Palmetto Ridge Campground in Myakka River State Park houses upscale safari-style glamping accommodations with full hookups amid natural Florida wilderness. Several sites feature private waterfront views of the Myakka River, creating an immersive luxury camping experience within the expansive 37,000-acre park. The glamping units provide comfortable beds, climate control, and spacious interiors that blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. Peace River Campground offers additional glamping options including canvas yurts with raised wooden floors, furnished interiors, and private outdoor spaces. Both locations maintain high cleanliness standards and provide luxury amenities that traditional camping lacks. One visitor noted, "Palmetto Ridge Campground is great for any type of camping with full hookup sites in a beautiful setting."
Wildlife viewing ranks among the top experiences at these glamping destinations, with opportunities to observe alligators, deer, wild turkeys, and numerous bird species from private viewing decks. Kayaking and canoeing on the Myakka River provide water-based adventures directly accessible from some glamping sites. The parks maintain extensive trail networks for hiking and cycling, while Myakka River State Park features a remarkable canopy walkway rising 76 feet above the forest floor for panoramic wilderness views. A distinctive airboat tour accommodating up to 30 passengers offers unique perspectives of the lake ecosystem. Glamping guests have access to on-site dining options, including the Pink Gator restaurant where visitors can sample local specialties. According to a camper, "This is an eco experience with much diversity in flora and fauna. From gators to wild pigs, they have it all. Try the Alligator stew!"
"Excellent for wildlife viewing in the surprisingly beautiful prairie and tropical Florida area. You can rent bikes or kayaks nearby and make sure to take a tour on the famous fan boats."
"You can spends days hiking the trails and paddling the river and lakes. The wildlife is everywhere! What would you like to see? Deer, wild hogs, alligators, birds of all kinds?"
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $26 / night
"friendly staff on site. very nice sites on river inlet with perfectly placed utilities. bet clean restrooms and showers within a brief walk from every site. didn’t use pool but looked very clean and well"
"Easy access to Vince and the great Legacy Bike trail. Beaches and parking are free."
"Best beach oriented camping in Florida. The shelling is amazing and you truly feel like you have traveled back in time. We have camped there in a tent site three times in the last year. "
"We were 1 min from the beach with easy access to bathrooms and running water. Some of us also slept on the beach which was quite a treat. Great fishing as well."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $22 / night
"This campground was easy to get to and has lots to do near by. There is the town of Arcadia nearby with local history and restaurants if you feel like a hot meal on a rainy night."
"ThisThis is a great Campground just outside of Arcadia Florida. It has ATV trails and fossilized shark tooth hunting. it has a Wilderness Area as well as developed the campground area."
from $16 - $80 / night
"As we walked the property, residents were friendly. We didn't really use any of the facilities, but overall a great visit."
"Located in Jasper, TN. This is a place to visit! Fair rates ($35/night) and great views. Friendly staff. Upkeep on bathrooms and showers. Very pleased with my stay here!"
"Very friendly staff, nice k9 Kamp dog park. Surrounded by water. Paradise"
"We can set up camp and stay throughput the week even if the kids have school. It’s hard to book a weekend at any Florida campground in season so plan ahead if you want a Florida State park."
"The campground located inside the historical state park has a total of 54 sites, 39 are RV or tent, 3 only RV, and 12 Tent only."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $26 / night
"It is driving f distance from most of the local tourist sites we stayed for a week and never ran out of things to do."
"We were running close to the cut off for check in due to traffic. We called and the clerk waited for us to get there. We made it just under the wire."
from $50 - $62 / night
"Stayed here for a week in May - quiet, pretty campground with friendly staff, a petting zoo and vegetable farm on property."
"The petting zoo and obstacle course was great for our 10 y/o daughter. Staff was great. We will be back."
"Laundry facilities and bathrooms are fine too. Dryers dry a full load of towels in one cycle, was pretty impressive! Also plenty of area to ride a bike a couple times around the park."
