RV camping near Cortez, Florida provides access to the Gulf Coast with winter temperatures averaging 72°F highs and 52°F lows. Many campgrounds in the area offer waterfront sites with boat access to Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Campsites typically fill early during January through March when northern travelers migrate to the region.
What to do
Water activities: kayaking: Linger Lodge RV Park & Restaurant offers kayak rentals for exploring the Braden River. "We rented some kayaks and explored the Braden River, I can highly recommend it. And the kids loved fishing," notes a visitor who stayed for two weeks.
Beach access: short drives: Most campgrounds provide convenient access to Gulf beaches. Winter Quarters Manatee is "very close to beaches, Anna Marie Island, Sarasota, and Tampa," according to a recent reviewer.
Resort amenities: pools and recreation: Sun N Fun RV Resort features extensive recreational facilities including "a resort style pool with a restaurant and bar, 2 level gym with all the equipment you could hope for, and lots of activities for the residents," according to a visitor in April 2025.
What campers like
Waterfront sites: canal access: Buttonwood Inlet RV Resort offers sites with access to water channels. "You can't beat the location, walkable to restaurants, a short drive or bike ride to beaches. Would definitely recommend and return," reports a February 2022 visitor.
Central location: area exploration: Staying at Encore Winter Quarters Manatee puts campers in a strategic position. "Location is nice because you are right off I-75 and can be anywhere in the Greater Tampa Bay area with easy access," notes a camper from March 2025.
On-site entertainment: activities for snowbirds: Many resorts cater to longer-term winter visitors with organized events. "We did some great Art crafts in the afternoon and the chili, the manager made for the guests, on January 1st by the fire pit was absolutely delicious," reports a visitor to Linger Lodge.
What you should know
Site spacing: variable by park: Site sizes differ dramatically between resorts. At Horseshoe Cove RV Resort, "the pull thru sites which are a little tight and can be challenging to park on in big rigs. Roads are narrow with lots of turns."
Seasonal population: mostly older residents: Many parks serve as winter homes for retirees. Royal Coachman "felt more like a retirement community than a campground. It seems a lot of people keep their site for a long time. Many sites seemed permanent," reports a visitor from October 2020.
WiFi and cellular coverage: inconsistent: Internet access varies by location. At Pleasant Lake RV Resort, a reviewer noted "We did not have any luck getting wifi, but we have a Verizon Hotspot, and only one bar. To log in, there was a requirement to provide personal information, which we weren't comfortable with."
Tips for camping with families
Pool amenities: check schedules: When traveling with children, verify pool operating hours. At Sun N Fun, "The kids enjoyed the slide (limited hours…ask ahead), and the warm pool was refreshing," advises a visitor from July 2024.
Dog-friendly options: dedicated pet areas: Encore Terra Ceia provides designated pet facilities. A visitor who traveled with furry companions noted, "They have a nice size, fenced-in dog park with a dog walking path, so bring your furry friends!"
Mosquito preparation: waterfront considerations: Proximity to water often means insects. At Vacation Village, a visitor warns "This is a mosquito heaven!!! Being bug spray or candles! You will see a large amount of bugs in your area.... with a pond down the street there is No end in site for air borne bug issues."
Tips from RVers
Arrival planning: drop tow vehicle first: For larger motorhomes, arrival logistics matter. At Horseshoe Cove, "If you have a big rig with a toad I suggest dropping the toad by the office to park rig and have your partner drive to site with you. No fun having to disconnect after you get in a dicey situation."
Extended stay utilities: separate metering: Monthly renters should budget for additional costs. "Stays of 30 days or more you pay electric on top of site fee," notes a reviewer at Horseshoe Cove from May 2021.
Technical issues: power concerns: Electrical reliability can vary. At Linger Lodge, a visitor cautions about challenging navigation: "The pads for the sites are set up for Class As, with the little pad towards the front of the spot, not lining up with most other camper doors. There was no room for vehicles, not even barely enough for your pulling rig."
