Cabin camping is an amazing way to experience Punta Gorda, while still enjoying a little rustic luxury. The Dyrt can help you find the best cabin camping destinations for your next trip. Search nearby cabins or find top-rated spots from other campers.
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.
$26 / night
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$26 / night
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.
Amenities include: Complete Hookups Picnic Tables Restrooms/Showers Laundry Ice LP Gas Pavilion available for private & public functions Beach, Golf, Shops & Dining all within walking distance NO DOGS ALLOWED. NO CREDIT CARDS. WI-FI NOT PROVIDED If you need Wi-Fi during your stay, you must supply your own hotspot. Verizon has the best coverage in our area. Please note Campfires are not permitted.
$50 - $62 / night
Discover a relaxing, tropical lifestyle on Florida's Gulf Coast. Encore's Harbor Lakes RV Resort is close to shopping, beaches, restaurants, game fishing, dinner theatres and golf courses. This Fort Myers RV resort in Florida is the perfect combination of quiet beauty, lively activity and friends to share it with. Guests at Harbor Lakes RV Resort have the luxury of wide streets and beautiful landscaping, and plenty of modern amenities. You can enjoy many coordinated activities including potlucks, line dancing, co-ed water aerobics, and sightseeing tours. Come home to Port Charlotte and Harbor Lakes RV Resort! Relaxing Gulf Coast lifestyle at a Fort Myers RV resort 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 Harbor Lakes RV Resort. 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.
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. Sites in Old Prairie and Big Flats are dirt-based. Old Prairie and Big Flats do not have vegetation buffers. 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.
$26 - $70 / night
Our luxury RV resort in Punta Gorda is so much more than any ordinary RV community. Our resort offers full-service sites, each with water, sewer, power, and community WiFi access. You can choose from relaxing waterfront sites and sites with water access. Whichever site you choose, you’ll get to enjoy our incredible resort amenities. These amenities set us apart from all the other RV resorts in Florida Gulf Coast. A resort style swimming pool and hot tub, pickleball courts, and fishing piers are just some of the many amenities you can take advantage of when you stay with us. Plus, you’ll be just a short distance from dozens of white sand beaches!
Online reservations begin late December 2024. Be one of the first to experience Palm Breeze Resort — book your stay today!
$40 - $60 / night
Pioneer Village RV Resort is located in North Fort Myers, just off of Highway 75, approximately 25-minutes from Gulf Beaches that include the Conde' Nast Traveler Magazine Top 10 Ranked SANIBEL and CAPTIVA ISLAND. With more than 200 permanent residents and over 500 RV sites, Pioneer Village is a pet-friendly resort with our own dog park and pet stations, so you'll never have to board your lovable pooch when visiting us. We have 1 and 2-bedroom Park Models and Travel Trailers for those who don't want to bring their RV...just pack your bags and we'll take care of the rest! And, if you're looking for activities and plenty to do, we have our own Social Committee who will make sure you have as much fun as possible! Voted in 2012 as the #1 RV Resort and Modular Home Neighborhood in North Fort Myers, Pioneer Village is the perfect place for any sun seeker! At Pioneer Village RV Resort , you and your family will never have to worry about what to do, just what to do NEXT. With weekend breakfast, lunches and dinners scheduled in advance, this is one RV park in Florida where you can leave the planning to us. Fun-Filled RV Park in 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 Pioneer Village RV Resort. 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.
Traveler
Very nice, lots of amenities.big pool, great hot tub. Very active community. Sites are close together but neighbors are super friendly. Very clean.
Legend
One of the better maintained KOA campgrounds. Staff really cares and willing to do whatever it takes to help you have a great stay. There is even a hot tub! Grocery store nearby, which is really convenient. Good cell service and ok wifi. Have to drive to beach but so worth it! Super beaches and amazing water.
Guide
The resort was mixed in with full timers and mobile homes. The rvs were shoved in between these homes and permanent spots. Some houses looked fairly junky. There was no security, which is the second time I’ve come across that on my travels. The pool was really big and beautiful, the hot tub nice, and the showers very clean. It is not close to the ocean (20 minutes) and was not our first choice. Probably wouldn’t return even though everyone was very friendly and kind.
