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davis.acw · 07-17-2015, 06:48 PM

Hi All,

We're looking for any suggestions on where to camp in the Tarpon Springs region south to about Sanibel Island. We live in Orlando and have camped at many of the state parks in central FL which we have enjoyed. We're trying to avoid the "Carefree," or semi-permanent-style of camp site (no offense to those that enjoy those spots!

). One of our favorite spots on the east coast is Beverly Beach campground near Flagler Beach (the non permanent beach side of the camp ground). Anything similar on the other coast?

Thanks!
Chris

Paddledipper · 07-17-2015, 07:04 PM

Ft. Desoto near St. Pete in Pinellas County is a really great place!

lewster · 07-17-2015, 07:22 PM

Lovers' Key between Bonita Springs and Ft. Meyers Beach.

Lew Farber
RVIA/RVDA Nationally Certified Master Tech
Master Tech Energy Systems, Inc.
AM Solar Certified Installation Center
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dwightdi · 07-17-2015, 07:58 PM

There are lots of commercial RV campgrounds between Tarpon and Dunedin. We have stayed at Sherwood Forrest and Bay Air.

rbowen1063 · 07-18-2015, 10:58 AM

There are a lot of good State parks. Oscar Scherer, Myakka River, Lake Manatee are a few. Some are located where they don't get a signal for phone? Corp of Engrs have some nice parks along the Caloosahatchee (WP Franklin and Ortona). One loop at Myakka has sewer.

jimfa440 · 07-18-2015, 11:33 AM

When you decide, let us know. I would love to spend the winter in SW FL.

FL Crackers · 07-18-2015, 11:39 AM

The list rbowen gave is a good one. You can even camp a a little private campground on Sanibel Island - Periwinkle CG. But contrary to lewster, there is no camping on Lovers Key; although, it is a great day-visit. They have a great dog beach. Maybe he meant Koreshan SP which is between Ft Myers and Bonita Springs. Sites are not large, but they are fairly private. We enjoy Lake Kissimmee State Park a lot.

DaveFL · 07-18-2015, 11:59 AM

Koreshan SP with kayaks you can get to Lovers key. We also enjoyed touring the property formerly a commune of progressive women of long ago, then the property was turned over to the state.

lewster · 07-18-2015, 12:21 PM

[ QUOTE=FL Crackers;1654220]The list rbowen gave is a good one. You can even camp a a little private campground on Sanibel Island - Periwinkle CG. But contrary to lewster, there is no camping on Lovers Key; although, it is a great day-visit. They have a great dog beach. Maybe he meant Koreshan SP which is between Ft Myers and Bonita Springs. Sites are not large, but they are fairly private. We enjoy Lake Kissimmee State Park a lot.[/QUOTE]

Must be the place. Was only there once for a service for a call a bunch of years ago. You can tell I don't get out much........ :-))

Lew Farber
RVIA/RVDA Nationally Certified Master Tech
Master Tech Energy Systems, Inc.
AM Solar Certified Installation Center
Lifeline Batteries**Magnum Inverters
541-490-6357

Norm States · 07-18-2015, 12:41 PM

Camper's Holiday RV Park - Brooksville, FL - Quiet country setting
Ran a special at the Tampa RV Super Show $9.99 per night for (2) nights. Mention Norm to get the rate. Check our web site. Camper's Holiday > Home

rodsterinfl · 07-18-2015, 01:10 PM

I'm not telling!

The Better coast has lots of spots:

ok. just noticed you are from Orlando, FL peeps. I find Oscar Shearer State Park is great. It is in the woods with the Scrub Jays and not on the beach but really nice. The great beach is just south of there Nokomis beach with crystal clear water and nice beachfront. For dinner, Casey Key Fish house. There, I spilled the beans!

If you want beach frontage, Turtle Beach Campground is on the beach but perpendicular to it not for a view per se. The spots are close and the maneuvering tight but hey, you walk right on the beach!

If you like beachfront with more an urban or party feel (close to crowded places and hustle bustle of beach town area) the Red Coconut RV park is right on Fort Myers Beach. I have not stayed there but people like it.

Jazgrass · 07-18-2015, 05:11 PM

What do you think for most private, walking ,kayak etc.... We like our two Heelers to have quiet so they can be quiet ;we are Grandparents on our own no children activities needed for this trip! We are headed out after Christmas, hitting Anastasia Campground and then could cut across Florida if we liked , then down to Key West and back. I was looking at Flamingo yesterday...anyone been there ? So far we have Fort Pickens Campground, St. George island, and Anastasia SP. If you are in the Pan Handle and have never been.. Henderson campground. Nature at her best.

lewster · 07-18-2015, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jazgrass

What do you think for most private, walking ,kayak etc.... We like our two Heelers to have quiet so they can be quiet ;we are Grandparents on our own no children activities needed for this trip! We are headed out after Christmas, hitting Anastasia Campground and then could cut across Florida if we liked , then down to Key West and back. I was looking at Flamingo yesterday...anyone been there ? So far we have Fort Pickens Campground, St. George island, and Anastasia SP. If you are in the Pan Handle and have never been.. Henderson campground. Nature at her best.

There's also Collier-Seminole State Park in Naples......at the top of the Everglades. The offer great guided canoe and kayak trips into the 'Glades too.

Jarrod White · 07-19-2015, 07:07 AM

Jazgrass - I recommend eating at Peg Leg Petes when you're at Ft Pickens and you're in luck for some wonderful oysters and scallops when you're at St George. You might consider adding time at St Joseph on way to St George or backtracking when done. Cape San Blas is very peaceful and relaxing. You might look at Rainbow Springs SP in Dunellon on way across state.

tvketchum · 07-19-2015, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paddledipper

Ft. Desoto near St. Pete in Pinellas County is a really great place!

What Pappledipper said.

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Tom
TVKetchum

remphoto · 07-19-2015, 08:53 AM

We stayed at South Tampa RV Resort in Ruskin last month. It is ultra-clean with newly renovated bathhouse and pool. The lots are small and nothing special (except for the few overlooking the Little Manatee River) but it is a safe, central location with full hookups.

cegardner · 07-19-2015, 02:38 PM

The lover key state park does not note camping. Am I missing something?

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rodsterinfl · 07-19-2015, 03:16 PM

Kayaking? On the Peace River is nice. Wildlife was plentiful in March when we went- moccasins and gators. We put in just north of Arcadia to follow the current down to the Campsite launch area. We stayed at the peace river campground. Not on the coast but could be a stop. There is a pool laundry and lots of activities there for local events. It is part of that Thousand Trails RV club if you belong. I don't but stayed there anyway. The Myakka River park is one of the highest rated in FL Koreshan is nice but reserve early.

xrvr · 07-19-2015, 03:22 PM

Google search of lovers key confirms no camping.

rodsterinfl · 07-19-2015, 07:53 PM

Lewster already mentioned it but Lover's Key is a very popular place to Kayak. There are all kinds of winding water ways and the sound and then of course the Gulf itself all right there. Your camping would have to be elsewhere and I do not care for the beach itself but kayaking there is great. Shelling is popular in the mud flats at the bridge too. You could set up camp off US 41 at several campgrounds- Koreshan is one and then drive to the kayaking adventure about 20-30 min. Lover's Key boat ramp does not require entry to the beach or park. It is on the left of the road heading south. That is an option. Another option would be venturing around Sanibel Island, the area between Fort Myers Beach and all that in distance from Red Coconut or the place on Sanibel. Pine Island Sound is wide open and the barrier islands would be interesting toward the mouth of the Caloosahatchee River.