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.
