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Best Campgrounds near Punta Gorda, FL

531 Reviews

Punta Gorda in southwest Florida presents a variety of campground options within an hour's drive of the city. Established sites include Creekside RV Resort in Punta Gorda proper, with spacious paved sites and full hookups, and Cayo Costa State Park Campground, accessible only by boat and offering a more primitive island camping experience. The region includes both privately managed RV resorts with amenities like swimming pools and public lands with more rustic settings. Accommodation types range from tent camping and RV sites to cabins and glamping options, with several campgrounds providing waterfront access along the Peace River, Myakka River, and Gulf Coast areas.

Access to campgrounds varies significantly by location and season in this part of Florida. Most developed campgrounds remain open year-round, though advance reservations are strongly recommended during winter months when the region fills with seasonal visitors. RV parks like Creekside, Sun-N-Shade, and Harbor Lakes offer level sites with full hookups, while state parks provide more natural settings with fewer amenities. Summer brings intense heat, humidity, and mosquitoes, while winter offers milder temperatures that draw crowds. A camper noted: "Beware that the line for the dump station will impede your attempt to leave the park close to check out time (1:00). Good cell service with Verizon."

Waterfront camping receives consistently positive reviews throughout the region, particularly at locations like Cayo Costa State Park, which one reviewer described as "absolutely the best place for getting away from everything civilized" with "9 miles of beach" and "great shelling." Several mixed-use campgrounds balance natural settings with convenience to urban amenities. Myakka River State Park, though not directly in Punta Gorda, stands out in reviews for its wildlife viewing opportunities and ecological diversity, with one visitor calling it "a true Jurassic Park not to miss." Most RV resorts in the immediate Punta Gorda area feature well-maintained facilities and proximity to both outdoor recreation and urban conveniences, though some reviewers mention highway noise as a downside to campgrounds located near major roads.

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Best Camping Sites Near Punta Gorda, Florida (140)

    1. Cayo Costa State Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    Boca Grande, FL
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (941) 964-0375

    $22 / night

    "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.  "

    "Cayo Costa is absolutely the best place for getting away from everything civilized!."

    2. Creekside RV Resort

    4 Reviews
    Punta Gorda, FL
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (941) 833-3334

    "Lots of grass and trees all around.  Big sites with plenty of room between other campers.  Wide, paver parking with full hook ups.  Big and clean showers and restrooms.  Nice pool and hot tub.  "

    "Most sites are ~60’ or longer. 2 Pickleball courts, pool, clubhouse and nearness to downtown Punta Gorda is great."

    3. Sun -N- Shade RV Resort

    5 Reviews
    Punta Gorda, FL
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (941) 639-5388

    "The rates were the cheapest around and the service was great. Great clean area with a pool. Local guest were very friendly as well."

    4. Encore Harbor Lakes

    4 Reviews
    El Jobean, FL
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "We came back to Florida to retrive our car after a 3 month stay in New England. This campground was right down the road from where we needed to conduct our business."

    "Had to have a RV park nearby and called, and booked a site within 10 minutes. Very pleased with the accommodations. Pool was great, neighbors were friendly and very helpful."

    5. Peace River Estates

    1 Review
    Punta Gorda, FL
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (941) 363-1175

    $50 - $125 / night

    6. *Coming Soon in 2025!* Palm Breeze Luxury RV Resort

    1 Review
    Punta Gorda, FL
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (980) 249-3240

    $40 - $60 / night

    7. Palmetto Ridge Campground — Myakka River State Park

    38 Reviews
    Osprey, FL
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (941) 361-6511

    $26 / night

    "Hidden cabins, hiking, off-road biking, boating, wildlife...so much beauty and activities to enjoy in this park! The cabins are off the main path, tucked away and private."

    "One of the largest state parks in Florida. This great Park has full and partial hook ups for all styles of camping to include hammock camping."

    8. Encore Riverside

    4 Reviews
    Port Charlotte, FL
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "Close to restaurants and shopping, but in a very private area."

    9. Peace River Campground

    25 Reviews
    Arcadia, FL
    25 miles
    Website

    $16 - $80 / 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."

    "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."

