Top Free Dispersed Camping near Venice, FL

Camping near Venice, FL, 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:

• Explore the beaches: Enjoy the sun and surf at nearby beaches. Campers love the access to beautiful shorelines, with one reviewer saying, "This is an all-around winner. On the beach with shells, sunsets, waves and all that the beach has to offer" at Turtle Beach Campground.
• Wildlife watching: Many parks, like Myakka River State Park, are great for spotting alligators, deer, and various bird species. One visitor noted, "It's quiet, and there's plenty of wildlife to be seen: Lots of birds, alligators, deer, wild turkeys."
• Hiking and biking: Trails abound in the area. A camper at Highlands Hammock State Park Campground mentioned, "The hiking trails were fun, saw a lot of wildlife."

What campers like:

• Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Oscar Scherer State Park Campground said, "Restrooms/showers were clean and staff were very helpful."
• Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. One reviewer at Lake Manatee State Park Campground mentioned, "The sites are large, private, and nicely surrounded by woods."
• Friendly staff: Campers often rave about the helpfulness of the staff. A camper at Fort De Soto Campground noted, "Staff at the front desk, store and grounds were friendly and attentive."

What you should know:

• Bugs can be a problem: Some campers have reported issues with insects. One camper at Fort De Soto Campground said, "The bugs were so bad... it was absolutely miserable."
• Crowded during peak times: Popular campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Highlands Hammock State Park Campground mentioned, "Weekends are busy, like people walking through your site at all hours."
• Limited amenities at some sites: Not all campgrounds have full hookups or markets nearby. A camper at Lake Manatee State Park Campground noted, "It does not have full hookups."

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose family-friendly parks: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. One family at Koreshan State Park Campground enjoyed the "kids playground" and fishing spots.
• Plan for activities: Bring bikes or kayaks for family fun. A camper at St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA mentioned, "They have bike and kayak rentals."
• Pack snacks and meals: Having food on hand can save time and money. A visitor at Turtle Beach Campground appreciated the "nice laundry, great bathrooms, tons of rinsing and washing opportunities."

Tips from RVers:

• Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Lake Manatee State Park Campground said, "The campsites are spacious and mostly nicely separated from neighbors."
• Be aware of noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby roads or activities. A camper at Peace River Campground advised, "Bring earplugs... you also get quite a lot of noise from the divided highway."
• Look for full hookups: If you need them, check ahead. A visitor at Oscar Scherer State Park Campground mentioned, "The campground has everything you need."

Camping near Venice, FL, has something for everyone. Whether you're tent camping or RVing, you'll find spots that suit your needs.