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Best Campgrounds near Cape Coral, FL

433 Reviews

Campgrounds near Cape Coral, Florida range from established state parks to private RV resorts. Within a 30-minute drive, campers can access Koreshan State Park Campground in Estero, offering tent and RV sites with electric hookups and water. Pine Island, approximately 15 miles west of Cape Coral, hosts several campgrounds including Fort Myers-Pine Island KOA with cabin, tent, and RV accommodations. Most facilities in the region provide water and electric hookups, while fewer offer full sewer connections.

Weather and seasonal patterns significantly affect camping experiences in this subtropical region. Summer brings high temperatures, humidity, and frequent afternoon thunderstorms from June through September. "Pine Island is a small fishing community. The island has no beaches. They are about 30 minutes from the closest beach in Cape Coral, and about 45 minutes from Fort Myers Beach in Fort Myers," notes one camper about the surrounding area. Winter months (November through April) represent peak camping season with pleasant temperatures but require reservations months in advance. Many campgrounds in the area maintain waiting lists during this period as snowbirds migrate south.

The camping experience near Cape Coral emphasizes water-based recreation with access to rivers, the Gulf of Mexico, and inland waterways. Several campgrounds feature boat ramps or kayak launches, allowing campers to explore the region's extensive waterways. Wildlife viewing represents another significant attraction, with alligators, manatees, and numerous bird species common throughout the area. Cayo Costa State Park Campground, accessible only by boat, receives particularly high ratings for its pristine beaches and shelling opportunities. A camper described it as "best beach oriented camping in Florida" with "amazing" shelling where "you truly feel like you have traveled back in time." Insect protection remains essential year-round, particularly for mosquitoes and no-see-ums which are prevalent near water bodies throughout Southwest Florida.

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Best Camping Sites Near Cape Coral, Florida (136)

    1. Koreshan State Park Campground

    30 Reviews
    Estero, FL
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (239) 992-0311

    $26 / night

    "It’s hard to book a weekend at any Florida campground in season so plan ahead if you want a Florida State park. This campground has short trails to hike through beautiful bamboo forests."

    "Koreshan, as its referred to by locals…is a little gem neatly tucked away between U.S. 41, Corkscrew Rd. and the Estero River."

    2. Cayo Costa State Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    Boca Grande, FL
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (941) 964-0375

    $22 / night

    "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.  "

    "Cayo Costa is absolutely the best place for getting away from everything civilized!."

    3. Fort Myers-Pine Island KOA

    11 Reviews
    St. James City, FL
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (239) 283-2415

    "Surrounded by water. Paradise"

    "Grocery store nearby, which is really convenient. Good cell service and ok wifi. Have to drive to beach but so worth it! Super beaches and amazing water."

    4. Periwinkle Park

    10 Reviews
    Sanibel, FL
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (239) 472-1433

    $50 - $62 / night

    "Good location. However, be mindful of your location. There is an area right next to the sewage treatment facility and it stinks bad when the wind is wrong. It was wrong most of my weekend."

    "We were running close to the cut off for check in due to traffic. We called and the clerk waited for us to get there. We made it just under the wire."

    5. W.P. Franklin N

    16 Reviews
    Alva, FL
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (239) 694-8770

    $30 - $35 / night

    "**WP Franklin Campground, Alva, Florida."

    "The mosquitos are a bit much and I live in South Florida, so if I’m complaining they are out in full force in this campground, which makes it hard to sit outside at night."

    6. Encore Fort Myers Beach

    6 Reviews
    Fort Myers Beach, FL
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "Fort Myers, Sanibel, Cape Coral are all just 15 to 20 minutes drive. It has a very nice smaller pool that is a great meeting place every afternoon."

    "Super close to the beach and so much to do! Lots of attractions, shops, and restaurants!"

    7. Sun -N- Shade RV Resort

    5 Reviews
    Punta Gorda, FL
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (941) 639-5388

    "The rates were the cheapest around and the service was great. Great clean area with a pool. Local guest were very friendly as well."

    8. NOFO GROVES Getaway

    6 Reviews
    North Fort Myers, FL
    13 miles
    Website

    $50 / night

    "Very beautiful, quite and peaceful location for camping out"

    9. Seminole Campground

    6 Reviews
    North Fort Myers, FL
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (239) 543-2919

    "Bring your driving skills to this campground! With oak, palm, and pine trees all over the place you will surely need to maneuver around and in between them to get into your site."

    10. Dancing Dolphins

    5 Reviews
    Fort Myers Beach, FL
    14 miles
    +1 (847) 452-4909

    $75 - $100 / night

    "Parking was easy on brick pavers and was right next to the sandy beach. We could walk for miles in both directions. Loved it and will come back."