Legend
Even though its a bit close to the highway, the park is well laid out and full level hookup sites. There is pleanty to do and see. From a stroll alone the Peace river to swimming or hot tubbing. There is an area towards the rear of the campground that host electric and water hookup with a dump station within 50 yards of the area, reason for this area not to have sewer is its prone to flooding during the rainy season. But if its in the winter, its level and far more quiet then the upper areas. All in all, a nice campground!
GuideWhile I’m pissed is not the best time to write a review, but I’ll try to be fair.
Pool/ hot tub is nice . Shower facility was clean and decent sized. Lots of wildlife: birds, alligators, and rabbits. That’s where my positive review ends.
They wedged us into a spot between two permanent trailers which was disappointing, especially since there were open spots available.
Office hours were posted but rarely found it to be open, which was a little frustrating.
Most off putting thing was the experience I had while showering. I was finishing a nice 7-10 minute shower when guy that works for the place walks up, just outside the curtain and says, “man, you take long showers”. I can’t describe how uncomfortable and in appropriate that felt.
GuideWe stopped here twice—01/04-01/09 and 01/16-01/20—on our way to and from Everglades NP. A nice campground in south-central Florida. Campsites are close together but enough room to park trailer and tow vehicle. Most sites have some shade trees. Beware of low grassy areas after a rain. Enjoyed all the amenities including the heated pool and hot tub. Very well maintained shuffleboard lanes. Several trails for walking or bike riding. Sifted through the sand and gravel on the bank of the Peace River to find sharks teeth. They are easy to find without any special equipment, but the park does rent/loan equipment if you want to get serious. We will bring our kayaks next time. Two criticisms: 1) only two small restroom/shower facilities and they were not always stocked with toilet paper or paper towels; and 2) the two dump sites are located along busy park roads with no pullover area causing traffic flow issues. There several parks with hiking trails nearby. We plan to visit again.
Scout
A very beautiful place to see natural Florida. Lots of camping spots for both tents and RV's. They even have a floating cabin. Good facilities, great staff, hiking, biking and swimming. Canoe and kayak rentals or bring your own. There are different paddling trips to choose from. I always enjoy this place.
Traveler
Let me start by saying that I live very close to Myakka River Sate Park and it has been a place that four generations of my family have been enjoying for over 40 years. It is very large for a state park. You can spends days hiking the trails and paddling the river and lakes. The wildlife is everywhere! What would you like to see? Deer, wild hogs, alligators, birds of all kinds? You will probably see these and more at just about any time of year.
There is a nice interpretive center, picnic grounds, boat tours, canoe and kayak rentals, and a tram tour through the park. Don't miss the canopy walk. It's a great way to see a part of the park's ecosystem that we normally only see from below. You also get a great view of the park in all directions from the top of the tower. Florida is flat and views like these are hard to come by. There is also a restaurant and store where you can get pretty good food with a view of the lake. My wife wants to make sure you know you can also get ice cream at the restaurant.
There are three camping areas for tents and RVs. The two older areas are called Big Flats and Old Prairie. The sites in these areas are close to each other and there is little or no under story between them. There is water and electric at each site with clean but older bathroom facilities. Both of the campgrounds are also close to the main road with some sites backing up to the road. There is a convenient dump station inside the park but no sewer hookups in these two campgrounds.
The third and newest campground is called Palmetto Ridge. This one was obviously built primarily for large RVs with water, electric and sewer connections at every site. The bathroom facilities are more up to date and very nice. They are also not used as much by the campers because this area is mostly filled with huge motor coaches and fifth wheels that all have their own facilities and do not need to worry about their holding tanks because they have full hookups. The sites are pretty roomy and there is plenty of under story in between to keep you from feeling like you are right on top of your neighbors. There are quite a few pull trough sites in this area. They are improved gravel sites and most are very level. The sewer hookups are a little higher than you would expect. It will take some supports to keep a positive flow. If you know how much it rains here in the Summertime you will know why these must be kept above the flood stage level.
