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Weekend Getaways: Camping, Kayaking & Glamping on Florida’s Suncoast

| Angela Naff |

When the weekend rolls in and you’re craving sunshine, salty breezes, and swaying palms, Florida’s Suncoast offers a treasure trove of outdoor escapes. From intimate tent camping to glamorous “glamping” and paddling your way through mangrove tunnels, here’s how to turn any weekend into a mini adventure.

Rustic Camping: Back to Basics

For those who love the feel of a sleeping bag under the stars, the Suncoast has iconic spots like Fort De Soto Park, located just south of St. Petersburg. With miles of white‑sand beaches, dog‑friendly dunes, kayak rentals, and ruins of a 19th‑century fort, this park ranks among the Southeast’s best campgrounds.

Another standout is The Cove Resort & Pub in Inverness, along Tsala Apopka Lake. Crowned the top “hidden gem” camp spot in North America, it blends cabins, RV sites, and live‑music nights with kayaking access and connections to the Withlacoochee State Trail.

Kayaking Adventures

Paddle-lovers, get ready! Caladesi Island State Park, off Dunedin, is a paddling paradise. Glide through mangrove swamps, feel the breeze on coastal dunes, and watch for nesting sea turtles and shorebirds. Near Sarasota, Oscar Scherer State Park offers direct canoe and kayak access to South Creek and Lake Osprey, making it ideal for wildlife viewing (including eagles) and freshwater relaxation.

Photo Courtesy of Florida State Parks

If you’re on the Atlantic side but still in reach, Jonathan Dickinson State Park is worth the drive. Paddle down the federally protected Loxahatchee River, Florida’s first “Wild and Scenic” river, winding through cypress forests and mangroves.

Glamping: Nature with a Touch of LuxeWhen roughing it isn’t your vibe, the Suncoast’s glamping scene delivers high comfort outdoors:

Photo Courtesy of Timberline Glamping website

For heartier adventures, Peace River Oaks, situated along the Peace River, offers a luxury glamping/RV combo amidst ancient oaks and serene riverfront views.

Elsewhere in Florida, Westgate River Ranch near Orlando offers platform tents with real beds, air conditioning, and private bathrooms, perfect for a cowboy‑meets‑glamping weekend.

Feature Photo Courtesy of Deposit Photos

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