Introduction
If you’re looking for a Florida road trip that gives you beaches, wildlife, small-town charm, and wide-open nature all in one, this route’s for you. As someone who lives in Bradenton and spends a lot of time helping folks plan RV getaways, I can tell you this one checks all the boxes.
The drive from Bradenton to the Everglades takes you down Florida’s quieter Gulf Coast—where the pace is slower, the food is better, and the views are just flat-out amazing. Whether you’ve got five days or a full week, this route gives you a mix of state parks, beach towns, and hidden gems, with plenty of scenic places to camp along the way.
It’s a road trip that feels like Florida—without the chaos of I-95 or Miami traffic.
Why Take This Route by RV?
If you’ve never done a multi-day RV trip in Florida, this is a great first one. The drives are short, the roads are RV-friendly, and you’ll have access to full hookups or boondocking options at nearly every stop.
Here’s why this route works so well by RV:
- Comfort on the Go: Bring your own bed, your own bathroom, and your own kitchen. Stop whenever you want, eat what you like, and avoid overpriced hotels and crowded restaurants.
- Total Flexibility: Stay an extra night if you love a spot. Skip one if the weather changes. With an RV, your plans can shift with the mood.
- The Scenic Route is the Best Route: You’re hugging the coast for most of this trip, passing through places like Venice, Bonita Springs, and Big Cypress. It’s all flat and easy driving, with plenty of pull-offs and side roads to explore.
- Nature Comes to You: Waking up to birdsong in the mangroves or seeing an alligator slide into the water while you’re making coffee? That doesn’t happen in a hotel parking lot.
If you’ve got a few days and a sense of adventure, this is one of the most rewarding trips you can take in an RV from Bradenton.
Day-by-Day Itinerary – Bradenton to the Everglades by RV
Day 1: Bradenton to Venice, FL
Drive Time: ~1.5 hours
Campground: Oscar Scherer State Park
📍 Address: 1843 S Tamiami Trail, Osprey, FL 34229
📞 Phone: (941) 483-5956
Start your journey with a short and easy drive south to Venice. Oscar Scherer is one of my go-to parks for a first stop—it’s shaded, clean, and gives you a peaceful nature experience with easy access to restaurants and groceries.
What to Do:
- Bike the Legacy Trail, which runs right through the park
- Catch a sunset at Nokomis Beach
- Walk the Venice Fishing Pier or grab a drink at Sharky’s
Local Tip:
There’s a Saturday farmers market in downtown Venice that’s worth a visit if your trip kicks off on a weekend.
Day 2–3: Venice to Bonita Springs
Drive Time: ~2.5 hours
Campground: Koreshan State Park
📍 Address: 3800 Corkscrew Rd, Estero, FL 33928
📞 Phone: (239) 992-0311
Koreshan is one of Florida’s most interesting and underrated parks. The old buildings from the historic settlement are still standing, and the shaded sites here are perfect for relaxing under huge oaks.
What to Do:
- Kayak the Estero River (you can rent them on-site)
- Check out Bonita Beach or Lovers Key
- Visit the Koreshan Historic Site and walk the grounds
Local Tip:
Bonita Springs has some great local food—try The Other Side Bistro or head to Coconut Jack’s for seafood by the water.
Day 4: Bonita Springs to Big Cypress National Preserve
Drive Time: ~2 hours
Campground: Monument Lake Campground
📍 Address: US Hwy 41, Ochopee, FL 34141
📞 Phone: (239) 695-1201 (Big Cypress Visitor Center)
This stretch of highway is called the Tamiami Trail, and it’s one of the most scenic drives in all of Florida. You’ll head deep into the Everglades, through Big Cypress—where gators, birds, and panthers all roam free.
What to Do:
- Drive Loop Road Scenic Drive (watch for gators!)
- Stop at the Big Cypress Swamp Welcome Center
- Take a short walk at Kirby Storter Boardwalk or hike the Gator Hook Trail
Local Tip:
There’s no cell service out here, so download your maps offline before you leave Bonita.
