Motorhome campers visiting Murdock, Florida find themselves in Charlotte County where freshwater canals and the Peace River create a network of waterways. Winter temperatures typically range from 50-75°F, making it a popular destination for snowbirds seeking a warm escape. Most RV campgrounds in the area are located within 15-20 minutes of local shopping and dining options.
What to do
Water recreation on Myakka River: Encore Ramblers Rest in Venice provides direct kayak access to the river. "If you like to kayak, this is the place for you. Right on the river. Very nice," notes one visitor who spent a month at the campground.
Antique shopping in Arcadia: Located 25 miles from Murdock, Encore Toby's offers easy access to the town's historic district. "Close to Arcadia where one can easily spend the day between the murals on many buildings to downtown where there are a ton of collectable and antique shops, including the 'haunted' Opera house as seen on ghost hunters," shares a camper.
Wildlife viewing: Many Murdock area campgrounds feature abundant natural wildlife. "Lots of wildlife: birds, alligators, and rabbits," mentions a visitor about their experience at a local resort, highlighting the area's diverse ecosystem.
What campers like
Social activities for winter stays: Encore Royal Coachman in Nokomis offers organized recreation options. "This was a fun campground with lots of activities included with your rental. They have a huge pool, pickle ball, tennis, mini golf, basketball, and kayaks," writes one camper who appreciated the amenities.
Venice Beach proximity: Some campers choose parks based on beach access. "It is close to Venice beach (less than 10 miles) and the town of Venice which is a awesome little town," mentions a reviewer who stayed for a month, noting the appeal of the coastal location.
Heated pools for year-round swimming: Encore Riverside maintains comfortable water temperatures during winter months. "Very clean, pool is nice and they have a game room," notes a reviewer who visited regularly with family, adding that the staff "do a lot of games and kid-friendly interactions on big weekends."
What you should know
Airport noise factors: Some Murdock area campgrounds experience overhead air traffic. "This was not the place for rest with the park at the end of the run way of the Punta Gorda airport!! As a retired Boeing employee I love the 737 but not all night long!" cautions a visitor at Waters Edge RV Resort.
Hurricane recovery status: Many parks continue rebuilding after recent storms. "To be fair, they are still recovering from hurricane Ian. Some of the sites are very nice and well kept and others look like they have very long term residents who don't clean up after themselves very well," explains a 2023 visitor to Encore Gulf View in Punta Gorda.
Site spacing varies significantly: Most RV campgrounds Murdock visitors encounter have mixed site layouts. "They wedged us into a spot between two permanent trailers which was disappointing, especially since there were open spots available," reports one camper, indicating the importance of requesting specific sites when possible.
Tips for camping with families
Look for dedicated recreation areas: Campgrounds with organized activities offer better family experiences. "Growing up, this was one of our go-to campgrounds because we had jet skis and it was nice that they have their own boat ramp for guests to use. They do a lot of games and kid-friendly interactions on big weekends (holidays)," shares a camper who frequented Riverside RV Resort.
Consider shade availability: Florida sun exposure affects comfort levels significantly. "The last time I was there, they expanded their sites, but all the new sites have absolutely no shade so I would not recommend that side during the hot summer months," advises a frequent visitor to Riverside about selecting family-friendly sites.
Expect tighter quarters with larger groups: Families need to plan for limited space at many parks. "We traveled with friends. Their site was so tight they were miserable and left a day early. They had a pop up camper with 5 children and 4 adults, 2 cars parked next to them," explains a visitor to Royal Coachman.
Tips from RVers
Weather-resistant site selection: Camping For Pawsibilities offers an alternative to traditional RV parks. This future animal rescue opened for campers features just three sites, providing a more secluded experience than the typical Murdock area RV resort.
Emergency options available: Last-minute bookings can be accommodated at some parks. "We wanted to use our generator for camping to test it out, but it would not start. Had to have a RV park nearby and called, and booked a site within 10 minutes," explains one RVer who found Harbor Lakes RV Resort helpful during an equipment failure.
Laundry facility access: When planning extended stays near Murdock, check for on-site laundry options. "Laundry rooms are another nice amenity," mentions a 40-foot Class A owner who stayed for two months, highlighting the practical considerations for longer-term visitors.
