The Courtney Campbell Causeway
An Old Tampa Bay Jewel Packed With Amenities
About
The Courtney Campbell Causeway is a prominent causeway and bridge located in the Tampa Bay area of Florida, which connects the cities of Clearwater and Tampa. As it traverses picturesque Old Tampa Bay, the causeway offers motorists and pedestrians breathtaking vistas of the water and surrounding landscape. The causeway is designated as an official scenic highway by the State of Florida.
The Courtney Campbell Causeway features a multi-lane bridge that accommodates a significant volume of traffic, making it an important conduit for daily commuters and tourists alike. Along its expanse, the causeway provides access to various recreational areas, parks, and beaches, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and beachgoers.
One notable feature of the Courtney Campbell Causeway is its pedestrian and bike path, allowing people to enjoy the scenic beauty of the Tampa Bay ecosystem while engaging in outdoor activities. Fishing, bird-watching, and sunset viewing are also popular pastimes along the causeway.
Courtney Campbell Trail
The Courtney Campbell Trail is an 9.5-mile, 8' to 12'-wide paved path providing joggers, cyclists and skaters seeking sunshine, breezes and panoramic views of Upper Tampa Bay with a safe passage between Clearwater and Tampa. The path runs along the entire southern side of the Courtney Campbell Causeway, from the Veterans Expressway in Tampa to Bayshore Boulevard in Clearwater, as well as connecting to popular trails such as the Pinellas Trail, Duke Energy Trail and Ream Wilson East-West Trail.
The highlight is the 45-foot-high bridge near the midpoint - bring a camera for the spectacular Bay views.
Map of Amenities
01 / 31
1
Pedestrian Crossing (North-South)
2
Connection to Skyway Park Trail
Connection point to the Skyway Park/Veterans Memorial Trail, a two-mile, paved trail that runs north-south (parallel to Veterans Expressway) from Skyway Park to Cypress Point Park. Both parks have free public parking.
3
Cypress Point Park
This neighborhood, oceanfront park has a beach, hiking trail, sand volleyball court, playground, disc golf course, canoe dock, shelters, and a self-service rental station for stand-up paddle boards.
4
Manatee Protection Zone
If you visit the Courtney Campbell Causeway, especially during the winter months, you might have the opportunity to spot manatees swimming in the bay.
5
Pedestrian Crossing
North-south crossing point for pedestrians.
6
Volleyball Area
Have some fun in the sun! Bring your own ball to enjoy the public volleyball net.
7
Ben T. Davis Beach
Ben T. Davis beach is open from sunrise to sunset every day.
8
Beach Wheelchair Access
9
Recreational Rentals
The Courtney Campbell and the surrounding waters of Old Tampa Bay are perfect for various recreational adventures. Kayaks, paddle boards, e-bikes, and beach chairs & umbrellas are available to rent by the hour.
10
Picnic & Grill Pavilion (9 of 9)
Picnic shelters with benches and charcoal grills are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
11
Restrooms
Restrooms with showers are available to the public.
12
Metered Parking
Metered parking spaces are available. Steel gates at the access points are locked from 11 pm to 4 am.
13
Pedestrian Crossing
North-south crossing point for pedestrians.
14
Picnic and Grill Pavilion (1 of 9)
Picnic shelters with benches and charcoal grills are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
15
Fitness Shelter (10 of 10)
Stop and relax at one of the 10 fitness shelters spanning the Courtney Campbell Trail.
16
Bicycle Fix-It Station
Bike tires running low on air? Stop at this fitness shelter to use the free bicycle repair station.
17
Virginia Creighton Bridge
In 2022, this bridge was named the "Virginia Creighton Bridge" in honor of the woman who led a team that studied water quality and hydrodynamics of the bay waters surrounding the causeway.
18
Environmental Conservation Area
Bird Watching! The Courtney Campbell Causeway is a part of the Florida Birding Trail . The Causeway is a prime location for spotting various bird species, including herons, egrets, ospreys, and other waterfowl. Bird-watching enthusiasts often bring their binoculars and cameras to capture the local avian diversity.
19
Pedestrian Crossing
North-south crossing point for pedestrians.
20
Courtney Campbell Public Boat Ramp
There are four concrete slab ramps capable of handling all sizes of trailer able boats. There are also four coinciding docks for loading and unloading. There is metered parking available for 25 vehicles with trailers.
21
Dog Waste Stations
Reduce your poo-llution! You can find several dog waste stations along the Tampa side of the Courtney Campbell Trail.
22
North-South Crossing
One-way vehicle crossing below the Courtney Campbell Bridge; height restricted.
23
Trail Lookouts
Lookout points are located along the Courtney Cambell Trail bridge.
24
North-South Crossing
One-way vehicle crossing below the Courtney Campbell Bridge; height restricted.
25
Public Parking
26
Fitness Shelter (1 of 10)
Stop and relax at one of the 10 fitness shelters spanning the Courtney Campbell Trail.
27
Pinellas & Hillsborough County Line
28
Courtney Campbell Causeway Beach
29
Metered Public Parking
30
Bayshore Trail Connection
Bayshore Trail is short, off-the-road link connecting the Ream Wilson Clearwater Trail and Courtney Campbell Trail.
31
Pedestrian Crossing
North-south crossing point for pedestrians.
History
1927
The proposal by Ben T. Davis, a local dredging contractor, to build a bridge connecting Clearwater to Tampa was accepted and construction began.
1927 - 1934
Davis worked on the causeway in his spare time, pumping sand when business was slow. The causeway cost $900,000 to build (including the two bridges since one was demolished by a hurricane).
1934
The Davis Causeway opened with a 25-cent toll for a car and driver. At the time, it was the country's longest fill project across an open body of water.
1944
As part of the war effort, the federal government seized control, paid $1,085,861 for the road and transferred ownership to the State of Florida.
1947
The Davis Causeway was renamed after Courtney W. Campbell, Clearwater Beach resident, US Congressman, and Florida Road Board member. This recognition came because of his work effecting major repairs and beautification of the causeway.
2005
The Courtney Campbell Causeway designated as an official scenic highway by the State of Florida
2009
The Courtney Campbell Scenic Causeway was rededicated on its 75th anniversary
2013
The first phase of the Courtney Campbell Trail was completed in 2013. The full trail was finished in 2015.
2018-2019
A 230-foot section of bridge was constructed to address concerns about water quality north of the causeway. For the first time since the causeway's construction, the bridge allowed water to pass and provided a direct tidal connection to Old Tampa Bay.
Management
The Courtney Campbell Causeway is not only a critical transportation route but also a cherished recreational area, appreciated for its stunning views and opportunities for outdoor enjoyment. It serves as a symbol of the natural beauty and connectivity of the Tampa Bay region.
The Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council (TBRPC) is the Corridor Management Entity for the Courtney Campbell Scenic Highway. The TBRPC coordinates the Courtney Campbell Scenic Highway Corridor Advisory Committee (CCSHCAC) to convene representatives from all local government and planning agencies that touch the highway. The work of the committee is primarily done via its alliance of volunteers representing businesses, government groups, and citizens.
Get Involved!
Connect with us
If you are interested in providing input or participating on the CCSHCAC team, join our mailing list to receive meeting notices and other updates.
Cleanups
Join Keep Pinellas Beautiful to clean the Courtney Campbell Causeway on the second Saturday of every month.