    10. Myakka River Motorcoach Resort

    2 Reviews
    El Jobean, FL
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (941) 740-2599

    "Close to everything, multiple beaches 20 minutes away,  great shopping and restaurants are close by.  Extremely friendly owners, they treat renters like members of their family.  "

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Recent Camping Photos near Punta Gorda, FL

139 Photos of 140 Punta Gorda Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Punta Gorda, FL

531 Reviews of 140 Punta Gorda Campgrounds

  • bailey J.
    Aug. 22, 2025

    Caloosahatchee Regional Park

    Our Stay

    We’ve stayed here twice now and absolutely loved it. The first time we stayed in Site 5, I believe, and something to note is that it is directly next to one of the ground volunteers’ RV site. It’s very close and does offer very limited privacy. However, he was incredibly nice and offered us firewood and a few other things that we forgot. This site was also incredibly close to the bathroom, which is a must for me. It was an amazing experience! Our second visit, we stayed on site 24. This site backs up directly to 25 and is right behind the bathrooms/showers. This site was also perfect for us despite the limited privacy. However, inconsiderate campers would walk directly through the back of our site to get to the bathrooms. Either way, these things were not dealbreakers. The grounds have incredible trails, mile-long trails to walk along the Caloosahatchee River, with beautiful sight-seeing. This is now our go-to campground!!

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 29, 2025

    Periwinkle Park

    Very nice campground on Sanibel Island

    Nice 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.

  • Rachel C.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 16, 2025

    Encore Winter Quarters Manatee

    Quaint and quiet.

    First impression, the front desk worker was very informative and quite kind. However, there is no security gate. As a momma with young kiddos, that does make me nervous. The lake is beautiful and our neighbors have been lovely. Also, I am really grateful for the location. Not too terrible a distance from Anna Marie Island, or Tampa! There is so much to do locally.

  • j
    May. 12, 2025

    Koreshan State Park Campground

    Nice place.

    Grounds are nice, and staff are great. I’d suggest avoiding site 37 until it’s renovated. Big tree in the middle, and soft sugar sand is hard to level. Also, just know there are paths in the back where you want to keep eyes open. Saw rattlesnakes.

  • Mack Daddy Van L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 26, 2025

    Hardee Lakes Park

    Fantastic Campgroudnd

    My experience was great with my pup! Primitive sites were $20 a night at time of writing.

    We stayed in a primitive site(p14) with water. I was excited to discover all these primitive wites with water are right on the lake.

    There’s no alcohol allowed which is a double edged sword, but I welcomed this rule as there always seems to be groups partying at public campsites. Not here.

    Bathrooms are typical campsite bathroom. They have showers too for campers.

    It’s a dirt road campsite, but they have water trucks that spray a few times a day to keep the dust down. So thankful for that!

    RV pull sites and promote. campsites are far enough away from each other.

    Nearest major grocery store is wal-mart about 15 minutes away.

    Only iffy thing I’d call out is how tight the primitive campsites are to each other. It was dead when I came, but had my neighboring sites been occupied, I wouldn’t have enjoyed my time as much.

  • Amanda W.
    Apr. 25, 2025

    Palmetto Ridge Campground — Myakka River State Park

    Enormous park

    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. The Palmetto Ridge pull thrus are gigantic. I would say the vegetation gives semi privacy but they aren’t on top of each other so it’s not like you’re looking right at your neighbor. There is a picnic table & a fire ring. Gravel sites but pretty level. My site was 50 amp. Not sure how many are. Bath house & laundry facility appears clean. Pet friendly. The outpost is literally like 3 miles into the park down from the entrance & Palmetto loop. The store was nice & there was a food truck. It was a little spendy but good food. The river was low so the kayak rental & boat tours were shut down. Tons of great hiking & even some elevated bridges for site seeing. Tons of gators, birds, deer etc. There is also a scenic drive in the park, a “fisherman’s loop” & a few picnic areas. There are cabins to rent but I didn’t see them. Also never saw a playground if you have kids. Very dark & quiet at night.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 22, 2025

    Lake Manatee State Park Campground

    Peaceful and beautiful

    Peaceful and beautiful place to walk. BEWEAR, PLEASE READ THE SIGNS! Nice little beach. Lots of wildlife. We had a pretty open site. Some sites have more trees and shade then others. Temps can be warm. It was in the 90s° the week we camped. We enjoyed it.

