The best family-friendly glamping near Venice, Florida

Nestled along Florida’s Gulf Coast, Venice lets campers choose their own adventure. Beachgoers will flock to Venice Beach and its surrounding shores. Here, coral reefs, colorful fish, and shark teeth create a snorkeler’s and scuba diver’s paradise. Not far from the city, intrepid explorers can access the Myakka River from both its namesake state forest and state park. Check-in to an RV campsite along the coast. Or, book a tent hideaway between the palm trees. No matter where you stay in Sarasota County, you’ll love camping. Venice, Florida offers just as much on land as it does by sea.

97% (913)

Top-rated campgrounds

Nestled along Florida’s Gulf Coast, Venice lets campers choose their own adventure. Beachgoers will flock to Venice Beach and its surrounding shores. Here, coral reefs, colorful fish, and shark teeth create a snorkeler’s and scuba diver’s paradise. Not far from the city, intrepid explorers can access the Myakka River from both its namesake state forest and state park. Check-in to an RV campsite along the coast. Or, book a tent hideaway between the palm trees. No matter where you stay in Sarasota County, you’ll love camping. Venice, Florida offers just as much on land as it does by sea.

97% (913)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. By the Pond...

97%

(733)

40mi from Venice · 12 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Ruskin, FL

Stay by a lovely pond on 33 acre fruit and ornamental tree nursery property with great vibes. Located near I-75 just 20 miles South of Tampa, 35 miles east of Saint Petersburg, 35 miles North of Sarasota, 2 hours West of Orlando. This property is home to a farm/nursery operation and has a large pond on the west side. The pond is Spring-fed at the headwaters of Marsh Branch Creek which begins at our property and flows West about five miles in to Tampa Bay. Approximately 33 private acres allows for plenty of space between our campsites. Property is home to a farm with hundreds of fruit trees- Lychee, Mango, Starfruit, Papaya, Guava). Red Mombin, and thousands of banana plants. Fishing can be great, wildlife and bird watching too. Fenced and gated for safety, this old historic nursery property has good vibes and plenty to offer. Until you see it - you really may not understand. Parts of property are wide open, other areas are rugged and difficult to walk through including some wetland areas. The nursery has plenty of trees, and some fields -the large pond is surrounded by cattails and marsh/wetlands and has fish (Bass, Tilapia, Sunfish, Catfish). Several species of wildlife have been seen on the property. We think the property is lovely, and definitely want you to enjoy your camping experience!

2. J and P Creekside Retreat

99%

(296)

34mi from Venice · 8 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Punta Gorda, FL

Nestled on an sprawling 16.8-acre expanse along the picturesque Shell Creek, our location is a haven for nature enthusiasts. The property is adorned with a lush canopy of diverse trees, showcasing an array of Oak, Hickory, Cypress, Pine, and Sable palms. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of our surroundings as you embark on a journey to boat, swim, and fish amidst the stunning natural beauty of Charlotte County, Florida. The waters of Shell Creek beckon you to explore its depths, while the vibrant native wildlife adds to the allure of our idyllic setting. Whether you're seeking a serene kayaking adventure or a leisurely paddleboarding excursion, we offer rentals to enhance your experience on the water. Discover the enchanting landscapes and rich biodiversity that define Charlotte County. From the rustling leaves of the Oak and Hickory trees to the graceful Cypress and Pine, our property is a testament to the beauty of Florida's natural habitat. Sable palms sway gently in the breeze, creating a soothing atmosphere that invites you to unwind and connect with the great outdoors. Indulge in the ultimate escape as you partake in the various activities our location has to offer. Whether you prefer a day of boating on Shell Creek, casting a line for a relaxing fishing session, or simply basking in the beauty of the surroundings, our 16.8-acre haven provides a perfect retreat. Experience the best of Charlotte County, Florida, where every moment is an opportunity to embrace the wonders of nature. Come and create lasting memories as you revel in the tranquility, adventure, and natural splendor our location has in abundance.

3. Camp Champ

97%

(176)

43mi from Venice · 14 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Zolfo Springs, FL

Camp Champ is a family friendly adventure. Sits on 10 acres of land. On Charlie where you can fish, fossil hunt, kayak, canoe or ride trails. Sit back and enjoy the campfire. Lots of nature and wildlife. You can tent camp, we have an RV or bring your own RV. We have electric, water, bathroom and outdoor kitchen. Game room with ring toss, whiffle ball, corn hole, playground and swings. Plenty of shaded areas. You will absolutely love this place. Check out our new mini farm.

