Primitive camping dominates the Peace River backcountry around Arcadia, offering shoreline sites approximately 12 miles north of town. Many sites remain accessible only by boat, with kayaks and canoes serving as the primary transportation along this north-south waterway. The sugar sand trails require high-clearance vehicles in several areas, particularly after rain events.
What to do
Fossil hunting in riverbeds: Peace River Banks Backcountry provides excellent opportunities for finding prehistoric remains. Bob S. notes, "Excellent backcountry camping between Zolpho Springs and Gardner. More camping down to Arcadia. Canoeing and kayaking are preferred mode of transportation but I've seen others use Jon boats and airboats."
Attend community activities: Thousand Trails Peace River offers organized social events throughout the week. Thomas E. explains, "Camping next to the river with our adult kids and the grandkids, good bicycle paths walking trails, canoeing fishing and actually quite in the evenings on the eastern side of the grounds."
Wildlife observation: Palmetto Ridge Campground provides extensive wildlife viewing opportunities with alligators being particularly prominent. Jenelle J. warns, "Went to drain the tanks yesterday morning and a large sounding gator started to growl territorially at me. So heads up with your pets please."
What campers like
Spacious riverside sites: Peace River Campground features camping areas directly on the water. Angie S. reports, "Lots of great spots right on the banks of the river. RVs are in the main campground near the pool, bathroom/showers and store. Tent sites are further back by the river. They're not marked so you just find a good one and set up camp."
Professional gear transportation: Canoe outfitters handle equipment logistics for remote sites. Deven R. at Oak Hill Campground shares, "Awesome place to camp without having to Carrier your equipment. When you get to the outpost you put your gear in the trailer and they drive it to the campsite for you."
Clean facilities despite rustic settings: Brownville Park maintains functional amenities despite its remote location. Casey notes, "Camp hosts were wonderful. Down to earth and friendly. Bathrooms and trash cans tended well. Springs with fossil finds!"
What you should know
Varied site quality across campgrounds: Some established campgrounds provide minimal privacy. Paolo D. mentions about Highlands Hammock State Park, "The place is comfortable and the boathouse are clean. They should implement more distances between the camping sites. It was really crowded."
Seasonal crowding impacts experience: Winter brings significant crowds to campgrounds near Arcadia. Sri G. observes, "The campgrounds were nice but all campsites were too close to each other. The restrooms were not super neat but not terrible."
Water access determines camping experience: Primitive camping along the Peace River requires planning for water access. Chad N. explains, "The kayak and canoe launch was a couple miles north and then you paddle back to the site. It's a nice paddle with a lot of gators on the banks."
Tips for camping with families
Plan for on-site activities: Brownville Park offers multiple recreation options within walking distance. B M. shares, "You can kayak or canoe the river & find fossils or walk right off the campground into the Peace River & fossil there. People have sifters they make and zip tie foam noodles around them so they float."
Pack for weather fluctuations: Summers bring significant heat while winters can see temperature variations. Kasey K. advises, "We camped twice in the primitive area. This area is all sand dunes first come first serve perfect for atvs and golf carts with lots of trails."
Bring wildlife safety equipment: Alligator encounters are common, particularly during breeding season. Leslie M. warns, "If you haven't done your research the Peace River is full of alligators in the spring/summer time. They didn't bother us but they also didn't seem too afraid of us either."
Tips from RVers
Monitor electrical systems: Encore Toby's has varying electrical reliability. Eric R. notes, "The Transits spots were tight. I had less than 6 ft between us after slides were out. And I think his Sewer hose was waking up."
Check site assignments carefully: Many RV parks have inconsistent site allocation systems. Daniel B. explains, "Lots are not first come first served the do a lottery no matter what time you arrive, first it was at noon, then moved to 1, then to 2."
Prepare for road conditions: Internal campground roads vary significantly in quality. Thomas E. cautions, "Watch the electricity during high usage the voltage drop, ours droped to 108v for a couple hours, i choose to run the gen during that time."
