Best Tent Camping near Alva, FL

Recent Tent Reviews near Alva, Florida

269 Reviews of 13 Alva Campgrounds

• 

  David I.

  Traveler

  

  May. 5, 2018

  Cayo Costa State Park Campground

  Island escape tips

  I've visited Cayo Costa about 8 times now. I have tent camped and rented cabins. The island setting presents both positives and negatives. The biggest thing to consider is how much gear you want to have to carry. Access to the island is by ferry ( Tropic Star of Pine Island) although it is possible to kayak to it from Pine Island. This would involve some open water crossing and about a 7 mile total one way trip. Another way to access via kayak would be from the southern end of Boca Grande but this passing is across a deep channel with strong current. When you arrive via ferry you will unload all your gear at the docks and move it to the tram stop area on the island. There is a check in process and the opportunity to buy ice and wood from the camp store. The camp store is small but also offers soda, candy bars, some snacks, and some basic first aid items. They use a tram to shuttle campers from the arrival area to the camping area which is on the western ( gulf side) of the island. The tram ride is about 5-10 minutes with a stop at the tent camping area and then at each cabin. Given the tram and ferry loading and unloading processes you may want to travel as lightly as you can. The tent sites are a mixed bag, some larger than others and some with decent privacy although on the whole the separation between them is not great. Teh tent sites I liked most are 11,12,and 13 primarily because they are away from the main area and have some separation. Cabin camping is a different scenario, It's easier as it demands less equipment. The cabins have three sets of bunks, each bunk has two mattress pads. So technically they sleep 6 although i'd say 4 will be much more comfortable. Each cabin has a picnic table inside it and outside. My two cabin picks would be 5 and 7. 5 has a very large "yard area" 7 is somewhat set off from the rest of the cabins. Find more details on camp sites, cabins, pricing and booking at reserve america which is the site used to book Cayo Costa camping.

  Camping on the island is wonderful. You have miles of beach with very few people and the nighttime skies are truly cosmic. The island also rents bicycles and I highly recommend doing so. There is a series of trails that run through the wooded sections of the island to explore. There are some truly great views to take in as well as an island cemetery which provides some historical contest to waht Cayo Costa was used for

  The Dyrt or inside information:

  Cayo Costa can book out as much as 6 months in advance. Plan your trip accordingly.

  Cayo Costa in January is not like Cayo Costa in July. This may seem obvious but do not underestimate bugs,particularly noseeums on this island.

  Travel light if you can. Ice & Firewood is available at the camp store.

  Tropic Star Ferry typically travels to the island every day. They will upon request bring you beer from the very limited selection at the Tropic Star marina store. The Ferry also makes a trip to nearby Cabbage Key Inn and you can get a ride there too.

• J

  Jim

  Traveler

  

  Jan. 28, 2022

  Cayo Costa State Park Campground

  Beach camping paradise

  This place is special.  Best beach oriented camping in Florida.  The shelling is amazing and you truly feel like you have traveled back in time.  We have camped there in a tent site three times in the last year.  The campground closed for several months in summer 2021 to eradicated the rodents.  It worked!  We did not see or hear one rodent when we stayed for three nights in November 2021.  If campers / visitors will keep a clean camp site and not leave food and garbage out, the rodents should stay under control.

    No problem with bugs in the dry season, but you still need some bug spray at dawn and dusk.

• V

  Vincent N.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 17, 2022

  Koreshan State Park Campground

  Great place to stay

  Koreshan is one of about 57 State parks in Fl you can camp. Ammenities are decent, showers, bathrooms, Rv-tent camping spots with elec and water, firepit and picnic table. Dump station. Kids playground. Fishing spots. Canoe and kyak rentals. And tgere is also the Historic site to tour.

• 

  Pavel T.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 23, 2018

  Riverside Camp and Retreat Center

  too expensive

  35 bucks for a tent site is somewat expensive in my book, otherwise I have nothing special to report about this campground exept that they had some kind of amish retreat goin on when I was there.

• 

  Andrea D.

  Guide

  

  May. 22, 2018

  Fisheating Creek Campground

  One stop gator shop :)

  We camped at FEC this past January 2018. We were tent camping for the long weekend. We were in a spot right on the water which was peaceful. Camping is tight in that area so if you prefer more space you may want to go to the field areas. This is a fun little campground for kids with activities and karaoke at night. We rented kayaks on Sunday. We were dropped off in the woods and kayaked through 200 gators! The only con for me is that there IS road noise from the highway.

• 

  Emily K.

  Scout

  

  Mar. 14, 2022

  Koreshan State Park Campground

  Pleasant and Interesting

  We took our 2 and 1yo boys tent camping. The sites were clean and large enough to fit our lodge style tent, boat and van. My only complaint was that I wished the campsite was a little further in away from the road…but, I don’t think any pull in spots are really going to offer that. The bathrooms were clean. We did battle with a very large raccoon on various occasions that tried to get into our trash and campfire nachos. 😅 The boat ramp was very basic, but did the job just fine. The Estero River was very cool and was an easy shot getting to the sandbars of Lovers Key State Park. The grounds of the park were also very pretty and the historic sites were interesting.

• A

  Angie S.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 7, 2018

  Peace River Campground

  Great sites by the river

  Lots of great spots right on the banks of the river. RVs are in the main campground near the pool, bathroom/showers and store. Tent sites are further back by the river. They're not marked so you just find a good one and set up camp. It is a big atv campground so expect lots of noise and mud if you go down by the one section of the river but everyone is really good at stopping at night. The restrooms/showers are old but have hot water and are clean. They usually have activities like bingo in the evenings. Close to grocery stores if you need something and the nearest town is cute.

• J

  Joseph H.

