Campsites near Nokomis, Florida range from secluded riverside spots to ocean-adjacent parks within the subtropical coastal landscape. The region sits just a few feet above sea level with sandy, shell-based terrain that can become saturated during Florida's rainy season from June through September. Water management issues affect many camping areas, with drainage problems common after heavy rainfall.
What to do
Kayaking on the Myakka River: Launch directly from Camp Venice Retreat for paddling adventures in both directions. "Easy river access. Paddle the Myakka River in both directions. Plenty of wildlife - and gaters! No worries, they'll leave you alone if you don't bother them," notes one visitor.
Wildlife viewing at conservation areas: The region offers exceptional opportunities to observe Florida's native species. At Myakka River State Park, "We saw (from a distance) a bald eagle's nest, as well as two juvenile eagles fighting in flight - both from the trails. My husband also stepped on a snake on the South Creek Nature Trail, so keep your eyes open!"
Beach exploration: Access Gulf beaches without the crowds at Turtle Beach Campground. "The beach is at the end of the campsite, easy walk. Restaurants across the street if you feel like dining out. Trolley takes you to town and an easy bike ride," states one camper. The campground provides a more secluded beach experience compared to the busier Siesta Key beaches.
What campers like
Private water access: Many campers value sites with direct water frontage. At Camp Venice Retreat, "The sites along the river are super nice and should be on everyone's list to try to snag." Water proximity creates natural cooling and provides wildlife viewing opportunities.
Natural vegetation between sites: Privacy screening varies significantly between campgrounds. At Old Prairie Campground — Myakka River State Park, "The sites are quite large and private as the campground is mature with lots of native Florida foliage. We didn't see any evidence of Raccoons or other campground mooches."
Proximity to urban amenities: The region's uniqueness comes from wilderness access within minutes of developed areas. "What I love about this property is the beautiful oak trees that shade most sites. Surrounded by pines, palms and a beautiful lake that enters the Gulf of Mexico... You're less than a mile and half from beaches, legacy bike trail and Main Street Venice, FL," explains a visitor to Encore Royal Coachman.
What you should know
Water table issues: Drainage problems affect many campgrounds during wet periods. At Encore Ramblers Rest, "The only complaints I have is 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 (we were on 'Raccoon Road')."
Seasonal overcrowding: Winter brings significant population increases. At Oscar Scherer State Park, "OF NOTE: Of all the state parks we have visited, this had the most unfriendly group of campers we have ever encountered. Surly in fact. It was difficult to extract a return greeting of any type. Perhaps it's because this isn't your normal group of happy wanderers, and those who truly enjoy the outdoors."
Noise considerations: External sound sources can affect camping experiences. At Lake Manatee State Park, "I will say that the racetrack nearby made the location a bit unsettling, but we were thankful that the drivers were only doing quarter mile runs. Cars ran from 8am to 11pm, it seems."
Tips for camping with families
Resort-style facilities: For families seeking amenities beyond natural settings, Sun N Fun RV Resort offers extensive recreation options. "We stayed at Sun N Fun for 3 weeks while visiting family in the Sarasota area. Despite Covid-19, there was still plenty to do. We enjoyed the pool (the slide was only open 1 day we were there) most days. The property was great for biking."
Wildlife education opportunities: Introduce children to native species safely. At Palmetto Ridge Campground — Myakka River State Park, one family noted, "Bathrooms were very clean! There were sinks for dish washing as well. We actually got to see a Florida panther on one of the trails as well as a friendly family of scrub Jay's!"
Water safety awareness: For camping near water bodies, families should maintain vigilance. A recent visitor to Palmetto Ridge warned, "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."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Consider specific loop and site characteristics. For Turtle Beach Campground, "We were in site 6. Site 6 is toward to the front of the campground and the first site within the security gate. Our trailer is 12ft in total and it fit well but definitely one of their smaller sites."
Electrical connection concerns: Power issues can affect sensitive equipment. "On hookup the post blew my surge protector. They sent over maintenance immediately who did a thorough check of the post and made sure it was safe to use," reported an RVer at Sun N Fun.
Campground layout challenges: Navigation difficulties exist at several locations. "One lane roads with 2 way traffic. If you have a big rig, it will be tight," warns an RVer about Ramblers Rest. Similarly, at Camp Venice Retreat: "Just a couple of minor issues are the road going in has some potholes and lots of low hanging tree branches. Drive slow and stay in the middle if you can."
