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Best Campgrounds near Port Charlotte, FL

617 Reviews

Port Charlotte camping includes several good options within driving distance. Fort De Soto Campground has both tent and RV spots with water views that fill quickly during winter months. Highlands Hammock State Park camping areas stay cooler thanks to tree cover and have trails right from the campsites. Turtle Beach Campground puts you right on the sand with easy beach access. Most campers visit from November through April when the weather stays more comfortable and less humid. The summer heat and humidity make camping tougher, though some sites have electric hookups for running AC, like at WP Franklin Campground. Peace River Campground has basic sites as well as ones with more facilities depending on what level of comfort you want. You won't need special vehicles to reach most camping areas around Port Charlotte, but check conditions if it's been raining heavily. Little Manatee River State Park has good hiking and you'll likely see wildlife while staying there. Bug spray is essential equipment, especially for summer camping when mosquitoes get bad. Book ahead for any stays during winter months as snowbirds fill the campgrounds. Each place has different surroundings and setups, so pick based on whether you prefer beaches, forests, or riverside camping. Port Charlotte area camping spots are all within reasonable driving distance from town. Remember to pack out all trash to keep these natural areas clean for future campers.

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Best Camping Sites Near Port Charlotte, Florida (153)

    1. Palmetto Ridge Campground — Myakka River State Park

    38 Reviews
    Osprey, FL
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (941) 361-6511

    $26 / night

    "Hidden cabins, hiking, off-road biking, boating, wildlife...so much beauty and activities to enjoy in this park! The cabins are off the main path, tucked away and private."

    "One of the largest state parks in Florida. This great Park has full and partial hook ups for all styles of camping to include hammock camping."

    2. Oscar Scherer State Park Campground

    39 Reviews
    Osprey, FL
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (941) 483-5956

    $26 / night

    "Like all the Florida state parks, the campground is well-maintained and clean. Lots of trails to explore, easy to launch my kayak from near my campsite."

    "Located just outside of Sarasota and on the edge of Nokomis. Very “old Florida” with lots of palm hammocks and scrub oaks. Cant say."

    3. Encore Harbor Lakes

    4 Reviews
    El Jobean, FL
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "We came back to Florida to retrive our car after a 3 month stay in New England. This campground was right down the road from where we needed to conduct our business."

    "Had to have a RV park nearby and called, and booked a site within 10 minutes. Very pleased with the accommodations. Pool was great, neighbors were friendly and very helpful."

    4. Peace River Campground

    25 Reviews
    Arcadia, FL
    22 miles
    Website

    $16 - $80 / night

    "ThisThis is a great Campground just outside of Arcadia Florida. It has ATV trails and fossilized shark tooth hunting. it has a Wilderness Area as well as developed the campground area."

    "This campground was easy to get to and has lots to do near by. There is the town of Arcadia nearby with local history and restaurants if you feel like a hot meal on a rainy night."

    5. Creekside RV Resort

    4 Reviews
    Punta Gorda, FL
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (941) 833-3334

    "Lots of grass and trees all around.  Big sites with plenty of room between other campers.  Wide, paver parking with full hook ups.  Big and clean showers and restrooms.  Nice pool and hot tub.  "

    "Very nice bathhouses with large, walk in showers. The clubhouse was closed due to COVID but the pool and hot tub were open and very nice. Good space between sites."

    6. Encore Riverside

    4 Reviews
    Port Charlotte, FL
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "Close to restaurants and shopping, but in a very private area."

    7. Myakka River Motorcoach Resort

    2 Reviews
    El Jobean, FL
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (941) 740-2599

    "Close to everything, multiple beaches 20 minutes away,  great shopping and restaurants are close by.  Extremely friendly owners, they treat renters like members of their family.  "

    8. Camp Venice Retreat

    8 Reviews
    Venice, FL
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (941) 488-0850

    "Easy access to Vince and the great Legacy Bike trail. Beaches and parking are free."

