Best Campgrounds near Port Charlotte, FL

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!