A note about rain: Florida gets a lot of rain in the Summertime. It is not uncommon to get multiple inches of rain in a very short time and this can happen almost any day between June and the end of September. The river and lake do flood and large parts of the park are in their flood plain. the Big Flats campground can be shut down because it is the closest to the lake. This is not a reason to avoid Myakka in the Summertime. We have camped there in June and August and if you find someplace cool to hangout during the day you will be rewarded with very pleasant walks and paddles with lots of wildlife to see in the mornings and evenings. Pro tip: If you are staying in the park, get up really early to see the sunrise from the top of the canopy walk.
There are two other ways to spend the night in Myakka River State Park. There are cabins available to rent and primitive camp sites in the hiking areas. The cabins have recently been rebuilt and I must admit I have not seen the new ones. We did stay in the original cabins before we got our RV and they were very nice for a family getaway. With a kitchen, bathroom and air conditioning they are a very comfortable way to spend some time in the park. The original cabins were built with palm logs by the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps). The CCC was a program to create jobs and improve public facilities during and after the Great Depression. Some of that construction can still be seen at one of the picnic areas in the park. There is also a monument to the CCC inside the park. Backpackers can spend a few days hiking the trails and camping at the primitive sites. Haven't done that myself since I was a kid back in the 70s but they were great trips. No noise or light pollution. On a cool, clear night the star gazing in fantastic. My wife wants me to make sure you know that she won't be at the primitive campsites but hopes you enjoy yourself and not to forget about the ice cream.
For native Sarasotans, Myakka River State Park is a beloved point of pride. Most people never leave the beach when they come here for a visit and miss what the rest of Florida looks like. It is well worth your time to spend a few nights away from the beach and see what else makes this such a special place. This is a very popular spot and the campsites and cabins book up early especially for the Winter months. Reservations can be made 11 months in advance on the reserve America website.
TravelerHidden 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. They are super roomy and comfortable with their own picnic tables and grills. You can launch canoes/kayaks or book a trip on the boats in the park. If you like off-road biking there are several nice trails. Really family-friendly!
GuideExcellent for wildlife viewing in the surprisingly beautiful prairie and tropical Florida area. You can rent bikes or kayaks nearby and make sure to take a tour on the famous fan boats. Pros: wildlife, cabin option, close to towns, clean, pretty large sites, modern amenities like laundry, restaurant, gift/grocery shop on site, very shady campsites, great trails (many boardwalks), huge park, easy to get to from 75. Good mix of locals and tourists to give you more ideas of what to do while visiting. Cons: just the bugs and heat...
RangerOne 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. There are 6 primitive campgrounds; group camping and Cabins too! We stayed at the Palmetto Ridge campground which were gravel and had the full hook ups. The old prairie and big flats were regular ground surface electric/water (no sewer) . These also had a little less privacy. You 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. We were here in July. Fortunately, there is lots of shade even while hiking due to the canopy trees and this kept things cooler during in the summer. We did not have a problem with biting bugs until nightfall. You will enjoy biking the 7 miles of paved (flat) roads in Park. There are Rivers and lakes for kayaking/canoe and we enjoyed the fishing and paddling. Great gift shop and cafe area near boat launch on lake. There is even a flat bottom boat tour on the Upper Myakka lake. The visitor center offers a lot of rentals too... from kayaks to tandem bikes. (For the die hard road bikers it is only 12.5 miles to Legacy Rail to trail). We had a blast and our video goes into more detail about the park. Be sure to visit the nearby Crowley Nature Center less than 5 miles away. (Crowley nature center is a separate video located on our YouTube channel and website)
Guide
If you live on the Gulf Coast of Florida and don’t want to travel too far, or are just traveling through the area, this campground is a nice stopover. It’s quiet and offers some nice hiking and biking trails. But after spending 3 nights camping at Oscar Scherer State Park, we come away with a mixed opinion.
These campsites are small. In fact, they are the smallest we’ve encountered in a Florida state park so far. We had just enough room for our popup camper which is approximately 20 x 10 feet plus another 10 x 8 feet with the awning extended. Some are wider but the only sites that seem longer are the pull-in sites in Section 5 which is closed.
