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.
$16 - $80 / night
"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."
"So close to the river!"
"So much to do so many beautiful well-kept trails the fossil finding is everywhere not just on the river bed which really surprised me I found some very nice pieces right around my camper."
"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."
"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"
$18 - $22 / night
"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."
"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."
"Centrally located from Sarasota, Fort Myers and Celebration, Florida."
$26 / night
"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."
$61 / night
"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."
TravelerThere appears to be new management in the campground. Procedures are completely different and much better than previous visits. It is cleaner and more organized. It is now possible to get a reservation for the full hookup section. The river and woods trails are in great shape. Hopefully they will get the mini golf course turf replaced, it is currently painted concrete and not much fun to play on.
TravelerWelcoming staff upon arrival. Park is very clean and well taken care of. Met some great neighbors and enjoyed the quietness. The park is constantly monitored by staff giving you a sense of comfort. Beautiful spring to enjoy a warm day as the water temp is a consistent 72°. Canoe and Kyak launch is easily accessible to enjoy the calm waters of the Alafia River. Restrooms and showers were clean and plentiful around the grounds. We will definitely be back.
Guidethis place has great potential, however, they are in a remodeling phase at the moment location, location, location is its best feature, very kind owner who tried his best to post our state last January
GuideI think the best thing is the size of this place, there usually is always a spot to get in on. There is a nice Little River running through the very edge of the park, but it's difficult to get a spot there. Also, the laundry facility is top notch and the pool is very pleasant, they also have racquetball and some nice short trails to walk on.
GuideI was staying across the Street at 1000 trails, and I thought I would come over here and look at the old locomotive and the log cabin, etc. But as I walked through the park towards the Peace River, I saw hundreds of buzzards, which made this amazing place to visit. I also noticed that there is a sanctuary for animals here as well, and for only 5 bucks you can go and see a nice variety of birds and mammals. Overall, this is definitely a great place to go it's very, very large and it also hosts tent camping as well.
TravelerThe camping is amazing Everybody who works at the camping is so helpful The amount of wildlife here is beautiful
ScoutWell, the camp host wants you to check in at exactly 12pm even though the website says nothing about this. He was a little irritated with our group not getting there till 8pm even though we had drove 9hrs and had issues. Spray your legs with bug spray, bad sand fleas or something. Train goes by constantly all hours. Still, for a free campsite, it's a decent stop over.
ScoutWell kept, modern units in a very clean environment. RV pads are privately owned but managed by the resort when vacant. Very convenient to the Ringling Museum.
GuideIf you are here, reading this review, you are one step ahead of me. I booked this campsite without doing a whole lot of research. I was driving, I passed through Arcadia, and the first two places I looked at had a three night minimum or were fully booked so I went with this one. Peace River. It sounds so peaceful. But this place is really just a playground for ATVs. I’m in a Ram Promaster and I booked a primitive site. Basically, I parked under some trees and spent two hours watching and listening to ATV riders circle me like bees around a flower. When I heard myself saying “I hate it here,” I knew it was time to drive two hours back home. Plus I was at risk of getting stuck in the sugar sand with my front wheel drive vehicle. I’ve never heard of sugar sand, and now it will fill my nightmares.
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.
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."
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!"
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."
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."
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?
According to TheDyrt.com, Arcadia, FL offers a wide range of camping options, with 207 campgrounds and RV parks near Arcadia, FL and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
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?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Arcadia, FL.
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