    "friendly staff on site. very nice sites on river inlet with perfectly placed utilities. bet clean restrooms and showers within a brief walk from every site. didn’t use pool but looked very clean and well"

    9. Cayo Costa State Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    Boca Grande, FL
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (941) 964-0375

    $22 / night

    "Best beach oriented camping in Florida.  The shelling is amazing and you truly feel like you have traveled back in time.  We have camped there in a tent site three times in the last year.  "

    "Cayo Costa is absolutely the best place for getting away from everything civilized!."

    10. Flying A Campground — Myakka State Forest

    4 Reviews
    El Jobean, FL
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (941) 398-3410

    $9 / night

    "Parking is away from campsites."

    "All sites have a fire ring and picnic table

    There are vault toilets available in the loop and there is a potable water spigot at the nearby ranger station (firewood also available there)."

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Recent Camping Photos near Port Charlotte, FL

157 Photos of 153 Port Charlotte Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Port Charlotte, FL

617 Reviews of 153 Port Charlotte Campgrounds

  • bailey J.
    Aug. 22, 2025

    Caloosahatchee Regional Park

    Our Stay

    We’ve stayed here twice now and absolutely loved it. The first time we stayed in Site 5, I believe, and something to note is that it is directly next to one of the ground volunteers’ RV site. It’s very close and does offer very limited privacy. However, he was incredibly nice and offered us firewood and a few other things that we forgot. This site was also incredibly close to the bathroom, which is a must for me. It was an amazing experience! Our second visit, we stayed on site 24. This site backs up directly to 25 and is right behind the bathrooms/showers. This site was also perfect for us despite the limited privacy. However, inconsiderate campers would walk directly through the back of our site to get to the bathrooms. Either way, these things were not dealbreakers. The grounds have incredible trails, mile-long trails to walk along the Caloosahatchee River, with beautiful sight-seeing. This is now our go-to campground!!

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 29, 2025

    Periwinkle Park

    Very nice campground on Sanibel Island

    Nice campground with very flat campsites made setting up our small trailer a breeze. 

    Very cost effective way to enjoy the island.

    Sites were a bit snug but were plenty for us.

    Bathrooms were probably the cleanest I've ever seen at a campground.  They were cleaned daily and it showed.

    Laundry facilities were very nice as well.

    Periwinkle park is located fairly close to most anything you'd like to do on Sanibel.  It was only a few minute bike ride down to the beach and to many other attractions.

    Great place, would definitely stay again.

  • Rachel C.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 16, 2025

    Encore Winter Quarters Manatee

    Quaint and quiet.

    First impression, the front desk worker was very informative and quite kind. However, there is no security gate. As a momma with young kiddos, that does make me nervous. The lake is beautiful and our neighbors have been lovely. Also, I am really grateful for the location. Not too terrible a distance from Anna Marie Island, or Tampa! There is so much to do locally.

  • j
    May. 12, 2025

    Koreshan State Park Campground

    Nice place.

    Grounds are nice, and staff are great. I’d suggest avoiding site 37 until it’s renovated. Big tree in the middle, and soft sugar sand is hard to level. Also, just know there are paths in the back where you want to keep eyes open. Saw rattlesnakes.

  • Mack Daddy Van L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 26, 2025

    Hardee Lakes Park

    Fantastic Campgroudnd

    My experience was great with my pup! Primitive sites were $20 a night at time of writing.

    We stayed in a primitive site(p14) with water. I was excited to discover all these primitive wites with water are right on the lake.

    There’s no alcohol allowed which is a double edged sword, but I welcomed this rule as there always seems to be groups partying at public campsites. Not here.

    Bathrooms are typical campsite bathroom. They have showers too for campers.

    It’s a dirt road campsite, but they have water trucks that spray a few times a day to keep the dust down. So thankful for that!

    RV pull sites and promote. campsites are far enough away from each other.

    Nearest major grocery store is wal-mart about 15 minutes away.

    Only iffy thing I’d call out is how tight the primitive campsites are to each other. It was dead when I came, but had my neighboring sites been occupied, I wouldn’t have enjoyed my time as much.

