Roc H.
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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 Nokomis, FL
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Nokomis, Florida and its surrounding areas feature multiple campgrounds catering to various camping preferences. The Encore Royal Coachman, located directly in Nokomis, provides amenities for both tent and RV campers, while Oscar Scherer State Park Campground in nearby Osprey offers a more natural setting with tent, RV, and cabin options. Most facilities in the region maintain electric hookups and water access, with several providing sewer connections for extended stays. The camping landscape includes state parks, private RV resorts, and retreat centers, all within close proximity to Gulf Coast beaches.
Florida's subtropical climate makes camping possible year-round, though summer humidity and occasional storms can impact comfort levels. Most campgrounds in the region require advance reservations, particularly during winter months when seasonal visitors arrive. "Oscar Scherer is full of wildlife, not far from lots of big cities. The campground itself is small but nice. Many sites back up to a small river," noted one visitor. Sites throughout the region vary in size and privacy, with some locations offering tight quarters that may challenge larger recreational vehicles. The Legacy Trail, a paved multi-use path, connects several camping areas and provides convenient cycling access to nearby communities.
Waterfront sites consistently receive positive feedback from campers, with locations along South Creek in Oscar Scherer State Park being particularly popular. Recreation opportunities abound near Nokomis campgrounds, including kayaking, swimming, hiking, and biking. A camper highlighted: "We kayaked, swam in the lake, went to Nokomis Beach and Venice beach. It's a nice area to visit." While some campgrounds like Sun N Fun RV Resort cater primarily to long-term stays with extensive amenities including pools and sports facilities, others like Oscar Scherer State Park offer a more traditional camping experience with nature trails and wildlife viewing opportunities. Nokomis camping options tend to feature a mix of wooded and open sites, with varying levels of privacy depending on location and vegetation density.
Best Campgrounds near Nokomis (131)
1. Oscar Scherer State Park Campground
"Located just outside of Sarasota and on the edge of Nokomis. Very “old Florida” with lots of palm hammocks and scrub oaks. Cant say."
"It is located between Nokomis and Osprey, an urbanized area of Sarasota county, however when you enter the park, it feels like you are miles from civilization. The Legacy trail runs through the park."
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. 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 Availability6. 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."
7. 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!"
8. 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."
9. 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 Availability10. 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
- 23 min from North Port, FL
- 38 min from Punta Gorda, FL
- 1 hr from Cape Coral, FL
- 1 hr 3 min from Tampa, FL
Recent Camping Photos near Nokomis, FL
163 Photos of 131 Nokomis Campgrounds
Colette M.
Oscar Scherer State Park Campground
Joshua B.
Camp Venice Retreat
Karen M.
Turtle Beach Campground
Perry J.
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
Jeanene A.
Crowley Museum and Nature Center Group Camp
CC E.
Dream Lake Camp
Jess
The Bohemian Hideaway
Lexi U.
Horseshoe Cove RV Resort
L O.
Lake Manatee State Park Campground
Recent Reviews near Nokomis, FL
692 Reviews of 131 Nokomis 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 Nokomis
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."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Nokomis, FL?
What camping is available near Nokomis, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, Nokomis, FL offers a wide range of camping options, with 131 campgrounds and RV parks near Nokomis, FL and 3 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Nokomis, FL?
Which is the most popular campground near Nokomis, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Nokomis, FL is Oscar Scherer State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 41 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Nokomis, FL?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Nokomis, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Nokomis, FL.
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