Best Campgrounds near Anna Maria, FL

Camping near Anna Maria, Florida, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

• Explore Nature: Many campgrounds are near parks with hiking and biking trails. For example, Myakka River State Park has trails where you can see wildlife like alligators and deer. One visitor mentioned, "The campsites are well-shaded and have easy access to walking & biking trails."
• Water Activities: Kayaking and fishing are popular. At Hillsborough River State Park, you can rent kayaks and paddle down the river. A camper shared, "You can rent kayaks or canoes to take a trip down a wonderfully peaceful river."
• Beach Access: Campgrounds like Fort De Soto Campground are close to beautiful beaches. One reviewer said, "It’s wonderful to have a natural beach without all the noise and crowds."

What campers like

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Oscar Scherer State Park noted, "Restrooms/showers were clean and staff were very helpful."
• Wildlife Viewing: Many enjoy the chance to see local wildlife. At Myakka River State Park, a camper remarked, "There’s plenty of wildlife to be seen: Lots of birds, alligators, deer, wild turkeys."
• Spacious Sites: Campgrounds like Lake Louisa State Park offer roomy sites. One camper said, "The sites are spacious and open."

What you should know

• Bugs: Some campgrounds can have a lot of bugs, especially in warmer months. A camper at Fort De Soto Campground warned, "The bugs were so bad... it was absolutely miserable."
• Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. For instance, Peace River Campground has limited services, and one camper mentioned, "This place is mainly for trucks and ATVs."
• Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A visitor at Hillsborough River State Park suggested, "Definitely a great place to stay right outside the Tampa area. Recommend highly."

Tips for camping with families

• Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground offers many family activities. One reviewer said, "There are so many sites and yes there are people around but there’s serious vegetation between all the sites that you have plenty of privacy."
• Plan for Outdoor Fun: Bring bikes and outdoor games. A camper at Lake Louisa State Park mentioned, "Lots of paved roads outside the campsite loops for biking."
• Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having food on hand can keep everyone happy. A visitor at Hillsborough River State Park noted, "The rangers were amazing and patrolled the campground on a regular basis."

Tips from RVers

• Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Oscar Scherer State Park said, "We have a 30ft RV and pulling a jeep plenty of room great outdoor activities."
• Look for Full Hookups: Some campgrounds offer full hookups, which can make your stay more comfortable. A visitor at Silver Springs State Park mentioned, "The campground is quiet. It's a 15-minute drive to the head springs."
• Plan for Dump Stations: Not all sites have sewer hookups. A camper at Thousand Trails Peace River noted, "You have to drive around and pick a 30 amp site then you are entered into a lottery system."

Camping near Anna Maria, Florida, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just be prepared for the local bugs and plan ahead for a great experience!