137 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Cortez, Florida offers several established campgrounds and RV resorts situated along the Gulf Coast, with options ranging from waterfront sites to palm-lined parks. Buttonwood Inlet RV Resort in Cortez provides boat-in and drive-in access for both tent and RV camping, while Holiday Cove RV Resort offers premium waterfront sites with boat slips. The area also includes developed camping options in nearby communities such as Bradenton, Saint Petersburg, and Sarasota, with both public and private campground options available year-round within 30 minutes of Cortez.
Camping areas near Cortez maintain consistent accessibility throughout the year due to Florida's mild climate, though summer months bring higher humidity and occasional afternoon thunderstorms. Most developed campgrounds in the region require reservations, particularly during winter months when snowbirds flock to the area. Sites at popular destinations like Buttonwood Inlet often fill months in advance. The proximity to water and beaches is a key attraction, with many campgrounds situated less than a mile from Gulf beaches or adjacent to canals and bays. "You can't beat the location, walkable to restaurants, a short drive or bike ride to beaches," noted one visitor about Buttonwood Inlet RV Resort.
Waterfront camping represents a significant draw in the Cortez area, with several RV resorts offering canal or bay access. Campers frequently mention the convenience of being close to Anna Maria Island beaches while having a quieter home base. Sites at most developed campgrounds feature paved pads and full hookups, with amenities like swimming pools, dog parks, and clubhouses common at private resorts. "Sites are paved and level but small. Location is great, close to Anna Maria Island and Cortez restaurants," according to one review. The proximity to seafood restaurants and the historic fishing village of Cortez enhances the appeal for many campers. South Skyway Rest Stop offers a free alternative with Gulf views, though amenities are minimal compared to established campground options.
"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."
from $38 - $48 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $22 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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. "
from $120 / night
Check Availability"Location is great, close to Anna Maria Island and Cortez restaurants"
"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."
"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."
from $26 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $22 / night
Check Availability"In Palmetto, easy access to Tampa, Sarasota, Gulf Beaches, and many other areas of Florida in a few hours driving distance. Pet-friendly."
"As we walked outside, a fellow traveler who had been here often, offered to show me the way to our site."
"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."
"Also plenty of area to ride a bike a couple times around the park. It is also close to gas, grocery store and really good restaurants. Two thumbs up!!!"
"this place is nice they have their own private island can go fishing over there with no license nice Pier to walk across take your dog there and enjoy on the river"
GuideTook the littles (ages 5 &4) for their first tent camping trip - had a blast once they learned what s’mores were all about! Decent space, warm days and unusually cool nights.
GuideGreat views! Most sites have water-access backyards. Gravel pads are long enough and grassy area behind them goes to waters edge. Room for kiddos to play and adults to wade fish for seatrout on the flats
Scoutthis place is nice they have their own private island can go fishing over there with no license nice Pier to walk across take your dog there and enjoy on the river
ScoutI have been trying for weeks to get someone to answer the phone. Numerous requests for a call back have got me nowhere!!!
ScoutThe host Nor treated me like trash. He mandates you leave a lock off of your hitch so he can move your Rv around as needed. Mind you I was going to be paying for a reserved spot on the property paying a monthly rate. When I inquired more about their policy to see if they damaged my Rv while moving it would it be covered by them for the repairs of damages. My reservation was then automatically canceled for no reason and Nor only gave me a partial refund for my booking. He is very rude and unprofessional. There are also other reviews in the neighbor app stating damages happened while moving someone's rv and he refused to take accountability or finance the repairs for that customer. Hints the reason I was wanting clarification on the matter. Instead of providing it he decided to cancel my reservation and tried to beat me out of my deposit. Dont bring your RV here for storage it is a huge risk!
LegendWe had a wonderful experience at the 4-year-old Terry Tomalin Campground! The tent sites are spacious and nicely spread out, giving you plenty of room to set up camp without feeling crowded by your neighbors. The campground has a peaceful, natural atmosphere that makes it easy to relax and enjoy being outdoors. There are 6 cabins also available with electric– no ac.
One of the things that really impressed us was the bathroom facilities. The restrooms and showers were very clean and well-maintained, which makes a huge difference when you’re tent camping. It was great to be able to enjoy a more primitive camping experience without giving up the convenience of a nice bathroom and shower.
The location next to Boyd Hill Nature Preserve is what really makes this campground special. Campers have access to the preserve’s pedestrian trails, making it easy to spend time exploring nature and then return to your campsite to relax.
Overall, Terry Tomalin Campground is a hidden gem in St. Petersburg and a fantastic place for anyone who enjoys tent camping and being surrounded by nature. We would definitely stay here again!
Notes: Only open on weekends, no pets, strict rules against vaping and alcoholic beverages. This location is very busy in the summertime as there are not many camping options in the area. Large group fire pits (not at each site)
LegendArriving at Shell Key feels like stepping off the grid, and that sense of removal is exactly what makes it so special. Accessible only by kayak, paddleboard, boat or ferry from nearby Fort DeSoto State Park, this barrier island preserve greets you with white powder sugary sand, shallow turquoise water and a quiet, calm stillness that is best described as reverent. I camped here with my older brother Matt, who fled-20 degree Chicago winter weather with his expert camera gear in tow in order to spend a week here with me. From the moment we beached our kayaks, it was clear this was going to be something special.
