97% (82) • 3 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Gulf Coast
Sandy Bottom River Retreat
1. Sandy Bottom River Retreat
93%
(97)
5 sites · Tents, Lodging · Wimauma, FL
Welcome to Sandy Bottom River Retreat – Your Private Escape into Nature’s Serenity
Discover the perfect blend of peace, adventure, and natural beauty at Sandy Bottom River Retreat. Tucked away in the heart of Wimauma’s untouched wilderness, this secluded hideaway offers private river access and a truly off-the-grid camping experience surrounded by towering pines, lush palmettos, and the soothing sounds of the great outdoors.
Enjoy a refreshing dip, launch your kayak or tube, or simply unwind along the golden sandy riverbank where the water sparkles knee-deep and crystal clear. Wildlife enthusiasts will love spotting deer, rabbits, otters, and a colorful array of native birds that make this retreat their home.
While you’ll feel miles away from everything, modern conveniences are just minutes away—restaurants, shops, and deliveries from Walmart, Instacart, or Amazon can reach you in no time. Two of our campsites sit directly on the river, while the others are a short, scenic walk away.
Please note that this is a rustic, amenity-free experience designed for true nature lovers. The area is rural and neighbors may occasionally ride ATVs or enjoy target practice on their own land. For safety and peace of mind, outdoor cameras are placed around the property to help ensure the protection of our guests and the land.
We maintain a zero-tolerance policy for hunting, shooting, or archery on site to preserve the peaceful environment for all.
Looking for a private event booking or clothing-optional friendly stay? Contact us in advance to reserve one of our coveted riverfront sites or inquire about exclusive property rentals.
Come reconnect with nature, recharge your spirit, and experience camping the way it was meant to be—wild, beautiful, and unforgettable.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$24
/ night
Aker Brand Farms
2. Aker Brand Farms
100%
(12)
5 sites · Tents, RVs · Myakka City, FL
15 acre bmx training farm in Myakka City. Good vibes, pond, lots of wildlife and night sky views!
2.7 miles from Wingate Creek State Park
14.5 miles from Lake Manatee State Park
15 miles from Myakka River State Park
We have an outdoor Shower and Gym that can be used by guests.
- 2 RV hook ups and plenty of room for a tent set up!
- Myakka River and a natural spring pond within walking distance of the campsite.
- If wanted you can get up close and personal with some of our cows and chickens!
We can't wait to welcome you!
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
$32
/ night
97% (82) • 3 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Gulf Coast
Sandy Bottom River Retreat
1. Sandy Bottom River Retreat
93%
(97)
5 sites · Tents, Lodging · Wimauma, FL
Welcome to Sandy Bottom River Retreat – Your Private Escape into Nature’s Serenity
Discover the perfect blend of peace, adventure, and natural beauty at Sandy Bottom River Retreat. Tucked away in the heart of Wimauma’s untouched wilderness, this secluded hideaway offers private river access and a truly off-the-grid camping experience surrounded by towering pines, lush palmettos, and the soothing sounds of the great outdoors.
Enjoy a refreshing dip, launch your kayak or tube, or simply unwind along the golden sandy riverbank where the water sparkles knee-deep and crystal clear. Wildlife enthusiasts will love spotting deer, rabbits, otters, and a colorful array of native birds that make this retreat their home.
While you’ll feel miles away from everything, modern conveniences are just minutes away—restaurants, shops, and deliveries from Walmart, Instacart, or Amazon can reach you in no time. Two of our campsites sit directly on the river, while the others are a short, scenic walk away.
Please note that this is a rustic, amenity-free experience designed for true nature lovers. The area is rural and neighbors may occasionally ride ATVs or enjoy target practice on their own land. For safety and peace of mind, outdoor cameras are placed around the property to help ensure the protection of our guests and the land.
We maintain a zero-tolerance policy for hunting, shooting, or archery on site to preserve the peaceful environment for all.
Looking for a private event booking or clothing-optional friendly stay? Contact us in advance to reserve one of our coveted riverfront sites or inquire about exclusive property rentals.
