North Port, Florida offers tent camping options in a unique subtropical ecosystem featuring wetlands, rivers, and coastal environments. Summers bring temperatures averaging 90°F with high humidity, while winter lows rarely dip below 50°F. This region sits at an elevation of just 10 feet above sea level, creating distinct camping challenges during the rainy season when some areas become partially submerged.
What to do
Fossil hunting: Search for prehistoric shark teeth along Peace River at Oak Hill Campground, where campers report excellent finds. "Make sure you get a shovel and sleuth to find some shark teeth. We found over 100 just at the campsite alone," notes reviewer Deven R.
Paddling opportunities: Rent kayaks at The Bohemian Hideaway for exploring the waterways. Jess shared: "We had a great time at this private camp spot in their GlamPing tent. We fished all day right from our site and took advantage of the extra rentals they had, kayaks and outdoor movie."
Trail exploration: Hike the extensive network at Caloosahatchee Regional Park, including riverside paths. "The grounds have incredible trails, mile-long trails to walk along the Caloosahatchee River, with beautiful sight-seeing. This is now our go-to campground!" says Bailey J.
What campers like
Island isolation: Campers at Cayo Costa State Park value the remoteness. "Want to avoid the crowds and have a heavenly beach camping experience? Cayo Costa is absolutely the best place for getting away from everything civilized!" writes Jeanene A.
Night skies: Stargazing opportunities away from light pollution make tent camping near North Port special. "Stargazing is to die for...no ambient light to wash out the blackness of the night sky," notes Dave V. about Cayo Costa State Park.
Diverse wildlife viewing: Primitive sites at Myakka River State Park Primitive Sites offer encounters with Florida wildlife. Alacyn B. explains: "Took 5 days to go backpacking in Myakka State Park, which is an awesome park!! The hike there alternated landscapes - prairies, swamps, foresty."
What you should know
Access limitations: Many campsites require special transportation. For Cayo Costa, David I. advises: "Access to the island is by ferry (Tropic Star of Pine Island) although it is possible to kayak to it from Pine Island. This would involve some open water crossing and about a 7 mile total one way trip."
Site variations: Campsite quality and size vary significantly. At Cayo Costa, "The tent sites are a mixed bag, some larger than others and some with decent privacy although on the whole the separation between them is not great."
Pest preparation: Beyond mosquitoes, no-see-ums require special preparation. Jennifer L. warns: "Insects are a serious issue, even in the fall and winter. Hope for a breeze to deter the no-see-ums. I used DEET spray and a thermacell and a permethrin-treated tent and still left with dozens of bites, and that was in November."
Tips for camping with families
Gear transportation strategies: Use provided carts at campgrounds where vehicles can't reach sites. "The host was helpful and informative. Great quiet place. Plenty of carts to move your gear and none of the sites are far from the parking lot," explains Paul W. about Caloosahatchee Regional Park.
Educational opportunities: Visit Crowley Museum and Nature Center for historical experiences. "On the property you will enjoy goats, cracker horses, cracker cattle, pigs and other farm animals. Along with camping you can arrange a living history tour at an additional fee," notes Jeanene A.
Beach camping with kids: Consider wind factors when selecting tent sites. At Cayo Costa, Trudy T. explains, "The sites are very spacious with fire pits, picnic table and at some sites a place to hang a hammock. There are also cabins to rent."
Tips from RVers
Tight spacing awareness: RV sites often have limited space between neighbors. At Upriver RV Resort, Karen C. notes: "Spots are level and cement, very clean but tight. There's definitely room for our awning and to sit on the paved area. Plenty of space for our 35 foot Class and car with room to spare."
Seasonal booking requirements: Winter RV camping requires advance planning. "Great Campground, Super Sites and all Premium Sites, 2 swimming pools, Tennis Courts, Bocce Ball, Shuffle Board, Pickle Ball, Corn Hole, Horse Shoes very nice place to winter but must have reservations," advises Herbert M. about Upriver RV Resort.
Road noise considerations: When tent camping North Port, Florida, proximity to main roads affects camping quality. Karen C. adds: "There's definitely some noise from the busy road even halfway back to the pool" at Upriver RV Resort.
