8 Best Florida Gulf Coast RV Campgrounds

Are you looking to experience the Gulf Coast beaches of Florida on your upcoming RV journey?

The warm weather and water and plenty of shelling, fishing, swimming, and watersport opportunities to enjoy on the Gulf of Mexico are only enhanced when you travel to your destination in a recreational vehicle.

To help you plan your RV trip to the east coast of Florida, you need to check out these eight best Florida Gulf Coast RV parks and campgrounds that put you on or near the beach.

This guide covers lower Florida, but please look at our best Florida Panhandle Gulf Coast or East Coast RV campgrounds guide if you want to explore different regions.

From the “Big Bend” down to Naples, these top RV campgrounds get great reviews from guests, who find the location, amenities, and local attractions the perfect combination for family fun and relaxation.

Please keep in mind that the following list of RV parks and campgrounds isn’t in any particular order. They’re not ranked from best to worst or anything like that; they’re just places I’ve enjoyed over the years. If you’re staying in the Florida Gulf Coast area, my suggestion is to consider these places.

8 Best Florida Gulf Coast RV Parks and Campgrounds

1. Carrabelle Beach RV Resort

Amenities:

• Bathhouse
• Clubhouse
• Playground
• Wi-Fi
• Store
• Laundry
• Walkable beach access
• Fish-cleaning station
• Dog run and play area
• Valet trash pick up twice a day

Carrabelle Beach RV Resort is in the less-traveled bend of Florida east of Panama City Beach. The park is on the edge of Apalachicola Bay across from St. George Island, and the deluxe sites feature beach views.

This park has a luxurious feel, with palm trees between each neatly paved campsite and a large pool for cooling down and relaxation. In addition, there is a convenience store that sells beer and wine and a concierge service to help guests find local services or get tips on how to get the most fun out of their stay.

The park offers a cleaning station if you love to fish for your dinner and has a cornhole game ready for guests to have some impromptu fun. Staff and other guests are welcoming and make camping here in your RV a wonderful experience.

When you’re ready to check out the local scene, walk down to the Crooked River Lighthouse, where kids will love exploring the 70-foot pirate ship replica. Set aside time to visit the new WWII History Museum, eat, and shop around town.

INSIDER TIPS: Carrabelle RV Resort is ideal for dog owners, as the park is pet-friendly and even allows pets inside buildings. What is even better is that the beach across the street is pet-friendly, which is very unusual for Florida coastal beaches.

In addition, the campground offers the lowest rates to those who book early, so take advantage of the savings if you can.

Carrabelle Beach RV Resort, Florida (Video)

2. HoHum RV Park

Amenities:

• Bathhouses
• 250-foot-long fishing pier
• Laundry
• Free Wi-Fi with a premium upgrade for streaming/gaming is available
• Dog park
• Propane
• An easy beach entry point for launching kayaks/SUPs

HoHum RV Park is just east of the town of Carrabelle on the “Forgotten Coast” and is the place to camp if you want a laid-back RV campground vibe that puts you on the Gulf of Mexico shoreline. Please be aware this RV park is very basic, which gives it a different feel than other campgrounds.

The beach is tranquil, with expanses of undeveloped coastline that don’t interfere with glorious sunrises and sunsets or spotting the birds and dolphins who pass by daily.

The beachfront campsites are just feet from the water’s edge, on a short stone break wall terrace, with many of the other sites also offering an ocean view. All sites are gravel and nicely level, and leashed pets are allowed on the pier and beach.

You can chill at the RV park, enjoy beachcombing or fishing, or head into town for more activities. If you don’t have a boat and prefer to fish deep water, you can book a fishing charter or shell-hunting boat tour to Dog Island through Gritwaters Outfitters.

INSIDER TIP: This is a no-frills park that doesn’t have a pool or other amenities you may be used to while RVing. You stay here for peace and quiet, amazing views, direct access to the water, and proximity to nearby attractions in town.

The park is part of the Dacia Resort Group, which offers campgrounds across the US that focus on giving guests a more immersive camping experience in natural settings.

Ho-Hum RV Park (Video)

3. Red Coconut RV Park

UPDATE: The Red Coconut Campground was destroyed by Hurricane Ian in 2022, and the owners sold the property on both sides of the boulevard for $57,000,000 USD. Your guess is as good as mine about what’ll be constructed in its place, but sadly, it’s not likely another campground.

