Best Campgrounds near Anna Maria, FL

Anna Maria camping options include several excellent spots within driving distance of this Florida island. Little Manatee River State Park has shady campsites along the river and some good hiking trails through oak hammocks. Myakka River State Park, about an hour away, is known for its large lake, wildlife viewing, and trails through prairie and wetlands. Hillsborough River State Park works well for families, with swimming areas and canoe rentals that kids enjoy. The Anna Maria area combines beach access with natural Florida landscapes. Most campers visit during spring and fall when the weather is comfortable. Summers get very hot and humid, so bring extra water and look for campsites with shade. Winter camping is mild and pleasant, though some water activities might be limited. The campgrounds around Anna Maria range from riverside spots to wooded areas with good tree cover. Check ahead for availability since Florida parks fill up fast in peak seasons. You'll find both quiet nature spots and more active camping depending on which park you choose.

Best Camping Sites Near Anna Maria, Florida (131)

    1. Fort De Soto Campground

    139 Reviews
    Tierra Verde, FL
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (727) 582-2100

    $38 - $48 / night

    "As an camper with northern roots, I have found it hard to camp in Florida. This campground helped me relieve those worries. 

    I will start by saying that this campground is south of St."

    "Nice walking/bicycle path around the edge. Bike paths also throughout the park. Sites 1-8 or so have direct beach access, but swimming is not allowed. Mangroves surround the rest of the peninsula."

    2. Shell Key Preserve

    7 Reviews
    Tierra Verde, FL
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (727) 453-6900

    "One of my favorite places to camp in Florida, hands-down. You can only get to this camping spot by water. Must reserve, no pets & no alcohol."

    "Shell Key is one of the larger uninhabited islands off of the west coast of Florida near St. Petersburg."

    3. St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA Holiday

    26 Reviews
    Bay Pines, FL
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (727) 392-2233

    "Petersburg/Madeira Beach KOA Holiday, and I’m excited to share my positive review! I’ve hosted friends in their Deluxe Cabins before, and they were thoroughly impressed."

    "It has all of the amenities you would ever want and is so close to Florida beaches. Pool, hot tub, store, workout room, fishing and kayaking and lots more to do right in the park."

    4. Buttonwood Inlet RV Resort

    4 Reviews
    Bradenton Beach, FL
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (941) 798-3090

    "Location is great, close to Anna Maria Island and Cortez restaurants"

    "You can't beat the location, walkable to restaurants, a short drive or bike ride to beaches. The park itself is well maintained and quiet minus the days they mow and pick-up the garbage."

    5. Encore Winter Quarters Manatee

    12 Reviews
    Palmetto, FL
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "One of the two pools on the property provides a lovely view of the lake and a hot tub.The recreation hall is beautiful and has a lot of activities."

    "Wonderfully situated around a lake. Good amenities and close to everything. Some highway traffic noise but nothing bad."

    6. Little Manatee River State Park Campground

    25 Reviews
    Ruskin, FL
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (813) 671-5005

    $22 / night

    "A lot of walking trails for people and horses. A surprise was the amphitheater. Washers and dryers are located outside the bathrooms. Friendly hosts and other campers. Would came again."

    "This campsite is right outside of Little Manatee River State Park. I even missed the entrance and went to Little Manatee because I missed the turn."

    7. Lake Manatee State Park Campground

    27 Reviews
    Parrish, FL
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (941) 741-3028

    $22 / night

    "Was bordered by the camp road and the bike/walking path so often noisy with no sense of privacy. Bad mosquitoes, but to be expected."

    "If you’re looking for a place to camp on the west coast of Florida that is quiet and has campsites that give you privacy, Lake Manatee State Park is a great choice."

    8. Holiday Cove RV Resort

    3 Reviews
    Cortez, FL
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (941) 251-7809

    "Enjoyed the private lot surrounded by landscape and had a nice built in grill as each lot is privately owned.   Management was great and helped resolved a few RV issues.   "

    9. E.G. Simmons Regional Park

    19 Reviews
    Ruskin, FL
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (813) 671-7655

    $24 / night

    "Nearly every campsite is right on the water - easy in and out for kayaks, large boat ramp and many picnic pavilions."

    "Close to the boatramp. Raccoons can be annoying. Has picnic pavilions and several fishing docks"

    10. The Tides RV Resort

    2 Reviews
    Palmetto, FL
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (941) 212-0777

    "Creek on edge of resort takes you into Terra Ceia Bay - free kayak rental.     many social events and just one very nice upscale resort."

    "This is a beautiful place but a little off the beaten path. About 30 minutes to the beach. There are a few bar/restaurants that are within 15-20 mins so just keep that in mind."

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Showing results 1-10 of 131 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Anna Maria, FL

681 Reviews of 131 Anna Maria Campgrounds



Guide to Anna Maria

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!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Anna Maria, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, Anna Maria, FL offers a wide range of camping options, with 131 campgrounds and RV parks near Anna Maria, FL and 3 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Anna Maria, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Anna Maria, FL is Fort De Soto Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 139 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Anna Maria, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Anna Maria, FL.

What parks are near Anna Maria, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 parks near Anna Maria, FL that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.