RV campgrounds surrounding Anna Maria, Florida sit at elevations averaging 5-10 feet above sea level in this Gulf Coast region. The area experiences subtropical climate conditions with summer temperatures frequently exceeding 90°F and winter lows rarely dropping below 50°F. Cell service varies between campgrounds with stronger connections closer to urban areas and more limited coverage in waterfront locations.
What to do
Beach access: 0.8 miles to shore from Buttonwood Inlet RV Resort where visitors can walk to nearby coastlines. As one visitor noted: "It is in a very desirable location- 0.8 miles to the beach and 0.2 miles from an awesome fish taco place- Tide Tables."
Kayaking: free rental options at The Tides RV Resort where paddlers can explore Terra Ceia Bay. According to a guest: "Creek on edge of resort takes you into Terra Ceia Bay - free kayak rental." Frog Creek also offers hourly kayak rentals at $15 for single kayaks.
Pickleball and shuffleboard: competitive courts available at several resorts, with Sun N Fun RV Resort featuring 18 dedicated pickleball courts. A visitor confirmed: "Awesome Facillities good pool many activities 18 Pickleball courts."
What campers like
Waterfront views: canal-side sites at Holiday Cove RV Resort offer premium water views. One camper appreciated: "Enjoyed the private lot surrounded by landscape and had a nice built in grill as each lot is privately owned. Across the street was FAB seafood shop, the oldest fishing village in FL and a nice park."
Swimming pools: heated options available at most parks near Anna Maria. At Sun N Fun RV Resort, visitors enjoy extensive aquatic facilities: "We enjoyed the pool (the slide was only open 1 day we were there) most days. The property was great for biking."
Exercise facilities: fitness centers at several parks cater to active campers. Pleasant Lake RV Resort offers: "There is a lovely pool, billiard room, exercise and game room, etc. very easy to get to. There is a security gate."
What you should know
Site dimensions: compact spaces at some parks may challenge larger rigs. Buttonwood Inlet has limitations where "Sites are paved and level but small." Visitors should call ahead to confirm measurements.
Internet connectivity: variable quality across rv parks near Anna Maria Island. Pleasant Lake visitors reported: "We did not have any luck getting wifi, but we have a Verizon Hotspot, and only one bar. To log in, there was a requirement to provide personal information, which we weren't comfortable with."
Highway noise: proximity to major roads affects some campgrounds. At Encore Winter Quarters Manatee, one camper noted: "The location is nice because you are right off I-75 and can be anywhere in the Greater Tampa Bay area with easy access. However, the noise of the interstate is non-stop."
Tips for camping with families
Pool access hours: check schedules for water amenities as they may be limited. One family at Sun N Fun mentioned: "The kids enjoyed the slide (limited hours…ask ahead), and the warm pool was refreshing."
Dog amenities: fenced areas available at Encore Terra Ceia for pet owners. A visitor confirmed: "They also have a nice size, fenced-in dog park with a dog walking path, so bring your furry friends!"
Kid-friendly security: gate access varies between parks. One mother staying at Winter Quarters Manatee shared concerns: "First impression, the front desk worker was very informative and quite kind. However, there is no security gate. As a momma with young kiddos, that does make me nervous."
Tips from RVers
Electrical compatibility: check amperage options before booking. The Tides RV Resort provides 50 amp service but lacks 30 amp hookups, while Fisherman's Cove Waterfront Resort maintains sites with both 30 and 50 amp electrical connections.
Site access: tight turns can challenge larger rigs. An RVer at Vacation Village warned: "Be careful entering the park. Very sharp turns. Many full time residents with older park models."
Seasonal booking: advance reservations essential for winter months. Sun N Fun RV Resort commands premium rates during high season with one camper noting: "It's a nice place to camp but really not worth $1400 a month."
