Camp grounds in South Florida (West coast)?

[SydneyBristow]

We're looking for a budget friendly vacation and thought about maybe heading south and staying at a campground, any recommendations?

 

[Tri-circle-D]

The St. Pete Times just had a big feature on this past Sunday listing the top 10 family campgrounds in Florida. Here's a link:

http://www.tampabay.com/specials/2009/interactives/campgrounds/


I thought this was interesting, as the author did not list any of the favorite private campgrounds that are popular (Fort Wilderness, Lion Country Safari, Jellystone, KOA, etc.). But, the the Florida Park system has wonderful campgrounds, and you cannot beat the prices!

TCD

 

[fldisneyfamily]

I'm not sure how far south you are going, we are in Fort Myers (Sanibel/Captiva area). We go to a great campground located on the Peace River in Desoto County, which is just east of Punta Gorda. It is called Riverside RV Resort. It has fishing piers, two big pools, a big hot tub and lots of other stuff to do or not to do. It's about forty bucks a day. We also go to Highlands Hammock State Park and enjoy biking around the trails.

 

[TheFlame]

St. Andrews State Park in P.C. Beach is beautiful. Only a few sites have full hook up or poured pads. You can stay right on the bay(literally!) or pretty close to the beach. The sites are not on the beach but are very secluded and it feels as though you are in the mtns. with all of the trees and such. It is just a short car/bike ride or walk to the beach area. At the beach area there is a store/snack bar and a huge pavilion for picnics. The shells and fishing are great here and the beach is beautiful!

It is the only campground I would recommend in the PC Beach area and it is very affordable. I don't like the others because of their locations and no easy beach access. Topsail in Destin is nice too! Hope this helps!

 

[des1954]

In the Sarasota/Bradenton area I would recommend Myakka State Park (Sarasota), or Royal Coachman (Venice). Oscar Shearer State Park is "okay", but Myakka is great & there's a lot for kids to do. Royal Coachman is mostly retiree's in the winter, but otherwise a very nice park with lots to do for kids and adults.

There is also an Encore in Bradenton which is very nice, but again, mostly retirees, and there's not a lot for kids to do.

 

[keylime359]

I'm not sure how far south you are going, we are in Fort Myers (Sanibel/Captiva area). We go to a great campground located on the Peace River in Desoto County, which is just east of Punta Gorda. It is called Riverside RV Resort. It has fishing piers, two big pools, a big hot tub and lots of other stuff to do or not to do. It's about forty bucks a day. We also go to Highlands Hammock State Park and enjoy biking around the trails.

I tried to get ressies for spring break and was told that "family Camping season" is not until after break. How long does it take you to get there? That campground is on my to do list as well as River Ranch

 

[fldisneyfamily]

I tried to get ressies for spring break and was told that "family Camping season" is not until after break. How long does it take you to get there? That campground is on my to do list as well as River Ranch

It takes us about 35-40 minutes from the Cape. We go Burnt Store Rd, then to I-75. They get packed for the season, then empty out right after Easter Weekend. We are going to make ressies for May, probably the weekend after we get back from the Fort. We are also looking into the "store-n-stay" plan. We would pick weeks during the summer and they allow you to leave the TT on the site all set up and come up on the weekends. If you need anything else, please ask. Nice to talk to a local DISer!!!

 

[SydneyBristow]

Thanks for all the ideas, I'll start checking them out!