12 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Venice camping includes beachfront sites and inland state park options within a short drive. Turtle Beach Campground sits right on Siesta Key with 39 water and electric sites where you can camp steps from the Gulf of Mexico. The beach views are excellent, and both tent and RV campers can use the grounds. Nearby Myakka River State Park has two main camping areas - Palmetto Ridge and Old Prairie - with standard amenities like restrooms, showers and picnic tables at each site. You'll see plenty of wildlife here including alligators, deer and birds, so keep your food secured. The Myakka River runs through the park, giving campers places to hike, fish, and paddle. Many visitors walk the elevated canopy trail for better views of the forest. Some campsites have more privacy than others, and most have decent tree cover to block the hot Florida sun. Book ahead if you're planning to visit during winter or spring when the area gets busy. The Venice area works well for campers who want both beach time and nature experiences.
"I literally drive by it whenever I go to the grocery store or ride my bike on the Legacy Trail."
"Clean restrooms, a nature center, kayak launch & kayak rentals, a small lake you can swim in and some hiking trails."
Available this weekend
from $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."
Available this weekend
from $26 / night
"The best part of this campground would be the private access to the beach just steps away from any of the sites."
"If you want to be steps from the beach and all that Siesta Key has to offer Turtle Beach State Park is for you. Turtle Beach is a very small campground which is great if you don't like a crowd. "
from $120 / night
"The staff is awesome, everyone was super friendly, they had clean facilities, the nature trail was awesome to take our dog on walks down."
"Can't say enough great things about Camp Venice Retreat. This place has a very comfy relaxed vibe to it. You pull in and instantly feel like you are among long time friends."
"This is kind of our go to Florida State Park as we live very close and really enjoy the hiking, biking and paddling the river and lake."
"Located just east of Sarasota you’ll find lots to do without having to leave the park."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $26 - $70 / night
"First of all the location, if you like to kayak, this is the place for you. Right on the river. Very nice."
"Many times we had 2” plus of standing water outside of our RV (we were on “Raccoon Road”). Also, the electrical and water connections needed maintenance while we were there. They were very worn out."
"Surrounded by pines, palms and a beautiful lake that enters the Gulf of Mexico."
"Great location and everything you could need or want. Convenient reservations and check in."
"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."
"Gorgeous location, so many things to do!!! Wish I could live herebyear round!"
"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."
"Nice walking/bicycle path around the edge. Bike paths also throughout the park. Sites 1-8 or so have direct beach access, but swimming is not allowed. Mangroves surround the rest of the peninsula."
from $38 - $48 / 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."
Available this weekend
from $22 / night
GuideNice state park in a great location for visiting the area. Bathhouse near my site could use an update and newer bathhouse could use a good shower stall wash. I camp in a Travato Van so maneuvering in the campground was easy for me but larger rigs might struggle.
LegendOn my never-ending pursuit of finding the most perfect campground on earth ... I may have just landed it! Fort DeSoto State Park Campground, which rests at the southernmost edge of Pinellas County, reached by crossing a series of causeways from St. Petersburg until the land simply runs out and the Gulf of Mexico (as my friend John Cougar Mellencamp recently point out - not Gulf of ‘Merika) takes over. First impressions are pure Florida magic with palm-lined roads, sweeping water views of translucent aqua blue shimmering in the sun all accompanied by a salty breeze that makes you feel like vacation has officially begun. The campground itself is spread across a low-lying coastal landscape with mangroves, dunes and open skies punctuated by cotton candy clouds, and despite its popularity, this tri-loop campground haven manages to feel relaxed and unhurried if you pick your timing right.
This archipelago is shaped like a boomerang with 3 distinct campground loops – each with its own vibe, layout, amenities and overall character (more on this later) – leaving one with the impression that Fort DeSoto is both incredibly spacious as well as incredibly well-organized, offering a mix of waterfront and interior sites with paved pads, picnic tables, stand-up grills and access to modern bathhouses that are generally clean and well maintained. Many sites offer electric and water hookups, with a dump station available for RV travelers. Navigation through the one-way loops is straightforward, pets are welcome and the overall layout feels intentionally designed to handle high traffic without feeling chaotic. While there’s but just a modest playground on-site, there are much more amenities for the kids on North Beach, but throughout the campground area, the sheer amount of open space, bike paths, beach side access to inlets that will allow you to make the most out of being this close to the Gulf more than compensates for families.
