You’re Entering
Visit & Explore
Venture into DeSoto County, an untamed wild place, to make memories that last.
Spend a Day on the Peace River
Embark on An
Exciting Airboat Tour
Set off on thrilling airboat tours in DeSoto County, guided by expert local operators who bring the stunning Peace River and its vibrant wetlands to life.
Leave the crowds behind and immerse yourself in the unique sights and sounds of Florida’s wild outdoors.
Check with tour providers for schedules, special events, and updates to plan your unforgettable adventure on the water.
Paddle the Waterways
Paddle Along
Two Scenic Trails
Discover the beauty of DeSoto County with two breathtaking paddling trails: the Peace River Paddling Trail and Deep Creek Preserve.
Trade crowded waterways for peaceful adventures and glide through DeSoto County’s serene waterways at your own pace.
Be sure to check local resources and social media for water conditions, events, and updates before you head out on your adventure.
Hunt for Prehistoric Fossils
Unearth Ancient Trasures
Embark on a fossil-hunting adventure along the Peace River in DeSoto County, a world-renowned destination for fossil hunting.
The Peace River is known for high-quality fossils, offering a unique opportunity to discover ancient remains of sharks, mammoths, and other prehistoric creatures.
Camp Under the Stars
Countless
Adventures Await
DeSoto County offers a variety of camping options, ensuring an adventure that’s just right for you.
For an authentic outdoor experience, there are plenty of tent campsites with fire pits waiting for you here. Roast marshmallows and fall asleep under the stars to connect with nature.
If more amenities are more your speed, DeSoto has many RV parks and resorts with pools, food trucks, social events, shower facilities, and more.
Enjoy a Nature Walk
Endless Parks and
Trails to Explore
Discover the natural beauty of DeSoto County with miles of scenic walking trails and expansive parks to explore. Encounter local wildlife and challenge yourself to identify the diverse plant life along the way!
Pack a picnic to enjoy after you’ve worked up an appetite. Order sandwiches to-go from one of our local cafés and you can focus on relaxing.
Bring your family and introduce the kids to the engaging world of nature. They’ll have so much fun, they might even forget about their video games!
Hit The Green
Play on Two Beautifully Maintained Courses
Enjoy three top-tier golfing experiences in DeSoto County: The Arcadia Municipal Golf Course, the Paradise Golf Course and the Aileron Golf Club.
Avoid the overcrowding challenges that courses in more heavily populated areas are facing and enjoy your time on the green in peace.
Check each golf course’s social media pages for events and updates.
Wild Outdoor Adventures Itinerary
Experience Florida Wild in DeSoto County, Florida – an untamed, wild place. From the remote, undeveloped banks of the Peace River to the expansive beauty of the sprawling Florida Interior. Whether you’re paddling serene waters, spotting rare wildlife, or camping under the stars, there is an adventure waiting to be discovered. Embrace the wilderness and live the excitement of Florida Wild.
Day One: Arrival & Setting Up Camp
Morning
- Arrive and check-in at Peace River Campground. Settle into your chosen campsite, with options from rustic tent camping to family-friendly RV hookup sites.
Afternoon
- Grab a casual lunch at Country Cafe, a longstanding stable in Arcadia. Discuss activities with your group, to make sure everyone’s top adventure is on the agenda for the coming days.
- Stop by a grocery store on your way back to the campground to pick up s’mores supplies and hot dogs to cook over the fire for dinner.
- Upon arriving back at the campground, take a leisurely walk around the grounds to familiarize yourself with the on-site amenities and activities.
Evening
- Start your campfire before dusk, and enjoy hot dogs over the fire for dinner. Introduce yourself to neighboring campers – you might meet some new lifelong friends.
- Let the glow of the fire illuminate the faces of your friends and family as you trade spooky stories (Do you know about the Heard Opera House in Downtown Arcadia??).
- Perfect your marshmallow-roasting strategy and see which of your fellow campers can create the perfect, golden-brown marshmallow for your s’mores.
Day Two: Paddling the Peace River
Morning
- Wake up bright and early with the sunrise, and enjoy the sounds of nature as you ready yourself for the day.
- Stop by Groovie Smoothie for a healthy, filling breakfast. Don’t miss their acai bowls, packed full of nutrients to fuel your day. You’ll need the energy for your adventure!
- Arrive at Canoe Outpost-Peace River for a full-day guided paddling tour. Be sure to dress appropriately.
Afternoon
- On a full-day river tour, lunch will be provided by your tour group. Take in the tranquil sights and sounds of the Peace River, and notice how you feel as you disconnect from the stressors of day-to-day life and get deeply in touch with the rhythm of nature.
- After your tour is complete, return back to your campsite to rest. You’ll be tired after a long day on the river, but you’ll likely feel accomplished and calm, too.
Evening
- Once you’ve had a chance to rest and recoup from the day’s adventures, head into town to Reef & Beef Restaurant & Lounge for a big steak or delectable seafood combinations.
- Retire to your campsite for bed. After all the sunshine and paddling during the day, you’ll surely sleep soundly!
Day Three: On-the-Green Morning
Morning
- Visit the Country Cafe for coffee and a southern-style home-cooked breakfast. Reviewers rave about the bacon, so be sure to try a slice with the breakfast of your choice!
- With a full stomach, continue to the City of Arcadia Municipal Golf Course for a mid- to late-morning tee time. (Book in advance to reserve your ideal time.)
- If the children in your group are less interested in spending a few hours on the green, the basketball courts and heated pool back at the campground are sure to keep them entertained and active.
Afternoon
- On the way back to the campground, pick up a late lunch from Oak Street Deli. Enjoy a picnic of sandwiches, salads, and wraps at your campsite while you reminisce on the day’s activities so far.
- Take a relaxing walk to explore the banks of the river, and scour the soft ground for fossils. Shark teeth are a common find, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot a megalodon tooth!
Evening
- Named DeSoto County’s Best Mexican Restaurant in 2019 by the Peace River Shopper, El Charro Authentic Mexican Restaurant is sure to impress for dinner. The taqueria-style restaurant is perfect for families and taco-lovers (and taco-loving families, of course).
- Enjoy another campfire for your last night at the campground, and roast a few more marshmallows for dessert.
Day Four: Pack Up & Departure
Morning
- Revel in the peaceful sounds of morning nature as you wake up on your last morning of your adventure. Try to take a mental snapshot of the crisp air, to remember this tranquility when you head back to your responsibilities after you return home.
- Pack up your tent or camper and exchange contact information with any new friends you’ve met at neighboring campsites.
- Check out the Peace River Campground.
Mid-Day
- On your way out of town, stop by Myshelly’s Kitchen for a homestyle lunch. With down-home southern options and an extensive vegetarian menu, there’s something for everyone at Myshelly’s.
