Top Free Dispersed Camping near Bradenton Beach, FL

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!