Keys to Choosing to your Campsite at Oscar Scherer
Given that only sections, 1 through 3 are available currently, you may see that the Reserve America reservations page will show a water icon on some campsites that appear to be along the creek. But you will not see the creek from your campsite. The vegetation in the park is quite dense and certainly so in the campsites in sections 1– 3. The shade is always important when camping in Florida, especially in the summer. The description on the Reserve America website regarding shade isn’t accurate. Our site,#2, was described as ‘full shade’. Not so, I’m afraid. From about 10 am to 4 pm we baked in the Florida sun. However, our friends had site#3 next door and had shade though out the day. Even though that site enters from the east, as do all sites along the creek, they had trees the canopied over the entrance and eastern side of the site. However, sites 22– 28 do have a lot of shade and are located on the opposite side of the campground from South Creek. If we were to go back, we would stay on that side of the Oscar Scherer Park.
Be Prepared for Bugs
Oscar Scherer State Park camping requires being prepared for bugs. Perhaps due to the amount of lush vegetation all over this park, and the proximity to the South Creek, there were more bugs than we experienced at other Florida state parks. Even though we take precautions including a very effective bug spray we came home with a lot of bug bites. So, bring your best bug spray and citronella candles. They are especially a problem in the morning until the sun comes up over the trees.
To read our full review visit https://lifestyleover50.com/oscar-scherer-state-park-camping-review/
Guide
Stayed here for a week in May - quiet, pretty campground with friendly staff, a petting zoo and vegetable farm on property. We enjoyed the produce market, but you could also go in the fields and pick your own. Camper sites had enough room between them, the electric/water sites had good tree cover for shade. There were cabins, a silo, and covered wagons you could also stay in. There's a big dog park, but not much shade there. There's a winery just 1 mile away. The Sarasota beaches and mangrove kayaking are an easy 45 minute drive away. The only thing I wished they had was a pool... Overall, we had a nice time here.
GuideWhat isn't there to do at Myakka River SP. First of all, this place is huge. I think it took me about 10 minutes to drive from one end to the other, but it is full of wonderful things to do along the way. There are two entrances to the park because it is so large, but one entrance is not always open, so its important to check that online before heading over. The main entrance has a nice Welcome Center right at the front with a small store shop. There are three different loops to camp in, one is specific to tent camping and is not open year round called Big Flats Campground. Its further back in the park and surrounded by beautiful trees. The other two are tent/RV, one being very shady called Old Prairie and the other having drive through sites called Palmetto Ridge which does not have many trees for shade. There are also cabins and these are remodeled versions of the original cabins that were built back when the park first opened in the 30s.
The activities on site vary. because the park is so large, its great for long morning jogs and bike rides. The view is beautiful only the Myakka river and your bound to run into wildlife (i saw deer, gators, hogs and so many different birds)! There are also 39 miles worth of hiking trails, which all vary in distance. Some even have primitive campsites for those that enjoy backpacking. Along one of the hiking trails, is an observation desk with a canopy walkway. The tower soars 76 feet high so you have a great view of the park! There is also a pretty bird watching area for those that enjoying this activity. Even if you don't the view is amazing and a great place to sit and watch for wildlife.
The last part of the park I want to touch on is the Pink Gator restaurant/gift shop. I think it is one of the largest shops I have ever been in. The food at the cafe was wonderful! I had the chicken salad (way too good!). And they have a small Edys IceCream Parlor. This part of the park also allows access to the river, where you can canoe/kayak or what ever water sport you are into. The one thing that stood out to me is the Airboat ride. This boat hold about 30 people and takes you out on the the lake for a tour. I don't think I have ever seen an air boat that large.
The facilities were all very well taken care of as well and I cannot think of one complaint! I definitely recommend visiting this park.
RangerWe live very close to Oscar Scherer enjoy camping getaways. The sites are private fairly big, and well kept. There are no full hookups but there are 5 pull through sites. The hiking, biking, and kayaking is great. If you are visiting the area, it's a perfect location in Central Sarasota. Venice is 15 minutes south, Sarasota is 20 minutes north, the beach is 10 minutes away. There are great restaurants in the area. So if you want to getaway and never leave, there's plenty to do without leaving the park. If you want to see Sarasota County, then this a great place to.use as home base.
