Best Campgrounds near Port Charlotte, FL

Looking for the best campgrounds near Port Charlotte, FL? There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Florida camping adventure.

Best Camping Sites Near Port Charlotte, Florida (149)

    1. Palmetto Ridge Campground — Myakka River State Park

    36 Reviews
    136 Photos
    418 Saves
    Osprey, Florida

    The park features three campgrounds with 90 campsites. Each site is equipped with 50-amp electrical service, water, a fire ring and picnic table. The sites in Palmetto Ridge also have sewer hook-ups. A dump station is located near Old Prairie Campground. Laundry facilities are available to all campers in Old Prairie and Palmetto Ridge campgrounds. All campsites are located within 40 yards of restroom facilities with hot showers.

    NOTE: Non-Potable Water

    Effective May 11, 2023: Drinking water is temporarily unavailable at Myakka River State Park. Please remember to bring your own water. Bottled water is also available at no cost at the ranger station from 8 a.m. to sunset.

    Sites in Old Prairie and Big Flats are dirt-based. The sites in Palmetto Ridge are gravel-based, except for four ADA paved sites adjoining restrooms. Old Prairie and Big Flats do not have vegetation buffers.

    The Big Flats Campground is located near the Upper Myakka Lake, Myakka Outpost, a fishing deck and Wi-Fi.

    Old Prairie and Palmetto Ridge campgrounds are located near the State Road 72 park entrance, the Myakka River, the campfire circle, a small playground and Myakka Friends Gift Shop. Well-behaved pets are welcome in these three campgrounds, up to four per site.

    There are six primitive campgrounds (Mossy Hammock, Bee Island, Honore, Panther Point, Oak Grove and Prairie) located along the hiking trails for backpackers. These rustic settings provide campers with a fire pit and post to hang items. Each campground has three campsites, and a maximum of four people may be on each site. Only Bee Island, Oak Grove and Prairie have water pumps. Water at these sites is not potable; it requires boiling/chemical treatment. Other sites do not have water; you must bring your own. The terrain is primarily prairie, and dehydration is possible even on the coolest days.

    Myakka River State Park is one of Florida’s largest parks with 37,000 acres of its own. Home to the officially designated “Wild and Scenic” Myakka River, this state park is the perfect destination for outdoor adventurers who are looking to get closer to the natural, diverse Florida wildlife.

    Choose from one of over 80 campsites while Myakka State Park camping and get ready to explore!

    Bring your kayak and make your way through a variety of waterways where you can spot american alligators, snook, ospreys, and countless species of birds.

    Embark on one of many hiking trails to explore more of the unique environments found within Myakka River State Park. Trek to the highlands to get a look at Florida’s traditional wetlands where marshes, cypress dome trees, and grazing birds will welcome you. Go even deeper to reach the diverse array of grasses, wildflowers, and vines that grow freely in the park’s protected dry prairies. Don’t forget to bring your camera with you! Short shrubs in the dry prairies allow visitors to see for miles in any direction.

    You’ll also want to bring the camera atop the Canopy Walkway at Myakka River. Just a short walk from the main road, this suspension bridge provides a panoramic view of the entire park from a unique vantage point above the tree canopy. Every camper can find what they’re looking for at this Florida park.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $26 / night

    2. Oscar Scherer State Park Campground

    39 Reviews
    127 Photos
    338 Saves
    Osprey, Florida

    A

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $26 / night

    3. Peace River Campground

    25 Reviews
    77 Photos
    177 Saves
    Arcadia, Florida

    Peace River Campground offers over 100 acres of wilderness camping for your enjoyment. You can make camp anywhere you like, including many places right on the beautiful Peace River's edge. During less busy times you can spend days out of site of other campers. While there are no utilities, picnic tables, or other campground amenities, you are only a short walk to our hot showers, swimming pool, campground store and all the trappings of the "civilized" world.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $16 - $80 / night

    4. Cayo Costa State Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    101 Photos
    340 Saves
    Boca Grande, Florida

    Cayo Costa State Park protects the Charlotte Harbor Estuary and provides visitors with a majestic piece of untouched Florida.

    An unspoiled Gulf Coast island evokes images of wind-shaped trees, dunes, beaches and freedom to explore. This especially rings true for Cayo Costa Island.

