Southwest Florida offers cabin camping options nestled among coastal communities near Boca Grande. Most camping cabins provide electric hookups and basic amenities while some feature upgraded accommodations with air conditioning and full kitchens. The region maintains a subtropical climate with average winter temperatures around 70°F and summer highs reaching into the 90s.
What to do
Nature viewing: wildlife observation at Oscar Scherer State Park where visitors can explore multiple hiking trails. "Great Florida State park. We stayed in site #22. Sites have water and electric and are dirt. Most sites are on the smaller side being shallow and narrow. Our site was great. Shaded most of day and wider," reports one camper. The park provides excellent opportunities for spotting native Florida wildlife.
Kayaking: paddling opportunities are available at Camp Venice Retreat, which offers direct river access. "Right on the river. Boat ramp awesome roomy sites. Bathrooms were clean. Nice pool. Definitely will be back," notes a visitor. The location lets cabin campers launch directly from the campground for day trips on the Myakka River.
Biking: paved trails connect several parks in the region. "The park is located about half way on 10 mile paved multi use trail-Legacy trail. This was a great trail for biking. Multiple stops along the way but mostly in full sun," shares a visitor about Oscar Scherer State Park. Bring your own bikes or inquire about rentals at the campgrounds.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many cabin rentals at Oscar Scherer State Park Campground feature natural buffers. "Most sites are surrounded by greenery so you are buffered from your neighbor," notes one reviewer. The vegetation provides a sense of seclusion even in developed camping areas.
Water access: Cabin accommodations at Palmetto Ridge Campground — Myakka River State Park provide proximity to paddling opportunities. "We did not have a problem with biting bugs until nightfall. You will enjoy biking the 7 miles of paved (flat) roads in Park. There are Rivers and lakes for kayaking/canoe and we enjoyed the fishing and paddling," explains a camper. Water activities remain accessible year-round.
Clean facilities: Camp Venice Retreat maintains well-kept bathroom facilities. "The staff is awesome, everyone was super friendly, they had clean facilities, the nature trail was awesome to take our dog on walks down," according to a visitor. Regular maintenance makes these facilities suitable for family trips.
What you should know
Limited site selection: Cabin availability varies greatly by season. "Oscar Scherer is not far from home and a great spot to visit for overnight trips or day trips! There are bike rentals I have taken advantage of, plenty of walking trails, and you can rent airboats. General store on-site as well. Walk to primitive camp sites," mentions one visitor.
Pet restrictions: Policies vary significantly between properties. Periwinkle Park prohibits pets in their cabins according to their rules, while other locations like Camp Venice Retreat welcome them.
Seasonal considerations: Summer brings higher temperatures and increased insect activity. "Good spot very clean with clean amenities. Wifi and cable access good too. Bring your bug spray. Lots of mosquitos," advises a visitor to Fort Myers-Pine Island KOA. Florida's subtropical climate means planning for heat management from June through September.
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Fort Myers-Pine Island KOA offers family-friendly cabin accommodations with natural surroundings. "This is an out of the way park. The map may show that it's close to Sanibel and Ft Meyers but it is not really by car. This place grows on you. Pine island has no beaches but does have a lot of fishing spots and great restaurants," notes a visitor. Wildlife viewing opportunities around the cabins include birds and small mammals.
Pool access: Several cabin camping locations feature swimming pools for families. "Super clean pool and helpful staff. One of the better maintained KOA campgrounds. Staff really cares and willing to do whatever it takes to help you have a great stay. There is even a hot tub!" shares a Fort Myers-Pine Island KOA visitor.
Educational programs: Some parks offer ranger-led activities and guided walks. "Located in Jasper, TN. This is a place to visit! Fair rates ($35/night) and great views. Friendly staff. Upkeep on bathrooms and showers. Very pleased with my stay here!" reports a camper about a shellmound program they attended.
Tips from RVers
Site spacing: Cabin rentals at Encore Harbor Lakes offer more room than traditional RV sites. "The resort was mixed in with full timers and mobile homes. The rvs were shoved in between these homes and permanent spots. Some houses looked fairly junky. There was no security, which is the second time I've come across that on my travels," advises one RVer, suggesting cabin rentals as a better option for space.
Check-in processes: Arrival procedures vary between parks. "Great stay. Campground had great amenities. Clean showers and bathrooms. Club house with ping pong. Very empty during this time of year. Bugs were at their peak. No complaints, easy contact less check in and check out!" notes a Fort Myers-Pine Island KOA visitor.
Length restrictions: Some cabin locations cannot accommodate large vehicles in their parking areas. "Sites are quite large and private as the campground is mature with lots of native Florida foliage. We didn't see any evidence of Raccoons or other campground mooches," reports a visitor to Myakka River State Park.