TravelerIt is located between Nokomis and Osprey, an urbanized area of Sarasota county, however when you enter the park, it feels like you are miles from civilization. The Legacy trail runs through the park. There is also kayak and canoe rentals.
Traveler
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. Will def be back again to stay in the converted bus!
TravelerVery pleasant , Nice shade trees . The tree canopy walk bridge is great and trails are clean. Great place to bicycle. Nice souvenir shop with small fast food shop. Giant air boat ride and canoe rentals . Gators to be seen in the river. Enjoyed the park.
LegendMyakka is not far from home and a great spot to visit for overnight trips or day trips! There are bike rentals I have taken advantage of, plenty of walking trails, and you can rent airboats.
General store on-site as well. Walk to primitive camp sites.
LegendRamblers Rest - Venice, FL: Nice facility. Mostly full time or longer term seasonal rentals. More of a mobile home community where they squeeze RVs into the spaces between mobile homes. Clean and well kept, but not the typical campground we would choose. Very tight quarters. Fulls hook-ups which was nice.
Traveler
We're beyond excited for the grand opening of Palm Breeze Luxury RV Resort and have already booked our stay for 2025! The amazing amenities, combined with the family-friendly and pet-friendly atmosphere, make it the perfect getaway for everyone. The reservations team was incredibly friendly and helpful, and the new management company is doing a fantastic job. We can't wait to experience everything this resort has to offer!
TravelerWent during the summer, half of the park was under water from unusually high levels of rains but the park itself is very quiet and out of the way. Perfect if you want to get away as cell phones don’t always work out there. They have a couple of tours you can take as well. The treetop walk was a really amazing view of the surrounding area. The dear were right out by the road not paying any attention to the people going by.
TravelerI’m a tent camper and this place was almost perfect. The staff are excellent. On site store has almost everything you need. Security good. Clean bathrooms/showers. Very clean sites (too clean, I couldn’t even find any firewood). There’s a nice loop walking trail in the forest (partial boardwalk). The river is lovely with all the birds and fish (also many alligators). I won’t comment on the RV sites as they look pretty standard out in an open big field. But the more primitive riverside sites are perfect. Lots of fishing and canoe/kayak (and bicycle) rentals available. I came on a weekday in Feb and was fortunate to have only one neighbor but I understand this place gets packed on the weekends. The only negative thing I would say is the nearby highway noise. It is busy and loud even during the nights. If that doesn’t bother you, I very much recommend Fisheating campground.
LegendWe stayed in site # 98 which was very private, we had water & electric, picnic table & fire pit. Clean restrooms, a nature center, kayak launch & kayak rentals, a small lake you can swim in and some hiking trails. There are some really nice sites #19, 17 near the lake, in our loop #86 is the biggest but you have to have 2 water hoses to reach the hook up (they just updated some things in the park they may have corrected this but not sure). There is water behind the site you can fish back there. Sites #44, 45, 50, 75, and 73 are all good.
We kayaked, swam in the lake, went to Nokomas Beach & Venice beach, Venice Rookery, it's a nice area to visit.
We did have some interesting neighbors who got thrown out after 6 hours of honking their horn & yelling crazy stuff but they escorted them out & they are not allowed back in.
Restrooms near us were small but very clean.We will go back it's a great campground.
TravelerThis was our second camping trip as a couple and the first in our travel trailer. I don’t have much to compare it to so take this with a grain of salt. Upon check in you have first come first serve. Since we were not camping with others we were looking for a wooded area and ended up in C-56 which is the 4th to last spot before the water view spots. We were quite satisfied with our somewhat private site which was a quick walk to the walking trails and Peace River. We have a Thousand Trails 1 year pass with purchase of our trailer which saved us $50 per night. Many of the campers we spoke to were Thousand Trails members. We won’t be visiting campgrounds for the amenities as we use this time to get away and reduce typical socializing so I cannot comment on the condition of the pickle-ball courts or pool.
