Camping near Punta Gorda, Florida, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are several campgrounds to choose from.
What to do
- Hiking and Wildlife Watching: Many campers enjoy the trails at Highlands Hammock State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "The hiking trails were fun, saw a lot of wildlife and made some squirrel friends."
- Beach Access: If you love the beach, check out Turtle Beach Campground. A reviewer said, "This is an all-around winner. On the beach with shells, sunsets, waves and all that the beach has to offer."
- Fishing and Kayaking: At Lake Manatee State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing and kayaking. One camper noted, "The lakeside day area and boat ramp are nice."
What campers like
- Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Oscar Scherer State Park Campground said, "The bathrooms were clean and plenty of them throughout the campground."
- Friendly Staff: Many reviews highlight the helpfulness of the staff. At Koreshan State Park Campground, one camper mentioned, "Excellent hosts that are friendly and helpful."
- Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy the spaciousness of the sites at Little Manatee River State Park Campground. A reviewer said, "The sites are large, private, and nicely surrounded by woods."
What you should know
- Crowded on Weekends: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Highlands Hammock State Park Campground noted, "Weekends are busy, like people walking through your site at all hours."
- Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. For instance, Lake Manatee State Park Campground lacks electric hookups, which some campers found inconvenient.
- Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife. A camper at Cayo Costa State Park Campground warned, "There are literally thousands of rats. If you camp here, take precautions and know that rats will chew through any bag that contains food."
Tips for camping with families
- Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. Oscar Scherer State Park Campground has a playground, making it a great choice for families.
- Plan Activities: Make sure to plan activities that everyone can enjoy. A family at Turtle Beach Campground enjoyed the beach, saying, "This place is an awesome place to visit. Tons of things to do."
- Pack Snacks and Drinks: Keep everyone happy with snacks. A camper at Peace River Campground mentioned, "Private sites on the water. Lots of nature."
Tips from RVers
- Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Ortona South said, "Sites are concrete and level. Long enough for our 38 ft coach."
- Look for Full Hookups: If you need full hookups, check the campground details. Lake Manatee State Park Campground has limited hookups, which some RVers found challenging.
- Be Prepared for Noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A camper at Peace River Campground noted, "There are trails which are used by ATVs and up until 10pm it's noisy."
Camping around Punta Gorda has something for everyone, whether you're in a tent, RV, or looking for a family-friendly spot. Just be sure to check the campground details and reviews to find the perfect fit for your adventure!
