Camping near North Port, Florida, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful getaway or an adventure-filled trip, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.
What to do
- Kayaking and Fishing: Enjoy the water at Fort De Soto Campground. One camper mentioned, "I was able to do some fishing and got a few spotted sea trout." The area is known for its wildlife and scenic views.
- Hiking Trails: Explore the trails at Highlands Hammock State Park Campground. A visitor shared, "The hiking trails were fun, saw a lot of wildlife and made some squirrel friends."
- Beach Access: Relax on the beach at Turtle Beach Campground. One happy camper said, "This is an all-around winner. On the beach with shells, sunsets, waves, and all that the beach has to offer."
What campers like
- Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of restrooms and showers. A reviewer at Oscar Scherer State Park Campground noted, "The bathrooms were clean and plenty of them throughout the campground."
- Friendly Staff: Many visitors mention the helpfulness of the staff. One camper at Lake Manatee State Park Campground said, "Park rangers were great."
- Wildlife Viewing: Campers enjoy spotting wildlife. A visitor at Myakka River State Park shared, "It's quiet, and there's plenty of wildlife to be seen: Lots of birds, alligators, deer, wild turkeys."
What you should know
- Bugs Can Be a Problem: Some campers have reported issues with bugs, especially at Fort De Soto Campground. One camper said, "The bugs were so bad... it was absolutely miserable."
- Crowded Campgrounds: Certain campgrounds can get busy, particularly on weekends. A visitor at Highlands Hammock State Park Campground mentioned, "The actual campground needs some love. It’s too packed together."
- Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Peace River Campground, may not have all the amenities you expect. A camper noted, "If you are a traditional camper stay away. This place is mainly for trucks and ATVs."
Tips for camping with families
- Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Fort De Soto Campground, which has a dog beach and plenty of space for kids to play. One camper said, "Dog friendly it has a huge dog beach and separate dog run."
- Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. A family at Myakka River State Park enjoyed the trails and wildlife, saying, "We saw tons of alligators, birds, and wildlife!"
- Pack Snacks and Drinks: Keep everyone happy by bringing plenty of snacks. A camper at Lake Manatee State Park Campground mentioned, "The only thing is that the shower heads are low... but the bathrooms were very clean."
Tips from RVers
- Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Turtle Beach Campground said, "Nice wide sites - wider than I was expecting."
- Look for Full Hookups: Some campgrounds offer full hookups, which can make your stay more comfortable. A camper at Oscar Scherer State Park Campground appreciated the amenities, stating, "Ammenities are decent, showers, bathrooms, RV-tent camping spots with electric and water."
- Be Prepared for Noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy, especially near highways or racetracks. A visitor at Lake Manatee State Park Campground noted, "The racetrack nearby made the location a bit unsettling."
Camping around North Port, FL, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking adventure.