and the fabulous sunsets. On Friday nights they have Family Fun Night with a DJ and activities for the kids.
Marina
The base marina is also adjacent to the FamCamp. They have boats and kayaks for rent, as well as wet slips to store your own boat and a boat launch ramp. They also sell bait and assorted sundries. Outdoor recreation rentals are co-located with the marina and they rent bicycles, tents, and much more.
FamCamp Annex
The FamCamp Annex provides another section of full-hookup sites near the golf course. The spaces here are farther apart and most have paved parking. However, there is no additional bathhouse here, so if you need that amenity you may want to choose the main campground.
Reservations
Now you’ve probably noticed that there is a ton of space right now. That’s because it is summertime and you will never need reservations to come this time of year. If you want to come in the winter, that is another story all together. In the winter, this is a snow bird’s paradise and the only way you can get into full hookups is to make a reservation a year in advance. If you call to reserve a site arriving early in the season, say October, you will likely get one. However, if you are trying to arrive later in the season you will most likely have to get on the waiting list.
A great source of information for the MacDill AFB campground and others is the website US Military Campgrounds and RV Parks. It provides a wealth of information including which gate to enter the installation, as well as reviews.
Do you have to be a military person to stay at the MacDill AFB campground or is it open to anyone?
You don’t have to be military, but you do have to be one of the following: Active Duty, Retirees, Reserves, National Guard, 100% DAV, DOD Civilians. This website is a good resource to learn specifics about military campgrounds https://www.militarycampgrounds.us