What truly sets Fort DeSoto apart is everything just outside your campsite. Miles of white sand beaches wrap around the park, including North Beach which is frequently ranked among the best beaches in the country (note: not county ... country). Kayaking trails wind through calm mangrove tunnels, fishing piers stretch into Tampa Bay, and biking loops circle the entire park. History lovers can explore the restored fort and military ruins, while birders will find plenty to admire along the shoreline. For supplies, you’re about 15 minutes from Tierra Verde Market, Publix and a Walmart Supercenter on Pinellas Bayway as well as a handful of casual eateries like Billy’s Stone Crab and Sea Hags if cooking feels optional.
Trying to find out which 1 of the 3 loops might be best for you? I’ll try to break this down. First, of all, my brother and I stayed in Area #1, so let me begin there, not only because numerically that’s where we should begin, but also because I’m the most familiar with this loop, which consists of sites numbered #1-85. If you’re looking not just for ocean views with Gulf access – because like me, you’ve brought a kayak / canoe – then Area #1 for this solo reason is why you want to book here. And while it’s true that you likely could access water in Area #2, you’ll have to go the long way around to access the Gulf. Back to Area #1, I found this simple, single loop offering sites excellent in size, with TONS of shade (no need to bring your shelter to blot out the sun, although not a bad idea to have it handy in case of rain) and decent length long ‘driveways’ with which to pull in and set up camp, whether you’re packing tents (like me) or pulling in with your RV or sprinter van. Seriously, the scenery alone here in Area #1(at least sites #1-34) cannot be beaten with direct views of the Gulf, which you can access in less than 20 paces from where you’ve pitched your tent or parked for the night.
Each site is equipped with electric and water and for RVs needing sewage, there’s a spot as you exit prior to arriving at the ranger station that will accommodate you. The restroom and shower facilities in Area#1 are the best that I’ve ever seen in the state of Florida (which is saying something as I’ve camped in more than 100 spots here in the Sunshine state) – and wonder if this is because CG Hosts (versus FL state employees) are charged with keeping the CG clean?! – with very hot water (sometimes TOO hot) and lots of pressure would be an accurate description. Area #2 IMHO is somewhat cramped, very RV populated, with sites that are fairly crowded, yet heavily shaded with amenities that are similar to Area #1, albeit slightly more outdated; however, if you come with pets in tow, this is the ONLY area that will welcome you here at Fort DeSoto CG. Lastly, Area #3 has AMAZING water views, but given the seawall that surrounds this portion of the island, you won’t be able to actually access the water unless you dock your boat somehow to the wall and don’t mind jumping up 4-6 feet down to access your vessel. I found the sites here to be fine, although like Area #2, somewhat crowded, but yet still offering very good shade with restroom and shower facilities to be on par with the rest of the park. The best sites over here would be those from #197– 233 that look northernly towards the Gulf offering nothing short of AMAZING sunsets on the water.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a handful: (1) Waterfront sites in Loop 2 and Loop 3 are the most coveted for sunset views and breezes, but they book fast; (2) Bring bikes as this park is tailor-made for cruising on two wheels with flat, scenic loops in and around the campground area, but the best biking will be had once heading out past the ranger station to explore the larger areas of the island, where East Beach is worth a glide by (especially to watch the kite surfers where wind is at its strongest), but it’s North Beach that will have you stopping for a longer spell; (3) Kayaking through the mangroves on a calm morning is a must, especially for wildlife sightings; however, our absolute favorite moment of the entire trip was crossing the strong currents of shipping lanes to make it all the way to Shell Key, which apart from a few pensioners getting sunburnt in their beach chairs and an errant fishing boat or two, we had the entire island to ourselves … EASTER EGG: I’m a fairly solid kayaker and love oaring and with these strong currents, it IS manageable to cross, but you’ll want to plan on at least 1 hour of non-stop, albeit scenic oaring to make it to Shell Key; (4) Afternoon storms roll through quickly in summer, so plan beach time early and camp dinners later; (5) North Beach on the northernmost edge tends to be quieter and more family-friendly than the busier east-facing beaches near the fort; (6) If you’re visiting during peak season, weekday stays are noticeably calmer than weekends; and (7) When heading to the restroom facilities you will come across what is likely the largest sign I have ever seen in any campground WARNING YOU OF RACCOONS and, trust me, you want to HEED THIS SIGN as these black-eyed bandits are EVERYWHERE and not afraid to come right up to your tent and look in or right up to you sitting next to your campfire while looking for something to eat or steal, so be incredibly careful and PACK UP EVERYTHING whenever it’s not being used EVEN IN DAYLIGHT HOURS.
