Outdoor Overnights: Camp & Glamp in South Sarasota

Adventure awaits beyond the shoreline. Find your wild on an overnight nature escape in some of our less-traveled, less-developed, lesser-known areas. 

Whether you crave rustic camping under starry skies or cozy glamping stays in the comfort of a fifth wheel, towns like Osprey, Venice, North Port and Englewood offer a little something for anyone looking for accommodations closer to nature. Fall asleep to the rhythmic soundtrack of cicadas and awaken to the chirps of songbirds. Once the sun is up and shining, there are plenty of opportunities to hike or paddle through the area's protected state parks and nature preserves

Set up camp in the elements

Oscar Scherer State Park offers tent camping with water and electric hookups. Reserve your lot, pitch a tent and start a fire in the heart of Southwest Florida flora and fauna. Cook dinner on one of the grills and gather around the picnic table for an outdoor feast. The state park has over 15 miles of trails for biking and hiking, a nature center and a variety of wildlife, including the Florida Scrub-Jay, bald eagles, gopher tortoises, bobcats and alligators.

If you're looking for more water-based activities, you can fish, snorkel and even take a guided canoe tour of Lake Osprey, the freshwater lake inside Oscar Scherer.

For a true back-to-nature adventure, head further south towards Englewood to find Myakka State Forest's primitive campsites for some of the brightest star-lit skies. Four secluded, hike‑in sites—River, Flatwoods, Watering Hole, and Pine Straw—offer a peaceful escape with just the basics: a picnic table, fire ring and grill (no water or electricity). The River site is also accessible by boat, making for a scenic paddle-in campsite. 

With over 40 miles of multi-use trails and 2.5 miles of river frontage, the forest is ideal for hikers, birders, paddlers and wildlife enthusiasts.

Sleep inside in the great outdoors

If you restrict sleeping on the ground to the beach naps, opt for one of the nearby RV resorts to go to bed feeling like you're outside while tucked into a cozy bed with A/C. RV owners and van-lifers can find a place to park their motorhomes in Oscar Scherer Park, or they may choose one of many other RV spots around town. 

In North Port, Myakka River Resort welcomes "big rigs" – from pop-ups to 46' coaches – nestled next to the Myakka River. With 30- and 50-amp hookups, free Wi-Fi, picnic tables, barbecue grills and patio slabs, it'll feel like you're outdoor home away from home.  

Ramblers Rest RV Resort in nearby Venice, offers a tranquil, wooded RV site and enjoy resort amenities, including a heated swimming pool, clubhouse, bocci ball and shuffleboard courts, horseshoes, a woodworking shop, arts and crafts and more.

During the day, venture to nearby Deer Prairie Creek Preserve to explore its 60+ miles of primitive trails and a variety of native habitats, including pine flatwoods, prairie hammock and seasonal wetlands. Parts of the trails provide scenic overlooks along the banks of the Myakka River and Deer Prairie Creek.

Don't own an RV, but still want a bed?

Travelers can book through Glampers Camp, which serves the south Sarasota area and helps prospective glampers without a big rig find one to rent for the night, or the season! Choose from a variety of fully-loaded RV rentals of all different sizes, amenities, locations, etc. All bedding, utensils, linens and wi-Fi are provided. No setup, no work, no hassle, just fun! 

Alternatively, Timberline Glamping offers a glamorous twist on camping at Oscar Scherer State Park. Set on raised wooden platforms, their spacious safari-style tents feature plush king or queen beds (plus bunks for families), real linens, air conditioning and heating, mini fridges, Keurig brewers, lamps and charging outlets.

Outside, you'll find your own fire pit, picnic table, charcoal grill, string lights and hammocks to set the vibe—ideal for roasting marshmallows or taking a snooze under the palms and pines. It blends the beauty of Sarasota’s natural landscapes with upscale amenities—perfect for families or couples who want adventure without sacrificing ease.