Best Campgrounds near Bradenton Beach, FL

Bradenton Beach, Florida features a mix of established campgrounds and dispersed camping options spanning the nearby coastal areas. Fort De Soto Campground in Saint Petersburg provides waterfront sites with boat-in access, while Turtle Beach Campground in Sarasota offers both tent and RV camping with beach proximity. Most campgrounds in this Gulf Coast region accommodate RVs with electric hookups, water access, and dump stations, though tent camping options are more limited. Several parks like Lake Manatee State Park and Little Manatee River State Park provide more natural settings within driving distance of the beaches.

Camping facilities throughout the area remain open year-round due to Florida's mild winter climate, though reservations are essential during peak snowbird season from November through April. A review noted, "Sites are paved and level but small. Bathhouses are adequate and clean. Location is great, close to Anna Maria Island and Cortez restaurants." Summer camping brings higher temperatures and humidity, with many campgrounds offering swimming pools or beach access as cooling amenities. Most developed campgrounds require advance bookings, especially for waterfront sites or weekend stays. Shell Key Preserve stands as one of the few dispersed camping options, accessible only by boat and lacking facilities but offering a more secluded experience.

The campground experiences near Bradenton Beach vary significantly based on proximity to the water. Waterfront sites at Fort De Soto are particularly popular, with one camper sharing, "I stayed at site 34 and had water view and access. So I was able to wake up early and walk 10 steps and I was on my SUP." Many RV resorts cater to long-term snowbird residents but reserve spaces for short-term stays. Several reviews mention the convenience of nearby restaurants, shopping, and beaches as major benefits of the area's mixed-use campgrounds. Crime concerns appear in reviews for some inland locations, while coastal campgrounds often warn about wildlife encounters, particularly raccoons. Developed campgrounds typically provide clean restrooms, showers, and at least basic amenities, though privacy can be limited at busier locations.

Best Camping Sites Near Bradenton Beach, Florida (129)

    1. Fort De Soto Campground

    140 Reviews
    Tierra Verde, FL
    12 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. Buttonwood Inlet RV Resort

    5 Reviews
    Bradenton Beach, FL
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (941) 798-3090

    "You can't beat the location, walkable to restaurants, a short drive or bike ride to beaches. The park itself is well maintained and quiet minus the days they mow and pick-up the garbage."

    "Location is great, close to Anna Maria Island and Cortez restaurants"

    3. Encore Winter Quarters Manatee

    12 Reviews
    Palmetto, FL
    13 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. Turtle Beach Campground

    22 Reviews
    Osprey, FL
    19 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. "

    5. Lake Manatee State Park Campground

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

    $22 / night

    "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."

    "If you’re looking for a place to camp on the west coast of Florida that is quiet and has campsites that give you privacy, Lake Manatee State Park is a great choice."

    6. Oscar Scherer State Park Campground

    39 Reviews
    Osprey, FL
    25 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. Shell Key Preserve

    7 Reviews
    Tierra Verde, FL
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (727) 453-6900

    "One of my favorite places to camp in Florida, hands-down. You can only get to this camping spot by water. Must reserve, no pets & no alcohol."

    "You can find some sandy spots tucked into the vegetation every so often along the "beach", but you won't fit a large tent in these areas."

    8. Arbor Terrace RV Resort, A Sun RV Resort

    3 Reviews
    Bradenton, FL
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (941) 755-6494

    "Other than that, you're within driving distance to some of the most beautiful towns and beaches."

    9. Little Manatee River State Park Campground

    25 Reviews
    Ruskin, FL
    24 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."

    10. Holiday Cove RV Resort

    3 Reviews
    Cortez, FL
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (941) 251-7809

    "Enjoyed the private lot surrounded by landscape and had a nice built in grill as each lot is privately owned.   Management was great and helped resolved a few RV issues.   "

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Recent Reviews near Bradenton Beach, FL

681 Reviews of 129 Bradenton Beach Campgrounds


  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 22, 2025

    Encore Terra Ceia

    Nice resort for short or long stay

    It looks a bit rundown from the first sight, but the amenities and infrastructure are really up to date, everything is clean, staff is friendly. Long term residents are also seem to t be nice. Newer (more expensive) spots don’t get too much shadow yet since the trees are still too young. Generally, I would recommend. Google reviews might be a bit outdated / misleading.

  • ZThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Lithia Springs

    October 2025

    It’s a beautiful campground. That’s a well maintained by The very friendly and helpful staff. The scenery and activities available at this part make it well worth the drive and work the stay.

  • R
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Lithia Springs

    Quiet, Clean, & Friendly

    Many of the lots are large & somewhat secluded. Trees for some shade. *Clean, friendly, & a gate code for safety. *Nothing can be tied to trees, including hammocks.

  • Stachianna K.
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Buttonwood Inlet RV Resort

    Quiet evening

    We stayed in Buttonwood inlet for one night. It was super easy to pull and out and it was clean and quiet to camp from a 30’ class C. Plus there was plenty of green areas for the pups to so the whole family gives this a 5 star review.

  • ZThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Alafia River Corridor Nature Preserve

    Alafia North of Baseball Parking

    “Alafia North Corridor Park is such a peaceful escape. The trails wind through beautiful natural scenery, and the quiet surroundings make it perfect for a relaxing hike. It’s a great place to slow down, take in the fresh air, and enjoy the simple beauty of nature. Whether you’re looking for a short walk or a longer hike, this park offers a calming outdoor experience.”

  • ZThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Lithia Springs

    Lithia Springs Park

    Lithia Springs Conservation Park is a hidden gem for camping in Florida. The campground is clean, well-maintained, and tucked away in a peaceful natural setting. Sites are spacious with plenty of shade, and the amenities like restrooms and picnic areas are kept in great shape. The best part is being just a short walk from the beautiful natural spring, perfect for swimming and cooling off. It’s a great spot for families or anyone looking to relax and enjoy the outdoors. I’ll definitely be coming back!

  • Carlos T.
    Sep. 18, 2025

    Encore Silver Dollar

    Mobile home park, with rv sites.

    We stay there four times over a couple of years.  We have not see much of the park because we only arrive at night, plug in for ac, and in the morning we leave.

  • 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.


Guide to Bradenton Beach

Camping near Bradenton Beach, Florida, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to relax or a place to enjoy some family fun, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Explore the Beaches: Enjoy the sandy shores and beautiful sunsets at nearby beaches. Campers love the access to the Gulf Coast's stunning beaches, making it easy to spend the day soaking up the sun.
  • Wildlife Watching: Many campgrounds, like Myakka River State Park, offer opportunities to see alligators, deer, and a variety of birds. One visitor mentioned, "It's quiet, and there's plenty of wildlife to be seen: Lots of birds, alligators, deer, wild turkeys."
  • Kayaking and Fishing: Rent a kayak or fish in the local rivers. One camper noted, "The park even had smiling gators," highlighting the fun of being close to nature.

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A reviewer at Hillsborough River State Park said, "Restrooms and showers across from site and very clean."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have helpful staff. A visitor at Oscar Scherer State Park mentioned, "The staff were very helpful."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy having room to spread out. One reviewer at Lake Manatee State Park said, "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 markets or stores nearby. A visitor at Cayo Costa State Park noted, "There are literally thousands of them," referring to the lack of nearby services.
  • 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."

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.
  • Plan for Outdoor Fun: Bring bikes or kayaks for family adventures. One family enjoyed, "The campground area is huge with a separate area for those campers with dogs and kid-friendly."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having food on hand can save trips to the store. A camper at Oscar Scherer State Park appreciated the "clean bathrooms and plenty of them throughout the campground."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Hillsborough River State Park mentioned, "The roads in the campground are a little narrow."
  • Look for Full Hookups: Some campgrounds offer full hookups, which can make your stay more comfortable. A camper at Lake Manatee State Park noted, "The sites are large, private, and nicely surrounded by woods."
  • Be Prepared for Weather: Florida can be hot and humid, so bring fans or air conditioning units if possible. A camper at Gulf Beach Campground loved that "the bathroom/showers has an AC!!"

Camping around Bradenton Beach, Florida, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just be prepared for the local wildlife and weather, and you'll have a great time!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there campgrounds at Bradenton Beach in Florida?

While there are no campgrounds directly on Bradenton Beach itself, several quality options exist nearby. Holiday Cove RV Resort is located in nearby Cortez on a canal with easy access to Bradenton beaches. The resort features paved sites and landscaped grounds, perfect for RVers seeking proximity to the beach. For those willing to venture slightly farther, Fort De Soto Campground offers beautiful waterfront camping with excellent amenities about 30 minutes away. Both provide convenient bases for enjoying Bradenton Beach while having comfortable camping accommodations nearby.

Can you go camping at Coquina Beach near Bradenton?

There is no designated campground at Coquina Beach itself, but nearby alternatives provide excellent options for beach access. Shell Key Preserve offers a unique boat-in primitive camping experience not far from the Bradenton area. This preserve requires reservations, prohibits pets and alcohol, but rewards campers with incredible wildlife viewing opportunities including stingrays and sea turtles. Note that campfires are not permitted. For those seeking a less primitive option near Coquina Beach, Buttonwood Inlet RV Resort in Cortez provides convenient access while offering more amenities.

What RV camping options are available in Bradenton, FL?

Bradenton offers several excellent RV camping options to suit different preferences. Encore Terra Ceia in nearby Palmetto provides pet-friendly accommodations with easy access to Tampa, Sarasota, and Gulf beaches. For nature lovers, Lake Manatee State Park Campground offers spacious RV sites with hookups about 20 minutes from Bradenton. The park features good privacy between most sites, though some campers note mosquitoes can be prevalent depending on the season. Additional options include Arbor Terrace RV Resort for those seeking more resort-style amenities, with most parks offering full hookups suitable for various RV sizes.