  Guide

  

  Dec. 9, 2021

  Naples-Marco Island KOA

  Very nice and laid back

  We stayed here for a week and thoroughly enjoyed it. The location is fantastic, close enough in to be 5 minutes from a super Wallmart and shopping, 25 minutes to Everglades City where we went out fishing and took an air boar tour, and is a hop skip to Marco beaches. This is your standard KOA with an upscale amenities list. The cell service and Wi-Fi were fantastic all over the site bc they have signal boosters located throughout. We are tent campers and the various tent sites seemed to be better than most. The pads were dry and flat. Each site has a table, fire pit ring, and water/ele. The sites are kinda on the steep side, but the place is nice and the owner totally believes in upgrading and maintenance, which is refreshing in this day and age. The pool facilities are super nice and the bath facilities were very clean. I will definitely be coming back to this little hide away! I give it 5 stars for its cleanliness, amenities, super friendly staff, location, and my experience staying there. We drove away with a smile on our faces and great Memories. I’m surprised there aren’t more reviews posted!

• J

  Julie M.

  Guide

  

  Jan. 16, 2022

  Fisheating Creek Campground

  A hidden gem!

  We stayed in the RV side of the campground. Arrived at 745 literally before closing. Called the office ahead to let them know we are almost there , the staff was super nice. Checked in with no issues, staff even gave us an option to checkout another site if we liked more we can take it. We stayed at out booked site. It’s very dark no lights . I wish the sites were marked with a reflective tape. Very quite and chill atmosphere. This is not a party spot. Sites are pretty roomy and you are not on top of your neighbors.Each site comes with fire-rings, full hook up (rv sites), tent sites do not have hook ups and a picnic table. The river is so beautiful in the morning filled with fog. There’s a swimming depot in the park , looks like a man made lagoon. You can rent kayak/canoe and paddle on the river. A new add on was a food truck , looks like a good menu will try next time. There’s a small preserve with a Boardwalk to explore. There’s no pool or playground. This is a no frills campground but i love it because you can disconnect,relax and view wildlife. Reception here is actually amazing. 20 mins away in Labelle there’s a bomb brewery if you wanna explore a nearby town.

• 

  Philip H.

  Traveler

  

  Mar. 30, 2021

  Fisheating Creek Campground

  Decent camping spot

  We stayed on the tent campsite near the swimming lake, site 007. The area is nice, beautiful morning views from the swimming lake and great hiking/canoeing paths with fearful encounters with gators, at one instance 5 gators in the creek just feet away while canoeing, we even hit one thinking it was a log. Now the bad... There is a train track visible across the lake, this train WILL wake you up and it passes several times a day making that obnoxious "I'm coming through" sound from the horn. There is also a main road/highway (27) that can be heard as well. I'm okay with all that (ear plugs), the main issue I had was with the neighbor campers, literally like 60 people with the loudest dj setup made for a big crowd party and lots of alcohol. These guys had lights that would light up a football field at night, couldn't sleep and couldn't even enjoy the night sky due to the lights. The problem is that the campsite is made for 10 people max, or so I thought. No, nobody there abide by the rules and there is no camp edicate. The "neighbors" would walk through my campsite and trip on my tent lines just to pee in the bushes next to my campsite because they didn't want to walk to the bathroom. The bathrooms at the primitive campsite are outhouses with no running water by the way. If you want to take a shower or wash your hands, you will have to walk (long walk) or drive to the main bathroom. I had to take a shower with a roach lurking in the corner, not upkept whatsoever. Because of the rule breaking, I had to give this review 3 stars, it would have been 4 (1 star knock off because of the bathrooms)

• 

  Dave V.

  Legend

  

  Sep. 30, 2016

  Cayo Costa State Park Campground

  Want your own island...well...here it is!

  Though Cayo Costa State Park is located in SW Florida...a bustling madhouse of northerners from Oct through May...you can still find peace and quiet.

  Most folks prefer to pay the $45 to take the ferry across the waterway between Pine Island and Cayo Costa...but I say save a few bucks...brave the power boaters, stuff your gear in dry bags, cram them into the kayak and paddle to/from the island. (The only downside is you have to leave your kayaks up on storage racks at the Cayo Costa Ranger Station).

  Take the time to plan your paddle around, between and through the barrier islands to Cayo Costa. There is some big water, that might put your panties in a bunch if you aren't use to it. With all the skirting, figure about 5 water miles...give or take. We left Pineland Marina (overnight parking was $8 for your vehicle)...paddled across to Black Key, down through Orange Pass, around Coon Key, pass between the southern point of Useppa island and Terrassee Island and stop for lunch on Cabbage Key...at none other than Cabbage Key Restaurant (where Jimmy Buffet wrote/sang of "cheeseburger in paradise"...for real!). We are talking Old Florida here. Then weave your way north a couple mles to the Cayo Costa State Park Ranger Station/Camp Store. You'll get a rickshaw type hauler to pull all your gear the nearly one mile to the other west side of the island where the tent sites and primitive cabins are.

  Remember, if you do take the ferry...know the times of arrival and departure...or you'll be staying another day.

  If you paddle...know the upcoming forecast. If weather turns poorly...you'll be nervously paddling back singing the Gilligan's Island theme song.

  Caveat: This is SW Florida...we are talking below the tropics line folks. It's hot. If you rent one of the primitive cabins (do so long in advance...) there is no electricity, so there is no AC, fans or what-have-you. If you are in a tent...its hot...suck it up and love it! Being SW Florida...on the Gulf...sand and all...you get skeeters and no-see-ums or chiggers. If there is no wind off the Gulf, sometimes you'll get small biting flies. I only add this, so you come prepared. Sawyer Permithrin Clothing spray works great...I spray it on my clothes and tent.

  Also know, that from June through October, it'll ordinarily rain for a short duration in the afternoon. Nothing to worry about and it cools things down (just kidding...it cranks up the humidity). You'll be in your swimsuit anyways...

