Best Campgrounds near Sarasota, FL
State parks and county facilities around Sarasota, Florida provide a range of camping experiences within easy reach of Gulf Coast beaches and urban amenities. Myakka River State Park, located just 10 miles east of Sarasota, offers three distinct campgrounds with varying levels of amenities and site sizes, plus primitive backcountry sites along 30 miles of hiking trails. Oscar Scherer State Park in Osprey features over 100 campsites nestled among native Florida vegetation with access to South Creek. Turtle Beach Campground on Siesta Key provides the rare opportunity to camp directly on the Gulf of Mexico, though sites are better suited for smaller RVs and trailers. Several private RV resorts like Sun N Fun and Horseshoe Cove cater to longer-term visitors with resort-style amenities.
Advance reservations are essential during winter months when the region experiences peak visitation from November through April. As one camper noted, "In-season campsites are often difficult to find," particularly at popular state parks. Summer brings more availability but also higher temperatures, humidity, and increased insect activity. Bug protection is strongly recommended, especially at dawn and dusk. Many campgrounds feature dense vegetation that provides welcome shade but can limit views of water features. Sites along creeks or lakes may have restrictions regarding pets due to wildlife concerns, particularly alligators. Cell service varies by location but is generally reliable at most established campgrounds near Sarasota.
Wildlife viewing opportunities rank among the top experiences at campgrounds in the region. Myakka River State Park is described by visitors as having "outstanding beauty" and a "Jurassic Park feel" with abundant alligator sightings. Campers regularly report encounters with deer, raccoons, armadillos, and numerous bird species including scrub jays at Oscar Scherer State Park. The proximity to urban amenities while maintaining a natural setting is frequently mentioned in reviews. As one local camper observed, "When you enter the park, it feels like you are miles from civilization" despite being in "an urbanized area of Sarasota county." Most campgrounds provide convenient access to recreational trails, with the Legacy Trail connecting Oscar Scherer to Venice and eventually downtown Sarasota.
