Get Out Of The City — Campgrounds Around Bradenton and Sarasota

Camping season has officially arrived! If you're looking to get away for a weekend, why not enjoy roasting marshmallows, hiking down trails, chasing butterflies, and spending more time outdoors? There are plenty of great campgrounds near Bradenton and Sarasota, so be sure to check out these options.

1. Myakka River State Park
13208 State Rd 72, Sarasota

As one of the oldest state parks in Florida, Myakka River State Park offers something for everyone, from freshwater fishing, to hiking and canoeing. You can even take an airboat tour of the lake or embark on a safari tram tour in the backcountry. The park offers 90 campsites with electrical hookups, fire rings, and picnic tables, along with log cabins. Pets are permitted in the campground area, but not inside the cabins.

2. Oscar Scherer State Park
1843 S Tamiami Tr, Osprey

Oscar Scherer State Park is a popular destination among birdwatchers as it is home to a unique threatened species called the Florida Scrub Jay, which is only found in the scrub oak habitat in Florida. The park also offers hiking and biking trails, along with opportunities for swimming and fishing. The campground area accommodates both RVs & tents and there are seven ADA accessible areas. If you're camping with a large group, consider renting the primitive camping area that accommodates up to 40 and includes a composting toilet.

3. Sun-N-Fun Resort
7125 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota

Sun-N-Fun offers both RV and tent camping and is the perfect destination for families. The water park features everything from high-speed water slides to a lazy river. There's also a drive-in movie theater, disc golf course and a poolside grill. The camping area features beautiful, well-maintained bathhouses, and each site has its own concrete patio, full hookups and a picnic table.

4. Turtle Beach Campground
8862 Midnight Pass Rd, Sarasota

With easy access to Turtle Beach, including its canoe and kayak launch area, this small and friendly campground is perfect for a relaxing weekend. There are horseshoe pits, a picnic area, and an on-site bathhouse with laundry facilities. The key attraction, of course, is the nesting sea turtles, which are a protected species. Pets are not allowed in the campground, which contains 39 RV and tent sites with full hookups.

5. Lake Manatee State Park
20002 State Rd 64, Bradenton

This State Park stretches along three miles of shoreline on Lake Manatee. You can fish, hike, boat, picnic and let the kids play on the playground. There's also a boat launch, along with plenty of beautiful forest to explore on foot or bike. A 2.5-mile paved road and an additional 2.4 miles of off-road trails are perfect for mountain biking. Most camp spots can accommodate either an RV or tent, and pets are permitted on-site.

If you have any other campgrounds to recommend, or if you have tips for others who may be visiting one of the campgrounds above, feel free to leave a comment below.