Tent camping Osprey, Florida sits within subtropical southwest Florida where summer temperatures average 91°F with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Winter brings milder days around 72°F with lower humidity and minimal rainfall. Tent campsites range from coastal islands to inland forests with varying accessibility requirements including boat-only islands, long-distance hiking options, and a few drive-in sites that require advance planning.
What to do
Fossil hunting along Peace River: Oak Hill Campground on Peace River offers excellent shark tooth hunting opportunities. "Make sure you get a shovel and sleuth to find some snark teeth. We found over 100 just at the campsite alone," notes camper Deven R.
Island exploration: At Cayo Costa State Park Campground, campers can spend days exploring the 9-mile beach and interior trails. "Lots of different shells and sharks teeth from many varieties of sharks. The island is fun to explore - 'At one time approximately 20 fishing families lived on Cayo Costa in the early 1900s, where they established a school, a post office and a grocery store,'" shares Jeanene A.
Backpacking adventure: Myakka River State Park Primitive Sites offers multiple backcountry campsites for multi-day trips. "Took 5 days to go backpacking in Myakka State Park, which is an awesome park!! The hike there alternated landscapes- prairies, swamps, foresty- so during certain areas it was very bleak and boring, but that's apart of it!" reports Alacyn B.
What campers like
Night sky viewing: The dark skies at remote sites provide excellent stargazing. Jennifer T. from Myakka River says, "We set up camp and could not wait for the sun to go down for stargazing. This park is epic, at the entrance are there is a huge bouldering rock as well which is fun."
Privacy and seclusion: Lithia Springs Conservation Park offers secluded sites with good separation. "Site 28 is set deep from the road and can accommodate a large rig. Completely secluded from neighbors. Very quiet at night," writes Ryan.
Wildlife encounters: The natural areas around Osprey provide opportunities to see Florida's native species. A Myakka River camper notes, "Outside of the beauty and trails there are Florida's wildest animals. Panthers, hogs and alligators. Bring a flashlight and hide your food at night but don't forget to listen and look for these amazing creatures."
What you should know
Insect preparation: Bug protection is essential year-round, especially for no-see-ums. At Cayo Costa State Park, Jennifer L. advises, "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."
Access limitations: Many prime camping areas require special transportation. "You can get there by ferry, private boat (there are slips) or kayak (about 8 miles 1 way). A trolley takes you the 1/2 from the docks to the gulf side of the island where the campground is," explains Trudy T. about Cayo Costa.
Packing considerations: For boat-access sites, packing efficiently is critical. At Cayo Costa, campers advise: "Pack lightly as you will need to load and unload all of your stuff on the ferry and then the tram and then carry it to the campsite."
Tips for camping with families
Group-friendly options: Crowley Museum and Nature Center Group Camp caters specifically to families and groups. "Private Group, Boy & Girl Scouts and Youth and Church groups camping permitted with proper reservations... There are bathrooms but no showers, there is an outdoors kitchen and a screened pavilion," explains Jeanene A.
Kid-friendly exploration: The diverse ecosystems offer educational opportunities for children. At Terry Tomalin Campground, Caleb H. notes, "The campsites are nicely spaced out so you aren't too close to other campers. The trails are amazing but be careful or you might get lost."
Water recreation planning: Island camping provides safe, shallow water access for children. "The beach is nice and shallow for a bit (on parts of the beach) but the shelling is awesome," shares one Cayo Costa camper, making it ideal for families looking for water activities.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Most tent camping in the Osprey area is not suitable for RVs. At The Bohemian Hideaway, visitors can enjoy a more glamping-style experience. "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," says Jess.
Nearby amenities: Lithia Springs Conservation Park offers full-hookup sites with nearby conveniences. "We love State and County parks. This is our favorite county park it is very clean and close to restaurants grocery stores. It has a nice spring to swim in," explains Rick W.
Park access considerations: Campers report that some parks have strict regulations on vehicle types. Terry Tomalin Campground reviews warn: "Please be aware that this is a very restrictive campground. You can only tent and you are not allowed to smoke anything, vape anything, drink anything alcoholic."
