Forest camping near Venice

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.

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. 

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.