Myakka River State Park offers diverse camping experiences near El Jobean, Florida with terrain ranging from open palmetto prairies to wetlands. The Myakka River basin covers over 600 acres and features primitive campsites requiring hikes between 2-14 miles from parking areas. Winter months bring dry conditions while summer camping requires preparation for afternoon rain showers that increase humidity.
What to do
Hiking and biking trails: Myakka River State Park features 39 miles of hiking trails and off-road biking opportunities. "We bike with hybrid specialized bikes and had no problems off road. We were here in July. Fortunately, there is lots of shade even while hiking due to the canopy trees and this kept things cooler during in the summer," notes a camper at Palmetto Ridge Campground.
Kayaking and canoeing: Multiple access points allow water exploration at Flying A Campground, though water levels fluctuate seasonally. "You can launch kayaks from park and kayak south creek. There are several hiking trails but we did not use due to weather being too hot," reports a visitor at Oscar Scherer State Park.
Island camping: For a more remote experience, Cayo Costa State Park provides beach access without road traffic. "Miles of beaches with very few people and great hiking/biking trails through the scrub. Pack lightly as you will need to load and unload all of your stuff on the ferry and then the tram and then carry it to the campsite," advises a camper.
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Camp Venice Retreat offers well-separated camping areas. "We stayed at the tent sites and they are under a nice canopy of trees with water and electric. The staff is awesome, everyone was super friendly, they had clean facilities, the nature trail was awesome to take our dog on walks down," shares a satisfied visitor at Camp Venice Retreat.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Morning and evening hours provide prime wildlife spotting times. "We arrived at the gate! After hearing of the wilderness preserve we decided to go ahead and get the permit. After driving back to the parking area, we realized we had the 600 acres to ourselves. We then hiked to the deep hole. There we saw tons of alligators birds and wildlife!"
Stargazing conditions: Rural locations minimize light pollution for excellent night sky viewing. A camper at Cayo Costa State Park notes, "Can you say dark... make sure you bring flashlights and headlamps because this place is DARK at night!" while another comments on the "amazing sunset" views.
What you should know
Weather patterns: Summer camping requires preparation for afternoon storms. "Out of all the sites, 3 had the most privacy and had great views of the forest. If we decide to go again, we will definitely stay at this site. The other sites seemed a little bare and less private," reports a camper at Flying A Campground.
Wildlife precautions: Alligator sightings are common, requiring constant vigilance. "Went to drain the tanks yesterday morning and a large sounding gator started to growl territorially at me. So heads up with your pets please," warns a camper at Palmetto Ridge Campground.
Site selection considerations: Research specific site numbers when booking. "We camped in site#69, the last pet site before the restricted sites along the creek#70-90. The sites are quite large and private as the campground is mature with lots of native Florida foliage," explains a visitor at Oscar Scherer State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Pool amenities: Several campgrounds offer swimming options when beaches aren't convenient. "Resort Style Campground. Lazy River, splash pad, pools, gym, and pool bar. Looks very new still and is kept up very well. I honestly didn't want to leave the park and site see anything else," shares a visitor at Creekside RV Resort.
Kid-friendly sites: Choose locations with recreational facilities. "Our 6 yo son loved that we felt safe enough that he could ride his bike around the camp ground to play with the other campers. There are play areas for the kids."
Bathroom facilities: Comfort stations vary widely between campgrounds. "Bathrooms were very clean! There were sinks for dish washing as well," notes a visitor, while another campground review states, "While the bathrooms were clean, they would benefit from a remodel."
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Many campgrounds accommodate larger rigs but access can be challenging. "Sites have water and electric and are dirt. Most sites are on the smaller side being shallow and narrow. Our site was great. Shaded most of day and wider," explains a camper at Oscar Scherer State Park.
Hookup locations: Water and electric connections may be positioned in unexpected spots. "The sites are quite large with a little leveling needed. The electric hookup is in its normal spot, but be aware that the water is in the woods on the opposite side. Make sure to bring a longer hose, or park closer to the water than electric."
Seasonal considerations: Pet-friendly camping near El Jobean offers different experiences throughout the year. "This is our winter 'home'. We stay 4 months here. Large paved sites with paver patios the length of the site. Most sites are ~60' or longer. 2 Pickleball courts, pool, clubhouse and nearness to downtown Punta Gorda is great."
