Anna Maria Island provides a unique resort experience on Florida's Gulf Coast. This small barrier island is an important nesting site for sea turtles and shore birds, and boasts a beach environment that is much more natural than urbanized beaches to the north. Anna Maria Island was named after a Spanish queen, and is rich in history, art and ambiance. However, options for camping on or near this small island are quite limited.
Anna Maria Island Camping
No established campgrounds or RV resorts are located on Anna Maria Island itself, where lodging options are dominated by small resorts and hotels. However, a few resorts do offer small cabins on or near the beach. Outdoor activities such as windsurfing, parasailing and wildlife watching may be arranged through resorts or excursion providers on the island.
Cortez Camping
Cortez is a small fishing village on the mainland just east of Anna Maria Island that offers its own unique charm and history. Recreational vehicle resorts in Cortez provide camping in close vicinity to Anna Maria for campers who own RVs. Reservations may be required for RV camping in Cortez.
Palmetto & Bradenton Camping
Additional RV resorts can be found in nearby Palmetto and Bradenton. These cities provide a suburban environment with convenient shopping and dining opportunities. Active campers will find that Anna Maria Island is within biking distance of both of these areas, and may enjoy camping in these areas and getting in a few extra miles of biking each day.
Nearby County Park Campgrounds
Sarasota County's Turtle Beach Campground (see the Resources section) is approximately a one-hour drive south of Anna Maria Island on Siesta Key. This campground provides basic tent and RV campsites only a short walk from the beach, with wildlife watching and outdoor activity opportunities similar to those offered on Anna Maria Island. However, Siesta Key is a private vacation area (i.e., timeshare) and lacks the artistic and historical atmosphere of Anna Maria Island.
Nearby State Park Campgrounds
For the outdoor enthusiast, nearby state parks may offer the best camping experience within an hour's drive of Anna Maria Island. Oscar Scherer State Park, Myakka River State Park, Lake Manatee State Park and Little Manatee River State Park offer camping, canoeing, hiking, wildlife watching and more. Campgrounds at these state parks offer full-facility sites for RVs or tents, and may also offer cabins.
Member Comments