  It seems as though you are marooned on your own little island. You'll enjoy a myriad of water birds (herons, egrets, diver ducks, anhinga, spoonbills, pelicans, sea gulls) along with osprey, bald eagles, kingfisher and kites. The beach is awesome...and sunsets like you've never enjoyed before! Stargazing is to die for...no ambient light to wash out the blackness of the night sky.

  Swim, shell, explore, fish (get a free shoreline fishing license first..ya, I know...if its free why bother...but it is the law)...it doesn't get much better than this.

• 

  Dave V.

  Legend

  

  Jan. 25, 2018

  Fisheating Creek Campground

  Ranger Review: Renogy E.Flex 10 Portable Solar Panel at Fisheating Creek Outpost and Campground, Palmdale, FL

  Campground Review: Fisheating Creek Outpost and Campground, Palmdale, FL

  At last minute, I was able to secure one of two available campsites over the phone…but even the website recommends emailing them for reservations because of an overload of phone calls. Fisheating Creek Outpost and Campground http://www.fisheatingcreekoutpost.com/ in name, may not sound appealing to most campers…but you'd never know it by the sold out sites on a daily basis.

  Securing a campsite at Fisheating Creek Outpost during the winter months, Nov-May 1, is a gamble. Weather is cooler and more predictable than summer months. Northerners migrate south like winged songbirds and usually pack out all south Florida campgrounds during winter months… and this particular campground is popular with the locals.

  Fisheating Creek Outpost and Campground is only 1.5 hours NE from me, and affords some variety, for a Florida campground. Unbeknownst to me Cub Scout Pack 141 from West Palm was holding their annual jamboree campout at Fisheating Creek the first weekend I camped. So there were throngs of youngsters, but still plenty of space here not to feel crowded…and they were having a great time.

  I should interject that September 2017 Hurrican Irma did a number on this area, along with the actual creek water rising ten feet. So the staff and volunteers are doing a remarkable job under the circumstances to return this campground to a state of normalcy. Speaking of staff, Stephanie at registration and Ryan at the boat livery were extremely helpful, informative and polite. I have found young people from this area of Florida extraordinarily polite and respectful.

  The office, on the right when you first cross the RR tracks and enter the campground, which is on elevated stilts had two foot of water running through it during the Hurricane, so they temporarily conduct business out of a tent at the entrance until renovated. Staff and volunteer crews have worked tirelessly to make the campground and creek usable, clean and debris free.

  One must realize this is south central Florida, so expect gators, wild hogs, and snakes. With as much activity that abounds at the campground, you'll likely not see them in the campground, as much as you will see them directly outside of it. Prepare for mosquitos…though I only dealt with mosquitos for about 15 minutes at sunset and my tent site was on the river.

  Fisheating Creek is the draw. There is a livery connected with the Outpost/Campground where you can either rent kayaks or canoes to paddle upstream or you can opt to reserve a spot on the shuttle to drop you 8 or 16 miles upstream for a fee. http://www.fisheatingcreekoutpost.com/showpage.asp?page=rates#canoes Float time downstream for 8 miles is roughly four hours.

  The shuttle fee was excessive, for my budget, so I chose to paddle upstream from my campsite. It should be noted, that non-campers can use the Outpost livery or put-in for a mere $2 per person. Actual boat rental prices are reasonable.

  The paddle upstream is pleasant in a kayak, and not burdensome as Fisheating Creek was not flowing swiftly…around 3.5 ft. Families in laden canoes were paddling upstream without much difficulty even with a deeper draft. Blue blazes on Cypress trees mark the way as it is mostly narrow and twisty. During rainy season and higher water levels, you will need the blazes to find your way through the Cypress maze. Occasional paddle placards with a directional arrow are also posted. Fisheating Creek is wild, no doubt about it. Swimming is discouraged, as it is a dark tannin color and loaded with alligators. Passing paddlers that started 8 miles upstream stopped counting after 100, which is commonplace in these parts. Gators range in size from one to fourteen footers. I counted a couple dozen on each of my paddles upstream. Fortunately, it is illegal to feed alligators, and most people abide by the rules, so they are still wary and scoot upon close approach. Of course, none of this dissauded the Cub Scouts from their maritime fun, as they found a riverside rope swing that launched them into the dark depths. Reminder: Always check the Fisheating Creek water level website before planning a trip, if you are hopeful for a pleasurable paddle.http://www.fisheatingcreekoutpost.com/showpage.asp?page=waterlevels

  Herons, egrets, wood stork, roseate spoonbills, ibis, pileated woodpeckers, osprey, buzzards and wood duck are plentiful and noisy when disturbed by your presence.

  January 2018, the waters have only recently receded, so hiking trails were still quite swampy. Doable if you wear muck boots or water shoes. Part of the trails parallel along the creek.

  Amenities: The campground is somewhat separated into two sections, the RV/Camper area is to the right and has its own loop, separate shower house/restroom with screened in pavilion area…and has more grassy area. The tent only area continues left past the livery and into a wooded, shaded area along the creek. The tent only area also has its own shower house/restroom. Both of which are dated, but clean.

  There is a third camping area on the north end of the property around the western side of the swimming pond, where they do permit swimming. This area has a pavilion, picnic tables at campsites and separate tables for "day use" visitors…and a newer pit latrine. Campsites in this loop are also quite shaded.

  None of the campsites offer much in the way of privacy. Sites above 60 provide more foliage between sites. At site 63, I was a distance from the showerhouse, but the campground positioned a Porta-potty in our loop.

  Alternative: If you desired, you could bring your kayak or canoe (or rent one), either pay for the upstream shuttle or paddle upstream and camp along the river at any "high and dry" spot. The cost to park your vehicle at the campground is only $2 per individual…and it costs nothing to paddle upstream and camp with your own gear. Plenty of elevated sandy beach areas to tent camp and more where you can hammock. Although, I would not recommend ground sleeping without a tent, nor hammocking overnight without netting. I spoke with several parties camped upstream along the river. Realize, this is a wild river…"there are things that go bump in the night."