  • Mary jo R.
    Apr. 22, 2025

    Koreshan State Park Campground

    Basic Accomodations

    The trees and shrubs appear burned out from controlled burn or brush fire. The dead branches are still there. Sites have stones and sand. Not alot of grass or tree coverage. The park offers hiking trails and close by access for launching kayaks. This park also has a walking tour of the Korshean Settlement which was interesting. Every time we have been here there has been a burn ban so no campfires allowed. Sites are small but will work for a tent or smaller camper. Ours is 32’ and it is really tight for the site. Staff is super friendly. Sites fill up quickly especially on the weekend.

Guide to Punta Gorda

Camping near Punta Gorda, Florida, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Hiking and Wildlife Watching: Many campers enjoy the trails at Highlands Hammock State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "The hiking trails were fun, saw a lot of wildlife and made some squirrel friends."
  • Beach Access: If you love the beach, check out Turtle Beach Campground. A reviewer said, "This is an all-around winner. On the beach with shells, sunsets, waves and all that the beach has to offer."
  • Fishing and Kayaking: At Lake Manatee State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing and kayaking. One camper noted, "The lakeside day area and boat ramp are nice."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Oscar Scherer State Park Campground said, "The bathrooms were clean and plenty of them throughout the campground."
  • Friendly Staff: Many reviews highlight the helpfulness of the staff. At Koreshan State Park Campground, one camper mentioned, "Excellent hosts that are friendly and helpful."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy the spaciousness of the sites at Little Manatee River State Park Campground. A reviewer said, "The sites are large, private, and nicely surrounded by woods."

What you should know

  • Crowded on Weekends: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Highlands Hammock State Park Campground noted, "Weekends are busy, like people walking through your site at all hours."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. For instance, Lake Manatee State Park Campground lacks electric hookups, which some campers found inconvenient.
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife. A camper at Cayo Costa State Park Campground warned, "There are literally thousands of rats. If you camp here, take precautions and know that rats will chew through any bag that contains food."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. Oscar Scherer State Park Campground has a playground, making it a great choice for families.
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to plan activities that everyone can enjoy. A family at Turtle Beach Campground enjoyed the beach, saying, "This place is an awesome place to visit. Tons of things to do."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Keep everyone happy with snacks. A camper at Peace River Campground mentioned, "Private sites on the water. Lots of nature."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Ortona South said, "Sites are concrete and level. Long enough for our 38 ft coach."
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you need full hookups, check the campground details. Lake Manatee State Park Campground has limited hookups, which some RVers found challenging.
  • Be Prepared for Noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A camper at Peace River Campground noted, "There are trails which are used by ATVs and up until 10pm it's noisy."

Camping around Punta Gorda has something for everyone, whether you're in a tent, RV, or looking for a family-friendly spot. Just be sure to check the campground details and reviews to find the perfect fit for your adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best campgrounds in Punta Gorda, FL?

Punta Gorda offers several excellent camping options. Creekside RV Resort stands out with its beautiful grounds, spacious sites with paver parking, and full hookups. The resort features clean facilities, a pool, hot tub, and convenient highway access. Another option is Waters Edge RV Resort, which provides easy access to Punta Gorda amenities, though be aware it's located near the airport runway. For those wanting to explore beyond immediate Punta Gorda, Sun-N-Shade RV Resort offers a convenient base for exploring the area with good amenities and accessibility.

Are there any state parks with camping facilities near Punta Gorda?

Several state parks with camping facilities are within reach of Punta Gorda. Cayo Costa State Park Campground offers a pristine beach camping experience on a barrier island with primitive camping and cabin rentals. It's perfect for those seeking seclusion and excellent shelling opportunities. Myakka River State Park features the Palmetto Ridge Campground with private cabins, hiking trails, off-road biking, and boating. Other options include Oscar Scherer State Park and Lake Manatee State Park, both offering well-maintained campgrounds within driving distance of Punta Gorda.

What RV parks are available near Punta Gorda?

W.P. Franklin N is an Army Corps of Engineers campground located near Fort Myers, about 45 minutes from Gulf Coast beaches. It offers convenient access to Punta Gorda and surrounding areas. Myakka River Motorcoach Resort provides upscale accommodations for larger RVs near Port Charlotte, just a short drive from Punta Gorda. Other nearby options include Encore Riverside in Arcadia with boat and drive-in access, and Sun-N-Shade RV Resort with full hookups and big-rig-friendly sites, making the Punta Gorda area well-equipped for RV travelers.

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