Arcadia Peace River Campground — Hotel in Arcadia

Don't camp here unless you are an obnoxious redneck with an ATV. This is the WORST camping experience we have ever had, in our history of camping in Florida at least twice a year for the past nine years. They tell you to tent camp "anywhere in the wilderness", but only if you bring your own bushhog - even in February when the growth is lessened. What few mowed campsites there are, were very small and way too close together and right on the ATV dirt tacks, so there is no quiet and ZERO privacy. Ear splitting ATV engines just feet from your head when you're in your tent. There is no area where the ATVs are not allowed to run, so the air is constantly filled with dirt. And the ATV riders had no respect for our campsite space and drove through it. They also have zero respect for the speed limit or quiet hours. There were vehicles full of teenagers blasting obcene music at all hours of the night. The owners have no control over their property. Aside from there being trash everywhere, filthy bathrooms and showers (we refused to use the disgusting showers), the pool wasn't heated as their advertising claimed, and there were ATV riders getting in to wash off because they were covered in mud, so there were piles of dirt and sand all over the pool steps. Out of 135 acres of property, their "petting zoo" is this tiny, pathetic dirt pen that houses a miserable looking donkey, Shetland pony, tortoise, and goat. I would imagine these poor animals live in the mud when it rains. With so much land at their disposal, they could give those pitiful animals a better quality of life. The absolute worst part was, ourselves and another family camping nearby could hear a small child crying for a parent. We didn't know if they were lost in the wilderness or what the problem was, so we set out to help and were nearly ran over by ATVs TWICE while trying to figure out where this child was. I got cursed out by a drunk middle aged ATV driver because I asked him to slow down. It turned out that there were two small children that had been abandoned in their tent, in the dark, and the sheriffs department had to be called to figure out where their parents were. When the police arrived, we were asked to go back to our campsite. I have no idea how that situation was resolved, but I hope they're okay. Since there are no assigned campsites, without a vehicle there that has a campsite issued tag, there is no way to identify who is camping there. And the RV camping area has campers crammed in together so tight that you can barley get a vehicle between them. It looks like they need a can opener to get in and out of their campers. We checked out after one night, got a refund, cancelled our trip with Canoe Outpost, and went home. So, not only did this company lose business, but so did the one nextdoor.

Do not camp here unless your standards are the absolute bottom...

The people operating the office and running the grounds were great. Clearly they can’t control a whole bunch of other adults and their kids. But…. They have rules here, pretty standard, such as; “no unreasonable noise after 10 pm” or “before 8 am” being the atvs and side by sides, also excessive volume levels for music I would think qualify. “Do not pass through others camp grounds.” Makes sense. “No vehicles with lights other than golf carts after 10” 👍🏼 I like that one. Then of course there are the other rules that I’m not going to touch on because it’s mainly regulation for riding motorized vehicles and such.

We stayed with our kiddos and did tent camping for two nights. The staff was great and my boyfriend ended up wanting electric hook ups, not the primitive, I had already paid for and landed a spot near the water. I digress. Our spot was near the bathroom and shower area. Which was good with the kids. However, Our zone was literally nothing but traffic. Foot traffic and vehicles of every shape and size driving through our spot. All night. I’m not even kidding. I didn’t sleep for two nights. The noise did not stop at 10 pm. Which I understand it was a holiday weekend. It was not the karaoke or music from the events in the evening in the distance, that was an issue. Every single camp site around up decided they wanted to play different music at levels that were not respectful for anyone beyond 10 pm. And then proceed to talk and laugh as loud as possible until around midnight maybe beyond, my phone died so I don’t even know what time it all finally stopped… Not only that, cars and trucks and atvs were running through our camp site all night. People are walking right next to our tent, no joke not even cool. It was insane. Almost went full child mode and followed them back to their camp to walk through it. I understand, we took up less room than an RV where we were. But seriously, tent campers need some space too. And we had paid for a space so you can’t just walk through that pad and or drive through it. 63/64 These two camp sites should just be removed for access to the bathroom from the shower side. Literally, no respect. And I’m not gonna run and tell on someone every five minutes.

The people around us saw we had kids it was pretty obvious. I know I wouldn’t be that disrespectful to other campers. Music should be kept at a reasonable level, unless you plan on DJing the entire camp zone and PLAY THE SONG ALL THE WAY THROUGH! It wasn’t fun.

My boyfriend realized his error. We won’t ever camp in side the main camping area ever...

We arrived late so headed straight into the wilderness area. Bring bug spray, bug zapper, bombs, anything you can think of, bugs are BAD in wild Florida come sundown. In the dry season the roads are deep, soft sand so beware to stay where it looks more packed. I have a 2 wldr f150 street truck n got stuck at one point, camp ground used a tractor to pull us out. A warning of condition of the roads would of been helpful. I read all reviews n found them helpful. Keep in mind they are opinion n it all depends what kind of experience you are looking for. Wilderness camping is cool too camp right on the water, set up where you want n fish n relax. During off season this is possible. But during peak season it is a motorcross track. Atv noise all day n past sunset. N they do come right into your site since the areas that make good sites are right on trails. I saw security one time, they drove by with their lights flashing. Didn't bother us or stick their nose in our business. Staff waves from their golf cart when you drive by. Office staff was helpful though I can understand how several feel one of the girls was rude. I don't think she is, I just think her voice is gruff n comes off less friendly sort of no nonsense. Who I assume was the owner was helpful with kayak rental n informative with fossil hunting and alligators. There are plenty of alligators and they make their presence known at night. I have 2 small dogs who love the water n we kept them away from the edge during the day even though we saw no sign of them. n a fence around our tent at night, which I know won't keep Gators out but kept my dogs in. come sunset they come slithering up stream n hang off shore n watch every move. We kept fire going hoping to keep them from coming into camp. It was blazing hot! With no relief. No restroom facilities in the wilderness area and plenty of evidence people used near by bushes for #2s. Gross! At least burry it, jeez, where's your survival skills? I rated high, inspite of mentioned issues just because it was awesome to find a wild area to be left alone. If you're looking for crazy atv adventure party atmosphere go in high season. If your looking for peace n nature n don't mind heat, deep sand trails n no toilets go in off season. This place is best of both worlds. We'll...