  Be forewarned…because Fishingeating Creek Oupost and Campground are located on Rt.27 and 8/10th's of a mile north of Rt.29, the campground is within earshot of highway traffic noise. Ear plugs eliminate that noise, but I prefer hearing the sounds of nature during the night, particularly the bull alligator's roar.

  Product Review: Renogy E.Flex 10 Folding Solar Panel with USB

  The Renogy E.Flex 10 Folding Solar Panel with USB https://www.renogy.com/renogy-e-flex10-portable-solar-panel-with-usb-port/ arrived in a smal but smartly packaged box. The panels were folded and couched in protective foam cutouts. Beneath the panels were two small 1.85" aluminum carabiners and four 1.25" suction cups and a bifold instruction pamplet.

  The technical information can be easily acquired from Renogy.com website: https://www.renogy.com/renogy-e-flex10-portable-solar-panel-with-usb-port/#tab_prd-specs but for quick reference…folded it measures 10.3"x6.3"x0.16", unfolded: 13.4"x10.3"x0.08"

  By way of comparison, my only other solar panel experience is with a major competitor that is attached to my Gregory Baltoro GZ 75 pack. So this review will from a layman's perspective and neither technical nor exhaustive.

  As a product reviewer for TheDyrt, I am honored to receive products for testing and evaluation at substantial discounts or no cost at all…and such is the case with the Renogy E.Flex 10 Folding Solar Panel with USB.

  First look: When handling the E.Flex 10, if feels sturdy and appears durable even though it is wafer thin. There is no "flex" in the panels themselves, but rather in the "binder-style" fabric-covered plastic hinge between the two panels, so it can be folded book-like. The four cutout corner tabs have some flexibility in the material as well.

  The exterior fabric on the solar panel side has a rubbery texture, whereas the opposite or outside has an oxford cloth.

  I found the solar panel grid side to repel water…beading up and dripping off. The obvious weak link in the weatherproofing is the USB port. Keeping that in mind, if attaching to the exterior of your pack…keep USB port side facing downward to minimize water collection should you get caught in an unexpected cloudburst.

  Attaching the Renogy E.Flex 10 to my kayak worked sufficiently well with the included carabiners. If my bow deck was wider, I would have experimented with the suction cups. Remember surfaces must be smooth and clean to adhere and hold securely. Salt brine residue on the bow deck also negatively effected the suction cups.

  In additon to attaching the Renogy E.Flex 10 to my backpack and my kayak, I experimented by attaching it to the an interior house window, a tinted vehicle window and inside my lanai screening (which has a claimed 50 SPF). In SW Florida, we get ample blue sky, sun-filled days…so I was able to use the solar panels daily.

  In my unscientific, non-technical testing fashion…I used a 4,000 mAh lithium ion battery power stick. In sustained direct sunlight, the E.Flex 10 took 3.5 hours to fully charge the power stick (which would roughly charge my smartphone two times).

  My house windows are not tinted so charges times were uneffected. The lanai screen SPF claims must be inaccurate as similar charge times were observed. Only the heavily tinited auto glass substantially increased charge times.

  When stationary and connecting the E.Flex 10 Folding Solar Panels directly to my smartphone, while using search engines and keeping three windows open, my phone continued to slowly charge. Note: with cloud coverage or intermittent shade when directly connected to the smartphone, a screen prompt pops up…"This accessory might not be supported" and offers a "Dismiss" tab. This is part of the Smart Auto-Optimization charging…which initially reduces charging (with shade) but permits the charger to return to the full solar power flow without the necessity to unplug and plug the device. Apparently, this is a feature some solar panels do not offer…so charging remains seamless.

  In comparison, I found no difference in charge times between the Renogy E.Flex 10 and my GZ. To be fair, the dimensions of the E.Flex 10 were slightly larger…which could potentially impact that finding.

  Durability: Time and continued use will tell. I've only used the E.Flex 10 for a month but it appears like it should hold up. However, I have obswerved a small pucker in the fabric on the binding, where the oxford cloth has separated from the plastic "hinge." Cause for concern? Probably not, but we will see.

  Parting Shots: Perhaps I'm being picky, but I believe replacing the two aluminum carabiners with four Nite-Ize "S" carabiners, along with a weather resistant USB port or connector, and an optional USB daisy chain to connect two or more E.Flex 10's together so I could utilize a laptop or iPad in the backcountry would elevate the value and usefulness of the Renogy E.Flex 10.

  Did I like it? Absolutely. It's simple to use and effective.

  Would I invest in one? Yes. For $59.99 factory direct…it's a bargain!

• 

  Jeanene A.

  Legend

  

  Jun. 9, 2017

  Cayo Costa State Park Campground

  Best Island Camping in Florida

  Want to avoid the crowds and have a heavenly beach camping experience? Cayo Costa is absolutely the best place for getting away from everything civilized!. They offer primitive camping only, bring your tent and good stakes as the wind is steady there) or rent a cabin (there are 12 of them - no a/c - no sleeps 6 - single stacked wooden bunks - no padding) and reachable only by ferry (must reserve ahead) or private boat. There are showers and restrooms but no sinks for washing dishes and you are asked to take everything you bring on the island off with you.

  Can you say dark... make sure you bring flashlights and headlamps because this place is DARK at night!

