Roc H.
Scout
ScoutButtonwood Inlet RV Resort
None Responsive Campground
I have been trying for weeks to get someone to answer the phone. Numerous requests for a call back have got me nowhere!!!
Camping near Laurel, FL
128 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Search destinations
Add dates
SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
State parks and private campgrounds surround Laurel, Florida, with camping near Laurel ranging from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV spots along Florida's Gulf Coast. Myakka River State Park, one of the largest and most ecologically diverse state parks in Florida, offers three distinct camping areas: Old Prairie, Big Flats, and Palmetto Ridge, each catering to different camping styles from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV spots. Oscar Scherer State Park provides a more intimate camping experience with dense vegetation between sites and access to South Creek. Nearby, Turtle Beach Campground offers beachfront camping with easy Gulf access, while Encore Royal Coachman in Nokomis features amenities like mini-golf and proximity to the Legacy Bike Trail. The region supports tent camping, RV sites with full hookups, cabins, and primitive backcountry sites.
Reservations are essential during winter months when "snowbirds" flock to the area, with many campgrounds booking up to 11 months in advance. As one camper noted, "Anyone who camps often in the winter Florida months knows spots are almost impossible to get at state parks." Summer brings intense heat, humidity, and afternoon thunderstorms, but also increased availability. Flooding can affect certain campgrounds, particularly those near water bodies like Myakka River. Insect protection is necessary year-round, especially in densely vegetated areas. According to reviewers, "Oscar Scherer State Park camping requires being prepared for bugs. Perhaps due to the amount of lush vegetation all over this park, there were more bugs than we experienced at other Florida state parks."
Wildlife viewing opportunities rank high among visitor experiences in the area's campgrounds. Myakka River State Park receives particular praise for its abundance of wildlife. One camper described it as "a Florida safari! I've never seen so many alligators in the wild. From babies to big daddies, they lined the river and the edge of the lake." Shade varies significantly between campgrounds and individual sites, with some offering dense tree cover while others provide little protection from the Florida sun. Site privacy also varies widely, with Oscar Scherer earning praise for "lots of dense vegetation between sites" while some private campgrounds offer minimal separation. Water access for kayaking and canoeing is available at several locations, with Myakka River and Oscar Scherer both offering paddling opportunities.
Best Campgrounds near Laurel (128)
1. Oscar Scherer State Park Campground
"Like all the Florida state parks, the campground is well-maintained and clean. Lots of trails to explore, easy to launch my kayak from near my campsite."
"Located just outside of Sarasota and on the edge of Nokomis. Very “old Florida” with lots of palm hammocks and scrub oaks. Cant say."
from $26 / night
Check Availability2. Palmetto Ridge Campground — Myakka River State Park
"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."
from $26 / night
Check Availability3. Turtle Beach Campground
"The best part of this campground would be the private access to the beach just steps away from any of the sites."
"If you want to be steps from the beach and all that Siesta Key has to offer Turtle Beach State Park is for you. Turtle Beach is a very small campground which is great if you don't like a crowd. "
from $120 / night
Check Availability4. Camp Venice Retreat
"Easy access to Vince and the great Legacy Bike trail. Beaches and parking are free."
"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"
5. Sun N Fun RV Resort
"We didn’t utilize the amenities outside of the pool, but will be back to play! We wish the sites (ours was q03) were more shaded, but worth having a nice easy pull thru spot."
"Gorgeous location, so many things to do!!! Wish I could live herebyear round!"
6. Old Prairie Campground — Myakka River State Park
"This is kind of our go to Florida State Park as we live very close and really enjoy the hiking, biking and paddling the river and lake."
"Located just east of Sarasota you’ll find lots to do without having to leave the park."
from $26 - $70 / night
Check Availability7. Encore Royal Coachman
"Surrounded by pines, palms and a beautiful lake that enters the Gulf of Mexico."
"Great location and everything you could need or want. Convenient reservations and check in."
8. Fort De Soto Campground
"As an camper with northern roots, I have found it hard to camp in Florida. This campground helped me relieve those worries. I will start by saying that this campground is south of St."
"Nice walking/bicycle path around the edge. Bike paths also throughout the park. Sites 1-8 or so have direct beach access, but swimming is not allowed. Mangroves surround the rest of the peninsula."
from $38 - $48 / night
Check Availability9. Encore Ramblers Rest
"First of all the location, if you like to kayak, this is the place for you. Right on the river. Very nice."
"Many times we had 2” plus of standing water outside of our RV (we were on “Raccoon Road”). Also, the electrical and water connections needed maintenance while we were there. They were very worn out."
