Where can I camp on the Suncoast?

The Suncoast offers spectacular opportunities for camping in Florida in a variety of ways:

Oscar Scherer State Park, Myakka River State Park, and Fort DeSoto Park offer drive-in campsites for RVs, campers, or tents with amenities like water, bathrooms, showers, electrical service, and sewer hook ups. ADA paved campsites are also available. For drive-in camping near the beach, check out Fort DeSoto Park and Turtle Beach.

Hike-in primitive camping sites typically do not have electricity, bathrooms, or water and may be several miles from parking, so you need to bring everything in and pack all your trash out. For those willing to rough it, primitive camping offers a full immersion in nature and may allow access to unique experiences, like paddling a secluded part of the Myakka River in Myakka State Forest or Myakka River State Park. A few preserves in Sarasota County and Manatee County offer primitive camping. Fort DeSoto Park also offers primitive camping for youth groups.

Want to camp on a barrier island? Cayo Costa State Park , accessible only by boat, offers primitive beach camping with the perks of potable water and bathrooms.

What about gear? You don’t have to own all your own gear to go camping or enjoy the outdoors! Oscar Scherer State Park has camping kits for use in the park. Or, get camping gear rentals shipped right to you with Lower Gear or Outdoors Geek.

Need more than just a tent or sleeping bag? No problem! Kit Lender has equipment and clothing rental kits for camping and many other outdoor activities.

Need a ride? Rent RVs, camper vans, and trailers at Outdoorsy.

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