In sum, I absolutely loved this campground and will now be comparing every single one I visit to Fort DeSoto Campground.
Happy Camping!
ScoutHaven't been camping here. Based on the photos, it looks like it is a beautiful place. Looks like somewhere to have a fun, crazy, spontaneous camp experience. I prefer natural nature. Cutting the trails, fire wood, catching dinner, fighting mosquitoes without harsh chemicals. Preserving the world. Maybe make a reservation. Leave the dogs with a sitter and not have a care in the world.
ScoutQuiet. Definitely skewed toward equestrian. Sites are well spaced. Outer loop is best. Restroom/showers are very well kept. Not much for kids. Short trails are ok. Cayaking is best option if you're in to that. Relax here, enjoy the peace and have your favorite beverage
ScoutBeautiful 😁
GuideNice little place. Gravel, pull-through sites, clean bathrooms, and friendly staff. Tons to do for the littles!
ScoutWonderful beautiful place
ScoutOne of my favorite places reminds me of my dad when I was a kid we always would go fishing out there....I would love to come back and go fishing again with my dad but hes a angel 😇 now fishing 🎣 in heaven 🙏
Scoutwonderful clean sites. very level cement pads. garbage pick up at site. two pools. had a great stay.
Oscar Scherer State Park offers camping within 15 miles of Venice, Florida. The park maintains dense vegetation between sites, creating natural buffers for privacy. Many sites can accommodate RVs up to 36 feet with water and electric hookups. Visitors find themselves surrounded by Florida's native ecosystem while still being close to urban amenities and Gulf beaches.
Wildlife viewing on trails: At Oscar Scherer State Park, the Legacy Trail runs through the grounds, offering excellent biking and hiking opportunities. "Secluded in the city... when you enter the park, it feels like you are miles from civilization. The Legacy trail runs through the park. There is also kayak and canoe rentals," notes Jennifer D. The trail connects Sarasota to Venice.
Paddling the Myakka River: Launch directly from your site at Camp Venice Retreat, where the river access allows for exploration in both directions. "You can launch you kayak or canoe right from your spot," says Joshua B. Rich A. adds that you can "Paddle the Myakka River in both directions. Plenty of wildlife - and gaters! No worries, they'll leave you alone if you don't bother them."
Touring historic sites: Fort De Soto Park includes military installations worth exploring. "The historic fort, scenic beaches, trails for hiking or biking, etc made for a great visit! Tons of wildlife - we saw raccoons, dolphin, manatee, tons of Birds!" reports Brennan H. The former military fortifications provide interesting context to the region's coastal defense history.
Direct beach access: Turtle Beach Campground provides immediate beach entry where campers can enjoy Gulf waters without driving. "The beach is at the end of the interior, two-way road that divides the campground. It is accessible only by foot... The beach is clean and ample. Grey sand. Beautiful sunsets," explains L O. The campground sits at the end of a two-mile stretch of road in an affluent neighborhood.
Natural campsite separation: At Oscar Scherer, the sites offer good privacy despite being in a relatively compact area. "Lots of trails. Convenient location right off of highway 41, but sites are far enough in that it's quiet," explains David S. Kim S. elaborates: "There are tons of spaces, but lots of dense vegetation between them...so you don't get that 'I am setting up in the middle of someone else's campfire' feeling."
Proximity to restaurants: Many campsites near Venice have dining options within walking distance. Cole B. notes about Turtle Beach: "Also, the option of taking the free trolley that picks up at the campground and takes you to downtown Siesta Key is unbeatable." Sam S. says about Camp Venice Retreat: "Snook Haven restaurant next door is flat out awesome with twice daily entertainment at noon and 5pm most days."
Flooding concerns: Several campgrounds in low-lying areas can experience water issues during heavy rain. At Ramblers Rest RV Campground, Craig M. observed: "The only complaints I have is that when it rains frequently (summer months) the ground tends to become saturated with water. Many times we had 2" plus of standing water outside of our RV." Similarly, at Turtle Beach, one reviewer noted that "the main road does flood severely" after heavy rain.