Come reconnect with nature, recharge your spirit, and experience camping the way it was meant to be—wild, beautiful, and unforgettable.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$24
/ night
Aker Brand Farms
2. Aker Brand Farms
100%
(12)
5 sites · Tents, RVs · Myakka City, FL
15 acre bmx training farm in Myakka City. Good vibes, pond, lots of wildlife and night sky views!
2.7 miles from Wingate Creek State Park
14.5 miles from Lake Manatee State Park
15 miles from Myakka River State Park
We have an outdoor Shower and Gym that can be used by guests.
- 2 RV hook ups and plenty of room for a tent set up!
- Myakka River and a natural spring pond within walking distance of the campsite.
- If wanted you can get up close and personal with some of our cows and chickens!
We can't wait to welcome you!
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
$32
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
D
David
2 weeks ago
Tent
With kids
Beautiful location, accurately described. Only wish I stayed longer and have already planned my next visit here.
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Rick
December 2025
Tent
As always, an excellent camping experience, very connected with the natural environment here. Love being near the river! Also, the new fire pits are a nice touch. I will definitely be back, was a great camping trip overall, and perfect weather for it. Thanks again, Kira!
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B
Bailey
November 2025
Tent
With pets
On top of being right next to the creek and a clean camp site, you don't get the typical 100 spot camp grounds vibe where you see the next 5 camp site next to you at site #2. Also the clothing optional is hella cool. 💁 lastly as a queer couple we get nervous camping in FL, but felt safe the entire stay here.
See moreJ
Jacob
November 2025
Tent
Group trip
Great camping site tucked away in the woods but still close enough to stores if additional supplies are needed. The river was amazing! We sat with our chairs in the river and enjoyed the cool water. The host was spectacular and very clear with the communications. Would highly recommend!!
See moreM
Mark
November 2025
Tent
With pets
This was a great trip! We had the place to ourselves for the most part. This was the first time primitive camping for the wife and 3 kids and a great spot to disconnect from everyday life.
The cameras pointed at the campsites was a little uncomfortable, but we were able to setup behind them so we knew we weren’t being watched constantly.
At night time on the weekends, the next door property had atv’s running and big guns shooting till 3am. So having good ear plugs is necessary. During weeknights, the atv’s and guns are not going.
Definitely would go back again.
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S
Sara
November 2025
Tent
With kids
Awesome spots along the river. One is very accessible to the river. The river has a long sandbar that is perfect for playing and relaxing in. The water is nice and cold. No problems with wildlife getting into our stuff. They have swings throughout the property and perfect spots for hammocks. Be sure to look for the cute messages hanging from trees and you can even go home with a souvenir! 😁
The only down side is the gunshots throughout the night but it didn’t bother us at all. We will definitely be back with friends!
Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful land with us.
See moreS
Stephanie
October 2025
Tent
Sandy Bottom was so peaceful. Primitive and private. Kira was responsive to messages and provided great information before we arrived Would definitely stay again. Thank you for sharing your spot on the river with us!
See moreRick
September 2025
Tent
5th time here, still love it! Definitely plan on staying again, very relaxing down by the river! Thanks again Kira for your hospitality!
See moreRick
June 2025
Tent
My favorite camping spot, loved staying here as always. Very quiet and secluded, right next to the river. Plenty of sun for my solar panels, but also plenty of shade when you need it. Will definitely be back! Thanks again Kira for an enjoyable stay!
See moreT
Tj
June 2025
Tent
This was my first time here. The host was very helpful and she answered all my questions fairly quick. I stayed at site 1 on the river. It was very clean and pretty level for a river bank, and it was very clean and mostly quite. The only complaint I have is that site 1 does not have a lot of shade. But over all it was a really good experience and I will definitely be back if I'm ever in the area camping again.
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b
b
June 2025
50 ft toy hauler
With pets
Not in any particular order - Very easy access, private, great hosts, fun wildlife, quiet, easy to find, clean and rural.
See moreRick
May 2025
Tent
Third time staying here, and it was perfect yet again! Loved being down by the river. Very peaceful and relaxing! I will definitely be back again!
