Tent camping near Englewood, Florida offers a diverse camping experience with sites ranging from riverside locations to primitive wilderness areas. Florida's subtropical climate makes fall through spring the most comfortable seasons for camping, with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F with high humidity. Water access defines many campsites in this coastal region, providing opportunities for paddling, fossil hunting, and wildlife viewing.
What to do
Beach exploration: At Cayo Costa State Park Campground, visitors can enjoy miles of shoreline with limited crowds. "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," notes David I.
Fossil hunting: Searching for shark teeth is popular at many campsites in the region. At Oak Hill Campground, "Make sure you get a shovel and sleuth to find some shark teeth. We found over 100 just at the campsite alone," reports Deven R.
Backcountry hiking: For wilderness experiences, Myakka River State Park offers remote hiking trails. "Took 5 days to go backpacking in Myakka State Park, which is an awesome park!! The hike there alternated landscapes- prairies, swamps, foresty- so during certain areas it was very bleak and boring, but that's apart of it!" shares Alacyn B.
Wildlife observation: The area provides opportunities to spot native Florida species. "This park is epic, at the entrance are there is a huge bouldering rock as well which is fun. Outside of the beauty and trails there are Florida's wildest animals. Panthers, hogs and alligators," writes Jennifer T. about Myakka's primitive grounds.
What campers like
Island isolation: Cayo Costa State Park provides a true remote experience. "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," recommends Jeanene A.
Stargazing opportunities: Clear night skies are frequently mentioned in reviews. "Can you say dark... make sure you bring flashlights and headlamps because this place is DARK at night!" advises Jeanene A. about Cayo Costa.
Water access: Many campsites are situated near waterways for easy paddling access. At Caloosahatchee Regional Park, "Plenty of carts to move your gear and none of the sites are far from the parking lot. I would definitely recommend this place. Biking, fishing, hiking and camping, nothing better. If you're looking for fish and have a kayak, Telegraph creek is 3 miles away and full of fish and Alligators," reports Paul W.
Well-maintained facilities: Despite being primitive, many campgrounds have clean facilities. "The campsites are CLEAN. The bathrooms are brand new," mentions Tatiana M. about her Cayo Costa experience.
What you should know
Transportation logistics: Several campgrounds require special transportation arrangements. At The Bohemian Hideaway, visitors "fished all day right from our site and took advantage of the extra rentals they had, kayaks and outdoor movie," according to Jess.
Gear transportation challenges: Many sites require carrying or carting equipment. At Caloosahatchee Regional Park, "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," explains Robert P.
Bug protection essential: Insects are a significant consideration year-round. "Insects are a serious issue, even in the fall and winter. Hope for a breeze to deter the no-see-ums. I used DEET spray and a thermacell and a permethrin-treated tent and still left with dozens of bites, and that was in November," warns Jennifer L. about Cayo Costa.
Rodent concerns: Wildlife management affects camping comfort. "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. 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," shares Jim about Cayo Costa.
Tips for camping with families
Accessible camping options: Caloosahatchee Regional Park offers family-friendly sites with convenient amenities. "Great paths to manicured campsites. All have fire ring, bbq, and picnic table. Primitive showers available; restrooms available. WiFi works good; but there's miles of trails to walk. Caretakers are friendly," notes Kenna D.
Group camping opportunities: Some campgrounds specifically cater to larger groups. "Private Group, Boy & Girl Scouts and Youth and Church groups camping permitted with proper reservations," explains Jeanene A. about Crowley Museum and Nature Center.
Site selection for privacy: Choosing the right campsite affects your experience. "We've stayed here twice now and absolutely loved it. The first time we stayed in Site 5, I believe, and something to note is that it is directly next to one of the ground volunteers' RV site. It's very close and does offer very limited privacy," explains Bailey J. about Caloosahatchee Regional Park.
Wildlife education opportunities: Many campgrounds offer educational experiences. "On the property you will enjoy goats, cracker horses, cracker cattle, pigs and other farm animals. Along with camping you can arrange a living history tour at an additional fee," notes Jeanene A. about Crowley Museum.
Tips from RVers
Premium RV site options: Upriver RV Resort provides developed sites for those seeking more amenities. "We've stayed at Upriver a couple of times, always in the big pull through premium spots at the front. There's definitely some noise from the busy road even halfway back to the pool. Spots are level and cement, very clean but tight," shares Karen C.
Activities beyond camping: Many RV parks offer additional recreation options. "Great Campground, Super Sites and all Premium Sites, 2 swimming pools, Tennis Courts, Bocce Ball, Shuffle Board, Pickle Ball, Corn Hole, Horse Shoes very nice place to winter but must have reservations," describes Herbert M. about Upriver RV Resort.
