Camping near Ona, Florida spans Hardee County and offers varied experiences from primitive riverside sites to full-hookup RV resorts. The area sits at relatively low elevation with numerous water bodies including the Peace River watershed and reclaimed phosphate mine lakes that now support wildlife. Campers find different terrain depending on location, with some areas featuring sandy soils and others having oak hammocks that provide shade during Florida's hot months.
What to do
Fossil hunting along Peace River: Peace River Campground provides access to popular fossil hunting spots where visitors can search for prehistoric artifacts. One camper reported, "I found a ton of shark teeth," while others make it a family activity with sifting equipment available at camp stores.
Wildlife viewing at lakes: Hardee Lakes Park features multiple lakes connected by trails. A visitor noted, "Trail system is great from dirt paths to boardwalks to cut straight through the woods," making it ideal for spotting local birds, deer, and aquatic wildlife.
Historical exploration: Pioneer Park in Zolfo Springs offers access to the Cracker Trail Museum and Wildlife Refuge. As one reviewer explains, "There are many buildings that can be rented for special events. For Pioneer Park building rentals, please call 863-473-5076. The phone number for the Museum is 863-473-5076."
What campers like
Peaceful atmosphere: Thousand Trails Peace River earns praise for its natural setting. A camper described it as "Very Clean, Quiet and Very Helpful and Friendly Staff," highlighting the tranquility despite being relatively close to Highway 17.
Water activities: Peace River Campground offers multiple water-based recreation options. "Plenty of places to find a spot on the river to camp in the wilderness. Bring your rafts and canoes to float down the river or just hang out on the beach in your lawn chair and watch the fun!" one visitor shared.
Mature landscape: Reclaimed land at Hardee Lakes Park impresses visitors with its established ecosystem. A camper observed, "Lots of very nice trails around the lakes and surrounding woods. The trail's are wide and hard backed. We were able to ride our electric scoters on them easily."
What you should know
Site assignment systems: Some campgrounds use lottery systems for premium spots. At Peace River RV and Camping Resort, a camper explained, "They do a lottery no matter what time you arrive, first it was at noon, then moved to 1, then to 2. So everyone that arrived after you has the same chance to get a coveted full hook up site."
Water quality varies: Brownville Park and other locations may have sulfur-rich water. "The water is ripe with sulfur so it smells like eggs but no biggie," noted one visitor who otherwise enjoyed the camping experience.
Wildlife precautions: Alligators are common throughout the area, particularly in spring and summer. A camper at Peace River Campground warned, "If you haven't done your research the Peace River is full of alligators in the spring/summer time. They didn't bother us but they also didn't seem too afraid of us either."
Tips for camping with families
Recreational options: Highlands Hammock State Park Campground offers organized activities for families. "They also have lots of ranger-led activities like soup night, covered dish dinners, camper coffee, etc etc," one visitor mentioned.
Swimming considerations: Lake Manatee State Park offers swimming but requires vigilance. A visitor noted, "The pool was nice but had ALOT of frogs that didn't make it... I was told there was a turtle found once so look before you enter, they do clean it very often though!"
Educational opportunities: Peace River region has rich fossil hunting opportunities for children. A camper described, "The highlight of this park was collecting shark and sting ray teeth along the river. You can get wire mesh baskets in the office to aid in your search."
Tips from RVers
Flooding awareness: Peace River Banks Backcountry and riverside sites require monitoring water levels. "The Peace River runs north to south. Excellent backcountry camping between Zolpho Springs and Gardner. More camping down to Arcadia," explains one reviewer who recommends checking conditions before arrival.
Site selection strategy: For larger RVs at Peace River RV Resort, site choice matters. "We have seen Class As sink, so if you have a heavy diesel pusher, make sure you find a spot safe for your RV," advised one experienced camper, emphasizing the importance of checking ground conditions.
Voltage fluctuations: Some campgrounds experience electrical issues during peak usage. One camper at Peace River noted, "Watch the electricity during high usage the voltage drop, ours droped to 108v for a couple hours, i choose to run the gen during that time other then that no problems at all great faculty."
