TOP 7 FLORIDA RV DESTINATIONS

Brought to you by Paradise RV Sales & Service

At Paradise RV, we love our Charleston beaches, but when we’re ready to hit Florida, the West Coast of Florida is where it’s at! These are our Top 7 Florida RV Destinations. From budget-friendly to dog-friendly—save this list for when you plan your next summer road trip.

Note: They are not in any order because we like each of them for different reasons, which we list.

1. RED COCONUT RV PARK – Fort Myers, FL
(Link: https://www.redcoconut.com/)

This park makes the list because of the 450 feet of beach it owns—you cannot beat walking out of your RV and onto the beach! It has 250+ campsites but you have to plan ahead to snag one, this year-round park is popular, especially during peak season!

Lowdown: Full hookups, rec room with a variety of activities year-round, fishing, swimming, and other aquatic activities, close to restaurants, golf courses, and the many other unique attractions of Fort Myers.

Cost: $79 to $132 per night last we checked.

2. FORT DE SOTO PARK CAMPGROUND – Pinellas County, Florida
(Link: https://pinellas.gov/camping-information)

This campground makes the list because it’s budget-friendly AND the gold standard for county park-run campgrounds. A number of campsites have ocean views—campers report watching the dolphins play from their site.

Lowdown: Does not have full hookups but does have several convenient dump stations, laundry and showering facilities, multiple play areas for kids, and a camp store for any items you might need while in the campgrounds.

Cost: $37.86 to $48.03 per night last we checked.

3. TURTLE BEACH CAMPGROUND – Sarasota County, Florida
(Link: https://www.scgov.net/government/parks-recreation-and-natural-resources/find-a-park/specialty-parks/turtle-beach-campground)

This one is also beachfront, with easy access to the beach—leave those windows open to hear the sound of the waves as you sleep! Relatively small and narrow campground with only 40 campsites, but very popular due to its proximity to Turtle Beach Park, so plan ahead.

Lowdown: Campground is narrow, so there are only limited spaces for motorhomes up to 38 feet and travel trailers/fifth wheels up to 36 ft in length. (Perfect for smaller travel trailers like our SolAires.) Outdoor shower, bathhouse, and laundry room to handle all that sand you’ll be tracking in. The campsites may be tight, but palm trees and shrubbery between sites provide plenty of privacy and shade.

Cost: $56 to $65 per night

4. OSCAR SCHERER STATE PARK – Osprey, Florida
(Link: https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/oscar-scherer-state-park)

This one makes the list because of its “old school” charm—under the beautiful live oaks and Spanish moss—and remote feeling, even though it’s in the middle of a relatively urban center. 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. Each site even comes with a picnic table and fire grill to prepare and enjoy meals. Perfect for the outdoorsy types.

Lowdown: Campground has 100+ campsites with electric and water hookups, 15 miles of trails, freshwater and saltwater fishing at the three-acre lake and access to South Creek’s salt waters, swimming, rollerblading, paddling, hiking, and geo-seeking opportunities.

Cost: $16 to $42

5. WOODSMOKE CAMPING RESORT – Fort Myers, Florida
(Link: https://www.sunoutdoors.com/florida/sun-retreats-estero-bay)

Unlike Oscar Scherer State Park, this one makes the list because it is big-rig friendly (can you say turnarounds?) while still providing the feeling you are out in nature rather than on a typical RV resort. This park has 30 acres and 300+ RV sites surrounded by mature trees and is just a short drive to all the beaches in Fort Myers and two state parks (Kareshan and Lovers Key). 

Lowdown: This campground has a heated pool, hot tub, two fishing lakes, boardwalk and nature trail, horseshoes, and playground. All sites have full hookups and concrete pads.

Cost: $67 to $170 per night

6. BUTTONWOOD INLET RV RESORT – Cortez, Florida
(Link: http://www.buttonwoodinletrvresort.com/)

Unlike all of the above options that emphasize getting out in nature, this one makes the list for active-lifestyle families or those wanting to stay a full season. Located near Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Tampa, Clearwater, and St. Petersburg, you’ll be less than a mile away from an incredible beach (pick one) and within 10 minutes of practically any store or facility that you might need. The park offers a variety of social activities throughout the year, including potlucks, coffee hours, BBQs, and holiday parties as well as privacy between sites, courtesy of palm trees and natural vegetation.

Lowdown: Has a boat launch and dock, plenty of fishing as well as a fish cleaning station, a massive heated pool, horseshoes, and all the typical resort amenities.

Cost: $70 to $115 per night

7. RAMBLERS REST RV RESORT – Venice, Florida
(Link: https://www.rvonthego.com/florida/ramblers-rest-rv-campground/?available_from=05-17-2023&available_to=05-18-2023&adults=2&children=0&pets=0)

This one makes the list for a very different reason: a dog park! If you plan to travel with fur babies, this is important. This massive, 600+ campsite park lets you choose the hustle and bustle of nearby Sarasota or the quiet life of a lake-side resort. The park sits along the Myakka River, providing plenty of opportunities for wildlife viewing and aquatic activities. The Gulf of Mexico is also nearby, so you’ll have access to sparkling beaches and shark teeth.

Lowdown: Sites are packed in, but each has a full hook-up, campground has tons of amenities you’d expect at a resort, basketball, volleyball, bocce ball, and a swimming pool. However, our favorites—the dog park and the children’s playground—ensure everyone can run off some energy at the end of the day.

Cost: $58 to $84 per night

There! Something for everyone and every budget, all while exploring the West Coast beaches of Florida! If you like this list, save it and share it. We’ll be bringing you more like in the next newsletters.