  • Amanda W.
    Apr. 25, 2025

    Palmetto Ridge Campground — Myakka River State Park

    Enormous park

    I’m staying in the Palmetto Ridge loop which is the only paved loop & I think the only one w/sewer. The 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. 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. There is a picnic table & a fire ring. Gravel sites but pretty level. My site was 50 amp. Not sure how many are. Bath house & laundry facility appears clean. Pet friendly. The outpost is literally like 3 miles into the park down from the entrance & Palmetto loop. The store was nice & there was a food truck. It was a little spendy but good food. The river was low so the kayak rental & boat tours were shut down. Tons of great hiking & even some elevated bridges for site seeing. Tons of gators, birds, deer etc. There is also a scenic drive in the park, a “fisherman’s loop” & a few picnic areas. There are cabins to rent but I didn’t see them. Also never saw a playground if you have kids. Very dark & quiet at night.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 22, 2025

    Lake Manatee State Park Campground

    Peaceful and beautiful

    Peaceful and beautiful place to walk. BEWEAR, PLEASE READ THE SIGNS! Nice little beach. Lots of wildlife. We had a pretty open site. Some sites have more trees and shade then others. Temps can be warm. It was in the 90s° the week we camped. We enjoyed it.

  • Mary jo R.
    Apr. 22, 2025

    Koreshan State Park Campground

    Basic Accomodations

    The trees and shrubs appear burned out from controlled burn or brush fire. The dead branches are still there. Sites have stones and sand. Not alot of grass or tree coverage. The park offers hiking trails and close by access for launching kayaks. This park also has a walking tour of the Korshean Settlement which was interesting. Every time we have been here there has been a burn ban so no campfires allowed. Sites are small but will work for a tent or smaller camper. Ours is 32’ and it is really tight for the site. Staff is super friendly. Sites fill up quickly especially on the weekend.

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 are the best camping options near Port Charlotte, Florida?

For exceptional camping near Port Charlotte, Myakka River State Park offers diverse experiences with two campgrounds: Old Prairie and Palmetto Ridge. The park features extensive hiking, biking, and paddling opportunities on the river and lake. For a unique island camping adventure, Cayo Costa State Park Campground provides primitive beach camping with spectacular shelling and a remote, back-in-time atmosphere. Both parks showcase Florida's natural beauty, with Myakka offering easier access for spontaneous trips and Cayo Costa requiring boat transportation for a more secluded experience.

Which Port Charlotte campgrounds are highest rated by visitors?

Oscar Scherer State Park Campground consistently receives excellent ratings for its well-maintained facilities, quiet atmosphere, and network of hiking and biking trails. The park offers a genuine "old Florida" experience with palm hammocks and scrub oaks. Another highly rated option is Lake Manatee State Park Campground, which campers praise for its natural beauty and clean facilities. Though some sites may lack privacy, the park's overall appeal and recreational opportunities make it a favorite. Both parks feature spacious campsites suitable for various camping setups, from tents to RVs.

Are there free camping sites available in Port Charlotte?

Free camping sites are limited in the Port Charlotte area. The region primarily offers paid campgrounds at state parks and private RV resorts. Budget-friendly options include W.P. Franklin N, an Army Corps of Engineers campground about 45 minutes from Port Charlotte with reasonable rates. For those seeking nearly-free options, consider Peace River Campground during off-season periods when rates are significantly reduced. Always check current regulations, as some areas that previously permitted free dispersed camping have changed policies in recent years.

What RV parks and facilities are available in Port Charlotte?

The Port Charlotte area offers several RV-friendly options. Encore Terra Ceia in nearby Palmetto provides easy access to Tampa, Sarasota, and Gulf beaches, with pet-friendly accommodations and full hookups. For luxury RV camping, Myakka River Motorcoach Resort offers upscale facilities specifically designed for larger motorhomes. Most RV parks in the region provide standard amenities including full hookups, laundry facilities, and community areas. For more natural surroundings while still enjoying RV conveniences, Creekside RV Resort near Punta Gorda combines comfort with proximity to nature.

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