Best Campgrounds near Bradenton, FL

This is my first time camping in my RV anywhere. I should have suspected that an RV resort in FL in the winter would be full of retirees, but I didn't expect the number of mobile homes permanently here. At my site, when looking outside, I had a great view of the lake, am surrounded by mobile homes, and can see only one RV. Great laundry facilities and front office staff are wonderful. Flexible pricing with many discounts. Club house and swimming pool is like being in a retirement resort. There are some nice sites, and all are full hookups, but in my case, I have a small lot with a mobile home, literally about 8 feet along side of me. They have a dog park, and it is shady, which is needed in the FL heat, but not very kept up and clean. 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, and traffic in this area is really congested.

We were delighted to find somewhere to camp right in Sarasota. This is on private property, the landscaping is such that most of the camp sites are positioned so there is foliage or trees that offer a quaint sense of privacy. The are also birds that offer pleasant song, a curious raccoon, various birds or cranes, and a small alligator that lives in the lake (not to be feared). The days we were there, the camp was still being fixed up from hurricane damage. As it sits it’s a bit of a diamond in the rough, but the vision is there and I look forward to coming back and seeing all the final touches. The hospitality is stellar! Also, best campground bathroom, and free laundry facility which was greatly appreciated.

Lake Rodgers trail and campsites are beautiful and well kept up. The 3 trails( upper, mid, and lower) make it nice to walk thru different terrains.

We wanted to use our generator for camping to test it out, but it would not start. Had to have a RV park nearby and called, and booked a site within 10 minutes. Very pleased with the accommodations. Pool was great, neighbors were friendly and very helpful. Park was clean and orderly. Definitely would stay here again.

We got lucky to get a site here last minute after our state park campground was closed for extended period due to hurricane repairs (without letting us know so it was a scramble to find alternatives).  The campground is nice.  We stayed in an "equestrian" site and most people didn't have horses (neither did we).  While much of the park isn't shaded (in fact there is waayyyyy too much lawn/grass in all the communal areas - would be much better if they planted trees and let forest grow back), most sites do seem to have at least some trees providing partial shade. Not much privacy between sites, but that didn't really bother us.  There are lots of walking "roads" (dirt roads) to the various lakes. All in all, we were glad to have a site and would return if needed again.

Beautiful spot. We’re here for one night, moving west at a snail’s pace to open up boondocking sites.

This campground is a County Park in Pinellas County. Well maintained with some of the best beaches in the US. There are three loops one for guests with pets. BRING YOUR RABIES VACCINE PAPERS! Many sites are waterfront and are mostly well separated. Great bike trails. Restrooms are dated but well maintained. Electric amd water. 2 dump sites on property.
Good cell coverage with wifi at the office.

Camp hosts were wonderful. Down to earth and friendly. Bathrooms and trash cans tended well. Springs with fossil finds! All the sites are pretty close together but unless it's crowded I didn't care. Plenty of big trees on every site for cover, and if you don't mind wandering in the woods, there's lots of potential to gather firewood. They do offer bundles of cut/dried for a reasonable price.

Beautiful location with plenty of things to do. A natural Spring, with a large playground area and nice bathroom/shower facilities

This place is brand new and very clean. The owners/operators are extremely friendly and helpful. The have glamping tents that are very cool. This isn’t the ordinary crunched in resort camping. All of the sites are spacious with large cement pads. The overall feel is laid back and quiet. There are many activities and games if you choose to participate.

Winter Quarters Manatee is a beautiful resort with a lot of activities and amenities (which include 2 heated pools and a spa). The staff have been great and the clubhouse is beautiful. Very close to beaches, Anna Marie Island, Sarasota, and Tampa. The only downside is that you are close to I75, and there is construction currently underway.

There aren't many free spots in this area of Florida. Of course, they provide nothing other than a spot to camp with fire ring and old table, and an outhouse. We are in a 24' class C and found a nice private area that was surprisingly level. Trailers are accommodated at the equestrian campground. I suggest you arrive before dark as the road is a bit rough and narrow, with no light.

Very Clean Quiet and Very Helpful and Friendly Staff

This was the first time we had camped at Fort De Soto and I was so excited because we planned it for my 61st birthday. However, the bugs were so bad. We set up camp with our tent and all our gear, the bugs became so bad we took it all down and went home.I love the fact that my two dogs could come, but the bugs are a no go. It was absolutely miserable. Other than that it’s a beautiful area so maybe we will try again in the winter. I live north of here in Pasco County and frequently bring my dogs down to the dog beach, which is absolutely beautiful. A shame the campground is so infested.