RV camping near Longboat Key, Florida offers waterfront options within 15-30 minutes of Gulf Coast beaches. Sites range from spacious brick-surfaced lots at newer resorts to more compact spaces at established parks. Most campgrounds in this area maintain swimming pools and recreational facilities, with several providing direct water access for kayaking and fishing.
What to do
Kayak the waterways: At The Tides RV Resort in Palmetto, guests can access Terra Ceia Bay via the creek at the edge of the property. "Free kayak rental," notes camper Gordon D., making it convenient to explore the local waterways without hauling your own equipment.
Fishing access: Horseshoe Cove RV Resort features a private island on the backside of the property specifically for fishing and outdoor games. According to Lexi U., the resort offers "plenty of area to ride a bike a couple times around the park" with "horseshoes" and other recreational options.
Beach proximity: Buttonwood Inlet RV Resort puts you within walking distance of Gulf beaches. "Just a mile walk to the beach. Mostly older folks," reports Noah N. The location is "walkable to restaurants, a short drive or bike ride to beaches," adds Lorena B.
What campers like
Resort-style amenities: Sun N Fun RV Resort in Sarasota maintains extensive recreational facilities. "Awesome Facillities good pool many activities 18 Pickleball courts," writes LeRoy B. Another camper, Jennifer S., describes it as an "amazing" place with "tons of activities" including "golf cart rentals" and a "huge pool."
Dog-friendly facilities: Traveling with pets is made easier at several parks. Horseshoe Cove welcomes dogs of all sizes, as one camper mentions, "I have 2 50 lb+ dogs and there are many other people with dogs, plus a dog park." Similarly, Encore Terra Ceia provides "a nice size, fenced-in dog park with a dog walking path, so bring your furry friends!" according to Danna D.
Waterfront views: Multiple parks offer water views or access. Encore Ramblers Rest provides sites along the Myakka River. Craig M. describes it as "nestled amongst tall pine trees" with the river adding to the scenery. According to another reviewer, "if you like to kayak, this is the place for you. Right on the river."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Winter months bring significant crowds to the area. At Sun N Fun, one camper notes that during peak season "the pool was full" and the resort "can get crowded." Rates also fluctuate considerably, with one reviewer mentioning that Sun N Fun costs "$1400 a month."
Site variations: Site quality and spacing vary widely between and within parks. At Linger Lodge RV Park, there are "river sites" and "jungle sites," though one lengthy review cautions that some river sites have "30 ft of overgrown, what I would call 'jungle,' to the water" blocking views.
Traffic and road noise: Several parks experience noise from nearby highways. Winter Quarters Manatee is described as "very close to I75, and there is construction currently underway." Similarly, Horseshoe Cove's convenient interstate access means some road noise, while Ramblers Rest has "traffic on Rt 777 can be pretty crazy at certain times of the day."
Tips for camping with families
Pool activities: Most parks maintain swimming pools that appeal to children. At Encore Winter Quarters Manatee, amenities "include 2 heated pools and a spa," according to Jean M. Sun N Fun takes water fun further with "the slide" though one family notes it has "limited hours…ask ahead."
Recreation options: Pleasant Lake RV Resort offers numerous amenities for family entertainment. "This is a beautiful place with beautiful views. Super clean everywhere. There is a lovely pool, billiard room, exercise and game room, etc.," writes Brenda A.
Security considerations: For families with children, security features vary by park. Rachel C. at Winter Quarters Manatee notes: "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."
Tips from RVers
Site access challenges: RVers with larger rigs should plan carefully. At Winter Quarters Manatee, one camper reports: "Arrived to find it very tight to get into our site, thankfully the nearby neighbors moved their vehicles so my husband could maneuver the 5th wheel in."
Electrical considerations: Hookup placement varies across parks. At Encore Ramblers Rest, "the electrical and water connections needed maintenance" according to one long-term camper. Similarly, at Winter Quarters Manatee, a reviewer noted "the electrical (30 amp and 50 amp) was farther back than the water, which wasn't a huge deal but might be inconvenient for some."
Leveling issues: Pad conditions affect setup ease. Winter Quarters Manatee has sites that "has dirt & mud & is uneven" according to one review. In contrast, Buttonwood Inlet RV Resort provides "paved and level" sites, though they are described as "small."
