Camp Venice Retreat
The shady tent campsites along the Myakka River at Camp Venice Retreat allow kayakers to launch onto the water just steps away from their tent. Those without a kayak may rent a canoe from the campground. The campground provides guests with a pool, Wi-Fi, picnic areas, playground, boat ramp, restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities. Many of the tent campsites are primitive but a few do have electric hook-up. Full hook-up RV sites and cabins are also available.
Camp Venice Retreat
4085 E. Venice Ave.
Venice, FL 34292
(941) 488-0850
campvenice.com
Oscar Scherer State Park
Less than six miles north of downtown Venice, Oscar Scherer State Park provides bikers with 15 miles of trails to explore the ecosystems around South Creek as it flows toward the Gulf of Mexico. Kayaking, bird watching, fishing, and hiking also are enjoyed by guests at this park. Campsites at this park are available for tent or RV with water, electricity, grills, and picnic tables. Additional amenities include a playground, restrooms, showers, and a boat ramp. Leashed pets are allowed.
Oscar Scherer State Park
1843 S. Tamiami Trail
Osprey, FL 34229
(941) 483-5956
floridastateparks.org/oscarscherer
Rambler's Rest RV Resort
Although predominantly an RV Resort, Rambler's Rest RV Resort welcomes tent campers to stay at this park along the Myakka River. Kayakers have miles of river to explore as it approaches Charlotte Harbor to the south. The oak hammocks and pine flatwoods at the small, nearby Jelks Preserve offer hiking trails, picnic areas, fishing, and bird watching while the opposite bank of the river forms the western edge of the 10,000-acre Deer Creek Prairie Preserve. Within the park, campers can relax in the hot tub and pool or play shuffleboard and horseshoes with other resort guests. Water and electricity are available.
Rambler's Rest RV Resort
1300 N. River Rd.
Venice, FL 34293
(941) 493-4354
ramblersrestrv.com
Turtle Beach Campground
At the southern end of Siesta Key, this Sarasota County park requires a trip north to Sarasota to cross onto the island. However, the trip takes less than 30 minutes from Venice and features camping on the Gulf of Mexico. Beautiful sunsets and white sandy beaches dotted with sea turtle nests are not the only draw here; offshore fishing, kayaking, and parasailing are some of the other activities offered. Campsites are available for RVs and tents and include electric and cable TV hook-ups. Campground amenities include grills, playground, boat ramps, picnic areas, and restrooms.
Turtle Beach Campground
8862 Midnight Pass Road
Sarasota, FL 34242
(941) 861-5000
scgov.net/TurtleBeachCampground
