So much to enjoy in Florida’s ultimate heartland location!

High-rise condos. A crowded shopping district. Expensive tickets. Waiting for your table to eat.

Nope. None of that.

DeSoto County is the exact opposite of what so many visitors to Florida experience. We’re 100% natural. The land is unspoiled and our pace is unhurried. But don’t let our easy-going ways fool you. There’s a TON of fun to be found all around. Get in touch with our good nature soon.

find YOURSELF IN DESOTO COUNTY

Canoe Outpost

Canoe Outpost is the oldest and largest outfitter in Florida. Florida Monthly Magazine named it “Best Place to Canoe” in the state. So get ready for the ultimate canoe or kayak experience on the scenic Peace River.

View towering cypress trees with hanging moss. Watch birds soar and flit through the trees. Relax to the sounds of rippling water. Feel the thrill of finding a million year old mastodon tooth. This is Old Florida at its best.

Peace River Outfitters

Ready for a little adventure? How about a LOT of adventure? Take your pick at Peace River Charters. Enjoy a smooth-as-silk air boat ride on a 450-horsepower machine with state-of-the-art safety jackets and ear protection. Air boat rides jet you more than 20 miles south on the river, offering a rarely viewed peek at backwoods Florida.

You’ll see wildlife, exotic plants, reptiles and miles of gorgeous, pristine riverscapes. Swamp buggy rides give you an even more exciting experience.

Lions, Tigers & Bears, Inc.

Here’s a memorable outing for kids of all ages. Check out the amazing wild creatures at Lions, Tigers & Bears. The wildlife sanctuary provides homes for endangered species and unwanted exotic animals on 40 acres of prime Florida upland oak habitat and pasture land. Lions, Tigers & Bears believes educating people about animals and their connection to the environment is an important key to good conservation practices.

Oak Park Inn

Oak Park Inn is on the National Registry of Historic Places. It was completed in 1904 and over the past century has been home to the Post Office, professional photographers, doctors, lawyers, Miss Gertrude’s Dress Shop and more. Today, the hotel maintains its proud historical character with a decidedly modern, eclectic approach.

Joshua Citrus

Joshua Citrus is a family-owned business that traces its roots back five generations, when the great-great grandfather of current owner Kevin Shelfer planted his first orange tree in Joshua Creek, near Arcadia. The warm, tropical climate and near-perfect growing conditions of the Peace River Valley helped make his business a success.

Today, a sixth generation of Shelfer’s has joined the family business, but the mission remains the same as in 1880: To grow and share the highest quality, best-tasting citrus fruits in Florida. Over the years, the business has blossomed from selling to packinghouses and canning plants to a retail outlet, orange grove tours and online sales.

Arcadia Peace River Campground

Peace River Campground spans 165 acres on the Peace River and offers a number of ways to enjoy a great camping experience – from 100+ acres of wilderness-only camping to RV’s, shelters and even furnished apartments. In the wilderness area, only tents are allowed (including pop ups). Pick a spot on the river's edge and feel free to fish, hike, bird watch or fossil hunt to your heart’s content.

All sites offer full hook ups with 50 amp electrical service. There’s more than a mile of river frontage, and it’s possible to go days without seeing other campers. This is about as close to nature as you can get.