Camping near Venice with wildlife watching
Venice is a coastal town where sprawling parks and forests complement turquoise beaches.
- Venice
Popular camping styles for Venice
Star Hosts in Venice
Under $50
12 top campgrounds near Venice with wildlife watching
Available this weekend
Dog-friendly getaways
Nearby parks
Explore the area’s public lands.
Camping near Venice with wildlife watching guide
Overview
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.
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.