10. Lake Manatee State Park Campground
"Was bordered by the camp road and the bike/walking path so often noisy with no sense of privacy. Bad mosquitoes, but to be expected."
"If you’re looking for a place to camp on the west coast of Florida that is quiet and has campsites that give you privacy, Lake Manatee State Park is a great choice."
from $22 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 24 min from North Port, FL
- 37 min from Punta Gorda, FL
- 59 min from Cape Coral, FL
- 1 hr from Tampa, FL
Recent Camping Photos near Laurel, FL
163 Photos of 128 Laurel Campgrounds
Colette M.
Oscar Scherer State Park Campground
Karen M.
Turtle Beach Campground
Joshua B.
Camp Venice Retreat
JEFFREY W.
Palmetto Ridge Campground — Myakka River State Park
Kathy L.
Old Prairie Campground — Myakka River State Park
Deven V.
Primitive Sites — Myakka River State Park
Josh M.
Flying A Campground — Myakka State Forest
CC E.
Dream Lake Camp
Jeanene A.
Crowley Museum and Nature Center Group Camp
Lexi U.
Horseshoe Cove RV Resort
Jess
The Bohemian Hideaway
Lee S.
Lake Manatee State Park Campground
Recent Reviews near Laurel, FL
689 Reviews of 128 Laurel Campgrounds
Joe F.ScoutTropical Acres RV Park & Storage
Nor the host was extremely unprofessional and disrespectful
The host Nor treated me like trash. He mandates you leave a lock off of your hitch so he can move your Rv around as needed. Mind you I was going to be paying for a reserved spot on the property paying a monthly rate. When I inquired more about their policy to see if they damaged my Rv while moving it would it be covered by them for the repairs of damages. My reservation was then automatically canceled for no reason and Nor only gave me a partial refund for my booking. He is very rude and unprofessional. There are also other reviews in the neighbor app stating damages happened while moving someone's rv and he refused to take accountability or finance the repairs for that customer. Hints the reason I was wanting clarification on the matter. Instead of providing it he decided to cancel my reservation and tried to beat me out of my deposit. Dont bring your RV here for storage it is a huge risk!
Jeanene A.
LegendTerry Tomalin Campground
We had a wonderful experience at the 4-year-old Terry Tomalin Campground
We had a wonderful experience at the 4-year-old Terry Tomalin Campground! The tent sites are spacious and nicely spread out, giving you plenty of room to set up camp without feeling crowded by your neighbors. The campground has a peaceful, natural atmosphere that makes it easy to relax and enjoy being outdoors. There are 6 cabins also available with electric– no ac.
One of the things that really impressed us was the bathroom facilities. The restrooms and showers were very clean and well-maintained, which makes a huge difference when you’re tent camping. It was great to be able to enjoy a more primitive camping experience without giving up the convenience of a nice bathroom and shower.
The location next to Boyd Hill Nature Preserve is what really makes this campground special. Campers have access to the preserve’s pedestrian trails, making it easy to spend time exploring nature and then return to your campsite to relax.
Overall, Terry Tomalin Campground is a hidden gem in St. Petersburg and a fantastic place for anyone who enjoys tent camping and being surrounded by nature. We would definitely stay here again!
Notes: Only open on weekends, no pets, strict rules against vaping and alcoholic beverages. This location is very busy in the summertime as there are not many camping options in the area. Large group fire pits (not at each site)
Stuart K.LegendShell Key Preserve
A Deserted Island Escape Worth the Effort
Arriving at Shell Key feels like stepping off the grid, and that sense of removal is exactly what makes it so special. Accessible only by kayak, paddleboard, boat or ferry from nearby Fort DeSoto State Park, this barrier island preserve greets you with white powder sugary sand, shallow turquoise water and a quiet, calm stillness that is best described as reverent. I camped here with my older brother Matt, who fled-20 degree Chicago winter weather with his expert camera gear in tow in order to spend a week here with me. From the moment we beached our kayaks, it was clear this was going to be something special.
Shell Key is as primitive as coastal camping gets, with no facilities, no freshwater and absolutely no developed campsites, just open stretches of sand where you carefully choose a high, wind-protected spot above the tide line. Camping is limited and regulated to protect the preserve and the experience is intentionally minimalist, which keeps crowds at bay and the island feeling truly wild. You pack in everything, pack out everything and rely on common sense, weather awareness as well as respect for nesting zones for turtles and waterfowl clearly marked along the beach.
