Introduction
One of the most common questions I get from RV travelers visiting the area is:
“Can I camp right on the beach near Bradenton?”
It’s a great question. After all, Bradenton has some of the most beautiful beaches in Florida—Anna Maria Island, Cortez Beach, Coquina, and Manatee Public Beach—all of them postcard-perfect, with white sand, clear Gulf water, and stunning sunsets.
And while the idea of parking your RV right on the sand and falling asleep to the sound of the waves is incredibly appealing… there’s a catch.
Why You Can’t Camp Directly on the Beach in Bradenton
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but you can’t legally camp overnight on any of Bradenton’s public beaches—whether it’s in a tent, van, or RV.
And here’s why:
🛑 Strict Local Regulations
All of the beaches in Manatee County and on Anna Maria Island fall under either city ordinances or county-managed zoning rules, and those rules prohibit overnight camping or sleeping on the beach. That includes vehicles, pop-ups, and even hammocks in some cases.
🏝️ No Designated RV Beachfront Sites
Unlike a few rare Florida state parks, Bradenton doesn’t have any designated RV pads on or directly adjacent to public beachfront land. Most of the waterfront around here is protected, residential, or public-use only.
🌿 Conservation & Turtle Nesting Laws
Our beaches are part of protected ecosystems—especially during turtle nesting season. Keeping them quiet and dark at night is a big deal here, and part of why camping is so tightly controlled.
So no—you can’t park your RV on Coquina Beach or pull into a spot right along Gulf Drive overnight. But here’s the good news…
There are a handful of fantastic RV parks that get you super close—some within biking or walking distance of the beach.
That’s what I’ll cover next.
Closest You Can Get to Beach Camping Near Bradenton
While true beach camping isn’t allowed in Bradenton, you can get very close—like 5 to 10 minutes from the sand. These RV parks are the next best thing, and I’ve either toured or personally recommended each one to visiting travelers.
1. Holiday Cove RV Resort
📍 Address: 11900 Cortez Rd W, Cortez, FL 34215
📞 Phone: (941) 251-7809
🌐 Website: holidaycovervinc.com
Distance to the beach: 1.2 miles to Coquina Beach (5-minute drive, 15-minute bike ride)
Why I recommend it:
This is the closest you’ll get to true beach camping in the Bradenton area. Holiday Cove is in Cortez, one of the last working fishing villages in Florida, just over the bridge from Anna Maria Island. The park is clean, quiet, and has paver pads, full hookups, and even boat slips if you’re into kayaking or fishing.
Personal note:
I’ve had snowbirds rent an RV here for weeks just to fish every morning and walk to the beach at sunset. It’s walkable, bikeable, and gives you serious “Old Florida” charm without being too remote.
2. Buttonwood Inlet RV Resort
📍 Address: 12316 Cortez Rd W, Cortez, FL 34215
📞 Phone: (941) 798-3090
🌐 Website: buttonwoodinletrvresort.com
Distance to the beach: 1 mile to Anna Maria Island (walkable with sidewalks, bike-friendly)
Why I recommend it:
Buttonwood is one of those parks that doesn’t advertise much but has a loyal following. It’s super clean, pet-friendly, and the vibe is very “kick back and stay a while.” Most sites are full hookup, and the community feel is strong. It’s not fancy, but the location can’t be beat.
Pro tip:
Use this park as a base camp and bring your bike—bike lanes run all the way to the beach, and you’ll never worry about parking at the shore.
3. Fort De Soto Park Campground (a little farther, but beachside)
📍 Address: 3500 Pinellas Bayway S, Tierra Verde, FL 33715
📞 Phone: (727) 582-2267
🌐 Website: pinellascounty.org/park/05_Ft_DeSoto.htm
Distance from Bradenton: ~1 hour north
Why I recommend it:
If you must be right on the water, this is your best shot without leaving the region. The campground has waterfront RV sites, kayak launches, bike trails, and access to one of the top-rated beaches in the U.S.
Heads-up:
Reservations are tough. Book 6+ months in advance, especially for waterfront sites.