Amenities:

• Direct beach access
• Laundry
• Restrooms and showers
• Rec hall
• Dog station
• Office and store
• Dump station
• Propane
• Ice machine
• Shuffleboard courts

The Red Coconut RV Park has RV sites on the beachside of the road with 450 feet of property along the sand and a second section of the RV park across Estero Boulevard, where the office and mostly park model RVs are located.

The beachside section of the campground has 59 RV campsites only steps from the white sand beaches and warm, crystal clear Gulf water. Even the closest sites to the ocean have sewer connections, so you don’t have to worry about moving your camper to a dump station during extended stays.

Across the road, there are more RV and park model rental sites, plus the office/store and rec hall that offers wireless internet access. While seasonal “snowbird” guests enjoy the many events and dinners held at the hall, all RV guests are welcome to join in, so check out their calendar of events.

Most guests spend time swimming, snorkeling, beachcombing, and fishing on the beach. However, the back of the park edges the Matanzas Pass Preserve, with nature trails and boardwalks to stroll and birdwatching to enjoy while experiencing one of the few undeveloped areas in Fort Myers.

INSIDER TIP: The location of this RV park makes it ideal for anyone who wants to forgo driving and walk or bike ride down the sidewalk to numerous restaurants, bars, and shops along the beach and inland a few blocks. Be aware that the campsites are very close together, and the parkside is mostly older folks who rent the park models long-term.

UPDATE: The Red Coconut Campground was destroyed by Hurricane Ian in 2022, and the owners sold the property on both sides of the boulevard for $57,000,000 USD. Your guess is as good as mine about what’ll be constructed in its place, but sadly, it’s not likely another campground.

Red Coconut Campground (Video)

4. Periwinkle Park Campground

Amenities:

• Restrooms and showers
• Picnic Tables
• Ice
• Gulf Beach access
• Laundry
• Propane
• Dump station

Periwinkle Park is the place to stay if you want the experience the shelling paradise of Sanibel Island. The campground is a short drive or bike ride to the beach (minimal parking at the closest access point) and is a true hidden gem for an RV getaway on the Gulf Coast.

The park is home to exotic rescue birds, making the stay a unique experience. In addition, the campsites and landscaping feature plenty of trees and foliage that make the campground feel lush and relaxing.

The park is a mix of RV sites and more permanent park model lots, with no pool, store, or clubhouse, but the friendly staff keeps the grounds neat.

SPECIAL NOTES: The reservation process for this RV campground can be a bit frustrating but worth the effort. First, you must call or email to ensure a campsite is available for your dates before submitting your online reservation request and mailing in your payment.

The park does not accept credit cards, and you must mail a check from a US bank to the address listed on the registration page. Your reservation is only secure AFTER they receive your check, so plan well in advance to allow ample time for the park to get your payment.

Lastly, the park does not allow dogs, campfires, or mopeds.

Periwinkle Park Tour (Video)

5. Turtle Beach Campground

Amenities:

• Restrooms and hot showers
• Free trolley into town
• Playground
• Gulf Beach access
• Free Wi-Fi
• Kayak launch
• Onsite Camp Host
• Coin-operated laundry
• Direct access to the beach
• Picnic area with grills

Turtle Beach Campground is a county-run facility with a small campground in a great location to spot sea turtles and their nests, which they make from May through October.

The campground has direct beach access, making this park a favorite of RVers, so it will take an early and often booking method to grab a spot. Once here, you’ll want to hit the beach, catch the amazing sunsets, and relax at your semi-private campsite with palm trees and bushes between guests.

You can catch the trolley into town for shopping or eating, but there is a convenient restaurant across the street from the park. The public Turtle Park is nearby, where there is a boat launch.

MUST-DO ACTIVITIES: For two ways to experience the island, try a kayak tour through the Lido Key mangroves or cruise the beach at sunset on an electric bike tour.

SPECIAL NOTE: Only service animals are allowed, no pets. There is also a ban on campfires.

Turtle Beach Campground (Video)

6. Fort De Soto Park Campground

Amenities:

• Laundry
• Restrooms and showers
• Picnic tables and grills
• Camp store
• Dump station
• Play areas
• Pier
• Direct beach access
• Special campsites (Area 2) for pet owners

Fort De Soto Park Campground is run by Pinellas County and offers beach access and a fishing pier on the Gulf. The campsites are spread over two of the five interconnected islands within the 1,136-acre park, with about half of the RV sites enjoying ocean views.

Tucked amongst the natural trees and foliage but well landscaped with gravel parking pads are some of the coolest campsites you may ever experience, only made better by the stunning scenery, nature trails, and wildlife at your doorstep.

