Expert Review: Is Linger Lodge RV Resort Worth It?
Reviewed by Sarah Jenkins
Last Updated: January 7, 2025
Linger Lodge RV Resort is the kind of place that makes you understand what "Old Florida" actually means. Dating back to 1945, this isn't a polished corporate resort with identical concrete pads and WiFi kiosks—it's a family-owned campground where live oak trees drip with Spanish moss, the Braden River flows past your site, and the on-site restaurant serves some of the best grouper sandwiches I've had anywhere in Florida. After spending 10 days here in February, I can confidently say this is the best value RV camping in the Bradenton area IF you appreciate authenticity over luxury.
Let's start with what makes Linger Lodge special: that restaurant. Forbes wasn't exaggerating when they named it "One of the Most Unusual Restaurants in the World"—the interior looks like a 1940s hunting lodge with vintage taxidermy, mounted fish, and decades of fishing memorabilia covering every wall. But beyond the quirky decor, the food is genuinely excellent. We ate there five times during our stay: blackened mahi tacos ($13), fresh grouper sandwich ($14), gator bites ($11), and the Friday night all-you-can-eat catfish ($16) that draws locals from across Manatee County. The bar makes solid cocktails and the outdoor patio dining overlooks the river—perfect for sunset dinners.
The waterfront sites (#1-35) along the Braden River offer legitimate river views and direct access for kayaking. We launched our kayaks from the property three mornings and paddled upriver past mangroves and cypress trees, spotting manatees twice in January (peak winter season). The sites themselves are spacious width-wise with good separation under oak canopy, though length can be tight for rigs over 38 feet—our 35-foot Class C fit comfortably in site 22 with room for our Jeep, but 40+ footers should call ahead for specific site assignments.
Here's what you need to know about expectations vs. reality: This is NOT a luxury resort. The bathrooms are clean but utilitarian (think functional shower house, not spa). The pool is small (20×30 feet)—fine for cooling off but not lap swimming. Sites are grassy/gravel, not paved. WiFi works (12-18 Mbps from our site) but isn't blazing fast. What you GET for $50-80/night is river access, massive shade trees, that incredible restaurant steps from your door, and authentic Florida atmosphere that modern resorts can't replicate at any price.
The campground attracts a mix: 40% long-term snowbirds (Nov-April), 40% monthly stays, 20% short-term travelers. The long-term crowd is friendly retired couples from the Midwest who organize potlucks and share local restaurant tips—we loved chatting with a Michigan couple who'd been coming for 10 winters. Sites 40-80 near the restaurant hear some noise on Friday/Saturday nights when live music plays (6-9 PM) and the bar stays open until 11 PM, but quiet hours (10 PM) are enforced. Waterfront sites (#1-35) are 200+ yards away and hear nothing.
Bottom line: If you want luxury resort amenities, granite countertops in bathhouses, and perfect WiFi, pay $90-135/night at Horseshoe Cove or Holiday Cove. If you want authentic Old Florida with river access, killer food, friendly community, and rates that let you stay longer, Linger Lodge delivers exceptional value at $350-560/week. We're already planning a return trip for next winter.
Need an RV? Many visitors rent from Fireside RV Rental in the Bradenton area or use RVshare for peer-to-peer rentals. New to RVing? Check out our first-time RV rental guide. For more campground options nearby, explore Frog Creek RV Resort or browse our complete campground directory.
RV Sites & Pricing
Extra-Large Waterfront Site
$70-80/night
Up to 45 feet, 50/30 amp, river views, full hookups, oak tree shade
Standard Full Hookup Pull-Through
$60-70/night
Up to 40 feet, 50/30 amp, water, sewer, citrus trees
Standard Full Hookup Back-In
$50-60/night
Up to 35 feet, 30 amp, water, sewer, shaded sites
Note: Prices vary by season. Peak season (December-March) is highest. Summer rates (June-September) can be 25-35% lower. Weekly and monthly discounts available—ask when booking. Price includes WiFi, electricity, water, sewer.
Amenities & Facilities
Nearby Attractions
Anna Maria Island Beaches
12 miles • 20 min
Bradenton Downtown & Riverwalk
6 miles • 12 min
Robinson Preserve (Kayaking)
8 miles • 15 min
De Soto National Memorial
10 miles • 18 min
Manatee Viewing Center
15 miles • 25 min
Frequently Asked Questions
Real answers from our personal stay experience
Is the restaurant at Linger Lodge RV Resort actually good food or just weird taxidermy and gimmicks?
It's BOTH unusual AND good food. Yes, the restaurant is decorated with vintage taxidermy, fishing memorabilia, and quirky Old Florida decor (think stuffed gators, mounted fish, license plates)—it's like eating inside a 1940s hunting lodge. But the food is legitimately excellent: fresh grouper sandwiches ($14), blackened mahi tacos ($13), gator bites ($11), and Friday night all-you-can-eat catfish ($16) that draws locals from miles around. We ate there five times during our stay—never disappointed. The bar makes solid cocktails and has 20+ craft beers. Service is friendly and surprisingly quick given how busy it gets. It's quirky Florida charm done RIGHT—worth the visit even if you're not staying at the campground.