4. Tres Lagos Farm & Garden

92%

(188)

46mi from Venice · 8 sites · RVs, Lodging · North Fort Myers, FL

Tres Lagos Camping is part of the Florida agritourism initiative. Where travelers from all over the world come to experience and enjoy a different kind of florida. We’re a small 5 acre family farm involved in the cultivation and preservation of rare and endangered palms with many other edible tropical plants for our visitors to enjoy. You can view our palms at all stages of growth from seed to maturity. Enjoy our U-pick varieties of mangos, Caribbean cherries, sugar cane, bananas, coconuts and we’re adding more all the time. There is even a sugarcane maze and bamboo gardens in progress for the kids and adults to enjoy. But don’t forget your veggies! Get up close and personal with where some of your medicines and vegetables come from. We have some small areas for education about different medicinal plants like Turmeric, ginger, saw palmetto and a few others. Take the tours or classes or just sit back and enjoy the view! Hope to see you soon.

Stories from the community

D

Dalton Remodeling

2 weeks ago

With kids

Weekend Trip to J and P Creekside Retreat

What an amazing experience. Hesitant to leave a review because this place is going to stay booked and I want to come back often! Best host ever, a frame was cozy and relaxed, great stargazing and fun for my 5 year olds first of camping experiences. We did kayaks, jumped on the trampoline, roasted marshmallows hot dogs and told campfire stories. Also had some great conversations with the host, great human.

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Allie

3 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to J and P Creekside Retreat

What a fabulous experience. The cabin is cute and cozy, and the host is very accommodating and hospitable. We would certainly stay here again and we recommend it to others.

Pavel

October 2025

Weekend Trip to J and P Creekside Retreat

The place is amazing Beautiful cabin with a lot of small details to make stay comfortable. Thank you!!!

S

Shannon

October 2025

Weekend Trip to J and P Creekside Retreat

such a relaxing beautiful cabin with amazing hosts!

A

Alison

October 2025

With kids

2 nights at J and P Creekside Retreat

My family and I recently stayed at the tranquil A-Frame Cottage at Cypress Edge and LOVED it! The raving reviews are true, this place is a gem! From the wonderful hosts John and Patty, to the serene property, eclectic amenities, and thought out touches included in your stay at the cottage, we could not have been more pleased. Everyone was so nice, and the cottage was more than we could have hoped for and most certainly spoiled us for the weekend. We enjoyed the cold AC, ice maker, water machine, CLEAN cottage and bathroom, comfortable beds, fire pit and grill, chairs, hammock, seriously everything you need to make your stay easy, and enjoyable. I HIGHLY recommend this HIPCAMP property.

J

Jamie

October 2025

With pets

1 night at Tres Lagos Farm & Garden

Super cute little vintage camper! Their assortment of trees are beautiful and you MUST get a bottle of the cherry juice that they offer! Definitely bring some gallons of water because the well water smells like eggs. The pool is refreshing and the quietness is super pleasant 🌴 🧘🏼‍♀️

I

Ivan

September 2025

Weekend Trip to J and P Creekside Retreat

I really enjoyed my stay at J & P Creekside. The cabin was awesome, very clean, and had all the amenities we needed. A proper shower would have been nice, but they did have an open shower, which worked fine. The host, John, was very welcoming and made me feel like home. He went over and above to make sure everything was comfortable, which I really appreciated. This time I came mainly for my son’s cross-country event, so I couldn’t explore or enjoy much of the activities around. Hopefully, when I visit again, I’ll definitely try kayaking and some of the other things I missed. The stream by the cabin was beautiful and peaceful — overall, a very good experience, and I’d love to come back again.

Z

Zfiguero

September 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to J and P Creekside Retreat

It was amazing!!! The A frame cabin is gorgeous. The hospitality was out of this world John and he son were so kind to us and there to help. The place is beautiful. So much to do!!!

V

Victoria

August 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to J and P Creekside Retreat

We had a blast staying on John's property for my birthday weekend! The A-frame cabin comfortably fit my husband and I along with our 3 littles (11, 3 and 1). The outdoor shower was our favorite along with the docks for fishing. The property itself was absolutely beautiful, quiet and serene, and there was so much for us to do. We didn't get a chance to take out the kayaks and paddleboards but are hoping to come back in a few months if and when it cools down a bit. :)

D

Deborah

August 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Camp Champ

We loved every second! The hosts were fantastic. Make sure we were comfortable in our tiny house. We were pleased enough to make sure that they knew that we would be back! We even left them a business card for them to call us. What a great place. Would highly recommend. Much work was put into a communal fire pit, and cooking area. Absolutely wonderful!