    Accessible only by boat or kayak, this former fishing ground of the Calusa Indians features nine miles of undeveloped shoreline for swimming, snorkeling, shelling, fishing, birdwatching and exploration along with several walking and bicycling trails through the island’s interior. Shorebirds are numerous, and one might spot manatees, porpoises and sea turtles offshore.

    This is coastal Florida at its best! Campsites and cabins are available for overnight stays, and a ferry service runs to the island from several mainland locations. Visitors are reminded that camping is allowed only in designated sites in the campground on Cayo Costa.

    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Tent Cabin

    $22 / night

    5. Turtle Beach Campground

    22 Reviews
    119 Photos
    548 Saves
    Osprey, Florida
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $120 / night

    6. Camp Venice Retreat

    8 Reviews
    7 Photos
    71 Saves
    Venice, Florida
    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents

    7. Lake Manatee State Park Campground

    26 Reviews
    96 Photos
    156 Saves
    Parrish, Florida

    1

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $22 / night

    8. W.P. Franklin N

    16 Reviews
    77 Photos
    110 Saves
    Alva, Florida

    Overview

    Visitors flock to W.P. Franklin Campground for its well-kept facilities and location on the Caloosahatchee River, where campers can fish, boat and take it easy in sunny southwest Florida. The campground, about 10 miles east of Fort Myers, provides visitors with a taste of tranquil, tropical country life. Nearby Telegraph Creek, offers exciting opportunities to canoe Florida's backcountry swamps and view wildlife.

    Recreation

    Fishing for both salt and fresh water game fish is popular, as is boating. A unique feature of the campground is its cruiser sites, where campers sleep on their boat while enjoying the perks of the campsite facilities.

    Natural Features

    The campground is almost completely surrounded by the Caloosahatchee River with just a narrow stretch of land connecting it to the shore. The Caloosahatchee River is part of the 152 mile Okeechobee Waterway that spans South Florida from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico.

    Nearby Attractions

    Visit the U.S Army Corps of Engineers visitor center across the river in the W.P. Franklin South Recreation Area. Visit downtown Fort Myers for flea markets, grocery stores, shopping and the historic Thomas Edison and Henry Ford Winter Estates, or spend a day exploring the sandy Gulf of Mexico beaches, about 45 minutes from the campground.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $30 - $35 / night

    9. Highlands Hammock State Park Campground

    49 Reviews
    114 Photos
    193 Saves
    Sebring, Florida

    The family campground offers water and electric hookups, a dump station, access to restrooms with shower facilities, laundry and dishwashing areas.

    Currently, there is no free Wi-Fi in the campground; however, Wi-Fi is available at the Hammock Inn Concession, which is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. during peak season months. During the slow summer season, daily availability and hours of operation may vary for the Hammock Inn camp store. Call 863-402-0061 for details.

    Campsites have picnic tables and fire rings. Sites vary from being open and sunny to partially or fully shaded and range in length from 20 to 50 feet. Maximum RV length = 50 feet.

    Three paved campsites, designated as American Disability Act sites, are near an ADA-accessible restroom. A maximum of eight people with two tents are allowed per site. RV sites are allowed to have the RV and one tent.

    The recreation hall, a park rental facility with a full kitchen, stage, large seating area, restrooms, barbecue grill and playground, is used for family reunions, weddings, parties, meetings and other events. Reservations may be booked through the ranger station 11 months in advance.

    The campground is a short walk from the Civilian Conservation Corps Museum and the picnic area. The bike path, nature trails and playgrounds are within proximity and easily accessed. Ranger-guided programs and interpretive walks offered during the busy winter season are suspended during the summer.