"Great park awesome amenities Pet Friendly and ok pricing! They have everything you can think of for a RV park and more! We will definitely be back! ♥️"
ScoutHaven't been camping here. Based on the photos, it looks like it is a beautiful place. Looks like somewhere to have a fun, crazy, spontaneous camp experience. I prefer natural nature. Cutting the trails, fire wood, catching dinner, fighting mosquitoes without harsh chemicals. Preserving the world. Maybe make a reservation. Leave the dogs with a sitter and not have a care in the world.
GuideNice little place. Gravel, pull-through sites, clean bathrooms, and friendly staff. Tons to do for the littles!
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
TravelerIt was perfect for us, first adventure on RV. First thing PET FRIENDLY, super clean, 5 minutes to fort Myers Beach.
TravelerMy family and I have stayed at this historic campground for over 50 years. It is a taste of old florida , with sandy streets and very few streetlights . Several wonderful bath houses and half a mile bike ride to the beach . Sanibel has many miles of bicycle paths ( class 1 only ). And many on the island bicycle . This is a wonderful campground .
GuideGreat location to walk to local beach 1/2 mile 20 minute walk
GuideIf you are here, reading this review, you are one step ahead of me. I booked this campsite without doing a whole lot of research. I was driving, I passed through Arcadia, and the first two places I looked at had a three night minimum or were fully booked so I went with this one. Peace River. It sounds so peaceful. But this place is really just a playground for ATVs. I’m in a Ram Promaster and I booked a primitive site. Basically, I parked under some trees and spent two hours watching and listening to ATV riders circle me like bees around a flower. When I heard myself saying “I hate it here,” I knew it was time to drive two hours back home. Plus I was at risk of getting stuck in the sugar sand with my front wheel drive vehicle. I’ve never heard of sugar sand, and now it will fill my nightmares.
TravelerWe stayed here for the weekend and enjoyed it very much. The petting zoo and obstacle course was great for our 10 y/o daughter. Staff was great. We will be back.
ScoutNice campground with very flat campsites made setting up our small trailer a breeze.
Very cost effective way to enjoy the island.
Sites were a bit snug but were plenty for us.
Bathrooms were probably the cleanest I've ever seen at a campground. They were cleaned daily and it showed.
Laundry facilities were very nice as well.
Periwinkle park is located fairly close to most anything you'd like to do on Sanibel. It was only a few minute bike ride down to the beach and to many other attractions.
Great place, would definitely stay again.
Englewood, Florida, offers numerous camping options along Florida's Gulf Coast with an average elevation of just 10 feet above sea level. Most campgrounds in the area experience warm winters with temperatures rarely falling below 50°F, making it a popular destination for winter camping. Spring and fall bring optimal temperatures, while summer months can reach highs in the 90s with frequent afternoon thunderstorms.
Fossil hunting on Peace River: Visitors can search for prehistoric shark teeth and fossils near Peace River Campground. "Peace River is full of alligators in the spring/summer time. They didn't bother us but they also didn't seem too afraid of us either," notes Leslie M., highlighting the additional wildlife viewing opportunities while searching for fossils.
Kayaking mangrove trails: Launch directly from your campsite at Camp Venice Retreat to explore the Myakka River. "You can launch your kayak or canoe right from your spot," confirms Joshua B. The waterways offer excellent wildlife viewing and fishing opportunities with minimal boat traffic.
Beach shelling excursions: Take a day trip to Sanibel Island's beaches from mainland campgrounds. "Super close to a nice beach. Birds were so cool. Everything worked. Park was clean. Good size lots," reports Erik P. about Periwinkle Park, noting its convenient beach access.
Island exploration: Take a ferry to remote island camping at Cayo Costa State Park. "9 miles of beach is great! Nice and shallow for a bit (on parts of the beach) but the shelling is awesome. Lots of different shells and sharks teeth from many varieties of sharks," writes Jeanene A., describing the pristine beachcombing conditions.
Waterfront sites: Many campers appreciate riverfront accommodations at Horseshoe Cove RV Resort. "Park is very well kept, beautiful gym, pool, hot tub, and private island on backside to fish and other games like horseshoes," according to Lexi U.
