Fort De Soto Campground and Palmetto Ridge at Myakka River State Park offer diverse glamping options near Parrish, Florida, where the subtropical climate keeps temperatures comfortable for camping most of the year. The region sits at a low elevation surrounded by wetlands, coastal areas, and river systems that create varied camping environments. Campgrounds in this area frequently reach capacity during winter months when temperatures average 65-75°F during the day.
What to do
Wildlife viewing at dawn/dusk: Myakka River State Park provides excellent opportunities to spot native species in early morning hours. "We saw raccoons, dolphin, manatee, tons of tons of Birds!" reports Brennan H. about their experience at Fort De Soto Campground.
Fossil hunting along Peace River: Visitors can search for prehistoric shark teeth and other fossils in the river sediment. "Great place to find Shark teeth and other fossils. I once had to abandon my Tilapia as the alligator appeared to want it more than me!" notes Paula C. about Peace River Campground.
Canoeing through mangrove canals: Many waterfront sites offer direct access to paddling routes. "We were in site 55 of the East CG which was right on the water where we launched our kayaks to paddle the canals amongst the Mangroves," shares Bran P. about E.G. Simmons Regional Park.
What campers like
Private waterfront sites: Many campers appreciate the secluded water-adjacent spots. "Very private spots lots of trees. Lots of bugs in the summer time," says Ralph B. about their stay at Fort De Soto Campground.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses rank high on camper preferences. "The bath house is pretty central and literally across the road from our site. We had expected a much further walk based on the map, but it was just a 1 minute walk," notes Joe R. about Hillsborough River State Park.
Trail access: Multi-use paths for hiking and biking are popular amenities. "We 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," explains Travyl Couple about Palmetto Ridge Campground.
What you should know
Insect preparation essential: No-see-ums and mosquitoes can be problematic, especially near water. "You really cannot stay outside at dusk. Citronella torches, spray, fans, Avon skin so soft... none of these work for the no-see-ums," warns Christy C. about E.G. Simmons Regional Park.
Wildlife awareness: Alligators are common in the region's waterways. "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," cautions Jenelle J. about their stay at Palmetto Ridge Campground.
Site selection limitations: Some parks have restricted reservation systems. "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," explains a camper about Fort De Soto.
Tips for camping with families
Playground facilities: Some campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. "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," shares Joe R. about Terry Tomalin Campground.
Pet restrictions vary: Not all parks allow dogs. "This is a very restrictive campground. You can only tent and you are not allowed to smoke anything, vape anything, drink anything alcoholic," reports Kevin W. about Terry Tomalin Campground.
Yurt camping options: For families wanting a glamping experience near Parrish, Florida, several parks offer alternative accommodations. "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," notes Caleb H. about yurt camping facilities at Terry Tomalin.
Tips from RVers
Site sizes vary significantly: Many campgrounds have limited space for larger rigs. "The pull thrus are gigantic. I would say the vegetation gives semi privacy but they aren't on top of each other so it's not like you're looking right at your neighbor," explains Amanda W. about Palmetto Ridge Campground.
Hookup lottery systems: Some parks use unusual methods for full-hookup site assignment. "They have a system of getting sites. Our water hookup didn't have a handle. Notified the office and it was fixed. You don't see staff out much at all," notes Sherry P. about Peace River RV Resort.
Limited big rig access: Older campgrounds often have narrow roads. "I mainly choose this campground because it was close to my son's home in Sarasota. The park is kept clean. I am in the pull thru sites which are a little tight and can be challenging to park in big rigs. Roads are narrow with lots of turns," cautions Don about Horseshoe Cove RV Resort.