4. Oscar Scherer State Park
📍 Address: 1843 S Tamiami Trail, Osprey, FL 34229
📞 Phone: (941) 483-5956
🌐 Website: floridastateparks.org/oscar-scherer
Distance to the beach: 7 miles to Nokomis Beach
Why I recommend it:
If you love nature and don’t mind a short drive to the beach, this park is a gem. You’ll camp under shady oak trees, right along the Legacy Trail (perfect for biking), and still be within 15 minutes of the Gulf.
Local tip:
If you’re into kayaking, this park has a quiet, scenic waterway that connects to the nearby intracoastal.
5. Myakka River State Park (not beachside, but a great nature add-on)
📍 Address: 13208 State Rd 72, Sarasota, FL 34241
📞 Phone: (941) 361-6511
🌐 Website: floridastateparks.org/myakka-river
Distance to Bradenton: ~45 minutes
Why I recommend it:
Myakka is a whole different vibe—massive oak hammocks, wild alligators, and some of the best hiking and kayaking in Southwest Florida. It’s not beachy, but it’s often included in RV loops for folks who want one leg near the beach and one deep in Florida nature.
Good pairing:
Start or end your trip here if you want a weeklong RV adventure with variety.
How to Get the Beach Camping Feel (Without Breaking the Rules)
Just because you can’t sleep on the sand doesn’t mean you can’t get really close. Here’s how to make your beach getaway feel like a full-on camping experience—with the comfort and flexibility of an RV rental.
🏕️ Use an RV as Your Mobile Beach Basecamp
Renting an RV gives you the best of both worlds: you’re close to the beach, but you still have AC, a private bathroom, and your own kitchen. You can head out early, spend the day in the sun, and come back for a shower, a nap, or dinner—without ever dealing with hotel crowds or overpriced restaurants.
Why renting is perfect for this:
- No towing or driving required—we deliver and set it up
- You don’t have to “rough it” or spend hundreds per night
- You can pack for a full day at the beach and come back whenever you’re ready
I always tell renters: think of the RV as your mobile beach cottage. You’re not on the sand, but you’re close enough to hear the waves—and way more comfortable than a tent or a cramped hotel room.
🧰 Tips to Create a Beach-Camping-Style Setup
Here’s how to make your rental RV feel like the beach camping trip you wish you could do:
🚲 Bring (or rent) bikes
Parks like Buttonwood and Holiday Cove are just over the bridge from the beach. Biking avoids the parking mess and gives you total freedom to explore Anna Maria or Coquina Beach.
🏖️ Pack a “day camp” kit
Include a beach cart, pop-up canopy or umbrella, cooler, towels, and some folding chairs. Most rental RVs include outdoor gear—but we can always help you add extras.
🧼 Use your RV like a private beach cabana
Come back for lunch, get out of the sun mid-day, and hit the showers before dinner. You’ll feel like you’re staying on the beach, even if you’re a mile away.
🏕️ Where You Can Camp on the Beach in Florida
If your heart is 100% set on true beachfront camping, here are a few Florida state parks where you can do it—just be ready to book early:
- Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area (Flagler Beach, FL)
- Grayton Beach State Park (Panhandle)
- Fort Clinch State Park (Amelia Island)
- Sebastian Inlet State Park (East Coast)
These are amazing spots, but they fill up 11 months in advance. That’s why most of my renters stick close to Bradenton and enjoy more availability, better dining, and quieter beaches—without giving up the beach town vibe.
Final Thoughts: You’re Closer to Beach Camping Than You Think
While you can’t park an RV directly on Bradenton’s beaches, that doesn’t mean you have to give up the dream. With parks like Holiday Cove and Buttonwood Inlet just minutes from the Gulf, you can still wake up near the water, explore the islands by day, and relax in total comfort by night.
Renting an RV gives you everything a beachfront stay should have—privacy, flexibility, and freedom—without the resort prices or hotel headaches. Whether you’re traveling solo, with a partner, or bringing the whole family, you can have a personalized beach camping experience that fits your style.
As a local who knows the area and helps travelers do this every season, I can tell you: this is how you do Bradenton the smart way.
👉 Ready to Rent Your RV and Camp Near the Beach?
Let us help you plan the perfect Bradenton getaway.
We deliver clean, fully stocked RVs right to your chosen park, set everything up, and make it easy to hit the beach stress-free.
🎯 Book Your RV Rental in Bradenton Now
We’ll handle the logistics—you enjoy the waves, the sunsets, and the freedom to roam.
