Tent camping near Venus, Florida offers access to freshwater ecosystems and preserved natural hammocks with unique wildlife viewing opportunities. The region sits at the northern edge of the Florida Everglades watershed, creating diverse habitats for campers to explore. Temperatures remain mild during winter months, making December through March the prime season for comfortable camping conditions.
What to do
Night sky observation: Highlands Hammock State Park Campground provides excellent stargazing opportunities during clear nights. The park's location away from major cities creates minimal light pollution. A visitor noted, "We were treated to a night time tram ride because the 26 species of fireflies were out for a 2 week period."
Wildlife watching: At Highlands Hammock State Park Campground, campers frequently spot native wildlife. "We had a bear visit the garbage bin during the night, so you'll have to pay attention to storing your food," reports one camper. The park's walking trails pass through different habitats where wildlife sightings are common.
Fossil hunting: Peace River camping areas offer unique opportunities for finding prehistoric shark teeth and fossils. At Oak Hill Campground, one camper shared, "Make sure you get a shovel and sleuth to find some shark teeth. We found over 100 just at the campsite alone."
Freshwater fishing: The waterways near Venus provide good fishing opportunities. Upriver RV Resort offers access to local waterways. A visitor mentioned, "Plenty of space for our 35 foot Class and car with room to spare" while accessing fishing spots.
What campers like
Clean, remote spaces: Wildcow Campground provides secluded tent sites away from crowds. A camper noted, "It is a lovely secluded primitive campsite with all the advertised amenities. Very good view of the night sky for South Florida."
Water access: Camping options with access to rivers and lakes are popular. At Caloosahatchee Regional Park, a camper said, "The grounds have incredible trails, mile-long trails to walk along the Caloosahatchee River, with beautiful sight-seeing."
Elevated camping platforms: Some sites offer raised wooden platforms that keep tents off the ground. At Wildcow Campground, a visitor mentioned, "Two elevated tent pads, have a semi shrub barrier. Two other areas tents could've pitched."
Organized activities: Some parks offer structured programs. At Highlands Hammock, a visitor noted, "They also have lots of ranger-led activities like soup night, covered dish dinners, camper coffee, etc etc."
What you should know
Seasonal insect activity: Bug presence varies throughout the year. At Wildcow Campground, a camper shared, "Bugs were quite mild for a swampy South Florida location; citronella candles and the campfire did a good job of keeping them at bay."
Site privacy considerations: Many established campgrounds have sites close together. At Uncle Joe's Motel & Campground, a camper mentioned, "One of the finer older campgrounds in Florida, peaceful and serene. Located on the rim canal of Lake Okeechobee."
Walk-in requirements: Several camping areas require carrying gear from parking areas. At Caloosahatchee Regional Park, a reviewer explained, "No, you can't drive to your site, but really good carts are available to help you with the load, so no RVs at the campground."
Gate access codes: Some remote sites require special access. At Wildcow Campground, a visitor explained, "Gate is locked 1.9 miles from the campground. Accessible by vehicle. Gate code is available, I am told."
Tips for camping with families
Look for designated play spaces: Family-friendly campgrounds often include recreation areas. Caloosahatchee Regional Park provides facilities for children. A camper noted, "Usually there are kids playing in the playground area, so very family friendly."
Select camps with structured activities: Children benefit from organized programs. Oak Hill Campground offers guided activities. One visitor shared, "Reservations for the Oak Hill campground can only be acquired through the Peace River Canoe Outpost. They maintain, clean and patrol the sites."
Consider noise levels: Some sites offer quieter experiences than others. At Upriver RV Resort, a camper mentioned, "There's definitely some noise from the busy road even halfway back to the pool," something families should consider.
Check trail difficulty ratings: Highlands Hammock State Park features trails with varying difficulty levels. A visitor noted, "The walking trails at this park were all quite small and friendly for all."
Tips from RVers
Site size verification: Check space dimensions before booking. At Upriver RV Resort, a visitor reported, "Spots are level and cement, very clean but tight. There's definitely room for our awning and to sit on the paved area."
Road width considerations: Some campgrounds have narrow access roads. At Highlands Hammock, a camper warned, "The roads in the campground are a bit narrow, traffic can go both ways (even though they are only one lane!), and the dump station is not in the best place!"
Distance between campsites: RV sites often place units close together. A camper at Highlands Hammock noted, "The campground is not spread out much. You'll have neighbors."
