Camping near Arcadia
From fossil hunting to horseback riding, Arcadia delivers dream adventures year-round.
- Arcadia
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Camping near Arcadia guide
Overview
Part of DeSoto County, Arcadia is set in the middle of Florida with the Peace River and Gulf Coast close by, so there’s plenty of splish-splashing fun for campers. Roll the campervan into a full-service, waterfront RV park; choose a glampsite or riverfront cabin with a firepit for making s’mores under the stars; or pitch a tent at an off-grid campsite for a more secluded getaway. No matter where you stay, be sure to check out Alafia River State Park for fishing, hiking, and yurt rentals. Known as “Aviation City” thanks to two nearby U.S. Army airfields built during World War I, Arcadia is rich in history and early 20th-century architecture to be seen before heading out into the wilds.
Where to go
Alafia River State Park
A reclaimed phosphate mine that’s now home to trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, Alafia River State Park features tent campsites, RV campgrounds, cabin rentals, and yurt rentals. Just make reservations online to ensure a spot during the busy months of June, July, and August. While here, kayak or canoe on the river while reeling in fish for dinner, or spend the day picnicking near the playground.
Peace River
Flowing adjacent to Arcadia, the 105-mile Peace River features fast-flowing water best for boating rather than swimming—a chartered airboat is a great way to explore. In August and September, though, water levels are lower and swimming is possible in shallower areas. The Northern Watershed area (known as Bone Valley) is a popular place for fossil digging, too. Find a waterfront campground nearby, and keep an eye out for alligators, turtles, and native birds.
Gulf Coast
Only an hour's drive west from Arcadia, the Gulf Coast is home to dozens of beaches where tepid waters make swimming, scuba diving, fishing, and strolling sandy shores enjoyable year-round. Abundant waterfront RV parks deliver easy access to the coastline for jet skiing and kayaking, too. These West Coast waves are smaller than those on the East Coast, so it’s an excellent spot to discover diverse marine life and search for seashell souvenirs.
When to go
Warm and balmy year-round, Arcadia is a hit no matter when campers come. Temperatures dip in winter (November until late February), but with an average high of 74°F in January, most find it warm enough to swim. Meanwhile, the peak of summer in July and August brings drizzly weather and temperatures up to 93°F. Most campers visit from February through May and October through December thanks to cooler weather that’s more manageable for outdoor activities.