  No phone signals and no electricity so leave your cell phones at home unless you have a charging block and want to use to take photos. Easiest way to get there is by ferry, they will haul your camping gear and even your kayak if you reserve in advance.There are carts available to load your gear in to get it off the dock from the ferry (but you may have to wait in line to use), and a golf cart/tram or truck will take you back to the camping area.During the day the beach is busy during summer break, but many folks come out for the day only. The island is fun to explore - "At one time approximately 20 fishing families lived on Cayo Costa in the early 1900s, where they established a school, a post office and a grocery store." per the state park website

  The 9 miles of beach is great! Nice and shallow for a bit (on parts of the beach) but the shelling is awesome. Lots of different shells and sharks teeth from many varieties of sharks . Usually you are able to purchase wood for fires at the ranger station. Bring all of your food and WATER. Also pack lots of bug spray for no-see-ums and mosquitos, Sunblock, Sunglasses and a hat - you will be glad you did as the reflection off the water can be brutal..You are pretty much on your own out there after the last ferry leaves for the day, enjoy a moonlit walk on the beach or an amazing sunset.

  One of our top 5 favorite camps in Florida!

• 

  Dave V.

  Legend

  

  Mar. 21, 2018

  W.P. Franklin N

  What you see is what you get...

  WP Franklin Campground, Alva, Florida. Army Corp of Engineers Lock

  WP Franklin Campground is located fairly close to Fort Myers, FL (west on Rt.80) so you are within 45 minutes to the Gulf Coast beaches (during off-season) and much, much longer during winter months. However, if you enjoy paddling or boating…you are there! Short distance hiking is closeby, as well as MTB trails.

  I will begin with the positives…

  •Wonderfully nice hosts

  •Impeccably clean grounds, sites, docks, restrooms

  •Manicured grassy areas

  •On its own boomerang-shaped river island

  •Boater's/Fisherman's paradise

  •Charcoal grill ridiculously spotless…along with the fire pit…spaciously situated on clean, raked pea gravel

  •Covered picnic table

  •Long, level concrete parking pad, angled for back-in

  •Water hookups/Electric at every site

  •7/8 of all sites are on the river

  •Mature, quiet crowd

  •Several boat camper docks with electric/water

  •Relatively close to Gulf Coast beaches, shopping and nightlife

  •Regional park nearby offers trails (but was affected by hurricane Irma)

  •Regional mountain bike trails nearby

  •Water is ten feet from your site…slide your paddle craft in and go…or back your power craft down a ramp in the center of the campground

  •Multiple docks, shoreline and locks to fish from

  The not so positives for tent campers…

  •Absolutely no privacy…at all. Palm trees are lovely but offer no barrier between neighbors

  •Small campground…no trails…just surrounding water

  •Literally on top of your neighbor

  •No need for a nightlight. All night Streetlights penetrate tent walls/fly

  •Noisy! Air traffic from RSW is nonstop, road traffic from Rt 78 and/or Rt 80 seemed nonstop (and technically it's not season yet), yappy lap dogs

  •Expensive for no amenities at $30 a night

  •Tent is 4ft. from campground roadway…sounds/feels like vehicles are in the tent with you as they pass

  •Staying at site 27, overflow parking is ten feet away…more noise

  •Prepare for mosquitos and chiggers (not bad, but just bring your repellent)

  I continue to try local Campgrounds in SW Florida…so this is an attempt to see what my state has to offer. I ordinarily seek out the solitude of faraway mountain states and more rustic/primitive/backcountry camping options. This was akin to sleeping in my backyard…correction…my yard is far quieter and less busy…offering more privacy

  For the RV/Camper set…this must be popular and enjoyable, even though I wasn't contented. If you are an RV/Camper…and bring your toys…using this as a base camp to launch activities…there are plenty of areas nearby to explore and enjoy the wild…on land and water!

  This is purely personal, based on what I like and dislike when I desire to visit campgrounds. I will not return, but only because I am not an RV/Camper type of person.. Plenty of reviewers give this Campground five stars, so take my comments for what they're worth. Regardless, bring your earplugs, noise cancelling headphones or heavily insulated RV/camper…or revel in the noise.

  Tomorrow is another day and another Campground!

• 

  Robert P.

  Guide

  

  Apr. 15, 2022

  Caloosahatchee Regional Park

  A real Gem

  No, you can't drive to your site, but really good carts are available to help you with the load, so no RV,s at the campground. The sites are generous with firepits and BBQ's on them and are well shaded. There is a fire ban on at the moment although they will allow charcoal. This is Easter Weekend and I'm surprised it's this quiet. The toilets are clean and there are plenty of rustic shower facilities. $15 a night, but it is primitive, sort of, no electric or running water on the sites. Alva is only 10 minutes away and La belle and Ft Myers Shores are within easy reach if you need supplies. Will I come back....you bet!!!

• 

  Roger W.

  Legend

  

  Dec. 8, 2023

  W.P. Franklin N

  Water Views Galore

  Franklin WP North ACE Campground in : Alva,FL - We stayed at Ortona and drove here to check this campground out while returning from Fort Meyers. It looks like it would be difficult to be disappointed with a stay here. (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good

  (70 yr olds in 17’ trailer. Our rating of a campground is influenced by the following: The general ambiance- sort of wilderness feel the campground gives us. A selection of campsites which offer some visual privacy and/or view. Cleanliness of whatever type of the campsite and whatever facilities are offered is important and usually noted in my review.

  Overall Rating: 4 as almost all sites on the water Price 2023: $ 15 w interagency pass Usage during visit: Full Site Privacy: None Site Spacing: Close Site surface: Concrete Reservations: Yes Campground Noise: Quiet Road Noise: Not near enough to major road Through Traffic in campground: None Electric Hookup: Yes Sewer Hookup. No Dump Station:
  Potable Water Available: At site Bathroom: Clean and flush toilets.
  Showers: Double curtain- nicer than Ortona .
  Pull Throughs: Yes Cell Service (AT&T): 3 bars Setting: Both sides are on water. Weather: 72 and sunny Bugs: None during the day Host: On site Rig size: Large rigs Sites: Best sites are 8 and 10 , 26, The only sites not on the water are: 19,20, 21

• 

  Liz J.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 11, 2021

  Fisheating Creek Campground

  Fisheating Creek

  A very beautiful place to see natural Florida. Lots of camping spots for both tents and RV's. They even have a floating cabin. Good facilities, great staff, hiking, biking and swimming. Canoe and kayak rentals or bring your own. There are different paddling trips to choose from. I always enjoy this place.