What makes Shell Key extraordinary is its birdlife. Matt spent hours crouched low with his telescopic lens while I played spotter and together we photographed an incredible range of species, including brown pelicans, great blue herons, snowy egrets, roseate spoonbills, reddish egrets, ospreys, black skimmers, willets, least terns, royal terns, but the prize? Black-masked parrots that call this isle home. Dolphins cruised just offshore while rays ghosted through the shallows and every turn of the shoreline revealed another pocket of life, including the oversized snow white pelicans that seem to guard this oasis. The paddle over from Fort DeSoto was not what I would call calm, with a series of rollicking waves between the stretch where North Beach ended and Shell Key began, although the entire journey was scenic, with views back toward the Skyway Bridge and plenty of chances to stop, float, and soak it all in.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a handful: (1) Plan your paddle with tides and wind in mind, as the crossing is straightforward in calm conditions but can feel much longer with chop – and don’t forget that you’ll have to cross some designated shipping lanes, where the currents are strong; (2) Bring a lightweight kayak cart or be prepared for soft sand landings when fully loaded; (3) Set camp well above the high tide line and away from posted bird nesting areas; (4) Dawn and dusk are prime times for bird photography when the light is nothing short of spectacular; (5) As a survivalist, everywhere I camp, I prepare to fish or hunt for my meal, so here, you’ll have decent fishing, but the gem on Shell Key is the abundance of crabs, both large and small - so bring a spear or fishnet if you hope to catch any; and (6) There are ABSOLUTELY no amenities on Shell Key (not even a trash can), so stock up at Fort DeSoto before launching, including water, sun protection, and extra batteries for cameras and headlamps.
Happy Camping!
Celeste A.
TravelerLake Manatee State Park Campground
Campground Stay
The bathrooms are rather hot at any time of the day, but they are clean. One of the showers doesn’t work but there is no sign posted. 30 sites for 1 bathroom/ bathhouse so showering at night may take longer than usual. The campground isn’t too shady, but the Day Use Rec Area is nice and has a small play ground. However, if you’re looking to cool off in the lake, think again. It’s very warm water and there is a caution sign about green blue algae being possibly present in the waters. Lots of squirrels and ants
- LLaura H.
RangerFort De Soto Campground
Crowded but worth it
Day 1 we had electrical issues. Thanks to park rangers we were relocated and our vacation resumed. Great beach!
- Celeste A.Traveler
Oscar Scherer State Park Campground
Campground Review
Some bathrooms are better than others, but they are useable and spacious nonetheless. The spaces are large and most have some shade. The water hookup is a bit far so you definitely need about 30ft+ for some. They have a lake, playgrounds, and easy trails. I’ve seen lots of wildlife here too!
- Bill L.Traveler
MacDill AFB FamCamp
Reputation as the #1 FamCamp in the MWR system
Active duty, retirees, disabled vets and some others are eligible. PX and commissary near the security gate. Campground check-in quick and efficient. Pick your site from what's available. $26/night with full hook-ups. Right on the Gulf, beautiful beach. Beach bar cafe adjacent to campground.
- AAntwan Á.Traveler
Fort De Soto Campground
Beach Vibes
Great sites, clean bathrooms and showers. Easy access to the beach.
Stayed next to the playground and it was a great time for the kids.
Guide to Laurel
Campgrounds near Laurel, Florida present varied camping experiences from primitive sites to those with full amenities. The region sits on Florida's west coast between Tampa and Fort Myers, with elevations rarely exceeding 25 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures consistently reach 90°F with high humidity, while winters offer milder conditions with daytime highs in the 70s and occasional cold fronts dropping temperatures into the 40s.
What to do
Kayaking on South Creek: Oscar Scherer State Park offers excellent paddling opportunities just minutes from campgrounds. "You can launch kayaks from park and kayak south creek," writes Rachel G., who appreciated the park's water activities alongside "a nice beach/swimming area which was great cause it's hot!!"
Biking the Legacy Trail: The 10-mile paved Legacy Trail connects several campgrounds in the region. Camp Venice Retreat provides "easy access to Venice and the great Legacy Bike trail," according to Rich A., who notes "beaches and parking are free." At Oscar Scherer State Park, the trail runs through the park itself, with one camper describing it as "located about half way on 10 mile paved multi use trail-Legacy trail."
Wildlife viewing at Myakka River: For nature enthusiasts, Myakka River State Park offers exceptional wildlife viewing. "We saw (from a distance) a bald eagle's nest, as well as two juvenile eagles fighting in flight - both from the trails," reports Denise at Old Prairie Campground. Another camper warns to "be aware of heat, bring plenty of water. Dont depend on water pumps" when exploring the park's trails.