Day 5–6: Big Cypress to Everglades National Park (Flamingo)
Drive Time: ~2.5 hours
Campground: Flamingo Campground
📍 Address: 40001 State Road 9336, Homestead, FL 33034
📞 Phone: (855) 708-2207
Welcome to the end of the road—literally. Flamingo is as deep into Everglades National Park as you can go. You’ll be surrounded by sawgrass prairies, mangroves, manatees, and open water.
What to Do:
- Rent a canoe or kayak for the Nine Mile Pond loop
- Walk the Anhinga Trail and Pa-hay-okee Overlook
- Join a ranger-led tour or explore the marina
Local Tip:
This campground gets dark at night—perfect for stargazing. Bring a telescope if you’ve got one!
RV Travel Tips for This Route
I’ve helped a lot of folks make this trip, and a few patterns always come up. Here’s what I recommend to make it smooth:
⛽ Fuel Up Before the Everglades
Gas stations get sparse the deeper you go. Top off your tank in Naples or Homestead before you head into Big Cypress or Flamingo. Diesel drivers—double-check station availability ahead of time.
💧 Dump Stations & Water Fill-Ups
Most state parks on this route have full-service dump stations and potable water, but if you boondock at Monument Lake or Midway Campground in Big Cypress, make sure your tanks are topped off ahead of time.
Good Dump Station Options:
- Koreshan State Park (free with stay)
- Midway Campground (if Monument is full)
- Collier-Seminole State Park (en route from Naples)
📶 Download Maps & Offline Navigation
You will lose signal between Bonita Springs and Flamingo. I always download my route in Google Maps ahead of time and save PDF versions of park maps too.
🐊 Wildlife is Not a Myth
Keep a respectful distance from alligators (especially near water access points). Don’t leave food out. Bring binoculars—you’ll be amazed at the birdwatching opportunities on this route.
🧴 Bug Spray. Seriously.
Mosquitoes can get intense in certain areas, especially at Flamingo and Big Cypress during warmer months. I keep a can of 40% DEET and a bug net in the RV just in case.
🛣️ Optional Detours & Must-See Stops
Want to extend the trip or squeeze in more adventure? These are my favorite side trips:
🏝️ Sanibel & Captiva Islands (if reopened post-hurricane)
Turn off at Fort Myers and take the causeway to this island pair. It’s known for shelling, white sand, and beach town charm.
📷 Clyde Butcher Gallery (Ochopee, FL)
This stop is a must for photographers or nature lovers. Clyde Butcher’s black and white Everglades photography is world-renowned, and his gallery is located right in Big Cypress.
🚴 Legacy Trail in Venice
If you’re a cyclist, bring your bikes and spend a few hours cruising this well-maintained rail trail through parks, canals, and neighborhoods.
🌴 Shark Valley Visitor Center
This Everglades side stop near Miami has a 15-mile paved loop you can bike or ride on a tram—and you’ll definitely see gators, turtles, and birds galore. Great for a day trip before heading home.
🍤 Foodie Favorite: Triad Seafood in Everglades City
Known for its stone crab claws and gator tail. Outdoor seating right on the water, totally casual and authentic. A great lunch stop between Big Cypress and Flamingo.
Final Thoughts: Bradenton to the Everglades by RV
This route is the real deal. You’ll go from Gulf Coast sunsets and white sand beaches to sawgrass prairies and mangrove tunnels—all in under a week, and all without ever needing to unpack a suitcase. As a Bradenton local, I’ve helped plan dozens of RV adventures from this town, but this one’s a personal favorite.
It’s the kind of trip where you wake up to birds instead of alarms, cook your own breakfast with the doors open, and end the day around a campfire or looking up at stars you didn’t know were still visible in Florida.
So whether you’re flying in and need a fully delivered RV, or you’re local and just want to hit the road with no stress, this is one route that always delivers.
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Whether you’re heading to the Everglades for five days or wandering the Gulf Coast for two weeks, we’ll help you find the right RV and make it feel like home.
