Skyway Bridge rest area. | Wild Camping

January 13th, 2024 by Wal18

Nice place to stay after some fishing in the Skyway bridge south pier,so far no problems, we go there almost every weekend ,this place still open and functional.

February 27th, 2022 by rosieclimber

Rest stop just before the skyway bridge heading south bound from st Petersburg area. About 15min from down town st Pete. Large parking lot with water front access. There’s a pier where people fish but no over night There. The rest area has lots parking. Access to bathrooms, lots large spaces for big rigs, people were parked overnight. There is a signs that say no overnight or camping. But it’s a rest stop where I stayed overnight a couple nites. Lots vans and campers like mine. Pretty safe quiet other than some road noise and vehicles coming and going. No one bothered me or the other folks parked here.

February 22nd, 2022 by ozymandias.steiner

This place is permanently closed.

January 27th, 2022 by allinyfreitas

A beautiful and organizated rest area. A little noisy from trucks and road. They have restrooms, food and cashier machines. Good for one night.

January 6th, 2022 by KittyKittyBangBang

This most definitely is NOT an overnight caming spot, not any longer. We followed the Dec 28 post advice and parked in the concrete just before the booth to the fishing pier. Another van joined an hour and a half later. An officer came by and flashed lights lights honked at around midnight, and the other van left right away while the officer followed. We stayed out because we kind of look like a utility truck, so we chanced it. But we got a knock just before 7am, the officer had slapped a red sticker on our truck and told us that he could've had us towed 2 hours prior. He said that it absolutely is not an overnight parking spot, but he at least did direct us to the beach in time for sunrise. So we weren't ticketed or fined but I still wouldn't chance it again. From some online shopping, I'm getting the picture that the rest area was revamped about a year ago, pkus the beach camping that used to be allowed was out to a stop about two years ago - "one rave too many" and people not picking up their trash seem to have driven it to this point. So things have definitely changed, sadly.

December 28th, 2021 by advanturezach

Beautiful area to be, confusing place to understand. Parking on concrete before the pier is where you should park. Instead of going right into the rest area, go left towards the pier. The pier is gated with a booth, so you can’t accidentally drive on to it. If there are signs saying “do not park on right away” it means the area near those signs, which is grassy. I managed to park behind the signs overnight but was told to move by a road assist truck at 7am. He said I could park on the concrete as long as I wanted, but not near those signs. Also from sunrise to sunset there’s a whole different part that opens up with beach parking on both sides of the highway. No RVs or travel trailers are allowed in this area, but I didn’t get bothered with my sprinter.

To recap you are trying to get to the fishing pier on the southwest side of the island to park overnight but not actually go on the pier, park after you pass the “no parking on the right of way” signs and park on the concrete either side at your comfort level.

Night shot is where you don’t park. :-)

December 26th, 2021 by dawn.phoenixm

3 hour parking limit enforced by guards, overnight stays at the rest areas prohibited.

May 27th, 2021 by macymeadowsx

CLOSED
some one illegally dumped their black tank there I was told by an employee and they now have signs up no parking anywhere at night. during the day it's 3 hours maximum.
keep places clean so everyone can enjoy

May 13th, 2021 by mieshapullano

Parked overnight at rest area. Cleared it with the guy working here and he said security knew and it was okay. Can no longer park along road as some rvers have ruined it by dumping waste and trash. There are signs up where the original photos where taken.

A little loud and bright but felt safe and welcoming. Clean bathrooms as well

March 28th, 2021 by ricardo_olazo

Parking along the road between outside Rest Area and before pier. Very noisy when arrived but not bad overnight. Many campers, vans and cars too

March 9th, 2021 by chrsavardcsa

See the pictures and GPS info of Tonyl to understand where you can park. Yes overnight parking permitted and no signs. Those who saw signs this is because you were in the rest area parking. Overnight parking is near the rest area along the road and the water. A lot of persons there. Very nice spot and sunsets. But very noisy because of the traffic on the bridge.

March 5th, 2021 by joshclittle

Great place to stay the night. Quiet with a little road noise. If you’re coming here arrive at night to see the skyway bridge lit up. It’s really cool.

February 7th, 2021 by sierraindia87

I did not find any potable water spigots at this location. I think the OP mixed up the rest stops, the pictures appear to be the first rest stop if you are approaching the bridge from the south.

January 17th, 2021 by camping time

Enjoyed boondocking here for a night. Nice Spot!

January 16th, 2021 by justin33710

I've stayed here a few times, never a problem. usually other vans parked around, if you ask they might have to tell you no but they don't enforce it.

January 14th, 2021 by al.v.speer

You are not allowed to overnight here. It is 3 hour parking ONLY. We asked the security on site and he was extremely nice but said that it is only 3 hour parking day or night. If you want a good chill place to hang out for a minute this is definitely the place to go.

December 7th, 2020 by truthoftraveling.com

There are signs around that say 3 hour parking and there is security that patrols the parking lot of the rest area each night. I imagine they might kick some people out. We asked the security guard if it was okay if we spent the night and he was really nice about it and said it was fine with him. There were a few trucks and 2 RV’s that also spent the night and were gone early in the AM. Overall good place to stay but it’s probably a good idea to ask security just in case. Bathrooms are really clean as well.

December 1st, 2020 by alicia.n.yoder

Amazing place to park! Patrolled at night. Prob about 10 long spaces for rv’s or trailers. And a beautiful sunset view on north side!

July 2nd, 2020 by tonyl5952

Nice area to stay a few days. Close water hookup on the Manatee side of the bridge. it's next to a handicap spot but reachable with hose. I pit a picture of it below.

June 24th, 2020 by tonyl5952

Just wanted to add that the authorities don't bother anyone here because they rather have rv's park outside of rest area. Some people stay here for months.

June 24th, 2020 by tonyl5952

Camping on both sides of bridge near rest area. Rest area has portable water spigots. Great spot to fish on the water. Manatee side of bridge has more space but St Pete side has great beach area along mangroves to camp for the day only. They shut those gates at 8pm. Both sides of bridge have. rest areas. Great cell service with my Verizon cell.