AdvenCharests: Buttonwood Inlet RV Resort

We camped at Buttonwood Inlet RV Resort in our 1997 Georgie Boy Maverick Class C for 3 nights. We stayed June 21-24 and stayed on site 26. The RV park management is onsite and Anita, who works the front desk is very friendly and helpful and I can't begin to say enough about how kind she was.

After looking up the area on Google Maps, I had thought it would be great to bring our boat. We tossed the idea around, but were unsure about putting the boat in with our Class C, or bringing our vehicle and driving separately (which takes away the fun of travelling together). I talked to Anita about what the fees were for keeping our boat on the water slips (they have a canal, boat launch and slips, as well as sites with slips right behind them, which is great!). Anita said her husbands truck could be used to put our boat in, no problem, and that they like to help each other around there. I thought that was really generous and kind.

Unfortunately, we had to send our precious 12 year old Boxer, (Stormie), over the Rainbow Bridge right before our trip and we were quite distraught, thinking we just wouldn't go. Anita, once again, was kind enough to hold our reservation even until the day before to let us decide if were were coming. We ended up thinking a getaway would be good for us and I'm glad we went.... we didn't bother bringing the boat however.

The RV Resort was very neat and tidy, very clean. The pool was sparkling and the water temp was pleasant, we used the pool two or three times. The lots are not very private, which is really fine, but they are nicely manicured. We are use to state parks, so this was our first "RV Park" experience. The sites are good sized and there are 4 different pricing options depending on where you want to be located, or if you want to be on the canal (perfect if you bring a boat!).

We don't tow a vehicle, but usually bring our scooter. This time, we just brought our bikes, and though we thoroughly enjoyed exploring all of Anna Maria on bikes, we will definitely bring our scooter next time... AND our boat! :)

It was only about a 5 minute bike ride to Bradenton Beach over the Cortez bridge. The beach is big and full of soft fine white sand, the water was super calm one day, the next day a storm was brewing and the water was a bit more rough, however both days it was clear and there was hardly any curent to pull us at all. The water temperature was amazing... absolutely perfect and we had so much fun playing in the ocean. :)

There are plenty of places to eat out within range, some right next to the RV Resort. The real "hub-bub" of Bradenton Beach is right over the bridge and to the left, plenty of night life, good food, live music and fun atmosphere...and Ice cream at Joe's Eat and Sweets! :)

While we are just "two adults" and enjoyed riding our bikes all the way up to the Anna Maria Pier area, I wouldn't recommend younger children take that ride. The traffic on the island is pretty heavy and I even almost got hit by a woman who was texting (we were riding in the bike lane facing traffic and I was able to see her swerve toward me as she was completely looking at her phone...I'm glad I saw her and was able to move out of the way myself!). So, yeah, I wouldn't let my kids do that ride... besides we rode about 20 miles that day! Sweated like crazy, but totally earned the ice cream. ;)

The family at the campsite next to us had 4 kids and they had a tow vehicle, each day they loaded up the car and spent the day at the beach and in town, coming back in the afternoon/evening.

There is plenty to do in this area, all water related of course, chartered boat rides, parasailing, kayak rentals, etc... There are trips you can pay to take you out to Egmont Key as well, but book in advance, we weren't able to get a last minute trip. :/

However, if you just want to ride your bikes and chill on the beach (that's what we opted for), it's perfect for that! Don't miss the sunsets each night... they are amazing!

Here are some photos of our time there... sorry, not really any of the park. :/

On the road again...