Shell Key is as primitive as coastal camping gets, with no facilities, no freshwater and absolutely no developed campsites, just open stretches of sand where you carefully choose a high, wind-protected spot above the tide line. Camping is limited and regulated to protect the preserve and the experience is intentionally minimalist, which keeps crowds at bay and the island feeling truly wild. You pack in everything, pack out everything and rely on common sense, weather awareness as well as respect for nesting zones for turtles and waterfowl clearly marked along the beach.
What makes Shell Key extraordinary is its birdlife. Matt spent hours crouched low with his telescopic lens while I played spotter and together we photographed an incredible range of species, including brown pelicans, great blue herons, snowy egrets, roseate spoonbills, reddish egrets, ospreys, black skimmers, willets, least terns, royal terns, but the prize? Black-masked parrots that call this isle home. Dolphins cruised just offshore while rays ghosted through the shallows and every turn of the shoreline revealed another pocket of life, including the oversized snow white pelicans that seem to guard this oasis. The paddle over from Fort DeSoto was not what I would call calm, with a series of rollicking waves between the stretch where North Beach ended and Shell Key began, although the entire journey was scenic, with views back toward the Skyway Bridge and plenty of chances to stop, float, and soak it all in.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a handful: (1) Plan your paddle with tides and wind in mind, as the crossing is straightforward in calm conditions but can feel much longer with chop – and don’t forget that you’ll have to cross some designated shipping lanes, where the currents are strong; (2) Bring a lightweight kayak cart or be prepared for soft sand landings when fully loaded; (3) Set camp well above the high tide line and away from posted bird nesting areas; (4) Dawn and dusk are prime times for bird photography when the light is nothing short of spectacular; (5) As a survivalist, everywhere I camp, I prepare to fish or hunt for my meal, so here, you’ll have decent fishing, but the gem on Shell Key is the abundance of crabs, both large and small - so bring a spear or fishnet if you hope to catch any; and (6) There are ABSOLUTELY no amenities on Shell Key (not even a trash can), so stock up at Fort DeSoto before launching, including water, sun protection, and extra batteries for cameras and headlamps.
Happy Camping!
TravelerThe bathrooms are rather hot at any time of the day, but they are clean. One of the showers doesn’t work but there is no sign posted. 30 sites for 1 bathroom/ bathhouse so showering at night may take longer than usual. The campground isn’t too shady, but the Day Use Rec Area is nice and has a small play ground. However, if you’re looking to cool off in the lake, think again. It’s very warm water and there is a caution sign about green blue algae being possibly present in the waters. Lots of squirrels and ants
RangerDay 1 we had electrical issues. Thanks to park rangers we were relocated and our vacation resumed. Great beach!
Fort De Soto Campground in Saint Petersburg offers accessible waterfront camping within 30 minutes of Cortez, Florida. The Florida Gulf Coast camping region maintains stable temperatures throughout winter with occasional afternoon thunderstorms during summer months. Near Cortez, both inland river campgrounds and coastal sites provide varied terrain options from oak hammocks to waterfront locations.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: At Fort De Soto Campground, campers regularly spot marine wildlife during their stays. "We saw raccoons, dolphin, manatee, tons of Birds!" reports Brennan H. The park's waterfront sites provide natural habitats where campers can observe Florida's diverse ecosystem.
Kayaking access: Palmetto Ridge Campground offers paddling opportunities on rivers and lakes for various skill levels. "Rivers and lakes for kayaking/canoe and we enjoyed the fishing and paddling," notes Travyl Couple. The campground serves as a launching point for exploring the Myakka waterways.
Hiking trails: Little Manatee River State Park features well-maintained paths for nature walks. "This park offers lots of beautiful nature trails, kayaking, biking & bird watching," explains Barbara A. Trail difficulty varies from short nature loops to longer routes through oak hammocks and riverside paths.
Beach access: Turtle Beach Campground provides direct shoreline access rarely found at other area campgrounds. "The beach is at the end of the interior, two-way road that divides the campground. It is accessible only by foot... Beach was never crowded, even when the campground was full," shares L O. This setup allows campers to easily move between their sites and the Gulf.
Private campsites: Many campers appreciate the natural separation between sites at Oscar Scherer State Park. "The sites are quite large and private as the campground is mature with lots of native Florida foliage," explains Perry J. Site 20 gets specific mention as "secluded with lots of privacy and a view of the creek that runs through the campground," according to Deanna G.
Resort amenities: Sun N Fun RV Resort offers extensive facilities beyond standard campground features. "Gorgeous location, so many things to do!!! Wish I could live here year round!" exclaims Amber G. The resort includes "a two level gym with all the equipment you could hope for, and lots of activities for the residents," according to Alan R.
Reservation timing: Sites at popular parks fill months in advance, particularly during winter. For Turtle Beach: "This is a great little spot with beach access that no other campground in the area offers... Very hard to get a space here so plan far ahead," advises Janet A.
Road noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience traffic sounds depending on site location. "I would not recommend tent camping near the road as we were woken up several times overnight by what sounded like cars racing on the road nearby," notes Aila R. about Turtle Beach Campground.
Flooding issues: After heavy rain, some campgrounds experience drainage problems. "The main road does flood severely. There was no flooding on the sites themselves but it did make it rather hard to walk throughout the grounds beyond your own site," reports Cole B. about camping at Lake Manatee State Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Cortez, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, Cortez, FL offers a wide range of camping options, with 137 campgrounds and RV parks near Cortez, FL and 2 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Cortez, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Cortez, FL is Fort De Soto Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 145 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Cortez, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Cortez, FL.
Keep Exploring
