RV camping near Englewood, Florida offers easy access to the Gulf Coast beaches while providing comfortable lodging options. The area sits on relatively flat terrain with an average elevation of less than 10 feet above sea level, resulting in good drainage at many campgrounds except during heavy rain events. Most Englewood camping areas remain open year-round, though summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity levels.
What to do
Kayaking on Myakka River: Launch directly from Encore Ramblers Rest RV Campground in Venice, where the property connects to the river. "If you like to kayak, this is the place for you. Right on the river. Very nice," notes Reginald V., who stayed for a month.
Beach exploration on Venice Beach: Located 10 miles from Encore Royal Coachman, Venice Beach offers unique fossil hunting. "Venice is a favorite small florida city, famous for its beaches full of fossilized sharks teeth, Sharky's fishing pier, interesting jetty's," explains Marcia T.
Swimming in resort pools: Many campgrounds feature heated pools with extended hours. At Sun N Fun RV Resort, "The kids enjoyed the slide (limited hours…ask ahead), and the warm pool was refreshing," according to Joe R., who adds that food options are available at the pool.
What campers like
Community activities and recreation: Many Englewood area RV parks offer extensive recreational facilities. "They have a huge pool, pickle ball, tennis, mini golf, basketball, and kayaks. It is also a dog friendly campground," writes Kristen W. about Encore Royal Coachman.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Campgrounds often feature ponds or natural areas with Florida wildlife. William R., who stayed at Pleasant Lake RV Resort, appreciated "the easternmost edge of the property and we enjoyed the shade every morning (kind of a rarity in Florida)."
Extended-stay options: Many campers choose Englewood for longer winter stays. "We stayed for 3 weeks while visiting family in the Sarasota area. Despite Covid-19, there was still plenty to do," says Molly F. about Sun N Fun, adding that "Seemed the long term folks didn't mind us temporary people hanging around (which is not always the case)."
What you should know
Site spacing varies considerably: Many parks have tight spacing between units. At Encore Harbor Lakes, "They wedged us into a spot between two permanent trailers which was disappointing, especially since there were open spots available," explains Lawrence Robert T.
Year-round residents create a different atmosphere: Unlike traditional campgrounds, many Englewood RV parks have permanent or seasonal residents. "The resort was mixed in with full timers and mobile homes. The rvs were shoved in between these homes and permanent spots," notes Alana F. about Harbor Lakes.
Flooding concerns in some areas: Low elevation can lead to water issues after heavy rain. At Ramblers Rest, Craig M. observed that "when it rains frequently (summer months) the ground tends to become saturated with water. Many times we had 2" plus of standing water outside of our RV."
Tips for camping with families
Pool restrictions vary by park: Check pool hours and rules before booking. "The kids enjoyed the slide (limited hours…ask ahead), and the warm pool was refreshing," advises Joe R. about Sun N Fun.
Consider noise levels near highways: Some parks back up to major roads. At Encore Winter Quarters Manatee, Millie D. notes that "the noise of the interstate is non-stop, and traffic in this area is really congested."
Book early for winter stays: Florida's high season fills campgrounds quickly. "You'll find more availability if you visit during summer or fall months," though one camper mentioned that "we booked this site 60 days ago for longer BUT left early as it was so bad."
Tips from RVers
Electrical connections vary in quality: Check your hookups carefully upon arrival. At Ramblers Rest, Craig M. found that "the electrical and water connections needed maintenance while we were there. They were very worn out."
Low branches can be an issue: While main roads are generally clear, some campground roads have obstacles. Check ahead if you have a tall rig, as several parks have mature oak trees with lower branches.
Interior roads may be narrow: Navigation within parks can be challenging for larger motorhomes. Rich D. warns about "One lane roads with 2 way traffic. If you have a big rig, it will be tight" at Winter Quarters Manatee.