• 

  Matthew B.

  Scout

  

  Feb. 17, 2025

  Wildcow Campground

  Secluded site with hiking trails a driving distance away

  It is a lovely secluded primitive campsite with all the advertised amenities. Very good view of the night sky for South Florida. The grass was fairly overgrown so we couldn't walk off the trails much. Ground was very dry as it hadn't rained in over a week and it was the middle of the dry season. Easily fit 4 tents at the site, 2 of which were on the raised platforms. Bugs were quite mild for a swampy South Florida location; citronella candles and the campfire did a good job of keeping them at bay. Saw some gators and spotted gar hanging at the culvert near the gate.

• 

  Dave V.

  Legend

  

  May. 28, 2019

  Horseshoe Primitive Campground in Picayune Strand State Forest

  RANGER REVIEW: GREGORY ZULU 35L BACKPACK AT PICAYUNE STRAND STATE FOREST

  RANGER REVIEW: GREGORY ZULU 35 BACKPACK AT PICAYUNE STRAND STATE FOREST-HORSESHOE CAMPGROUND

  CAMPGROUND REVIEW: Florida offers very diverse camping opportunities throughout the state. Not many states can offer year-round camping along lakes, rivers, oceans, swamps, undulating terrain to pancake flat, grasslands, sugar sand to elevated chickee huts. Camping in Florida is not for the faint of heart, but for the adventurous...much like any state. However, in Florida, you may encounter crawling or slithering reptiles and spinning spiders in various shapes and sizes, non-venomous and otherwise...gators or saltwater crocs...otters, manatee or sharks...wild hog, bear, bobcat or relocated panther.  In the fairly young Picayune Strand State Forest many of these reside. Most are shy and elusive, rarely to be seen...but they are present. Many wrongly assume the voracious and plentiful mosquito is the state bird...not so much...but come prepared with repellant any time of year.

  Almost comically, Picayune Strand State Forest (https://www.freshfromflorida.com/Divisions-Offices/Florida-Forest-Service/Our-Forests/State-Forests/Picayune-Strand-State-Forest) was the location where the 1950's phrase has its origination..."If you believe that, I've got some swamp land in Florida to sell you." Land developers laid flat the land southeast of the city of Naples, put a grid of sandy roads in and flew prospective buyers in helicopters above the land during the dry winter months to sell them on the dream of cheap prime SW Florida real estate. Problem is...this land is all part of the Everglade watershed and is under a few feet of water every year from June through November, once the rainy season begins June 1. Some bought, but very few built...so to return the sheet flow back to its original state...the State began purchasing land back through eminent domain from the mid-1980's until a remaining parcel was purchased in the mid-1990's when the Picayune Strand State Forest was named. The man-made pump-regulated canals are being blocked to allow the natural sheet flow to reclaim much of this area.

  Unilike many State Forests, while you can hike and bicycle the roads and trails throughout Picayune Strand, you cannot camp wherever you like. Horseshoe Campground https://floridastateforests.reserveamerica.com/camping/horseshoe-primitive-campground/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=FLFS&parkId=1120199 is located on the north end of the State Forest, which travels on the south side of Alligator Alley (Interstate 75) as it turns and slices across the Everglades to Miami.

  Horseshoe Campground is a small parcel of high ground carved out of the swamp scrub. The grounds are well-maintained and clean. I found Ranger Reid, in the Ranger office, to be very friendly and helpful. He even offered a highlight that a panther, the night before my arrival, was chasing some deer about 300 yards west of the campgrounds.

  KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:

  ⦁ No potable water (bring all the water you need)

  ⦁ No Electricity (None, zero, zilch...plenty of sunshine for solar chargers though)

  ⦁ No Showers (I'd also advise against swimming in any water nearby)

  ⦁ No waste recepticles (Carry out what you bring in)

  ⦁ No Internet offered (Adequate cell service is available)

  ⦁ Open fires permitted in designated camping areas, in fire rings, unless posted

  ⦁ Two portable pit latrines enclosed within wood fence enclosures

  ⦁ Prepare for mosquitos year round

  ⦁ Don't forget your sunscreen

  Reservations can be made through Reserve America's website. Or you can chose to utilize one of the six (6) walk-up sites. Actually, I liked the added feature of the two tarp poles (or hammock poles) on the non-reservable walk-up sites. Between mid-November and April, it does not rain often, so its of no real advantage...unless you utilize a hammock. But from mid-May to mid-November, you are likely to experience some heavy downpours each afternoon...so sturdy tarp poles would be appreciated.

  Each site is grass covered, has one fire ring and one picnic table.

  Can't beat the pricing...$10 a night.

  True to its name, Horseshoe Campground offers paddocks for the horses and ample room for horse trailers. The Equestrian Group Camping area also has picnic tables, some grills and a pavilion. Horses must be picked up after in the campground, just like dogs.

  I saw one pop-up camper during my stay. I imagine you could back in a larger RV, but there is no gravel or concrete pad...and the grass is on a sugar sand base. So plan accordingly.

  Several trails leave the campground from the northwest corner. Adequately marked and all are sandy. If you choose to ride a bicycle on the trails or gravel roads, you'll want the largest tires possible to have both comfort and control. You can drive to other trails, such as the3.2 mile Sabal Palm trail...though during the height of the rainy season, the back road there will likely be impassable.

  Wildlife abounds and birding is huge during winter migratory months. You are also likely to see the nesting pair of bald eagles, gopher tortoise, wood stork, eastern indigo snake, red cockaded woodpecker, osprey, red-shouldered hawk, kites, and a myriad of wading birds.

