In this article, camping in Sarasota is defined as camping trips in Sarasota, Manatee, Hardee, Desoto, and Charlotte Counties. I put in links to my relevant blog articles throughout. At the end of each location I put a link(s) to the respective website so you can get more info.
Camping In Sarasota County
Myakka River State Park is my #1 pick for Sarasota County Camping. A lot to do here! It is one of the largest FL state parks at 37,000 acres and one of the eight original FL State Parks. There are three campgrounds with 90 campsites for tent and RV. Hammocks are permitted at sites 7, 8, 11, 15, 23, 27, 33 and 48. There are six campgrounds for primitive camping, but you must hike in. Closest is a 2.2 mile hike and the farthest is a whopping 14.1 mile hike. The Official Website!!! Myakka River State Park
Oscar Scherer State Park is my #2 pick for Sarasota County Camping. Much smaller at 1,400 acres, but the bonus is that the park is surrounded by city with all of the amenities, and not far from the beach. Makes for a very convenient RV home base. Good for biking-the Legacy Trail passes through the park, a 12-mile trail from Sarasota to the beaches in Venice. Nice! The Official Website!!! Oscar Scherer State Park
Sun Outdoors Sarasota is an RV Park with the typical amenities you would expect such a place to have. Tent camping is allowed from Memorial Day – October 30. State Parks are better bang for buck, but long term RV camping is allowed here and not at state parks. The Official Website!!! Sun Outdoors Sarasota
Turtle Beach Campground is beachfront camping since 1921! 39 RV and Tent sites are available. There is a free open-air trolley available to Siesta Village and Siesta Beach, a beach named #1 in the country more than once! I haven’t had the privileged of camping here yet, but I suspect if I do it may be my #1 recommendation for Sarasota camping! The Official Website!!! Turtle Beach Campground
Carlton Reserve (AKA T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve) offers primitive tent camping which can be reserved up to a year in advance by calling 941-861-7275. The reserve shares the southern boundary of Myakka River State Park and some of the hiking trails cross over the boundaries. 24,565-acre reserve with 100+ miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails. The Official Website!!! Carlton Reserve
Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park consists of 160 acres located next to the Carlton Reserve. Primitive camping is available by calling 941-429-PARK(7275) and select option #3. There are 3.7 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and equestrian use. The Official Website!!! Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park
Myakka State Forest has 8,593-acres and offers primitive camping. Hiking, biking, equestrian trails available. Canoeing and fishing. Hunting is allowed certain times of year with permit. The Official Website!!! Myakka State Forest
Camping In Manatee County
Lake Manatee State Park is 556 acres and has 60 campsites for tent and RV. Located on the shores of Lake Manatee. Water activities, hiking available. Don’t be fooled! No manatees here! They are blocked by a dam. But still a great place to explore. The Official Website!!! Lake Manatee State Park
Bradenton / Hunsader Farms KOA Holiday – Tent, RV, and cabin camping available on an old family farm-site. Fun! Near many points of interest too. The Official Website!!! Bradenton / Hunsader Farms KOA Holiday
Frog Creek RV Resort and Campground – This private campground is located on the edge of the Tampa Bay, offering access to lots of water activities. Tent and RV campsites available. The Official Website!!! Frog Creek RV Resort and Campground
Duette Preserve is a large Manatee County preserve that offers primitive camping. There is hiking available on the property too. Call 941-742-5923 for more info. The Official Website!!! My Manatee County
Rye Preserve is a 145 acre property located on the Manatee River. Offers weekend tent camping. Call 941-742-5923 for more info. The Official Website!!! My Manatee County
Camping In Hardee County
Hardy Lakes County Park – Primitive Tent Camping, Tent Camping, and RV Camping on about 1,200 acres. 4 lakes on the property. Only $20 for tent and $25 for RV per night. The Official Website!!! Hardy Lakes County Park
Paynes Creek Historic State Park is a beautiful piece of land, but offers primitive group camping only. Hiking, biking, fishing, and paddeling still available though. The Official Website!!! Paynes Creek Historic State Park
Thousand Trails Peace River offers RV and Tent sites. Cabins for rental, too. Outdoor activities available, plus things like pickleball, shuffleboard, and mini-golf. The Official Website!!! Thousand Trails Peace River
Pioneer Park is a county park that offers 65 campsite with electric and water and 25 without. RV and Tent camping available. Just $20 per night. The Official Website!!! Pioneer Park
Camping In Desoto County
Brownville Park and Boat Ramp is 75 acres on the Peace River. Tent and RV camping available. Call 863-491-5333 for reservations. The Official Website!!! Brownville Park and Boat Ramp
Arcadia Peace River Campground has RV and Tent Camping available. 160 acres along one mile of the Peace River. $92/night RV, $22/adult for tent. The Official Website!!! Arcadia Peace River Campgound
The Freckled Frog Primitive Camping is a small, privately run campground that offers tent and RV camping on the property. Used to be a plant nursery. The Official Website!!! Freckled Frog
Deep Creek Preserve offers primitive camping on about 2,000 acres. Hiking, equestrian, paddling, fishing. It’s part of the Water Management Lands. The Official Website!!! Deep Creek Preserve
Camping In Charlotte County
Babcock Ranch Preserve is enormous at 67,618 acres. There are 95 primitive camping sites available plus an extra 141 primitive camping sites in an open field for overflow camping during hunting season. You can hunt here during certain times of year with a permit. The Official Website!!! Babcock Ranch Preserve
