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Best Campgrounds near Bradenton Beach, FL

670 Reviews

Several camping options surround Bradenton Beach for campers wanting to enjoy Florida's coast. Myakka River State Park has the Palmetto Ridge Campground with decent-sized sites that give some privacy and good bathhouses. Lake Manatee State Park Campground tends to be quieter, with shaded spots and nice views of the water. About 12 miles from town, Fort De Soto Campground puts you right on the water with plenty to do - it's good for kids and has beach access, an old fort, and trails to walk. Turtle Beach Campground on Siesta Key is small but puts you right by the ocean with great views. Most people camp here during fall and winter when it's not so hot and sticky. Summer camping means dealing with heat and humidity. You'll need to reserve spots well ahead of time at any of these places since they fill up fast. These campgrounds work well whether you want to hike, fish, or just hang out by the water.

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Best Camping Sites Near Bradenton Beach, Florida (126)

    1. Fort De Soto Campground

    139 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. 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."

    3. 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. "

    4. Buttonwood Inlet RV Resort

    4 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"

    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."

    "Shell Key is one of the larger uninhabited islands off of the west coast of Florida near St. Petersburg."

    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 Camping Photos near Bradenton Beach, FL

144 Photos of 126 Bradenton Beach Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Bradenton Beach, FL

670 Reviews of 126 Bradenton Beach Campgrounds

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

What camping is available near Bradenton Beach, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, Bradenton Beach, FL offers a wide range of camping options, with 126 campgrounds and RV parks near Bradenton Beach, FL and 2 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Bradenton Beach, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Bradenton Beach, FL is Fort De Soto Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 139 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Bradenton Beach, FL.

What parks are near Bradenton Beach, FL?

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

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