Hickory branch campsite

For Floridians and visitors alike searching for an authentic Central Florida outdoor experience, Hickory Branch Campsite serves as a gateway to adventure and tranquility along the historic Peace River. Located near Wauchula, this area is widely recognized as a premier destination for those who cherish a mix of rustic natural beauty and convenient recreational amenities. The campsite is situated within the expansive Peace River RV & Camping Resort (often identified under the Thousand Trails network), which encompasses 75 acres nestled among the woods and bordering a half-mile of the winding Peace River.

Unlike coastal or theme park-centric resorts, Hickory Branch offers a genuine retreat focused on Florida’s unique inland ecosystems. The area is particularly famous for its incredible opportunities for fossil hunting in the riverbed, drawing enthusiasts from all over the state to search for prehistoric shark teeth and Ice Age mammal remains. This focus on natural history and river-based recreation, including canoeing and kayaking, defines the experience here.

The campground caters to both dedicated RV travelers and traditional tent campers, offering a range of sites to fit various needs—from full hookups for large rigs to more primitive setups for those seeking an unadulterated nature immersion. While the ambiance is one of peaceful, woodsy escape, guests benefit from a wealth of resort amenities, providing a comfortable and engaging basecamp for exploring the natural wonders of Southwest Florida, situated conveniently between the major metropolitan areas of Orlando and Tampa.

Hickory Branch Campsite is located at 1949 Peace River Wds, Wauchula, FL 33873, USA. This address corresponds to the larger Peace River RV & Camping Resort area, placing it right on the banks of the Peace River in Hardee County.

The location in Wauchula, often referred to as the "Cucumber Capital of the World," positions the campground in the heart of Florida’s agricultural and natural landscape, away from the typical tourist crowds. It is conveniently accessible via US Highway 17 and State Road 64. The drive from the greater Tampa Bay area (Tampa, St. Petersburg) is typically around an hour to an hour and a half, while travelers from the Orlando area can reach the campsite in approximately two hours, making it an excellent weekend destination for residents of both metro regions. The Gulf Coast's famous powder-white beaches are also only a pleasant 45 minutes to an hour drive away, allowing for day trips to the coast while maintaining a quiet, river-side home base. Guests will find Wauchula, Zolfo Springs, and Arcadia nearby, providing necessary local amenities, dining options, and supply points.

As part of a full-service RV and camping resort, Hickory Branch Campsite and its surrounding facilities offer a broad spectrum of services designed for comfort, convenience, and entertainment. The combination of rustic river access and resort-style amenities ensures a well-rounded outdoor stay.

• Full RV Hookups: The resort features numerous full hookup sites (water, sewer, and electric—including 30 and 50 amp connections) designed to accommodate even the largest modern RVs.
• Tent and Primitive Sites: Dedicated areas for traditional tent camping are available, including more primitive sites for a truly rustic experience.
• Water Access and Rentals: A dedicated boat ramp provides direct access to the Peace River for personal watercraft. The campground facilitates river-based activities such as canoeing and kayaking.
• Recreational Facilities: The site features a sparkling swimming pool, a relaxing hot tub/spa area, and dedicated sports courts, including shuffleboard, horseshoes, and pickleball.
• Family Entertainment: Amenities include a children's playground, a mini-golf course, and a game room with billiards, ensuring activities for all ages.
• Convenience and Guest Services: The facility includes a laundry room, modern restroom and shower facilities, a camp store/market stocked with supplies, and available high-speed Wi-Fi in common areas.
• Community Activities: An Activities Director is often on staff, planning events like bingo, card playing, arts and crafts, and co-ed water aerobics, fostering a strong sense of community among guests.
• Pet-Friendly Policy: The resort is pet-friendly, allowing guests to bring their furry companions to enjoy the Florida outdoors (though fees and restrictions may apply).

Hickory Branch Campsite's main highlights center on its unique natural setting and the memorable experiences it offers, particularly those connected to the Peace River ecosystem.

• Peace River Fossil Hunting: This is arguably the most unique feature. The Peace River is a world-renowned destination for amateur paleontologists and hobbyists seeking fossils, including Megalodon shark teeth, mammoth bones, and other Ice Age remnants, right from the riverbed.
• Direct Riverfront Access: With a half-mile border along the Peace River and an on-site boat ramp, guests have immediate access to canoeing, kayaking, and fishing in the quiet, tannic waters.
• 75-Acre Wooded Preserve: The sheer size of the resort, nestled among the woods, provides a tranquil, shaded atmosphere, offering a quiet escape with ample nature/hiking trails to explore the natural surroundings.
• Active Social Calendar: The dedicated Activities Director and clubhouse/lounge facilities ensure there is always a variety of planned events, including social gatherings, games, and entertainment, which is a major draw for long-term and seasonal guests.
• Variety of Site Types: The ability to choose between premium full-hookup RV sites, waterfront sites, or more basic tent sites means the location is flexible, appealing to a broad range of Florida campers, from luxury RVers to minimalist adventurers.
• Strategic Central Florida Location: Its position offers the perfect balance: a peaceful retreat with easy day-trip access to the Gulf Coast beaches, major theme parks (like Legoland), and the vibrant cultures of Tampa and Sarasota.

For all inquiries, including reservations, current amenities status, and specific fossil hunting regulations, the main contact information for the resort managing the Hickory Branch Campsite area is as follows:

Address: 1949 Peace River Wds, Wauchula, FL 33873, USA

Resort Address (Often listed as the primary contact for the larger resort): 2555 US HWY 17S, Wauchula, FL

Phone Number: (863) 735-8888 (This number is often associated with the main Peace River RV Camping Resort/Thousand Trails)

The facility is typically open year-round, accommodating both short-term vacations and seasonal snowbird stays, with hours for the office and amenities varying by season.

For Floridians and those escaping the northern winter, Hickory Branch Campsite offers a unique and highly desirable blend of Central Florida wilderness adventure and contemporary camping convenience. The ultimate reason to choose this location is its unparalleled access to the Peace River. It is one of the few places in Florida where guests can actively engage in one of the state's most distinctive pastimes: sifting for historical and prehistoric fossils. This hands-on, educational adventure distinguishes it from nearly every other campground in the state.

The vast 75-acre, naturally beautiful setting ensures that you are truly immersed in the woods, providing a welcome quiet and tranquility away from the noise and congestion of the coastal and metro areas. Furthermore, the extensive suite of on-site amenities, including the swimming pool, hot tub, and organized social activities, means you never have to sacrifice comfort for adventure. Whether you are a dedicated RV enthusiast seeking a full-hookup spot to settle in for a long winter, a family looking for a unique, educational experience on the river, or a primitive camper wanting a beautiful trail to hike, Hickory Branch provides a well-rounded and deeply satisfying Florida outdoor getaway that is both engaging and exceptionally memorable. It is a genuine piece of Old Florida history and nature, expertly maintained for modern enjoyment.

Hickory branch campsite

1949 Peace River Wds, Wauchula, FL 33873, USA