When you consider all that Florida’s west coast offers, it’s easy to see why you’ll want to stay as long as possible. And the campgrounds on Florida’s west coast can help you do just that.
If you’re looking for a remarkable place to vacation, we’ve rounded up the best RV parks and campgrounds in the area. Let’s find a sunny spot to park your RV or pitch your tent!
Florida’s West Coast Offers Endless Possibilities
Florida’s west coast has many sandy beaches, remote islands, incredible state parks, and thick mangrove forests. The west coast is 660 miles, stretching from Pensacola in northern Florida to the Everglades in southern Florida.
You could cruise down the entire west coast of Florida in less than 12 hours, including stops. However, you’ll do yourself and the trip a massive injustice by not taking your time. You’ll pass through the fabulous cities of Destin, Panama City, Clearwater, Fort Myers, and you could finish it up with a trip to Everglades National Park.
To do a trip like this justice, you’ll easily need a couple of weeks to make the most of your time. There’s so much to see, do, and appreciate in this region of the Sunshine State.
Pro Tip: Rest up for your Florida adventure at one of these 8 Best Panama City Beach Campgrounds for Your Florida Vacation.
The 7 Best RV Parks and Campgrounds on the West Coast of Florida
If you’re planning to bring your RV with you, there are some outstanding RV parks and campgrounds along Florida’s west coast. The following seven are worth checking out during your adventures. Don’t miss them!
1. Red Coconut RV Park
Address: 3001 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
About: This campground on Florida’s west coast is open year-round and is one of the few RV parks and campgrounds with beachfront property. The park is popular due to the incredible views and easy access to the beach. Even with over 250 campsites, it can be challenging to snag a site.
You’ll need to plan for months, especially if you’re coming during the peak season. If you’re looking to spend a majority of your time on the beach, it’s hard to beat staying at Red Coconut RV Park.
Campground Features: All of their sites have full hookups, which means less worrying about your tank levels and more time enjoying the 450 ft of beach owned by the campground. The recreation room offers games and a variety of activities throughout the year.
The campground’s location makes it incredibly easy to enjoy fishing, swimming, and other aquatic activities. When you stay here, you’re also close to restaurants, golf courses, and the many other unique attractions that make Fort Myers a terrific place to visit.
Cost to Camp: $79 to $132 per night
Morton Road Trip Rating: 8.7/10 – Who wouldn’t want to stay at a campground or RV park with its own beachfront property?
2. Woodsmoke Camping Resort
Address: 19551 S Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers, FL 33908
About: Woodsmoke Camping Resort is full of mature trees and close to two outstanding state parks, Kareshan and Lovers Key. It’s a fantastic park for those with big rigs who still want to feel like they’re camping in nature and not a typical RV park resort. The park is 30 acres and has over 300 RV sites, all with full hookups and concrete pads.
You’re just a short drive to the sandy beaches in Fort Myers, but the resort offers plenty to help everyone in your crew have a great time.
Campground Features: This campground on Florida’s west coast features all you’d expect from a camping resort. Go for a dip in the heated pool, refresh those tired muscles in the hot tub, or test your fishing skills in either of the resort’s lakes.
If you want to connect with nature further, take a stroll along the boardwalk and nature trail and see if you can spot wildlife. Between the swimming pool, horseshoes, and playground, there’s something for just about everyone!
Cost to Camp: $67 to $170 per night
Morton Road Trip Rating: 8.2/10 – While you’re only a short drive from the sandy beaches, you’ll appreciate the increased privacy and big rig friendly turns compared to what you’ll find at many other parks.
Pro Tip: Want to go fishing while in Florida? We put together a Visitor’s Easy Guide to Florida Fishing Licenses.
3. Turtle Beach Campground
Address: 8862 Midnight Pass Rd, Sarasota, FL 34242
About: Turtle Beach Campground is in Sarasota County and managed by the county. With only 40 campsites, this is a relatively small campground but is very popular. The popularity is largely due to its proximity to Turtle Beach Park and its beach access. You can make reservations 12 months in advance, so make sure you do your planning if you’re hoping to snag a spot.
It’s important to keep in mind that the campground is very narrow. However, there is limited space available for motorhomes up to 38 ft and travel trailers/fifth wheels up to 36 ft in length.
Campground Features: The main feature of this west coast Florida campground is the easy access to the beach. If you want to spend the majority of your time listening to the crashing waves and splashing in the ocean, this is the place for you!
The park offers an outdoor shower and bathhouse to rinse off the sand and a laundry room to wash all of your clothes before you head home or on your way to your next adventure. The sites may be tight, but the palm trees and shrubbery between sites provide plenty of privacy and shade.
Cost to Camp: $56 to $65 per night
Morton Road Trip Rating: 8.0/10 – Not ideal for rigs 30 ft and over, but a great place for epic sunsets and walks on the beach.