    "Best part you can just walk straight on down to the beach. The owner is wonderful- friendly with great communication. Yes there is recovery surrounding us, but who cares!!!"

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Recent Camping Photos near Cape Coral, FL

116 Photos of 136 Cape Coral Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Cape Coral, FL

433 Reviews of 136 Cape Coral Campgrounds

Guide to Cape Coral

Camping near Cape Coral, Florida, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a quiet getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Explore Nature Trails: Many campgrounds, like Oscar Scherer State Park Campground, have trails for hiking and biking. One visitor mentioned, "There are several trails right from the campground that we hiked."
  • Beach Access: Campgrounds such as Turtle Beach Campground are just steps away from the beach. A camper shared, "This is an all-around winner. On the beach with shells, sunsets, waves, and all that the beach has to offer."
  • Wildlife Watching: At Palmetto Ridge Campground — Myakka River State Park, you can spot alligators, deer, and various birds. One reviewer noted, "There's plenty of wildlife to be seen: Lots of birds, alligators, deer, wild turkeys."

What campers like

What you should know

  • Mosquitoes: Some campgrounds, like Collier–Seminole State Park Campground, can have a lot of mosquitoes. One camper warned, "The mosquitoes were so aggressive we got tons of bites."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A visitor at Peace River Campground noted, "If you are a traditional camper, stay away. This place is mainly for trucks and ATVs."
  • Wildlife Precautions: At Cayo Costa State Park Campground, campers should be cautious of rodents. One camper advised, "If you camp here, take precautions and know that rats will chew through any bag that contains food."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. A parent at Koreshan State Park Campground mentioned, "Kids playground. Fishing spots. Canoe and kayak rentals."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a plan for family activities. One camper at Myakka River State Park said, "We stayed at the PR section with full hookups. Site was spacious and the park even had smiling gators."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having snacks on hand can keep everyone happy. A camper at Peace River RV and Camping Resort noted, "The staff was friendly and helpful."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Thousand Trails Peace River mentioned, "Our site was very level with a concrete patio."
  • Be Prepared for Traffic Noise: Some campgrounds are near busy roads. A visitor at Lake Manatee State Park Campground said, "The only downside is the commercial drag strip not far from the park."
  • Use the Dump Station: Make sure to utilize the dump station if your site doesn’t have sewer hookups. A camper at Ortona South noted, "There are fishing docks on both sides of the Caloosahatchee."

Camping around Cape Coral has its perks and quirks. With a bit of planning, you can enjoy a great outdoor experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

What tent camping options are available near Cape Coral?

Several quality tent camping options exist within driving distance of Cape Coral. Oscar Scherer State Park Campground offers peaceful tent sites with access to hiking and biking trails, plus kayak launching points. The park provides well-maintained facilities and clean restrooms. Another excellent choice is Koreshan State Park Campground, which offers tent-friendly sites with unique historical significance. For those willing to travel a bit further, Myakka River State Park offers various tent camping options with access to wildlife viewing, hiking, and boating opportunities. Most state parks in the region require reservations, especially during peak winter season.

Are there RV parks and resorts in Cape Coral with full hookups?

Tropical Waters RV Park on nearby Pine Island offers full hookup sites for RVs in a fishing-oriented community. While not directly on the beach, it's only about 30 minutes from the closest beaches in Cape Coral and features access to numerous marinas for boating enthusiasts. Another excellent option is Encore Fort Myers Beach, located just 4 miles from the beach with convenient access to Cape Coral (15-20 minutes away). This resort features full hookups, a pool, and proximity to shopping. Both parks are strategically positioned to allow easy exploration of Cape Coral and surrounding attractions.

Where are the best campgrounds near Cape Coral, Florida?

The best campgrounds near Cape Coral offer diverse experiences based on your preferences. W.P. Franklin N, an Army Corps of Engineers campground in Alva, provides excellent facilities within 45 minutes of Gulf Coast beaches. It's particularly valued for its proximity to Fort Myers. For a more immersive natural experience, Palmetto Ridge Campground — Myakka River State Park offers comfortable cabins and access to extensive hiking, biking, and boating opportunities with abundant wildlife. Both locations are well-maintained with clean facilities and provide good bases for exploring the greater Cape Coral region.

Can you go primitive or island camping near Cape Coral?

Cayo Costa State Park Campground offers an exceptional primitive island camping experience near Cape Coral. This remote barrier island is accessible only by boat and features pristine beaches with amazing shelling opportunities. The park offers primitive tent sites and basic cabins with no electricity or running water. Bring sturdy tent stakes for the consistent coastal winds. For mainland primitive options, Horseshoe Primitive Campground in Picayune Strand State Forest provides a true wilderness experience in a diverse Florida ecosystem. Both locations require advance planning for supplies and transportation.

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