Best Campgrounds near Punta Gorda, FL

Punta Gorda and the surrounding Florida Gulf Coast has several good camping options for different preferences. WP Franklin Campground runs along the Caloosahatchee River with electric and water hookups that work well for RVs. Turtle Beach Campground on Siesta Key puts you right on the beach with Gulf of Mexico access just steps away. Lake Manatee State Park Campground has good fishing and boating, with sites scattered through pine flatwoods. Koreshan State Park Campground combines history with outdoor recreation, including hiking trails and Estero River kayaking access. You'll likely see wildlife like alligators, deer and many birds in these areas, so store food properly and stay alert. It's smart to book ahead, particularly in winter when the campgrounds fill up quickly. During dry spells, fire bans might be in effect, and some areas require permits, so check before you go. Each place has different rules about length of stay and whether you can bring pets, so look into those details beforehand. These campgrounds make good base camps for exploring nearby beaches and parks. The camping around Punta Gorda works for both quiet types and those wanting more activity. You'll find everything from basic tent sites to full hookup RV spots throughout the area. You can camp year-round, but summer gets really hot and humid, so fall through spring makes for more comfortable camping weather.

Best Camping Sites Near Punta Gorda, Florida (134)

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Recent Reviews near Punta Gorda, FL

527 Reviews of 134 Punta Gorda Campgrounds



Guide to Punta Gorda

Camping near Punta Gorda, Florida, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Hiking and Wildlife Watching: Many campers enjoy the trails at Highlands Hammock State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "The hiking trails were fun, saw a lot of wildlife and made some squirrel friends."
  • Beach Access: If you love the beach, check out Turtle Beach Campground. A reviewer said, "This is an all-around winner. On the beach with shells, sunsets, waves and all that the beach has to offer."
  • Fishing and Kayaking: At Lake Manatee State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing and kayaking. One camper noted, "The lakeside day area and boat ramp are nice."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Oscar Scherer State Park Campground said, "The bathrooms were clean and plenty of them throughout the campground."
  • Friendly Staff: Many reviews highlight the helpfulness of the staff. At Koreshan State Park Campground, one camper mentioned, "Excellent hosts that are friendly and helpful."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy the spaciousness of the sites at Little Manatee River State Park Campground. A reviewer said, "The sites are large, private, and nicely surrounded by woods."

What you should know

  • Crowded on Weekends: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Highlands Hammock State Park Campground noted, "Weekends are busy, like people walking through your site at all hours."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. For instance, Lake Manatee State Park Campground lacks electric hookups, which some campers found inconvenient.
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife. A camper at Cayo Costa State Park Campground warned, "There are literally thousands of rats. If you camp here, take precautions and know that rats will chew through any bag that contains food."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. Oscar Scherer State Park Campground has a playground, making it a great choice for families.
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to plan activities that everyone can enjoy. A family at Turtle Beach Campground enjoyed the beach, saying, "This place is an awesome place to visit. Tons of things to do."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Keep everyone happy with snacks. A camper at Peace River Campground mentioned, "Private sites on the water. Lots of nature."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Ortona South said, "Sites are concrete and level. Long enough for our 38 ft coach."
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you need full hookups, check the campground details. Lake Manatee State Park Campground has limited hookups, which some RVers found challenging.
  • Be Prepared for Noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A camper at Peace River Campground noted, "There are trails which are used by ATVs and up until 10pm it's noisy."

Camping around Punta Gorda has something for everyone, whether you're in a tent, RV, or looking for a family-friendly spot. Just be sure to check the campground details and reviews to find the perfect fit for your adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What camping is available near Punta Gorda, FL?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Punta Gorda, FL offers a wide range of camping options, with 134 campgrounds and RV parks near Punta Gorda, FL and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

  • Which is the most popular campground near Punta Gorda, FL?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Punta Gorda, FL is Palmetto Ridge Campground — Myakka River State Park with a 4.6-star rating from 37 reviews.

  • Where can I find free dispersed camping near Punta Gorda, FL?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Punta Gorda, FL.

  • What parks are near Punta Gorda, FL?

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