4. Buttonwood Inlet RV Resort
Address: 12316 Cortez Rd W, Cortez, FL 34215
About: Buttonwood Inlet RV Resort is the perfect place for individuals and families who enjoy active lifestyles. The campground is conveniently located in Cortez, FL, south of the popular cities of Tampa, Clearwater, and St. Petersburg.
You’re also only a short drive to all that Fort Myers and Cape Coral have to offer to the south. You’re less than a mile away from an incredible beach and within 10 minutes of practically any store or facility that you might need.
The sites are level, and the campground uses palm trees and natural vegetation to provide more privacy between sites.
Campground Features: The campground is the perfect place to spend a season or a weekend. The resort offers a massive heated pool, horseshoes, and a boat launch and dock.
If you’re planning to do some fishing, the resort offers a fish cleaning station to help guests prepare that day’s catch for dinner. The park offers a variety of social activities throughout the year, including potlucks, coffee hours, BBQs, and holiday parties.
Cost to Camp: $70 to $115 per night
Morton Road Trip Rating: 8.2/10 – Due to its location, this is a popular snowbird community, making it difficult to make a reservation during the winter months.
5. Oscar Scherer State Park
Address: 1843 S Tamiami Trail, Osprey, FL 34229
About: For any rigs under 36 ft long, this is one of the best campgrounds on Florida’s west coast managed by Florida’s state park system. You’re camping amongst the beautiful live oaks and the Spanish moss that decorates them.
Trees also provide plenty of shade and privacy for each campsite. The campground has an old-school feel and feels remote, despite being in the middle of a relatively urban area.
Campground Features: You’ll find 104 campsites with electric and water hookups for RVs and tents. Each site comes with a picnic table and fire grill to prepare and enjoy meals.
The park has over 15 miles of trails that can help you connect even further with nature. There are freshwater and saltwater fishing opportunities at the three-acre lake and access to South Creek’s salt waters.
Between swimming, rollerblading, paddling, hiking, and geo-seeking opportunities, this is paradise for anyone looking to enjoy the outdoors.
Cost to Camp: $16 to $42
Morton Road Trip Rating: 9.0/10 – This Florida campground on the west coast is as close to a 10 as you can get for a state park, especially if you’re camping in a tent or a smaller rig. However, we’re deducting points because it’s not very big rig friendly.
Pro Tip: Check out these 6 Most Beautiful Waterfalls in Florida on your next visit to the Sunshine State.
6. Ramblers Rest RV Campground
Address: 1300 State Rte 777, Venice, FL 34293
About: Ramblers Rest RV Campground is a massive park with over 600 campsites. The park sits along the Myakka River, providing plenty of opportunities for wildlife viewing and aquatic activities.
The park sits in a wooded park-like setting, but you’re just a few minutes from all that Sarasota offers. The area offers plenty of shopping, fine dining, golfing, and other entertainment options for all ages.
Campground Features: Most of the sites are full hook-up sites, which means more time to enjoy the plethora of amenities the park offers. You’ll find plenty to do whether you’re staying for a weekend or longer. Sports activities include basketball, volleyball, and bocce ball. However, if you want to take a dip to cool off, the swimming pool is a great option.
The park’s playground and dog park ensure everyone in the family has a fun time and can run off some energy at the end of the day.
Cost to Camp: $58 to $84 per night
Morton Road Trip Rating: 8.3/10 – This campground on Florida’s west coast is a massive resort that’s part of the Thousand Trails system. They’re typically known for packing sites close but offering many activities for guests.
7. Fort De Soto Park Campground
Address: 3500 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL 33715
About: Fort De Soto Park Campground is a county-run park in Pinellas County. However, don’t think for a minute that because it’s “only” a county park that it’s any less than other campgrounds.
This is a park we consider the gold standard for county campgrounds. Most sites are large, and the vegetation provides plenty of privacy. Some sites even have water views where guests often spot dolphins playing in the waters.
Compared to other camping options on the west coast, this is a very budget-friendly Florida campground, and waterfront sites get snatched up quickly during peak seasons.
Campground Features: The park offers so much more than just incredible views of the water and wildlife. You’ll also find facilities for doing laundry, showering, and multiple play areas to help the kids burn off whatever energy they have left after a day of adventuring.
There is a camp store to purchase any items you might need while in the campgrounds. While the sites aren’t full hook-up sites, there are a couple of conveniently located dump stations for emptying tanks.
Cost to Camp: $37.86 to $48.03 per night
Morton Road Trip Rating: 9.8/10 – A budget-friendly campground with a view and everything you could need in a campground? If you snag a spot here, you’ve hit the jackpot no matter how long you stay!
Camp With an Ocean Breeze on Florida’s West Coast
You shouldn’t put off visiting Florida’s west coast. The warm sun and cool ocean breeze will melt away any stress and frustrations you brought with you.
Whether you’re dipping your toes in the ocean, fishing for dinner, or simply relaxing at your campsite, this side of Florida has practically unlimited potential for adventure. The west truly is the best coast for all ages looking to explore.
Where do you fall when it comes to Florida’s west coast versus east coast debate? Tell us your opinion in the comments!
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