The Osprey area features multiple camping areas within easy access of the Gulf Coast, with sites located between 2-15 miles from area beaches. Most campgrounds in this region sit at near sea level elevation on flat terrain, creating unique drainage challenges during Florida's summer rainy season. Water levels at Myakka River State Park can rise significantly between June and September, impacting site availability.
What to do
Wildlife viewing tours: $20-25 per person at Myakka River State Park offer exceptional opportunities to see Florida's native species. "We did the nature trail (short), the canopy walk, and also got permits for the wilderness preserve. The hike there is beautiful - about five miles round trip. Feels like the Serengeti - wide open prairie with occasional trees. There's a lake with TONS of alligators and lots of amazing birds," reports one camper.
Biking on Legacy Trail: 10 miles of paved surface accessible from Oscar Scherer State Park Campground. "Park is located about half way on 10 mile paved multi use trail-Legacy trail. This was a great trail for biking. Multiple stops along the way but mostly in full sun," notes a reviewer. The trail connects Sarasota to Venice with plans for expansion.
Kayaking multiple waterways: Rentals available for exploring South Creek and Myakka River. "You can launch kayaks from park and kayak south creek," explains one Oscar Scherer visitor. Watercraft rentals cost approximately $20 for the first hour with additional hours at $5 each.
Beach exploration: Less than 5 miles away from Turtle Beach Campground, offering easy access to Siesta Key. "The nearest 7/11 and marketplace is at the beginning of the two mile road that leads to the campsite, but you can get ice at the campground. Across the street, there is a tiki hut restaurant with occasional live music, and a marina with a restaurant."
What campers like
Primitive camping options: Varied distances from established campgrounds allow for different experiences. "They have great primative sites, with hikes that vary from 2 miles to 14 miles to camp sites. Beware of heat, bring plenty of water. Dont depend on water pumps," advises a visitor to Palmetto Ridge Campground.
Private beach access: Available at select locations with minimal crowds compared to public beaches. At Turtle Beach Campground, "The beach is at the end of the interior, two-way road that divides the campground. It is accessible only by foot. The beach is clean and ample. Grey sand. Beautiful sunsets. Lots of opportunity for bird watching. Beach was never crowded, even when the campground was full."
Natural vegetation buffers: Maintained between sites despite overall close spacing. "Most sites are surrounded by greenery so you are buffered from your neighbor," notes an Oscar Scherer camper. Another visitor to Myakka River State Park adds, "The sites have a simple fence between them and nothing else for privacy, but the campground is so beautiful and lush that it didn't bother us."
Multiple hiking options: Variable difficulty levels accommodate different abilities and interests. "You will have 39 miles of hiking trails and off road/mountain biking at your pleasure. We bike with hybrid specialized bikes and had no problems off road," reports a Myakka River State Park visitor.
What you should know
Campground flooding: Common during rainy months especially from June through September. "Main road does flood severely. There was no flooding on the sites themselves but it did make it rather hard to walk throughout the grounds beyond your own site," notes a Turtle Beach Campground visitor.
Advance booking requirements: Essential for winter months with 6-month windows opening at specific times. For Fort De Soto Campground, "They do start booking 6 months out and open up 10% of the sites for the weekend each friday at 7am if you want to try and get lucky."
Wildlife proximity: Alligators present in water areas requiring extra vigilance with children and pets. "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," warns a Palmetto Ridge camper.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds affected by nearby roads, boating activity, or events. At Lake Manatee State Park, "We were here last year when the hurricane evicted is, so this is our return. Seemed to be an active weekend at the speedway, but it was not overbearing."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds: Available at select parks with appropriate safety features for different ages. "There is a playground with good swings and also a sturdy playground that offered plenty of opportunity for my four year old to blow off some steam. The ground is all recycled rubber, which I love as a parent," reports a Fort De Soto visitor.
Educational ranger programs: Offered evenings at several parks with wildlife themes. "Ranger led programs take place nightly. We actually got to see a Florida panther on one of the trails as well as a friendly family of scrub Jay's! Our 6 yo son loved that we felt safe enough that he could ride his bike around the camp ground to play with the other campers," explains an Oscar Scherer visitor.
Protected swimming areas: Designated spaces for families away from boat traffic. "The park has a small beach/swimming area which was great cause it's hot!!" shares one Oscar Scherer camper, while another family enjoyed Lake Manatee State Park: "Nice little beach. Lots of wildlife. We had a pretty open site."
Insect protection: Essential for children especially during evening hours. "You will enjoy biking the 7 miles of paved (flat) roads in Park. We did not have a problem with biting bugs until nightfall," advises a Myakka River camper.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Check satellite views before booking at developed campgrounds. "Big Flats & Old Prairie loops are gravel road, tight, no privacy & very small sites like for popups, vans or small campers. The Palmetto Ridge pull thrus are gigantic," explains a visitor to Palmetto Ridge.
Leveling challenges: Bring blocks for many of the older state park sites. At Oscar Scherer, "The site was nice and private with a little leveling needed. The electric hookup is in its normal spot, but be aware that the water is in the woods on the opposite side. Make sure to bring a longer hose, or park closer to the water than electric."
Tree clearance: Low-hanging branches on approach roads at some campgrounds. "The road going in has some potholes and lots of low hanging tree branches. Drive slow and stay in the middle if you can," advises a camper at Camp Venice Retreat.
Utility placement awareness: Hookup positions vary between different parks and can require longer connections. "Sites have water and electric and are dirt. Most sites are on the smaller side being shallow and narrow," shares an Oscar Scherer camper.
