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Best Campgrounds near Bradenton, FL

758 Reviews

The Bradenton area of Florida's Gulf Coast features several established campgrounds offering diverse accommodations within proximity to beaches and natural areas. Lake Manatee State Park, located east of the city, provides tent and RV sites with water and electric hookups year-round. Fort De Soto Campground in nearby Saint Petersburg offers waterfront camping with beach access and accommodates tents, RVs, and glamping setups. Little Manatee River State Park and Oscar Scherer State Park both feature cabin options alongside traditional camping areas, while private RV resorts like Horseshoe Cove and Encore Winter Quarters Manatee cater primarily to recreational vehicles.

Most campgrounds in the region require reservations, especially during winter months when snowbirds flock to Florida's warmer climate. Sites at popular state parks like Fort De Soto can be booked up to six months in advance, with limited availability for last-minute trips. Summer brings hot, humid conditions with frequent afternoon thunderstorms and higher mosquito activity, while winter offers mild temperatures ideal for outdoor recreation. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region's campgrounds, though coverage may vary at more remote sites within state parks. According to one visitor, "Sites at popular state parks fill quickly during winter season. Arriving on weekdays and booking well in advance is recommended for waterfront locations."

Campers consistently highlight water access as a primary draw for camping in the Bradenton area. Those staying at Fort De Soto report excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, with visitors regularly spotting dolphins, manatees, and diverse bird species from their campsites. Several reviewers mention the quality of hiking and biking trails at Myakka River State Park, noting the "old Florida" atmosphere with palm hammocks and abundant wildlife. Privacy between sites varies significantly across campgrounds, with Oscar Scherer State Park receiving praise for natural vegetation buffers that create secluded camping spots despite the campground's popularity. Heat and insects remain common challenges during summer months, with many campers recommending portable fans and screened shelters for comfortable outdoor living.

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Best Camping Sites Near Bradenton, Florida (159)

    1. Fort De Soto Campground

    140 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!!!"

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Recent Camping Photos near Bradenton, FL

174 Photos of 159 Bradenton Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Bradenton, FL

758 Reviews of 159 Bradenton Campgrounds

  • Julia Marie H.
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Encore Vacation Village

    Mosquitoes beware

    This is a mosquito heaven!!! Being bug spray or candles! You will see a large amount of bugs in your area…. They used to spray. But now they don’t… with a pond down the street there is No end in site for air borne bug issues.

  • C
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Bay Bayou RV Resort

    Excellent clean campground

    Excellent clean campground with great service.

  • Bunkwanaringümü D.
    Aug. 4, 2025

    Lake Rogers Park

    No longer for Camping

    This site no longer permits camping from my experience. I did camp there one night and nobody said anything but upon camping the second night I was told it’s no longer a public campground. Other than that it was a beautiful place.

  • April L.
    Jul. 25, 2025

    Oak Ridge Primitive Campground

    Nice

    It's nice quiet clean close to Publix and gas station, trails are not really maintained but great for horses. Camping is ok I guess .

  • Diana S.
    Jun. 18, 2025

    Lithia Springs

    Great camping and spring

    Camping here is always good. The rangers here are very friendly. The bathrooms are decent. Lots of shade at the campsites. We've been camping here off and on for the last year.

  • rThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 23, 2025

    Fort De Soto Campground

    Fort desota

    Very private spots lots of trees Lots of bugs in the summer time

  • Rachel C.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 16, 2025

    Encore Winter Quarters Manatee

    Quaint and quiet.

    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. The lake is beautiful and our neighbors have been lovely. Also, I am really grateful for the location. Not too terrible a distance from Anna Marie Island, or Tampa! There is so much to do locally.

  • Tara R.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 7, 2025

    Hawaiian Isles RV Resort

    Quite and Clean

    Great resort with lots of amenities, and it's on the water! Very affordable for Florida!

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

Are there campgrounds with fishing opportunities near Bradenton?

Lake Manatee State Park Campground offers excellent fishing opportunities on its namesake lake. The park provides easy access to the water where visitors can fish for bass, bluegill, and catfish. For coastal fishing enthusiasts, Shell Key Preserve provides a unique boat-in camping experience with abundant marine life including stingrays and various fish species. This preserve is only accessible by water, making it perfect for anglers who want to combine camping with fishing adventures. Remember that Florida fishing regulations apply, and you'll need a valid fishing license unless exempt.

Where are the best campgrounds in Bradenton, FL?

Holiday Cove RV Resort is a top choice for RVers seeking amenities and convenience. Located in Cortez on a canal close to Bradenton beaches, it features paved sites and lush landscaping. For a more natural setting, Oscar Scherer State Park Campground offers well-maintained facilities with hiking and biking trails, plus kayak launching options. The park is peaceful and provides a good base for exploring the Gulf Coast region. Both locations offer easy access to Bradenton's attractions while providing distinctly different camping experiences, from resort-style to nature-immersed.

What tent camping options are available in the Bradenton area?

Palmetto Ridge Campground — Myakka River State Park offers excellent tent camping with secluded sites surrounded by natural Florida wilderness. The park features hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and boating opportunities. Another great option is Little Manatee River State Park Campground, which provides tent sites with good spacing for privacy. Be prepared for Florida's weather—in summer months, expect high temperatures, humidity and mosquitoes. Both parks offer clean restroom facilities with showers, and reservations are recommended, especially during peak season (winter months) when northern visitors flock to Florida.

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