Best Campgrounds near Bradenton, FL

You'll find several good camping spots near Bradenton, Florida. Little Manatee River State Park Campground has thick tree cover and puts you right by the water for kayaking and fishing trips. Turtle Beach Campground sits directly on Siesta Key, where you can walk straight from your site to the sand. Hillsborough River State Park Campground has a network of trails and nice views along the water. Most places in the area have basic facilities like bathrooms, showers, and tables for meals. Kids have plenty to do at these campgrounds, which makes them work well for family trips. Some sites give you more space and trees between neighbors than others. Since Bradenton is close by, you can easily run into town for restaurants or to see local sights. The weather stays warm enough for camping all year, though summers get hot and humid. Winter brings milder temperatures that many campers find better for outdoor activities. Little Manatee River feels quiet and removed from town. At Turtle Beach, you'll hear the ocean while you sleep. The Bradenton area has both inland and beach camping, so you can pick what suits you.

Best Camping Sites Near Bradenton, Florida (156)

    1. Fort De Soto Campground

    138 Reviews
    Tierra Verde, FL
    13 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. Lake Manatee State Park Campground

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

    $22 / night

    "Arriving is easy off Highway 64 just East of Bradenton. The staff is very friendly. The spots are spaced well and divided by natural brush and vegetation."

    "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."

    3. Encore Winter Quarters Manatee

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

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

    "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."

    4. Little Manatee River State Park Campground

    25 Reviews
    Ruskin, FL
    18 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."

    5. Turtle Beach Campground

    22 Reviews
    Osprey, FL
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (941) 861-2267

    $120 / night

    "The best part of this campground would be the private access to the beach just steps away from any of the sites."

    "If you want to be steps from the beach and all that Siesta Key has to offer Turtle Beach State Park is for you.  Turtle Beach is a very small campground which is great if you don't like a crowd. "

    6. Oscar Scherer State Park Campground

    39 Reviews
    Osprey, FL
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (941) 483-5956

    $26 / night

    "Like all the Florida state parks, the campground is well-maintained and clean. Lots of trails to explore, easy to launch my kayak from near my campsite."

    "Located just outside of Sarasota and on the edge of Nokomis. Very “old Florida” with lots of palm hammocks and scrub oaks. Cant say."

    7. Palmetto Ridge Campground — Myakka River State Park

    38 Reviews
    Osprey, FL
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (941) 361-6511

    $26 / night

    "Hidden cabins, hiking, off-road biking, boating, wildlife...so much beauty and activities to enjoy in this park! The cabins are off the main path, tucked away and private."

    "One of the largest state parks in Florida. This great Park has full and partial hook ups for all styles of camping to include hammock camping."

    8. Sun N Fun RV Resort

    11 Reviews
    Sarasota, FL
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (941) 371-2505

    "We didn’t utilize the amenities outside of the pool, but will be back to play! We wish the sites (ours was q03) were more shaded, but worth having a nice easy pull thru spot."

    "Gorgeous location, so many things to do!!! Wish I could live herebyear round!"

    9. Linger Lodge RV Park & Restaurant

    6 Reviews
    Sarasota, FL
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (941) 739-9313

    $60 - $130 / night

    "We came back to this gem and met with friends from Florida, we had our RVs next to each other and it was so much fun. We had a great time."

    "You are close to everything but you still feel like being far away. Everybody is very accommodating. Great Management, great Team! We will be back soon!"

    10. Horseshoe Cove RV Resort

    4 Reviews
    Bradenton, FL
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (941) 758-5335

    "Also plenty of area to ride a bike a couple times around the park. It is also close to gas, grocery store and really good restaurants. Two thumbs up!!!"

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 156 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Bradenton, FL

756 Reviews of 156 Bradenton Campgrounds



Guide to Bradenton

Camping near Bradenton, Florida, offers a mix of beautiful nature, fun activities, and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a family getaway or a peaceful retreat, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Explore the Beaches: Many campgrounds are close to stunning beaches. For example, at Turtle Beach Campground, you can enjoy the sand and surf just steps away from your site. One camper said, "This is an all-around winner. On the beach with shells, sunsets, waves, and all that the beach has to offer."
  • Wildlife Watching: Campgrounds like Myakka River State Park are great for spotting wildlife. A visitor shared, "It's quiet, and there's plenty of wildlife to be seen: Lots of birds, alligators, deer, wild turkeys."
  • Kayaking and Fishing: Many parks offer opportunities for kayaking and fishing. At Hillsborough River State Park Campground, one camper mentioned, "You can rent kayaks or canoes to take a trip down a wonderfully peaceful river."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review from Oscar Scherer State Park Campground noted, "The bathrooms were clean and plenty of them throughout the campground."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have helpful staff. A visitor at Fort De Soto Campground said, "Staff at the front desk, store, and grounds were friendly and attentive."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy having room to spread out. One reviewer at Lake Manatee State Park Campground mentioned, "The sites are large, private, and nicely surrounded by woods."

What you should know

  • Bugs Can Be a Problem: Some campers have reported issues with bugs, especially in warmer months. One camper at Fort De Soto Campground said, "The bugs were so bad... it was absolutely miserable."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have stores or markets nearby. A visitor at Cayo Costa State Park Campground noted, "There is no market, so plan ahead for supplies."
  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby roads or activities. A camper at Peace River Campground mentioned, "You also get quite a lot of noise from the divided highway which runs adjacent to the site."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA has a heated outdoor pool and bike rentals, making it a hit with families. One parent said, "The amenities were top-notch, including the heated outdoor pool."
  • Plan for Outdoor Fun: Bring bikes or kayaks for family adventures. A camper at Hillsborough River State Park Campground mentioned, "Lots of trails for walking, hiking, and biking."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having food on hand can keep everyone happy. A visitor at Oscar Scherer State Park Campground noted, "The location of this campground is right in the middle of at least 4 different beaches."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Lake Manatee State Park Campground said, "The sites are large, private, and nicely surrounded by woods."
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you need them, check if the campground offers full hookups. A review from Peace River Campground mentioned, "Hot showers, food trucks, and plenty of dirt trails for exploring."
  • Be Prepared for Weather: Florida can be hot and humid, so bring fans or air conditioning if possible. A camper at Cayo Costa State Park Campground advised, "If campers/visitors will keep a clean campsite and not leave food and garbage out, the rodents should stay under control."

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Bradenton, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, Bradenton, FL offers a wide range of camping options, with 156 campgrounds and RV parks near Bradenton, FL and 3 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Bradenton, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Bradenton, FL is Fort De Soto Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 138 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Bradenton, FL?

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

What parks are near Bradenton, FL?

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