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Tracy
April 2025
Tent
I missed the cut off to leave a review on my first visit but it was so great that I obviously had to go back again!! The host, Kira, is AMAZING as is her property!! Extremely responsive even though I booked late night and last minute both times! I camped on site 1 both times and it did NOT disappoint. All sites besides 1 & 2 are secluded in the woods for a more intimate camping experience but, if you wanna bring friends/family, I HIGHLY recommend booking sites 1 & 2 together which have their own fire pits with a shared one right by the river! Whether you’re passing through town for the night, wanna get away for a weekend, or just wanna spend some quality time with friends/family in the woods, this is the place for you!! Such a beautiful experience and I CANT WAIT to go back! 😁
See moreE
Eric
April 2025
Tent
Had an absolute amazing time. All the camp sites were very nice. The water was very clear an nice to get into. Very peaceful. I can't wait to go back for another stay.
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Angela
April 2025
30 ft toy hauler
Beautiful piece of land private and peaceful. We’ll be planning another trip in the near future.
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Shannon
March 2025
Tent
Kira was an awesome host and super responsive. The sites were spaced out enough that I had privacy and peace. I was grateful for my 4WD as the path to get to the river sites was primitive. For those with larger vehicles/rigs definitely suggest walking it out first. However for me, the experience was perfect and I enjoyed my trip (even extending a day).
The stars were gorgeous, outside noise minimal (some motorbike racing, but not all night), and the river was refreshing. I brought my own kayak and though the embankment was a little steep, I enjoyed a nice paddle. The fresh eggs were delicious (the coop is on site).
If you are seeking a peaceful, no-frills gateway in nature Sandy Bottom is the place! I will definitely be back again!
See moreD
Dean
March 2025
Tent
Awesome Experience..if your looking for seclusion look no further. We had the campground closest to the river and loved it. Would definitely recommend for a true outdoor camping experience.
See moreA
Alison
March 2025
Tent
With pets
The host Kira was most gracious and very helpful. Any questions I had she answered in a very timley manner, and was so sweet. The nature is wild there, and that feels good. Hiking through the wilderness and getting some scratches and bruises made me feel like a kid again. My dog was off leash the whole time and absolutely loved trekking with me. I chose Campsite #2, and set my tent up right in front of the river. It was a pretty good slope so maybe be a bit more careful than I was haha. I loved it, and I will be back! Thank you, Kira!
See moreD
Derek
February 2025
20 ft campervan
A nice, peaceful, rural property. We parked in a field with plenty of room around us. We stayed just one night on our way through but would definitely stay longer the next time we visit. Will was very friendly and we had some good conversation. There are a number of bird species on the property or passing through as well as other wildlife.
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J
James
February 2025
Tent
Spend 3 days and other than the day it rained. The stars at night are amazing to see. No local lighting, just dark sky’s with amazing views. Had a great time and got a nice suntan while working around camp and hiking around the grounds. Not to say it’s all sunny, you do have to search out the sun as the camp is very shady from the trees.
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The best camping in Gulf Coast with climbing guide
Where to go
The Florida Panhandle
The northwesternmost section of the Gulf Coast, this region offers a great mix of sandy beaches, marshes, and cultural attractions. Spots worth checking out include Big Lagoon State Park in Pensacola and Grayton Beach State Park in Santa Rosa, which offers easy access to the Gulf of Mexico and to a massive lake. Other popular spots in this region include St. Andrews State Park, where you can camp near the beach, and St. George Island, a sandy isle just off the coast of historic Carrabelle.
North Florida
Many of the less-developed beaches on the Gulf Coast can be found along its northern reaches, and much of this part of the state is preserved and protected by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's wildlife management area program. The area is also a great place to spot manatees, especially in spots such as the aptly named Manatee Springs State Park.
Central Florida
The central part of the Gulf Coast gets plenty of tourists, particularly in popular cities such as Tampa and Sarasota. Fort Myers is another hot spot, providing easy access to beautiful natural areas such as the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve and the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge.
South Florida and the Keys
You'll find some of the prettiest natural areas in the state at the southern end of Florida’s Gulf Coast, from the Cape Romano - Ten Thousand Islands Aquatic Preserve near Naples to the massive Everglades National Park. At the far end of the state, the Florida Keys feature a mix of developed areas and protected natural spots, including the Great Heron National Wildlife Reserve, where sea birds and turtles flock en masse, to the National Key Deer Refuge which, as the name suggests, protects endemic Key deer.