Cayo Costa State Park sits on a barrier island west of Pine Island, accessible only by boat. The island features scrub-oak forests, mangrove swamps, and nine miles of undeveloped shoreline. Winter camping (November-March) provides relief from Florida's notorious no-see-ums and mosquitoes that can be abundant during warmer months, while summer visitors should prepare for afternoon rain showers typical of southwest Florida's climate.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Year-round fishing from shorelines requires a free fishing license. Peace River Campground offers diverse fishing experiences. "You can spend the day paddeling down the river, fishing or sifting through the sediment looking for fossils from all different time periods," notes Kasey K.
Fossil hunting: Shark teeth and prehistoric remains. At Peace River Campground, visitors regularly find fossils in the river sediment. "This park seems to flood and have limited sewer sites but is a great place to find Shark teeth and other fossils," shares Paula C.
Kayak rentals: Available for $20 per half-day. Palmetto Ridge Campground offers water recreation options. "There are Rivers and lakes for kayaking/canoe and we enjoyed the fishing and paddling. The visitor center offers a lot of rentals too... from kayaks to tandem bikes," explains Travyl Couple.
What campers like
Stargazing: No light pollution for night sky viewing. Several campgrounds in the area feature dark night skies. "Stargazing is to die for...no ambient light to wash out the blackness of the night sky," Dave V. notes about camping at Cayo Costa State Park.
Private tent sites: Options for secluded camping. Koreshan State Park provides well-separated sites. "There is plenty of scrub between you and your neighbor…you may hear them, but you won't see them," Dave V. writes about Koreshan State Park Campground.
Wildlife viewing: Marine and land species throughout the area. Camping areas near Bokeelia provide numerous wildlife viewing opportunities. "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," Dave V. comments.
What you should know
Ferry schedules: Critical for island destinations. Transportation to Cayo Costa requires planning. "Remember, if you do take the ferry...know the times of arrival and departure...or you'll be staying another day," advises Dave V.
Bug protection: Essential for comfort in all seasons. Even winter camping requires insect preparation. "WHATEVER YOU DO BRING BUG PROTECTION! I brought sawyers bug lotion and 2 thermacell bug repellents and in 24 hours got 2 bug bites! Fire ants too are a big thing," Tatiana M. reports from Cayo Costa.
Wildlife safety: Alligators present in waterways. Fort Myers-Pine Island KOA and nearby campgrounds require awareness. "If you haven't done your research the Peace River is full of alligators in the spring/summer time. They didn't bother us but they also didn't seem too afraid of us either," Leslie M. cautions.
Tips for camping with families
Beach camping: Gulf access varies by location. Periwinkle Park provides family-friendly beach access. "This place is amazing. I wanted to take my kids camping with only a tent. The check-in lady was so nice. Place is very clean and every one is so friendly," shares Lisette J. about Periwinkle Park.
Facilities: Clean restrooms matter with children. Campground hygiene varies across the region. "Bathrooms are very clean...old but clean, same with the showers," Wes N. reports about Peace River Campground.
Yurt camping Bokeelia, Florida: Alternative to tent camping. For families wanting a compromise between tents and cabins, yurt camping near Bokeelia offers sturdy shelter with a camping feel. Palmetto Ridge Campground accommodates different camping preferences, with Alyssa D. noting, "Myakka is not far from home and a great spot to visit for overnight trips or day trips!"
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Size limitations exist at some campgrounds. San Carlos RV Resort & Marina offers concrete pads but maneuvering can be challenging. "Campground staff very nice campsites are great concrete slab with table. Some campsites are tricky to get into we have a 34 foot fifth wheel," Marie F. advises.
Full hookups: Available at select locations. Endless Summer RV Park provides essential services. "This small no frills campground was great for the price. Beautiful area all around but nothing fancy. Its a short drive to downtown Naples and Naples Pier/Beach which I highly recommend," shares Coral W.
Weather preparation: Summer storms affect RV camping. Southwest Florida's seasonal patterns impact camping experiences. "From June through October, it'll ordinarily rain for a short duration in the afternoon. Nothing to worry about and it cools things down," Dave V. explains about camping near Bokeelia.