Take a hike or ride a bike through the park, reserving moments to explore the fort and different beach areas. For an intriguing activity near St. Pete, the Salvador Dali Museum awaits, brimming with the iconic artist’s creations and hosting special exhibits of other artists’ work.

INSIDER TIP: For easy access to pull up a boat or kayak and for excellent ocean views, try to book sites #200-#206. You can reserve an RV campsite up to six months in advance, which everyone suggests doing in order to secure a spot at this very popular RV destination.

Fort DeSoto Park Campground Review | Coastal Camping in Florida

7. Sugar Sand Beach RV Resort

Amenities:

• Sugar-sand beach above a sea wall
• Restrooms and showers
• Wi-Fi
• Dump station
• Community fire pit with free wood
• Kayak launch
• Laundry facility
• Pier (fishing allowed)
• Hammocks

If you love to kayak or fish, then Sugar Sand Beach RV Resort needs to be on your bucket list. The campground has the perfect waterfront location with access to the Gulf of Mexico.

The campsites are well-kept and spacious, and with so few guests, you feel like you’re visiting private family land and not an RV park. You can spend the day sitting on the beach just watching the water, wildlife, and boaters, or you can pull out your fishing poles or rent a charter.

Jump in your kayak and take a paddling day trip around the Matlacha backwaters and the Great Calusa Blueway paddling trail that includes Fort Myers Beach, the Edison Ford Estates, and Sanibel Captiva Island.

INSIDER TIP: The campground fills quickly, and reservations are hard to come by, especially during winter. The park suggests you call or text your reservation requests months in advance, and they will add your name to their list and contact you when openings occur.

Sugar Sands RV Resort (Video)

8. The Waves RV Resort

Amenities:

• Laundry
• Restrooms and showers
• Library
• Fitness center
• Zero-entry pool and hot tub
• Shuffleboard, bocce, pickleball, billiards, horseshoes
• Activity center
• 3-hole putting green
• Dog parks
• Activity center

The Waves RV Resort is a luxury RV park minutes from the beaches of Naples or Marco Island and more golf courses, restaurants, shopping, and outdoor adventures you could ever want.

The RV resort offers massive RV campsites that can fit large Class A motor coaches or fifth wheels and permanent park models for seasonal guests. The RV sites are paved, with grass and trees between each guest.

The nearest beach is eight miles away, which means you’ll need to drive to reach it, or you can stay in the park and enjoy all the top-tier amenities and activities. The resort is busiest from December through April, the high season for tourists in South Florida. May, September, and October provide nice weather and fewer crowds, but summer tends to be rainy.

INSIDER TIP: The resort isn’t as stuffy as it sounds, and while rated as a 55+ park, they accept younger guests for short-term stays. The staff welcomes travel trailers, motorhomes, and fifth wheels ten years or less in age but will consider older units if you first submit a picture to management. The resort requires all recreational vehicles to be at least 25 feet long to book a site.

Naples RV Resort (Video)

Final Thoughts

With so many Florida Gulf Coast campgrounds to visit, you’ll have years of fun RVing on the state’s western edge, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

I hope this guide helps you plan your next RV trip so that you can experience Florida beaches and natural wonders right from your recreational vehicle.

Florida coast RV parks and campgrounds are always a treat to visit, so give the destinations in this guide a try and see for yourself why other RVers rate them so highly.

Related Questions

1. When is the ideal time to visit the RV campgrounds on the Florida Gulf Coast?

The ideal time to visit depends on what you’re looking for. If you enjoy warm weather and don’t mind a bit of humidity, late spring and early fall can be ideal as temperatures are usually pleasant and there are fewer crowds than during the winter months.

2. When are the campgrounds most crowded?

The campgrounds tend to be most crowded during the winter months, from December to February. This is because many “snowbirds” from colder states travel to Florida to escape the winter chill.

3. When are the campgrounds least crowded?

The campgrounds are usually least crowded in the summer months, from June to August, because of the hot and humid weather and the increased chance of rain and storms. However, this can be an excellent time to score a good deal on rates and enjoy the campgrounds without too many neighbors.

4. How affordable is it to stay at these RV campgrounds?

Prices vary depending on the campground, the time of year, and the type of site you choose. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $40 to over $100 per night. Many campgrounds offer discounts for longer stays or off-peak seasons.

5. Where are people generally from who go to the campgrounds there?

People from all over the United States and beyond visit these campgrounds. During the winter months, you’ll find a large number of “snowbirds” from colder northern states like New York, Michigan, and Illinois. There’s also a significant number of visitors from Canada. During the rest of the year, you’ll meet Floridians and people from neighboring states looking for a local getaway.