    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group

    $18 - $22 / night

    10. Encore Ramblers Rest

    6 Reviews
    45 Photos
    43 Saves
    Venice, Florida

    Ramblers Rest RV Resort is an all-age RV park in Florida located along the Myakka River in Venice. You'll find the best of both worlds in Ramblers Rest's tranquil, wooded RV resort setting, where you're still just minutes away from the hustle and bustle of Sarasota. Not only does the Myakka River run along the RV park, but Ramblers Rest in Florida is also just minutes away from the Gulf of Mexico, where one can find shark's teeth galore! At Ramblers Rest RV Resort , there's plenty to do whether you like to go-go-go or take it nice and easy. In nearby Venice and Sarasota, you'll find a wide variety of fine dining, shopping, golfing, boating, and live entertainment within easy reach. Our RV park in Florida offers a full calendar of activities and numerous amenities to entertain you throughout your stay. Make plans today to escape the winter's chill and warm up to life at Ramblers Rest. _ Check out our upgrades in photos 1-7. Then, book your next visit and experience them in person!_RV Fun for all Ages in Venice Florida Whether you're planning a retreat for the whole family, a group of friends or a getaway for two, there's no shortage of unique activities to explore at Ramblers Rest RV Campground. Plan activities upon arrival or visit this page before your departure to plan ahead. Looking for more? Our friendly staff can fill you in on all of the great ways to make your stay a memorable experience.

    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Cabins
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Showing results 1-10 of 149 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Port Charlotte, FL

611 Reviews of 149 Port Charlotte Campgrounds



Guide to Port Charlotte

Camping near Port Charlotte, Florida, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Kayaking and Fishing: Many campers enjoy the water activities available at Fort De Soto Campground. One visitor mentioned, "I was able to wake up early and walk 10 steps and I was on my SUP. Plenty of wildlife & I was able to do some fishing."
  • Hiking Trails: Explore the trails at Highlands Hammock State Park Campground. A reviewer shared, "The hiking trails were fun, saw a lot of wildlife and made some squirrel friends."
  • Beach Access: Enjoy the sandy shores at Turtle Beach Campground. One camper raved, "This is an all-around winner. On the beach with shells, sunsets, waves, and all that the beach has to offer."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Oscar Scherer State Park Campground noted, "The bathrooms were clean and plenty of them throughout the campground."
  • Friendly Staff: Many reviews highlight the helpfulness of the staff. A camper at Lake Manatee State Park Campground mentioned, "Park rangers were great."
  • Wildlife Viewing: Campers love the chance to see wildlife. One reviewer at Myakka River State Park said, "It's quiet, and there's plenty of wildlife to be seen: Lots of birds, alligators, deer, wild turkeys."

What you should know

  • Bugs Can Be a Problem: Some campers have reported issues with bugs, especially at Fort De Soto Campground. One camper said, "The bugs were so bad... it was absolutely miserable."
  • Crowded Campgrounds: Certain campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Highlands Hammock State Park Campground mentioned, "The actual campground needs some love. It’s too packed together."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Peace River Campground, may not have all the amenities you expect. A camper noted, "If you are a traditional camper stay away. This place is mainly for trucks and ATVs."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots like Fort De Soto Campground, which has a dog beach and plenty of activities for kids. One family shared, "Dog friendly it has a huge dog beach and separate dog run."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities to keep everyone entertained. A camper at Myakka River State Park mentioned, "There are daily activities (which we did not do), and several trails right from the campground that we hiked."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having snacks on hand can keep the kids happy. A visitor at Lake Manatee State Park Campground suggested, "The only thing is that the shower heads are low... but the bathrooms were very clean."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the campground's site sizes. A reviewer at Turtle Beach Campground said, "Nice wide sites - wider than I was expecting."
  • Look for Full Hookups: Some campgrounds offer full hookups, which can make your stay more comfortable. A camper at Oscar Scherer State Park Campground mentioned, "The campground has everything you need."
  • Be Prepared for Noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy, especially near highways or racetracks. A visitor at Lake Manatee State Park Campground noted, "The racetrack nearby made the location a bit unsettling."

With these insights, you're all set for a great camping experience near Port Charlotte!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What camping is available near Port Charlotte, FL?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Port Charlotte, FL offers a wide range of camping options, with 149 campgrounds and RV parks near Port Charlotte, FL and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

  • Which is the most popular campground near Port Charlotte, FL?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Port Charlotte, FL is Palmetto Ridge Campground — Myakka River State Park with a 4.6-star rating from 36 reviews.

  • Where can I find free dispersed camping near Port Charlotte, FL?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Port Charlotte, FL.

  • What parks are near Port Charlotte, FL?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 parks near Port Charlotte, FL that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.