  Numerous activities are nearby, whether you want to take in an Airboat Everglade tour, Shark Valley National Park, kayaking, canoeing throughout the Big Cypress Basin. Gulf Coast beaches are an hour away...either in Marco Island, Naples, Bonita Springs or Fort Myers Beach.

  Bike racers convene on Picayune Strand every May for the 50 mile Tour de Picayune https://tourdepicayune.org/.

  PRODUCT REVIEW: NEW GREGORY ZULU 35 BACKPACK

  Gregory Mountain Products have really stepped up their game in recent years! Not that they’ve been a slouch...Gregory Packs have long been synonymous with easing heavy loads, durability and comfort. Here's a look at Gregory's New Zulu 35 backpack https://www.gregorypacks.com/packs-bags/day-packs/zulu-35-1115ZUL35.html?dwvar\_1115ZUL35\_color=Fiery%20Red&cgidmaster=packs-day-packs#start=1 As a TheDyrt.com review Ranger, I have opportunity to review gear at no cost or substantially discounted pricing, as was the case with Gregory's New Zulu 35.

  PROS:

  •Featherweight 

  •Breathable/Airflow

  •Comfortable 

  CONS:

  •Very limited pole loop and bungee

  First and foremost, Gregory's Zulu 35 prolific use of breathable cutouts in the hip-belt and shoulder strap padding, coupled with the large holed mesh liners elevate airflow to new levels. The taut mesh back panel creates ample space between the pack body and the wearer’s back resulting in more airflow. Greater airflow, greater comfort. A thinner aluminum loop outlined the back panel for pack support and stability.

  The Hip Belt: All hip-belts are not created equal. The Zulu 35 is a huge departure from previous Gregory models. The 3D Comfort Cradle was created to eliminate hotspots. Absent is the lower lumbar padding, thick hip bone padding and swivel...present is the FreeFloat ventilated suspension system. Hip-belt bellow pockets are cavernous in comparison to former Gregory models...8” zippers offer plenty of room for current smartphones, even when housed in protective cases. The pocket bellows 1.5” at the top and 2” at the bottom...and is nearly 11” from front to rear. Both pockets are coated nylon packcloth in contrast Gregory’s former generation Baltoro with one waterproof pocket and first generation Paragon packs that offered one of the pockets in a light breathable fabric. Note: Cram too many hard edged or lumpy items in those pockets and you may feel them through the ‘foam cutout’ areas.

  Shoulder Straps: They may not be thinner, but they feel thinner... amply comfortable. Adjustment for size is a snap...well, actually more of a pull. Slide a hand down and separate the hook-n-loop and adjust to your desired height (marked in 1” increments). The chest strap slides along 9” integrated piping making the perfect placement simple. At 6'0," and with my torso length, I felt I was at the very top end of the adjustment.The logo’d QuickStow eyewear band and elastic keeper strap adorns the left shoulder strap simplifying sunglass storage. The right chest strap incorporates a hydration hose retention hook...but the coolest is the chest strap buckle now has an integrated high shrill whistle! How cool is that?! Buckle coloration has changed too. Male end is a dark gray, female end a light gray.

  Pack Body: The main body is a lightweight coated, nylon pack cloth shell with lightweight stretch fabric ambidextrous 8”x 6” deep waterbottle/storage sleeves and a 12” x 7” deep breathable stretch fabric exterior rear stash pocket with adjustable top buckle. Two compression straps on each side help keep the load stable. The Zulu 35 offers one large compartment with a top load cinch opening and a U shaped 40” zipper allows easy access to entire main pack contents. Absent is an unnecessary bottom zipper. The top load offers a 34” circumference so no worries about restrictions. The main body interior supplies a protective hydration sleeve along with both a Gregory hydration pack specific SpeedClip snap hook and also a nylon loop for other brands. Trekking/ski pole or ice axe loop (adjustable!) and cinch bungee are intended to keep items secure. (*I found the combo for attaching my poles to be rather ineffective, as the bungee, even cinched tightly, did not prevent my poles from swinging metronome style at the top, which you can see from my pics).  All pack zippers include molded Comfort Grip nylon loops for easy pulling.

  Pack Hood: The hood has one outer and one inner zippered pocket. The outer pocket will hold ample ancillary items, whereas the inner pocket is intended as a dedicated “labeled” Rain Cover storage pocket. But stuffing the Rain Cover into the main body stretch stuff pocket or water bottle/storage sleeve frees up an additional zippered pocket. Two small web lash loops on the outside of the hood are nice for securing solar panels or carabiners for hanging your Tentlab Deuce shovel.

  **Final Thoughts: ** Born a skeptic, things are rarely as advertised but the New Gregory Zulu 35 is the real deal. Until now, I loved my overly padded hip belts, shoulder straps and back panels of yesterday’s packs...but the Zulu 35’s comfort level was astounding, catching me totally off guard. Granted, I was only hauling 30lbs, but it was ‘out of sight-out of mind.’ The purposefully engineered breathable mesh and cut-outs worked...in blazing sun and 89 degrees, I was comfortable. I usually haul heavy loads (55-65lbs) for long treks...but I was able to pack enough in the Zulu 35 for four days worth and still had room. Apart from the ineffective bungee cinch/adjustable loop for poles...it is nearly perfect! In the future, I’ll just stick my trekking poles (upside down) in the side pocket and cinch ‘em down with the side compression straps with my tent poles. Problem solved.

  Overall Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

  **Stats: **

  Size: Gregory Zulu 35 (Med/Lg)

  Capacity: 35 liters/2136 cu in

  Pack Weight: 2.89

  Recommended Maximum carry weight: 35 lbs

  Reviewer: 6’0/185, 21” torso 

  Price Point:  $169.95

• 

  Ian R.