Explore Fort De Soto: Worth the 60-minute drive from Laurel, Fort De Soto Park offers unique coastal exploration. "We bike with hybrid specialized bikes and had no problems off road," reports one reviewer who enjoyed the park's 39 miles of hiking trails and off-road biking options.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers praise the vegetation between sites at certain campgrounds. Kim S. notes that Oscar Scherer State Park has "tons of spaces, but lots of dense vegetation between them...so you don't get that 'I am setting up in the middle of someone else's campfire' feeling."
Direct beach access: Turtle Beach Campground offers immediate beach access that distinguishes it from other area campgrounds. "The beach is at the end of the interior, two-way road that divides the campground. It is accessible only by foot," explains one camper, adding that the "beach was never crowded, even when the campground was full."
Riverfront camping: Several campgrounds offer water views, with Camp Venice Retreat particularly noted for its river setting. "Right on the river. Boat ramp awesome roomy sites," writes Melinda H. Another camper mentions you can "launch you kayak or canoe right from your spot."
Shaded sites: While Florida heat can be intense, several campgrounds offer good tree cover. "The sites along the river are super nice and should be on everyone's list to try to snag," notes Sam S. about Camp Venice Retreat, while others mention the "beautiful oak trees that shade most sites" at various campgrounds in the area.
What you should know
Limited last-minute availability: Reservations are crucial for campsites near Laurel, Florida, especially in winter. "Anyone who camps often in the winter of Florida months knows....spots are almost impossible to get at state parks," notes Kim S., who managed a last-minute booking at Oscar Scherer.
Seasonal flooding: Water levels can significantly impact camping conditions. At Palmetto Ridge Campground, one 2024 reviewer notes, "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."
Varying site sizes: Campgrounds offer different site dimensions that may impact larger RVs. "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," explains Amanda W.
Local wildlife awareness: Alligators and other wildlife require appropriate caution. "My husband also stepped on a snake on the South Creek Nature Trail, so keep your eyes open!" warns one camper at Old Prairie Campground, highlighting the importance of wildlife awareness when camping in Florida.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly beaches: For families, Turtle Beach Campground combines camping with easy beach access. "The beach is nice and quiet. If you want to go to siesta key beach its about 4 miles. The sand there is super white and soft. It's 99% quartz and is really rare," explains John K., highlighting options for family beach days.
Fort De Soto activities: Fort De Soto Campground offers multiple family-friendly amenities. "The ground is all recycled rubber, which I love as a parent," writes one camper about the playground. Another mentions "trails for hiking or biking" and seeing "raccoons, dolphin, manatee, tons of birds!"
Ranger programs: Several parks offer educational activities for children. "Ranger led programs take place nightly," notes Jennifer M., who adds that at Oscar Scherer State Park, "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."
Pool options for hot days: Several private campgrounds offer swimming pools as alternatives to beaches. At Sun N Fun RV Resort, one family noted "the warm pool was refreshing" and "the kids enjoyed the slide (limited hours…ask ahead)." Joe R. mentions the "slide was only open 1 day we were there" during their visit.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: Choose campgrounds and specific sites based on rig size. "We stayed in the Palmetto Ridge loop which is the only paved loop & I think the only one w/sewer," notes Amanda W., adding that "the Palmetto Ridge pull thrus are gigantic."
Hookup locations: Some campgrounds have unusual utility placement. "The electric hookup is in its normal spot, but be aware that the water is in the woods on the opposite side (one pedestal feeding two sites)," warns Denise about Old Prairie Campground, advising campers to "bring a longer hose, or park closer to the water than electric."
Drainage considerations: Low elevation means potential water issues during rainy periods. "One thing we learned and a good pointer is that if you intend on going into the park (which you probably will), you should go in and register BEFORE you go to the beach, even if before check in time," advises one Fort De Soto camper, noting this provides a beach pass for two vehicles.
Power management: Hot Florida weather means heavy AC use. "On hookup the post blew my surge protector," reports one camper at Sun N Fun RV Resort, though they added that "maintenance immediately who did a thorough check of the post and made sure it was safe to use."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Laurel, FL?
What camping is available near Laurel, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, Laurel, FL offers a wide range of camping options, with 128 campgrounds and RV parks near Laurel, FL and 3 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Laurel, FL?
Which is the most popular campground near Laurel, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Laurel, FL is Oscar Scherer State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 41 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Laurel, FL?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Laurel, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Laurel, FL.
Keep Exploring