A

Adriana

July 2025

With kids

1 night at J and P Creekside Retreat

High level camping. I loved it and adored it. It was like a little house straight out of a movie, with everything I needed. I'd definitely want to go back.

Adam

July 2025

1 night at J and P Creekside Retreat

The A frame was adorable and comfortable. Great for easy low stress light gear glamping.

L

Luz

July 2025

3 nights at J and P Creekside Retreat

Very clean and tranquil. John was a wonderful host.

C

Cliff

July 2025

With pets

2 nights at J and P Creekside Retreat

The property is beautiful. Not a blade of grass out of place. Camping areas were clean, with easy access. Power was readily available. Individual sites are secluded and afford privacy. It’s on the river so you can swim or kayak. The host John, was friendly and accommodating. It’s very affordable and we would definitely stay there again.

B

Brittany

July 2025

With pets

1 night at Tres Lagos Farm & Garden

The property was nice and peaceful, many trees, we seen a baby gator. The camper was nice, dont let the outside fool you. It’s an older style camper. Many people on here complaining about bugs and how the property looked, but keep in mind you are camping at someone’s house and they have children. We are in southwest Florida so bugs and fire ants are expected. George was very responsive with questions. Thanks for allowing us to share your property for a night away

J

Jennifer

July 2025

Weekend Trip to J and P Creekside Retreat

Quiet, nice space between fellow campers. Cabin was very cute, clean and well stocked with a comfy bed. So nice to be right on the river. John and his son (and dogs!) were friendly and attentive. Great spot, I’d definitely come back!

M

Mary

July 2025

1 night at J and P Creekside Retreat

The site was very scenic and serene and we enjoyed the quiet very much. The cabin had a lot of charming qualities to it.

Grey Wolf Camper looking to left at doorway

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Alexander

June 2025

Weekend Trip to By the Pond...

Had a great time during my stay in the camper. Mike was an amazing host and the property is beautiful. Loved seeing all the fruits, fowls, and a few piglets while walking the trail.

J

Joe

June 2025

1 night at J and P Creekside Retreat

A frame cabin is a super cozy! Had a great time getting away and kayaking on the creek too. Great hospitality

S

Sadie

June 2025

Weekend Trip to J and P Creekside Retreat

Amazing. Beat any expectation I could have. Beautiful space, upkept so well. The nature is so cool. Thank you so much, I will be back!!

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best family-friendly glamping near Venice guide

Where to go

Myakka State Forest

Southeast of Venice, Myakka State Forest creates the ultimate ambiance for campers. The forest’s palmetto-surrounded flatwoods set the scene for an exciting—and unique—getaway. You can hike, bike, and ride horses across more than 40 miles of trails. Meanwhile, avid adventures will enjoy the campsite check-in process. You’ll reach Myakka State Forest’s backcountry campsites by hiking, canoeing, or kayaking to your Florida campground.

Myakka River State Park

Continue your tour of the Myakka River at Myakka River State Park. You’ll not only catch a glimpse of the trademark river, but may spot a variety of wildlife, from osprey to alligators to turtles. The river runs through a range of landscapes, so you can easily admire and engage with Florida’s astounding biodiversity. Keep both your bathing suit and hiking boots handy for any and all spontaneous adventures.

Oscar Scherer State Park

Not far from Venice, Oscar Scherer State Park changes with the seasons. Birdwatchers have the best chance to spot bald eagles in the winter months, while fishermen should test their luck in the summer season. From your RV campsite with water and electric hookups, you can meander across 15 miles of trails, either by foot or bike pedal. No matter where you look—at the sky, in the water, or at nature—you’re guaranteed an incredible view.

When to go

Who doesn’t love sunshine in the wintertime? Unfortunately, everyone has the same idea and flocks to Florida’s coast during the cold months. Summertime, however, comes with hurricane threats and scorching temperatures. For the city’s least crowded—but still temperate—climate, avoid the two extremes. Fall and spring maintain ideal hiking weather, a reduced chance of storms, and crowds at their most bearable.