  Guide

  

  Mar. 29, 2023

  Moore Haven KOA

  Not the worst but... close

  If you want something in the middle of nowhere with nothing to do, please go here.  They have some nice sites and some beautiful vistas but, they have LOTS of problems.  If you need to be in South Florida and can't find another site, this works as a campground of last resort but, it's LAST resort which is how we ended up there for 2 months.  

  The staff TRIES but, there is little support to keeping the place up-kept.  Staff keeps abandoning and leaving the place for brighter pastures even skipping out without notice due to the retribution of management.

  This team owns and manages several KOA in south Florida and this location needs to lose it's KOA affiliation due to lack of amenities.

  On the positive side, when we thought we wouldn't fit in our next stop at Everglades National Park, they bent over backwards to make sure we didn't have to move our site.  Our campsite was huge but, we could not put up our tent, screen room or EZ-UP. 

  Most campers were looking to leave while we were there this winter.

• 

  Roger W.

  Legend

  

  Jan. 30, 2024

  Wildcow Campground

  Remote 1.9 M Past Locked Gate w code

  Wildcow Group Campground in , Okaloacoochee FL State Forest: gate is locked 1.9 miles from the campground. Accessible by vehicle. Gate code is available, I am told . CG is located at the end of the road. This is primitive camping, tent only. This is a nice campground with two picnic tables, one grill, two elevated tent pads. Looks like a horse trail/old road begins at the end of the campground. Currently covered w long grass. I do not know how long this road is. (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good

  (70 yr olds in 17’ trailer. .

  Overall Rating: 4.5 for a nice remote group camp experience. Hiking trail is overgrown with grass. Due to a rainy dry season, probably. Price 2023: $ 20 per night Security: Locked gate Usage during visit: empty Site Privacy: 2 elevated tent pads, have a semi shrub barrier. Two other areas tents could’ve pitched Site Spacing: adequate. Site surface: Wooden tent pads Reservations: Required Campground Noise: Very, very quiet Road Noise: none. Through Traffic in campground: at the end of the Electric Hookup: no Sewer Hookup: no Dump Station: no none Potable Water Available: hand pump Generators: No posting denying use Bathroom: none Showers: no Cell Service (AT&T): 1 to 2 bars. Setting: Wong, Pine Forest, oak trees, and palm trees Recent Weather: unseasonably cool Solar: not at the camp site. Could set up panels on road. Plenty of sunlight there. Host: no. Rig Size: I would think a small trailer or easily a van could park next to the one tent pads. Sites: two sites total. With raised wooden platform. One or two spots where tents can be pitched on the ground.

• 

  Hannah V.

  Ranger

  

  Oct. 17, 2018

  Koreshan State Park Campground

  Nice Camping for the Area

  The campground located inside the historical state park has a total of 54 sites, 39 are RV or tent, 3 only RV, and 12 Tent only. There is a bath house on the inside loop of the sites, it has hot showers and flush toilets. Each site has electrical hookup, with picnic tables, fire pit, and utility pole. Each site has good foliage and privacy from other sites. The park has water fountains and water faucets for portable water. Each site has a gravel drive and sandy/grassy area for tents, no tent pads. It is also pet friendly. Two sites I have stayed at are 020 and 009, both are large sites with lots of privacy from neighbors. From October-April it is fairly busy, and availability is scarce, so planning a head is usually necessary to get the site you want. It is $26 a night with a $6.70 nonrefundable reservation fee, reservation is on the park website.

  This state park is part of a Historical Settlement of a religious group that built this particular settlement in 1893, there are lots of buildings still preserved and available for you to walk through. A couple short and nice trails, some along the Estero river. Kayaking and fishing are also permitted.

• 

  Hunter P.

  Scout

  

  Apr. 23, 2018

  Fisheating Creek Campground

  Awesome Family Trip

  We gathered our large family with relatives and wemt up to Fisheating Creek for a camping weekend. We have been previously and loved the more secluded camping spots. There was plenty of room in the site for us to spread out while being surrounded by nature. They have a decent amount of amenaties for both tent and rv camping, though we usually stick to the tent areas, so I cant really speak to the rv zone. Many of the sites are grouped in large clearing and connected to their neighbor sites, but we chose the hike in sites right against the river bank. We fished, rented kayaks and played outdoor games, with an evening of marshmallow roasting to finish. It was beautiful, peaceful and excellent, we will return again!

• G

  Greg R.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 26, 2022

  Flying A Primitive Campsite - Myakka State Park

  Flying camp

  Not a very welcoming place for tent campers. Seems like they will be catering more to Glamper's and RV's which is a shame !!!

• J

  Jess

  Traveler

  

  Feb. 8, 2024

  The Bohemian Hideaway

  Awesome spot

  We had a great time at this private camp spot in their GlamPing tent . We fished all day right from our site and took advantage of the extra rentals they had , kayaks and outdoor movie. Will def be back again to stay in the converted bus!

• L

  Lisette J.

  Scout

  

  May. 16, 2021

  Periwinkle Park

  Amazing!!

  This place is amazing. I wanted to take my kids camping with only a tent. I called the day before and made reservations for the next day. The check-in lady was so nice. Place is very clean and every one is so friendly. We loved it and we definitely will be coming back.

• P

  Patrick S.

  Scout

  

  Mar. 31, 2019

  Riverside Camp and Retreat Center

  Beautiful "old Florida" park

  All rv. Did not see any tents. Stayed here two weeks and could not find anything to gripe about. Well maintained. Outstanding pool. Away from hustle of Ft. Myers. Bathrooms very clean with best showers I've ever encountered camping. Great wi-fi. No cable but get many channels on hd antennae. Super areas to walk dogs. Very pleasant experience. Most sites shaded. A little expensive at close to $70/night. Approx. $450/week.