Limited availability: Reservations at most campgrounds near Venice require advance planning, especially during winter months. Turtle Beach books quickly, with one camper advising: "Book in advanced, especially if you want to stay more than a night or two." Fort De Soto fills up six months in advance, though they "open up 10% of the sites for the weekend each Friday at 7am if you want to try and get lucky."
Wildlife encounters: Alligators and other wildlife are common in this region. At Palmetto Ridge Campground, a camper named Jenelle J. warned: "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." This highlights the need for awareness when camping near Florida waterways.
Look for kid-friendly amenities: Sun N Fun RV Resort offers extensive recreation options for families. "The kids enjoyed the slide (limited hours…ask ahead), and the warm pool was refreshing," notes Joe R. Another camper adds: "There are bike rentals I have taken advantage of, plenty of walking trails, and you can rent airboats."
Consider playground access: Some campgrounds have dedicated play areas. At Fort De Soto, one visitor described: "There is a playground with good swings and also a sturdy playground that offered plenty of opportunity for my four year old to blow off some steam. The ground is all recycled rubber, which I love as a parent."
Check for family-friendly beach options: Beaches near Venice vary in terms of crowds and facilities. At Turtle Beach, L O. observed: "The beach was never crowded, even when the campground was full." Another camper noted that "Siesta key beach is about 4 miles. The sand there is super white and soft. It's 99% quartz and is really rare."
Site selection matters: At Palmetto Ridge Campground near Venice, site layout varies considerably. Amanda W. advises: "The Palmetto Ridge pull thrus are gigantic. I would say the vegetation gives semi privacy but they aren't on top of each other so it's not like you're looking right at your neighbor." She contrasts this with other loops: "The Big Flats & Old Prairie loops are gravel road, tight, no privacy & very small sites like for popups, vans or small campers."
Access challenges: Some campgrounds have narrow entrances or low-hanging trees. Sam S. notes about Camp Venice: "Just a couple of minor issues are the road going in has some potholes and lots of low hanging tree branches. Drive slow and stay in the middle if you can." Another camper mentioned: "The park roads are all dirt and can be dusty at times."
Hookup locations: Water and electric connections aren't always positioned conveniently. Denise from Oscar Scherer recommends: "The electric hookup is in its normal spot, but be aware that the water is in the woods on the opposite side (one pedestal feeding two sites). Make sure to bring a longer hose, or park closer to the water than electric."
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best campgrounds in Venice, Florida?
Venice offers several excellent camping options. Oscar Scherer State Park Campground is a local favorite with water and electric hookups, a swimming lake, hiking trails, and private sites. It's conveniently located near the Legacy Trail for cycling enthusiasts. Camp Venice Retreat provides a relaxing atmosphere with tree-shaded tent sites that include water and electric hookups. Their friendly staff, clean facilities, and riverfront location make it a popular choice. Both campgrounds offer easy access to Venice's amenities while providing a natural setting for your camping experience.
What camping options are available near Venice Beach?
Near Venice Beach, you'll find several camping options within a short drive. Encore Ramblers Rest offers RV sites along the Myakka River with full amenities. For a more natural experience, Myakka River State Park provides two campgrounds—Palmetto Ridge with full hookups and Old Prairie for a more rustic experience—both offering access to hiking, wildlife viewing, and kayaking. These campgrounds are within 20-30 minutes of Venice Beach, allowing you to enjoy both camping and beach activities during your stay. Most sites require reservations, especially during the busy winter season.
Is beach camping allowed in Venice, Florida?
Direct beach camping isn't permitted on Venice's public beaches. However, for a genuine beach camping experience near Venice, Cayo Costa State Park Campground offers primitive beachfront camping on a barrier island accessible only by boat. The park features stunning beaches with excellent shelling opportunities and a true off-grid experience. Another option is Shell Key Preserve, which requires water access and advance reservations. Both locations provide the beach camping experience you're looking for, though you'll need to plan for boat transportation and primitive conditions.
What RV parks and resorts are available in Venice, Florida?
Venice has several high-quality RV parks and resorts. Encore Royal Coachman stands out with its beautiful oak tree-shaded sites, lakefront location, and extensive amenities including minigolf, sports facilities, and swimming pools. The resort provides access to the Gulf of Mexico via the lake. Sun N Fun RV Resort near Sarasota offers big-rig-friendly sites with full hookups and resort-style amenities. Both locations cater to RVers seeking comfort and convenience while exploring the Venice area, with most sites being reservable and offering water and electrical hookups.
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