Florida's interior camping sites near Venus offer diverse options on both state and private lands. The region sits at elevations ranging from 30-70 feet above sea level with prevalent sandy soil that promotes quick drainage after rainfall. Winter temperatures typically range from 50-75°F with low humidity, making December through March the most comfortable months for tent camping in this subtropical environment.
What to do
Kayaking at Fisheating Creek: The waterway offers paddlers multiple route options through cypress forests with abundant wildlife viewing. "We rented kayaks on Sunday. We were dropped off in the woods and kayaked through 200 gators!" reports Andrea D. from Fisheating Creek Campground.
Stargazing at secluded sites: Central Florida's rural areas provide excellent night sky viewing conditions when away from city lights. "Not much around area making this a great place to do some nighttime photography. Little light pollution," notes Mike Y. about Ortona South.
Walking trails exploration: Several campgrounds maintain short, accessible nature trails suitable for all ability levels. At Highlands Hammock State Park Campground, Sri G. mentions, "The walking trails at this park were all quite small and friendly for all."
Bird watching opportunities: The region hosts numerous wading birds, raptors and migratory species. "Nature abounds in and near the park. Alligators, osprey, quail, egrets, otters and other wildlife are frequently seen here," writes Paula C. about Ortona South.
What campers like
Waterfront camping sites: Lakeside and riverside spots consistently receive high ratings from visitors. "We stayed at Fisheating Creek on the lake a couple weeks ago and had a very fun time with my three daughters," Kevin T. comments at Fisheating Creek Campground.
Lock system viewing: Campers enjoy watching boats navigate through the Ortona Lock on the Caloosahatchee River. Steve D. from Ortona South shares, "Beautiful! Neat to watch the ships pass through the lock."
Spacious RV sites: Many campgrounds feature concrete pads with full hookups. Janet H. notes about Ortona South, "Spacious sites, with level cement pads. Beautiful landscaping."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses and common areas enhance the camping experience. "Very clean bathhouse during the week," reports Napunani at Brighton RV Resort.
What you should know
Campsite availability varies seasonally: Winter months see highest demand, often requiring reservations months in advance. Hunter P. from Fisheating Creek Campground advises, "We gathered our large family with relatives and went up to Fisheating Creek for a camping weekend. We have been previously and loved the more secluded camping spots."
Site placement considerations: Some campgrounds have noise issues from nearby roads. According to R C. at Fisheating Creek Campground, "The only negative thing I would say is the nearby highway noise. It is busy and loud even during the nights."
Weather impacts: Summer brings frequent storms and high humidity while winters offer milder conditions. "It rained and we still had an awesome time," shares Francisco T. about camping at Fisheating Creek even during inclement weather.
Insect management: Bug activity increases near waterways, especially in warmer months. Jennifer P. reports, "This campground is right by a slow moving river and very buggy. Campsite had bug nests everywhere."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with organized social events and recreation areas. Hunter P. recommends Fisheating Creek: "We fished, rented kayaks and played outdoor games, with an evening of marshmallow roasting to finish."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children often enjoy spotting local fauna. Andrea D. from Fisheating Creek shares, "This is a fun little campground for kids with activities and karaoke at night."
Cabin options for mixed comfort levels: Several campgrounds offer cabin rentals for families wanting amenities beyond tent camping. Twin Palms Resort provides cabin accommodations near Lake Okeechobee, though Spencer S. notes they can be "simply overpriced" at "$140 a night as a minimum for the small shed cabins."
Security considerations: Some campgrounds offer better security measures than others. At Brighton RV Resort, Napunani observed, "Saw Seminole police patrolling frequently" but noted there was "No security gate so LOTS of drive-bys."
Tips from RVers
Hookup reliability: Some campgrounds experience electrical issues during peak usage. Napunani reports at Brighton RV Resort: "30amp breaker overheated and tripped 3 times during our 7 night stay."
Site selection strategy: When possible, request waterfront or shaded sites for the best experience. At Lake Josephine RV Resort, Mark P. notes, "Great park right on the lake with its own launch ramp and private docks. Amazing sunset across the lake."
Water and sewer placement: Some campgrounds have inconvenient utility connections. Mark P. advises about Lake Josephine, "Good power. Good water pressure. Sewer connections were very far away."
Laundry facilities: Multiple campgrounds provide on-site laundry services for extended stays. "Park has clean showers and bathrooms. Nice laundry faculty also," reports Mark P. about Lake Josephine RV Resort.