Will my 38-foot Class A fit comfortably at Linger Lodge RV Resort?
Your 38-footer WILL fit but 'extra-large' is relative to Old Florida standards, not modern RV resorts. The waterfront sites (#1-35 along Braden River) are spacious WIDTH-wise (good separation from neighbors under oak canopy) but some are only 40-42 feet deep—meaning a 38-foot rig leaves 2-4 feet for your truck. We managed with a 35-foot Class C and had room for our Jeep, but 40+ foot rigs might struggle. Pull-through sites (#50-80) are easier for large rigs. CALL AHEAD and specify your exact length including hitch/bumper. Sites #15-25 are roomiest for big rigs. Anything over 40 feet should request specific site assignments to avoid tight fits.
What's the catch with Linger Lodge RV Resort's lower pricing compared to other Bradenton campgrounds?
No catch—it's genuinely good value because Linger Lodge prioritizes Old Florida authenticity over luxury resort polish. The bathrooms are CLEAN but utilitarian (not spa-like). The pool is small but heated and well-maintained. Sites are grassy/gravel (not paved concrete pads). WiFi works but isn't blazing fast (12-18 Mbps). You're trading granite countertops and premium amenities for river access, shade trees, affordable rates, and that restaurant. The neighborhood is safe—rural/residential area near Braden River. If you want luxury resort vibes, pay $90-135/night at Holiday Cove or Horseshoe Cove. If you want authentic Florida with solid basics and a killer restaurant, Linger Lodge is excellent value at $350-560/week.
Can you launch kayaks directly from Linger Lodge RV Resort or do you need to drive somewhere?
You CAN launch kayaks directly from Linger Lodge—there's a designated kayak/boat launch area at the north end of the property along the river. We launched our kayaks every other morning and paddled upriver (slow current, shallow 3-5 feet, good for beginners). Saw manatees twice in January (winter season is best). Fishing is allowed from the banks and dock—freshwater species (bass, catfish, snook). Bring your own kayaks/fishing gear—NO on-site rentals but several outfitters within 5 miles rent kayaks for $30-45/day. River access is the main reason to stay here vs. inland campgrounds. If water activities aren't your priority, location isn't special otherwise.
Is Linger Lodge RV Resort a sketchy long-term trailer park or an actual RV resort?
It's a MIX—about 40% long-term snowbirds (November-April), 40% monthly stays (1-3 months), and 20% short-term travelers like us (1-2 weeks). Most long-termers are retired couples from Midwest/Northeast spending winters in Florida—not rundown trailers or sketchy characters. Sites are well-maintained regardless of stay length. The long-term crowd actually HELPS—they organize potlucks, know the best local spots, and create community atmosphere. We loved chatting with a Michigan couple who'd been coming 10 years and shared restaurant recommendations. If you want purely transient travelers, book a KOA. If you appreciate community and don't mind seeing the same faces, the mix is pleasant.
Is the pool at Linger Lodge RV Resort actually swimmable or just a small hot tub?
The pool IS small—maybe 20×30 feet—definitely not Olympic-sized. It's heated year-round (80-82°F) and clean with lounge chairs surrounding it. You can swim laps if you're alone (we did early mornings 7-8 AM), but with 4-5 people it's more 'cooling off' than serious swimming. Pool hours are 8 AM-9 PM (enforced for quiet hours). Peak busy time is 2-5 PM on sunny days. If pool size is your priority, Horseshoe Cove or Frog Creek have larger resort-style pools. Linger Lodge's pool is adequate for cooling off after kayaking or beach days but won't replace a gym pool workout.
Does WiFi at Linger Lodge RV Resort actually work for remote work?
WiFi is better than most Old Florida parks but NOT blazing fast. We tested from site 22 (waterfront) and got 12-18 Mbps download—enough for Netflix streaming and light Zoom calls (turn off video for smoother calls). Near the restaurant/office (sites 50-70) speeds reached 20+ Mbps. Peak evening hours (7-9 PM) it slowed to 8-12 Mbps. If you're working remotely full-time, invest in a cellular hotspot backup (Verizon had full bars throughout). For casual browsing and streaming, park WiFi is adequate. It's NOT fiber like modern KOAs, but it WORKS for most needs.
Does noise from the restaurant disrupt campground peace at Linger Lodge RV Resort?
Restaurant/bar noise IS audible in sites 40-80 (closest to the building), especially Friday and Saturday nights when live music plays (6-9 PM) and the bar stays open until 11 PM. We heard classic rock and chatter from site 67 but it wasn't obnoxious—more like pleasant background atmosphere. Quiet hours (10 PM) are enforced and noise drops significantly after 9 PM. Waterfront sites (#1-35) are 200+ yards from the restaurant—you hear nothing. If you're a light sleeper wanting perfect silence, request sites 1-30 along the river. If you enjoy a bit of social buzz and want to walk to dinner, sites 50-80 are convenient. Calculate: closer sites save walking 5 minutes to dinner but add ambient noise evenings.