Best Campgrounds near Sarasota, FL

Sarasota's camping options include several good spots within driving distance. Fort De Soto Campground has waterfront sites where you can see the water and walk right to the beach. Little Manatee River State Park has shady campsites surrounded by trees that keep things cool and quiet. Peace River Campground gives you plenty of room whether you're in a tent or RV. Hillsborough River State Park Campground sits close to the river, making it easy to go kayaking or canoeing. You can drive right up to most of these campgrounds on good roads, though at some places you might need to carry your gear a short distance from where you park. Most locals recommend camping between November and April when it's not too hot. Summer camping can be tough with the heat and humidity. Always check if the campground is open before you go, especially during hurricane season from June through November. Different campgrounds have different facilities, so look up what each place has before you decide where to stay. Sarasota has camping that works for both quiet nature trips and more active outdoor vacations.

Best Camping Sites Near Sarasota, Florida (136)

    1. Fort De Soto Campground

    138 Reviews
    Tierra Verde, FL
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (727) 582-2100

    $38 - $48 / night

    "Great cycling, paddling, walking, exploring, fishing, kiting, or anything you want to do."

    "As an camper with northern roots, I have found it hard to camp in Florida. This campground helped me relieve those worries. 

    I will start by saying that this campground is south of St."

    2. Oscar Scherer State Park Campground

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

    $26 / night

    "There are a lot of trails throughout the park. Many are scrub oak communities and consequently there’s a fair population of scrub jays.   We also saw otters, bobcat, raccoon and gopher tortoise.  "

    "I literally drive by it whenever I go to the grocery store or ride my bike on the Legacy Trail."

    3. Turtle Beach Campground

    22 Reviews
    Osprey, FL
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (941) 861-2267

    $120 / night

    "This campground now falls under the Sarasota County Parks. the Website is easy to navigate and has all info needed."

    "The best part of this campground would be the private access to the beach just steps away from any of the sites."

    4. Palmetto Ridge Campground — Myakka River State Park

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

    $26 / night

    "Myakka River State Park is a not to miss Florida State Park. Don't let the proximity to Sarasota Fool You!"

    "Sarasota has a lot to see and do, also!"

    5. Lake Manatee State Park Campground

    27 Reviews
    Parrish, FL
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (941) 741-3028

    $22 / night

    "Was bordered by the camp road and the bike/walking path so often noisy with no sense of privacy. Bad mosquitoes, but to be expected."

    "If you’re looking for a place to camp on the west coast of Florida that is quiet and has campsites that give you privacy, Lake Manatee State Park is a great choice."

    6. Sun N Fun RV Resort

    11 Reviews
    Sarasota, FL
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (941) 371-2505

    "We stayed at Sun N Fun for 3 weeks while visiting family in the Sarasota area. Despite Covid-19, there was still plenty to do."

    "We didn’t utilize the amenities outside of the pool, but will be back to play! We wish the sites (ours was q03) were more shaded, but worth having a nice easy pull thru spot."

    7. Encore Winter Quarters Manatee

    12 Reviews
    Palmetto, FL
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "Very close to beaches, Anna Marie Island, Sarasota, and Tampa. The only downside is that you are close to I75, and there is construction currently underway."

    "Wonderfully situated around a lake. Good amenities and close to everything. Some highway traffic noise but nothing bad."

    8. Linger Lodge RV Park & Restaurant

    6 Reviews
    Sarasota, FL
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (941) 739-9313

    $60 - $130 / night

    "We came back to this gem and met with friends from Florida, we had our RVs next to each other and it was so much fun. We had a great time."

    "You are close to everything but you still feel like being far away. Everybody is very accommodating. Great Management, great Team! We will be back soon!"

    9. Horseshoe Cove RV Resort

    4 Reviews
    Bradenton, FL
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (941) 758-5335

    "Also plenty of area to ride a bike a couple times around the park. It is also close to gas, grocery store and really good restaurants. Two thumbs up!!!"

    10. Bayou Bliss

    2 Reviews
    Sarasota, FL
    2 miles
    +1 (815) 900-0579

    $50 / night

    "We're so exited to have Steph's property on our platform! Come relax in the hammock set up near the canal. Watch the fish and unwind. You'll feel so secluded even though you're 5 minutes to Sarasota."

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Showing results 1-10 of 136 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Sarasota, FL

710 Reviews of 136 Sarasota Campgrounds



Guide to Sarasota

Camping near Sarasota, Florida, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Kayaking and Canoeing: Explore the waterways around Hillsborough River State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "You can rent kayaks or canoes to take a trip down a wonderfully peaceful river."
  • Fishing: At Fort De Soto Campground, you can enjoy fishing right from your campsite. A visitor shared, "I was able to do some fishing and got a few spotted sea trout."
  • Beach Access: Turtle Beach Campground is just steps from the beach. One camper said, "This place is an awesome place to visit. Tons of things to do."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A review for Oscar Scherer State Park Campground noted, "The bathrooms were clean and plenty of them throughout the campground."
  • Wildlife Viewing: Many enjoy the wildlife experiences at Myakka River State Park. One visitor mentioned, "There's plenty of wildlife to be seen: Lots of birds, alligators, deer, wild turkeys."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of the staff. A review for Lake Manatee State Park Campground stated, "The park rangers were great."

What you should know

  • Bugs: Be prepared for bugs, especially in warmer months. One camper at Fort De Soto Campground said, "The bugs were so bad... it was absolutely miserable."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Peace River Campground, may not have all the amenities you expect. A visitor noted, "This place is mainly for trucks and ATVs."
  • Noise Levels: If you're looking for peace and quiet, be cautious about campgrounds near busy roads or racetracks. A camper at Lake Manatee State Park Campground mentioned, "The racetrack nearby made the location a bit unsettling."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Hillsborough River State Park Campground, which offers a variety of activities for kids. One review highlighted, "There are lots of trails for walking, hiking, and biking."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. A family at Turtle Beach Campground enjoyed the nearby attractions, saying, "We jumped on the free trolley to Siesta Key Village for some ice cream."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having snacks on hand can keep everyone happy. A camper at Oscar Scherer State Park Campground mentioned, "The location of this campground is right in the middle of at least 4 different beaches."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A review for Hillsborough River State Park Campground mentioned, "The roads in the campground are a little narrow so maneuvering a larger rig might take some time."
  • Look for Full Hookups: Campgrounds like Myakka River State Park offer full hookups, which can be a big plus for RVers. One camper said, "Our site was shady and a really good size."
  • Be Mindful of Noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A visitor at Peace River Campground noted, "Getting to the wilderness area can be a bit challenging if you don’t have 4 wheel drive."

Camping around Sarasota has something for everyone, whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the beautiful surroundings!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Sarasota, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, Sarasota, FL offers a wide range of camping options, with 136 campgrounds and RV parks near Sarasota, FL and 2 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Sarasota, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Sarasota, FL is Fort De Soto Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 138 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Sarasota, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Sarasota, FL.

What parks are near Sarasota, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 parks near Sarasota, FL that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.