ScoutGreat campground in the middle of nowhere. This campground offers a lot for people that just want to get away and chill and enjoy what the park has to offer. We where here for 2 weeks in January and the park is 80% full.
We are here with our Thousand trails park membership. When you arrive to the park you are told to go find a site you would like to be in and then go up to the office and let them know. Because it is full on in season you are asked to find a site that is in the green section (map is in my photos) which are 30 amp non sewer sites. If you would like a 50 amp sewer site, yellow section on the map, you will then go up to the office to get on the list for the lottery of the sites available and these will be called off at 2 pm. The list for the sites that will be available on the board outside the office The day we arrived I did get on the list and did get called but chose to stay where we are. I really liked our site tucked under the trees on Ave A. Then I scheduled the honey wagon to come twice during our 2 weeks here. There's only two of us in our RV so this works out fine. If you want to stay in a site that is non sewer and you need the honey wagon more then every 7 days there is a small cost for that. psst don't forget to tip the honey wagon guy Many people have the black tank tote and use that while staying in the non sewer sites.
The park has a actives calendar and has stuff scheduled every day. It was nice to see a lot of stuff scheduled for the kids.
There is a great hiking trail that I ran many times while in the park and the peace river runs east of the park There are many spots you can look for fossils in the river. While I was here a kid really found a Megalodon tooth that was quite exciting We did put our Kayaks in here at the boat launch but due to the water being so low we didn't really get to go very far We ended driving up to pains creek a few miles and did a float trip back to the park. Then we just took our electric bikes back up to the drop off point to retrieve our jeep. We really liked this park and are scheduled to be back for a couple weeks in Feb.
Legend
This is kind of our go to Florida State Park as we live very close and really enjoy the hiking, biking and paddling the river and lake. We typically book last minute as“In-Season” campsites are often difficult to find. In addition, the lower campground is sometimes flooded out or closed for repairs putting even more pressure on the two campgrounds closer to the main park entrance which is further from the lake and general store.
I may have reviewed this park before but always find different things to share. Their are three main campgrounds:
(1) Old Prairie where we usually stay. This is an older campground with a more rustic, state park vibe. Maybe 20 sites typically hosting smaller trailers, vans and tents etc.
(2) Palmetto Ridge is more more or less across from Old Prairie with a more open and modern looking vibe and where you will see more of your typical RV crowd of Big Rigs and larger trailers
(3) Big Flats is about 3 miles down the road from the entrance close to Lake Myakka where the tour boat, boat ramp, general store etc is found. We have never stayed here as it has been closed for repairs, maintenance and flooding on numerous occasions. Perhaps something to consider if you are booking way in advance.
The reason Myakka is so popular to Florida visitors is it has outstanding beauty, a real Jurassic Park feel but is very near Sarasota with all the beaches, museums, restaurants and activities literally less than 1/2 hour away. Lots of people vacationing Florida on the cheap like to set up home here“in-season” and jump from site to site and stay as long as they can. Summers are much easier to find a site.
We are lucky to live so close. We are here more in the summer and swing seasons. This park makes an excellent 2 or 3 day adventure or a great Basecamp for your Florida vacation. You won’t be disappointed.
NOTE: Some of the public facilities have been closed due to COVID including the “Canopy Walk” which is very cool so you may want to check if that sort of thing interests you.
It is always interesting to me how all the Florida State Parks are a little different as the park manager seems to have some autonomy. Certain parks have public facilities closed like the Canopy Walk here at Myakka but another Florida State Park might have their observation tower open even though the structures are similar. Go figure.
Experience the charm of cabin camping near Punta Gorda, Florida, where you can immerse yourself in nature while enjoying modern comforts. Here are some top options for your next getaway.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Punta Gorda, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Punta Gorda, FL is Palmetto Ridge Campground — Myakka River State Park with a 4.6-star rating from 36 reviews.
What is the best site to find cabin camping near Punta Gorda, FL?
TheDyrt.com has all 30 cabin camping locations near Punta Gorda, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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