Florida’s Peace River is a prime destination for adventurers and outdoorsy families looking for a getaway. Desoto County has a wide variety of campgrounds to choose from based on each visitor’s goals for their vacation, but regardless of where you decide to set up camp, the area offers endless activities to fill your days. If you explore each of these activities during your stay, you’ll return home with priceless memories of your time here.
Fishing
The Peace River is a popular destination with anglers, and for good reason. The most common targets here are largemouth bass, bluegill, and catfish, but there are a wide variety of other fish you might consider seeking out. Snook, tilapia, carp, and even stingrays are just a few of the species that appeal to fishing aficionados. Be sure to check local regulations and catch limits before venturing out.
Paddling
Kayaking and canoeing the Peace River is a popular pastime among both tourists and locals. The peaceful sway of the water is a soothing backdrop for sightseeing, and paddling is a great family-friendly adventure. There are many outposts along the river to rent canoes and kayaks from, and if you’d like to leave the planning to professionals, we suggest booking a guided paddling tour. Many full-day trips include lunch, and the river guides often show off their knowledge of the river by bringing guests to their favorite secluded spots.
Fossil Hunting
Over the centuries, the area that we now call Desoto County has gone through cycles of being submerged under the ocean and being dry land as it is today. These cycles have resulted in a wide variety of plant and animal species living here over the course of thousands of years. Today, we can appreciate them by finding and collecting their fossils.
Searching along the banks of the Peace River, where water has been slowly eroding the land, is typically the best strategy to find fossils. Shark teeth are a common find, and if you’re lucky, you might even see a Megalodon tooth! Extinct Ice Age land mammals like giant sloths, saber-tooth cats, mammoths, and mastodons also have left their fossils behind.
Don’t forget to grab a permit before your fossil hunting adventure! They are accessible and inexpensive, but it does require a little planning to submit your application before you visit.
These Ideas are Just the Beginning for Your Peace River Camping Trip
Fishing, paddling, and fossil hunting are some of the most common reasons outdoorsy families come to visit, but they are far from the only activities to fill your days with. Photography, stargazing, hiking, and bird watching opportunities are plentiful in Desoto County, and we’re certain that you’ll find a little something for everyone in your family. For a different style of adventure, downtown Arcadia is a popular antiquing destination with over 20 antique shops in just a few blocks! Start planning your trip today to make the most out of your Desoto County vacation.
For more destinations in DeSoto County, FL, go to https://visitdesoto.com/visit-explore/things-to-do/