Camping cabins near Bowling Green, Florida offer shelter in a subtropical climate where summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity from May through September. Winter temperatures rarely drop below freezing, making year-round camping possible at locations within a 30-mile radius. Most cabin facilities in this rural area of Central Florida remain open continuously, though hurricane season from June through November can affect availability.
What to do
Shark tooth hunting: At Thousand Trails Peace River, visitors can search for fossils along the riverbanks. "I found a ton of shark teeth," reports Jennifer L., who also noted that "the oak hammock camp grounds" provide a good base for this activity. The park office provides wire mesh baskets to aid in your search.
Trail exploration: The trail system at Hardee Lakes Park includes dirt paths, boardwalks, and routes through wooded areas. "Trail system is great from dirt paths to boardwalks to cut straight through the woods," notes Joshua W. Multiple interconnected trails circle four lakes, with paths suitable for both casual walks and longer hikes.
Mountain biking: Alafia River State Park features technical mountain biking trails built on reclaimed phosphate mining land. "I was probably the only hiker at this park and there were a ton of mountain bikers," reports Elizabeth G., who found the trails "really well kept" despite their challenging nature. The park maintains separate trails for hiking and biking to reduce user conflicts.
What campers like
Peaceful settings: Pioneer Park in Zolfo Springs provides a tranquil camping experience along the Peace River. "It's quiet and neighborhoods don't bother you. If they walk by or cross of where you set up they just wave a hi and carry-on," explains Yaniris P. The park allows camping directly beside the river in primitive sites with basic amenities.
Clean facilities: Many campers appreciate the well-maintained facilities at Little Manatee River State Park. "The fire ring was clean as well as the RV spot. Rangers were very helpful getting us around and renting the canoes," reports Ronald H. The park provides washer and dryer facilities located outside the bathrooms for extended stays.
Spacious sites: Campers consistently mention generous site sizes in the region. At Hardee Lakes Park, "sites are nice and clean, with beautiful lake views," according to Joshua W. Many parks feature sites with sufficient distance between neighbors, though privacy levels vary significantly between established campgrounds.
What you should know
Flooding concerns: Several campgrounds in the area experience periodic flooding. At Thousand Trails Peace River, "many large rigs were parked in the flood plane which encompasses a large section of the park," warns Laura H. During rainy seasons, check with park offices before arrival about current conditions.
Mosquito presence: Insect activity increases dramatically during warmer months. "Make sure you have a Clam or some kind of outdoor shade with a big screen because there are a lot of mosquitos in the evenings," advises Laura H. about camping at Peace River. Bring sufficient repellent for comfort.
Wildlife awareness: Alafia River State Park and other regional campgrounds contain native wildlife. "Saw a few deer," mentions Elizabeth G., though alligators are also present in many water bodies. Maintain safe distances from wildlife and never feed animals.
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation options: Camp Margaritaville RV Resort features multiple swimming areas. "Great Pool and amenities. Large pull through sites with paver patios, turf, and landscaping. Great activities for the kids," reports Scott B. The resort includes "2 nice pools, one geared toward kids with a fountain and very fun twisty slide," according to Amanda W.
Playgrounds and recreation: Multiple campgrounds offer dedicated children's areas. At Camp Margaritaville, "Kids played for four hours straight and went back for more after dinner!" shares Janel P. The resort features "2 basketball courts," multiple playgrounds, and organized activities.
Educational opportunities: Pioneer Park includes a Cracker Trail Museum and Wildlife Refuge that children can visit for a small fee. These attractions provide learning experiences about local history and native animals, though they operate on limited schedules.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: At Peace River, "lots are not first come first served they do a lottery no matter what time you arrive," explains Daniel B. RVers should understand reservation systems before arrival since some parks have unusual allocation methods for premium sites.
Utility management: Voltage fluctuations can occur during peak usage periods. At Peace River, Thomas E. noticed that "during high usage the voltage drop, ours droped to 108v for a couple hours, i choose to run the gen during that time." Consider voltage protection devices for sensitive electronics.
Accessibility considerations: Not all cabins and campgrounds accommodate larger vehicles. Check specific size restrictions before booking, as some parks have tight turns or low-hanging branches that may cause issues for taller or longer RVs.