Wildlife encounters: Opportunities to see native Florida species are abundant. "This place is special. Best beach oriented camping in Florida. The shelling is amazing and you truly feel like you have traveled back in time," shares Jim about Cayo Costa State Park Campground.
Primitive camping options: For those seeking more remote experiences, several parks offer backwoods sites. "They have great primitive sites, with hikes that vary from 2 miles to 14 miles to camp sites. Beware of heat, bring plenty of water. Don't depend on water pumps," advises Michael K. about Myakka River State Park.
Yurt camping near Englewood: Peace River Campground provides yurt accommodations with raised floors for those who want comfort with a camping feel. The yurt camping options near Englewood, Florida offer a middle ground between tent camping and cabins.
Weather considerations: Florida's climate demands preparation. "Cayo Costa can book out as much as 6 months in advance. Plan your trip accordingly. Cayo Costa in January is not like Cayo Costa in July. This may seem obvious but do not underestimate bugs, particularly noseeums on this island," warns David I. about seasonal differences.
Bug protection essential: Insects are a common concern throughout the region. "WHATEVER YOU DO BRING BUG PROTECTION! I brought sawyers bug lotion and 2 thermacell bug repellents and in 24 hours got 2 bug bites!" advises Tatiana M., suggesting effective protection strategies for Cayo Costa State Park Campground.
Transportation limitations: Some campgrounds have restricted access. "Access to the island is by ferry (Tropic Star of Pine Island) although it is possible to kayak to it from Pine Island. This would involve some open water crossing and about a 7 mile total one way trip," explains David I. regarding logistics for reaching island camping destinations.
Alligator awareness: Local waterways contain native wildlife that requires respect. "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 Jenelle J., highlighting the importance of wildlife awareness.
Educational opportunities: Several parks offer historical components for family learning. "The visitor center offers a lot of rentals too... from kayaks to tandem bikes. (For the die hard road bikers it is only 12.5 miles to Legacy Rail to trail)," notes Travyl Couple about family-friendly activities at Myakka River State Park.
Playground access: Koreshan State Park Campground provides recreation areas for children. "We love to hike the trails and the kids really like the playground at this campground. The historic area is really neat too and they have a farmers market on Sundays," shares Sarah C.
Bird watching experiences: Children often enjoy the wildlife viewing opportunities, particularly bird watching. "This place is amazing. I wanted to take my kids camping with only a tent. The check-in lady was so nice. Place is very clean and everyone is so friendly," reports Lisette J. about her family's experience at Periwinkle Park.
Safety considerations: Parents should be aware of potential hazards. "Well worth visiting. 'Do not enter this part of the trail is closed' and 'do not feed the alligators' but you still saw people doing them without interference from the park employees," observes Anthony S. about visitor behavior at Myakka River State Park.
Site access challenges: Some parks have navigation difficulties. "Drive slow and stay in the middle if you can. The park roads are all dirt and can be dusty at times, but again, not a big issue," advises Sam S. about conditions at Camp Venice Retreat.
Hookup variations: Service availability differs between campgrounds. "I'm staying in the Palmetto Ridge loop which is the only paved loop & I think the only one w/sewer. The Big Flats & Old Prairie loops are gravel road, tight, no privacy & very small sites like for popups, vans or small campers," explains Amanda W., providing specific details about San Carlos RV Resort & Marina.
Leveling considerations: Terrain can present challenges for larger rigs. "The campsites have a windblock of trees, so you cannot directly see the beach, but you can hear it. It is also only a 3 min walk to remote beach," notes Leah W. about site positioning at one island campground.
Seasonal planning: Timing affects availability and conditions. "The sites along the river are super nice and should be on everyone's list to try to snag. Nice pool, laundry and bathrooms. Very quiet," recommends Sam S. when describing preferred riverside camping spots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Englewood, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Englewood, FL is Palmetto Ridge Campground — Myakka River State Park with a 4.6-star rating from 38 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Englewood, FL?
TheDyrt.com has all 12 glamping camping locations near Englewood, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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