Courtney Campbell Trail
A scenic 9.5-mile trail across Old Tampa Bay, perfect for cycling, running, and enjoying breathtaking water views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Courtney Campbell Trail
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A scenic 9.5-mile trail across Old Tampa Bay, perfect for cycling, running, and enjoying breathtaking water views.
"Fantastic place for cardio and socializing with love the view and seeing nature."
🚗 Parking Strategy
Cypress Point Park is your best bet for reliable parking. Check Fdot for repair updates.
🚴♀️ Bike or Walk
This 9.5-mile trail is perfect for cycling, running, or a leisurely stroll.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Scenic Water Views
Along the entire 9.5-mile trail
Enjoy breathtaking vistas of Old Tampa Bay, perfect for photos and a refreshing escape.
Dedicated Bike Bridges
Various points along the trail
Safely separated from traffic, these bridges offer a smooth and secure cycling experience.
Wildlife Spotting
Throughout the trail, especially near water
Keep an eye out for dolphins and diverse bird species in their natural habitat.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking Pointers
Trail Etiquette & Enjoyment
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Strategy
Cypress Point Park is your best bet for reliable parking. Check Fdot for repair updates.
🚴♀️ Bike or Walk
This 9.5-mile trail is perfect for cycling, running, or a leisurely stroll.
🌅 Sunset Views
The trail offers spectacular sunset views over Old Tampa Bay. Don't miss it!
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring plenty of water, especially on warmer days. There are limited amenities.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Strategy
Cypress Point Park is your best bet for reliable parking. Check Fdot for repair updates.
🚴♀️ Bike or Walk
This 9.5-mile trail is perfect for cycling, running, or a leisurely stroll.
🌅 Sunset Views
The trail offers spectacular sunset views over Old Tampa Bay. Don't miss it!
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring plenty of water, especially on warmer days. There are limited amenities.
🗑️ Pack It In, Pack It Out
Help keep the trail clean by taking your trash with you.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Courtney Campbell Trail for its stunning water views, ideal conditions for biking and running, and opportunities to see wildlife. While generally loved, some mention minor concerns about trail cleanliness and parking availability in certain areas.
"1 of my favorite places for cardio and socializing.. 🏃🏽♀️🌊👌🏽📸"
Kari Tolbert
"The connection towards Cypress Point Park could use some much appreciated ‘care’, at least from the regular of people that transit it, if not by the city by adding some trash cans along more often than none.
Let’s just remember that all this plastic will somehow end up in ‘the sushi’ we eat 🤷🏻♂️👌🏼💯💪🏼
I also don’t understand how come the people that work for the city and that go through the planters and trees lying mulch, do not clean the debris and rather cover it with mulch. Like... really??? 🤦🏻♂️"
S. Perez
"Was fantastic, love the view , the weather was great, people out enjoying the day walking, biking, ect. Love the water ,seeing nature. Great place to relax."
Timothy Caine
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Courtney Campbell Trail spans 9.5 miles across Old Tampa Bay. You can access it from various points, with Cypress Point Park being a recommended starting location due to ample parking.
Parking availability can vary. Cypress Point Park offers ample parking. Some smaller beach access points may have fees or be undergoing repairs.
Yes, the trail connects Tampa to Clearwater, offering a scenic route between the two cities.
Cypress Point Park is a popular and reliable starting point. Other access points exist, but check for parking availability and potential fees.
The trail features wide medians and dedicated bike bridges, separating cyclists from vehicle traffic for a safer experience.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Courtney Campbell Trail is a public recreational area and does not require tickets for entry.
While the trail itself is free, some parking areas or beach access points along the causeway might have parking fees.
The trail is generally accessible during daylight hours. Specific park hours may apply to access points like Cypress Point Park.
While not explicitly stated in all sources, most public trails allow dogs on a leash. It's always best to check local park regulations.
The paved surface of the trail generally makes it accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, though some areas might have slight inclines.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy cycling, walking, running, jogging, birdwatching, and wildlife observation. It's also a great spot for enjoying scenic views and sunsets.
The Courtney Campbell Trail is approximately 9.5 miles long, offering a substantial distance for outdoor activities.
Expect beautiful waterfront views of Old Tampa Bay, with palm trees and open skies. It's a very picturesque route.
Benches and scenic overlooks are available along the trail. Some social media posts mention stopping at places like Whiskey Joe's for a break.
It can get busy, especially on weekends and during peak hours. Weekday mornings tend to be less crowded.
📸 📸 Photography
Anywhere with a view of Old Tampa Bay is fantastic. The bridges, water vistas, and sunset backdrops are prime photo opportunities.
Late afternoons and evenings offer beautiful golden hour light and stunning sunsets, making them ideal for photography.
Yes, the trail is known for its wildlife, including birds and dolphins. Be patient and respectful of their space.
A smartphone camera is sufficient for casual shots. For wildlife or landscape photography, a telephoto lens or a wide-angle lens can be beneficial.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. Commercial photography might require permits, so it's best to check with local authorities if planning a professional shoot.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to pack plenty of water and snacks, as amenities are limited along the 9.5-mile stretch. Consider doing an out-and-back trip to a shorter distance that suits your children's energy levels. The scenic water views provide a beautiful backdrop for family photos and a refreshing escape from the everyday.
🚴♀️ Cyclists & Runners
The smooth, paved surface is perfect for road bikes, hybrids, and runners alike. Weekday mornings are ideal for those seeking fewer crowds and cooler temperatures. Be aware of the trail's popularity, especially on weekends, and practice good trail etiquette by keeping to the right. The stunning bay views and potential wildlife sightings add an extra layer of enjoyment to your workout. Don't forget to hydrate, as the Florida sun can be intense.
📸 Photographers & Nature Lovers
While the trail itself is the main attraction, the surrounding coastal environment offers diverse photographic opportunities. Consider bringing a zoom lens for wildlife shots and a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive bay vistas. The trail is also a great place for birdwatching, so binoculars can enhance the experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Courtney Campbell Trail
When planning your visit, consider the parking situation. While Cypress Point Park is a reliable option with ample space, some smaller access points along the causeway have faced repair issues following hurricanes, and some may even charge a parking fee. It's advisable to check the latest updates from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) regarding any ongoing repairs.
Beyond cycling and walking, the natural beauty of the Courtney Campbell Trail is a major draw. Users frequently mention the stunning water views, the chance to spot dolphins and various bird species, and the picturesque sunsets that paint the sky each evening.
Community Insights: Trail Conditions & Etiquette
Trail etiquette is crucial on such a popular path. Cyclists are reminded to keep to the right to allow faster users to pass, and walkers should be aware of their surroundings. The presence of wildlife, including dolphins and birds, adds to the trail's charm, and visitors are encouraged to observe them respectfully from a distance.
Some users have also pointed out that while the trail is paved, certain sections might have minor debris or require a bit more attention, especially after periods of heavy use or weather events. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit