Linda J.
Scout
ScoutUpriver RV Resort
wonderful clean sites
wonderful clean sites. very level cement pads. garbage pick up at site. two pools. had a great stay.
Camping near Arcadia, FL
210 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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Camping in Arcadia, Florida encompasses a range of established campgrounds and dispersed options along the Peace River. Peace River Campground provides primitive tent camping and RV sites with hookups, while nearby Brownville Park offers both tent and RV accommodations with boat-in access. The region includes several developed facilities like Big Tree RV Resort and Cross Creek RV Resort that cater primarily to recreational vehicles, though some also offer cabin rentals. Primitive camping is available along the Peace River Banks, providing a more rustic backcountry experience approximately 12 miles north of downtown Arcadia.
Road conditions vary significantly throughout the camping areas, with many primitive sites accessible only by boat or high-clearance vehicles due to sandy terrain. The campground options remain open year-round in this subtropical climate, though summer brings higher humidity and occasional afternoon thunderstorms. One camper noted, "Getting to the wilderness area can be a bit challenging if you don't have 4 wheel drive as the trails that lead you there are comprised of Sugar Sand." Many developed campgrounds near Arcadia require reservations, especially during winter months when seasonal visitors increase demand. Cell service is generally available at established campgrounds but may be limited in more remote areas along the river.
The Peace River serves as the main attraction for many camping areas, offering fossil hunting, fishing, and paddling opportunities. Several visitors mentioned finding shark teeth and other fossils while exploring the riverbed. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, "We found about a dozen sharks teeth while digging in the river." Campgrounds vary considerably in atmosphere, with some maintaining a quieter environment while others cater to ATV enthusiasts. According to one visitor, "This isn't a quiet nature getaway, it's a two-stroking music blasting party spot." Wildlife viewing opportunities include alligators, particularly during mating season, and various bird species that inhabit the river ecosystem. Proximity to the town of Arcadia provides convenient access to supplies, with grocery stores and restaurants available within a short drive from most campground options.
Best Campgrounds near Arcadia (210)
1. Peace River Campground
"ThisThis is a great Campground just outside of Arcadia Florida. It has ATV trails and fossilized shark tooth hunting. it has a Wilderness Area as well as developed the campground area."
"This campground was easy to get to and has lots to do near by. There is the town of Arcadia nearby with local history and restaurants if you feel like a hot meal on a rainy night."
from $16 - $80 / night
Check Availability2. Brownville Park
"Amazing park, clean, and easy access to the river for fossil hunting. Great family camping adventure. This is a great hidden gem!"
"So close to the river!"
3. Thousand Trails Peace River
"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."
"Camping next to the river with our adult kids and the grandkids, good bicycle paths walking trails, canoeing fishing and actually quite in the evenings on the eastern side of the grounds, everything is"
4. Encore Toby's
"We needed a place to stay for a spell and seeing it was a trails collection, we decided to utilize it. Very clean, friendly campground. A bit of road noise, mostly during the day."
"Toby's RV is that kind of place along the highway that if you blink your gonna miss it."
5. Highlands Hammock State Park Campground
"There is a picnic table and fire ring at each site and there is a toilet nearby. For showers you have to drive to the regular campground and use theirs. You can purchase firewood in the park as well."
"There are many short loop trails that take you through many ecosystems, giant trees at sizes few have seen before, lots of wildlife to."
from $18 - $22 / night
Check Availability6. Oak Hill Campground - Peace River
"You can hike around the peninsula of Oak Hill and explore, look for fossils and sharks teeth at the waters edge or just site back and enjoy the peace and quiet."
"When you get to the outpost you put your gear in the trailer and they drive it to the campsite for you. They drive you in a bus with the canoes and from there you paddle down to your campsite."
7. Big Tree RV Resort
"Centrally located from Sarasota, Fort Myers and Celebration, Florida."
8. Cross Creek Country Club & RV Resort
from $61 / night
Check Availability9. Palmetto Ridge Campground — Myakka River State Park
"Hidden 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."
"One 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."
from $26 / night
Check Availability10. Peace River Banks Backcountry
"More camping down to Arcadia. Canoeing and kayaking are preferred mode of transportation but I’ve seen others use Jon boats and airboats. Camping permitted on West Bank. No designated sites."
Drive Time
- 31 min from Punta Gorda, FL
- 39 min from North Port, FL
- 45 min from Sebring, FL
- 53 min from Cape Coral, FL
Recent Camping Photos near Arcadia, FL
149 Photos of 210 Arcadia Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Peace River Campground
Oak Hill Campground - Peace River
Brownville Park
Cross Creek Country Club & RV ResortR
Encore Riverside
The Bohemian HideawayJ
Pioneer Park
Peace River EstatesI
Thousand Trails Peace River
Primitive Sites — Myakka River State ParkD
Crowley Museum and Nature Center Group Camp
Highlands Hammock State Park CampgroundP
Recent Reviews near Arcadia, FL
681 Reviews of 210 Arcadia Campgrounds
Lourie H.ScoutLithia Springs
Beautiful, Peaceful Campground, but the Hospitality Could Use Some Work
The campsites are nice! They’re close together, but there are plenty of trees providing shade and privacy. The grounds are well maintained, probably thanks in part to the very strict rules (nothing tied to trees, no disturbing or touching nature, etc.).
Unfortunately, the spring was closed due to flooding during our visit, but the kids enjoyed the swings at the playground (the slides were too hot!). We rode our bikes, relaxed, and enjoyed the peace and quiet.
My only real complaint was the staff and their approach to enforcing the rules. From the moment we checked in, the emphasis seemed to be more on what we couldn’t do than on welcoming us. We completely understand the importance of protecting the natural environment, but the delivery came across as unnecessarily harsh, almost rude.
To top it off, we received a written warning for checking out 45 minutes late, despite having already vacated our campsite. We were simply waiting to use the dump station. It seemed a bit excessive considering we weren’t occupying our site or holding up the next campers.
Overall, it’s a beautiful, peaceful campground with plenty of shade, and we really enjoyed our stay. A little more hospitality and flexibility from the staff would have made the experience even better.
- CCarla C.Scout
Peace River Oaks
Decent and quiet
Everything went pretty well except for one hiccup. Our first night staying there our bathroom drain got backed up with sewage that came back up from the drain which caused a terrible smell of The shower then also clogged and had to shower in puddle of water that got gross from our feet being all dirty because of the mud. I had mistakingly booked the stay without adding the hot tub.. so when we mentioned the issue to Dan(main guy in charge) we asked about the hot tub for the second day since it says it needs to be booked for a 2 night minimum. He said it would be taken care of.. so in our minds of a server and bartender and having worked in the service industry for a long time, we figured that the hot tub would be taken care of for us, considering that it's simply a$30 charge. So l then later get a text message from him asking if the card that I had on file was Ok to charge for the hot tub, and I asked if there would be any sort of compensation for the bathroom situation, he said being charged for one night instead of 2 was the compensation.. which made no sense to me since we only were getting it for one night. To top it off the hot tub was not even hot.. Was def not very impressed by that.
- EEd B.
TravelerPeace River Oaks
4 day getaway
If you like peace and quietness this is a place for you. I’m sure it is busier during the winter months. Plenty of shade with a new pool. You can rent canoes, play putt putt or paddle along the Peace river. If you’re into nature just walk the meandering trails through the woods. New concrete pads with a fire pit and picnic table. Everyone was polite and the WiFi was excellent. We stayed in lot 61. It overlooks the pasture with plenty of shade. Lot 60 and 59 also have total coverage and will be one of my next next choices. Plenty of space between your neighbors even make it better
J T.ScoutThousand Trails Peace River
Huge Campground
The place is very big and spread out , always sites available full hook ups or just water and electric (always alot of these open 20 or more) we have a pass to stay at these sites so we were put in a not so great site ,but talking with front desk (Morgan) she was more than happy to switch us to another site which we were pleased with . Pools clean ,clean bath houses and close to stores (grocery) always love going here . We have a blast . Also its centrally located a hr to coasts ( Venice beach) . Hr and 20 mins from warm mineral springs . River was nice to watch onsite also . Boat ramp also onsite
- dd I.
GuideLittle Manatee River State Park Campground
First time lil campers
Took the littles (ages 5 &4) for their first tent camping trip - had a blast once they learned what s’mores were all about! Decent space, warm days and unusually cool nights.
- dd I.Guide
Peace River Oaks
Great lil gem
Great lil place. Nice private bathrooms, mini splits in these and in tent, comfortable for family of 5. Fun turf play area near main office. Shark tooth sifting, trail hike, but the bank river fishing was tough. Owner/manager was a jack of all trades, very helpful and did it all.
- Suzanna S.Scout
Horseshoe Cove RV Resort
Horseshoe Cove
this place is nice they have their own private island can go fishing over there with no license nice Pier to walk across take your dog there and enjoy on the river
Joe F.ScoutTropical Acres RV Park & Storage
Nor the host was extremely unprofessional and disrespectful
The host Nor treated me like trash. He mandates you leave a lock off of your hitch so he can move your Rv around as needed. Mind you I was going to be paying for a reserved spot on the property paying a monthly rate. When I inquired more about their policy to see if they damaged my Rv while moving it would it be covered by them for the repairs of damages. My reservation was then automatically canceled for no reason and Nor only gave me a partial refund for my booking. He is very rude and unprofessional. There are also other reviews in the neighbor app stating damages happened while moving someone's rv and he refused to take accountability or finance the repairs for that customer. Hints the reason I was wanting clarification on the matter. Instead of providing it he decided to cancel my reservation and tried to beat me out of my deposit. Dont bring your RV here for storage it is a huge risk!
Guide to Arcadia
Primitive camping dominates the Peace River backcountry around Arcadia, offering shoreline sites approximately 12 miles north of town. Many sites remain accessible only by boat, with kayaks and canoes serving as the primary transportation along this north-south waterway. The sugar sand trails require high-clearance vehicles in several areas, particularly after rain events.
What to do
Fossil hunting in riverbeds: Peace River Banks Backcountry provides excellent opportunities for finding prehistoric remains. Bob S. notes, "Excellent backcountry camping between Zolpho Springs and Gardner. More camping down to Arcadia. Canoeing and kayaking are preferred mode of transportation but I've seen others use Jon boats and airboats."
Attend community activities: Thousand Trails Peace River offers organized social events throughout the week. Thomas E. explains, "Camping next to the river with our adult kids and the grandkids, good bicycle paths walking trails, canoeing fishing and actually quite in the evenings on the eastern side of the grounds."
Wildlife observation: Palmetto Ridge Campground provides extensive wildlife viewing opportunities with alligators being particularly prominent. Jenelle J. warns, "Went to drain the tanks yesterday morning and a large sounding gator started to growl territorially at me. So heads up with your pets please."
What campers like
Spacious riverside sites: Peace River Campground features camping areas directly on the water. Angie S. reports, "Lots of great spots right on the banks of the river. RVs are in the main campground near the pool, bathroom/showers and store. Tent sites are further back by the river. They're not marked so you just find a good one and set up camp."
Professional gear transportation: Canoe outfitters handle equipment logistics for remote sites. Deven R. at Oak Hill Campground shares, "Awesome place to camp without having to Carrier your equipment. When you get to the outpost you put your gear in the trailer and they drive it to the campsite for you."
Clean facilities despite rustic settings: Brownville Park maintains functional amenities despite its remote location. Casey notes, "Camp hosts were wonderful. Down to earth and friendly. Bathrooms and trash cans tended well. Springs with fossil finds!"
What you should know
Varied site quality across campgrounds: Some established campgrounds provide minimal privacy. Paolo D. mentions about Highlands Hammock State Park, "The place is comfortable and the boathouse are clean. They should implement more distances between the camping sites. It was really crowded."
Seasonal crowding impacts experience: Winter brings significant crowds to campgrounds near Arcadia. Sri G. observes, "The campgrounds were nice but all campsites were too close to each other. The restrooms were not super neat but not terrible."
Water access determines camping experience: Primitive camping along the Peace River requires planning for water access. Chad N. explains, "The kayak and canoe launch was a couple miles north and then you paddle back to the site. It's a nice paddle with a lot of gators on the banks."
Tips for camping with families
Plan for on-site activities: Brownville Park offers multiple recreation options within walking distance. B M. shares, "You can kayak or canoe the river & find fossils or walk right off the campground into the Peace River & fossil there. People have sifters they make and zip tie foam noodles around them so they float."
Pack for weather fluctuations: Summers bring significant heat while winters can see temperature variations. Kasey K. advises, "We camped twice in the primitive area. This area is all sand dunes first come first serve perfect for atvs and golf carts with lots of trails."
Bring wildlife safety equipment: Alligator encounters are common, particularly during breeding season. Leslie M. warns, "If you haven't done your research the Peace River is full of alligators in the spring/summer time. They didn't bother us but they also didn't seem too afraid of us either."
Tips from RVers
Monitor electrical systems: Encore Toby's has varying electrical reliability. Eric R. notes, "The Transits spots were tight. I had less than 6 ft between us after slides were out. And I think his Sewer hose was waking up."
Check site assignments carefully: Many RV parks have inconsistent site allocation systems. Daniel B. explains, "Lots are not first come first served the do a lottery no matter what time you arrive, first it was at noon, then moved to 1, then to 2."
Prepare for road conditions: Internal campground roads vary significantly in quality. Thomas E. cautions, "Watch the electricity during high usage the voltage drop, ours droped to 108v for a couple hours, i choose to run the gen during that time."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Arcadia, FL?
What camping is available near Arcadia, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, Arcadia, FL offers a wide range of camping options, with 210 campgrounds and RV parks near Arcadia, FL and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Arcadia, FL?
Which is the most popular campground near Arcadia, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Arcadia, FL is Peace River Campground with a 3.7-star rating from 26 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Arcadia, FL?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Arcadia, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Arcadia, FL.
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