Best Tent Camping near Estero, FL

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.

RANGER REVIEW: PRIMUS LITE+ 'ALL IN ONE GAS STOVE' AT BOW-TIE ISLAND PRIMITIVE CAMPSITE, ESTERO BAY, FLORIDA

CAMPGROUND REVIEW: When it comes to "camping," often people immediately think of hiking, backpacking or traveling by car to a campground or campsite. But throughout North America (U.S. and Canada) paddling your way to a campsite often leads to greater solitude. Another distinct advantage to paddle camping… unless multiple, long portages are involved…you can carry luxuries and more of them with greater ease.

On this journey, I chose to paddle six miles North from home, along the Great Calusa Blueway-Estero Bay, to Bowtie Island Primitive Campsite. (GPS: N26 22 35 W81 51 13)  Of note: The Great Calusa Blueway has over 190 miles of intercoastal waterway paddling trails with several barrier island primitive campsites.  https://www.fortmyers-sanibel.com/media/30166/phase-1-update-9-05-17-proof.pdf . On this pdf you see number 11  for Bow-tie Island and the primitive campsite on the southeast portion of that mangrove island. If you are traveling the Blueway south, Bow-tie Island is to the east of marker 9. Paddle to the southeast corner and you will locate a narrow trail that leads to the campsite. It is first come=first served…no reservation system exists presently, nor is there an informational phone number.  **Bonus: It's free  **

Most of the paddling hugs mangrove islands in this area, with a few larger open-water crossings. Be very alert, as power boaters tend to be less than gracious with their kayak swamping wake as they fly by.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:

⦁ Solitude- you will likely have this small mangrove island to yourself

⦁ It is a primitive campsite

-No potable water (bring all the water you need for hydration and cooking)

-No electricity (plenty of sunshine for solar chargers)

-No facilities (Leave No Trace-pack out everything)

-No internet (There is strong cell signal present)

-No lights (Stargazing is incredible on clear nights, but bring illumination)

-No picnic table

⦁ Bring mosquito repellent (do not forget this!)

⦁ Bring sunscreen 

The campsite is not openly obvious, even to those that boat and fish the area often…I startled a boat of fisherman as I dragged my kayak out of the mangroves. At the time I stayed, the east side "beach" entrance was blocked by a large, wayward uprooted tree that was washed up. So the only other trail opening is on the southeastern side. I would estimate that trail to the cleared camping area, a 50 foot walk.

There is no signage visible when on the water. Near the "blocked" eastern beach entrance is a small Calusa Blueway placard indicating Bow-tie Island Primitive Camping area.

The cleared campsite area is large enough and flat enough for possibly two 2-man tents. I used a 3-man tent and had ample room for a hammock and chair. This is a mangrove island that is comprised of broken shell, so bring that tent footprint to save your tent floor. Though there was a fire ring comprised of a dozen rocks, I did not brave the outside from dusk to daybreak, as the mosquitoes were savage…and I just so happened to have forgotten my repellent. Mangroves are fairly dense, so you don't get a strong enough breeze to keep the bugs away.

During the winter months (Dec-May), you will hear some road noise from the nearby beach roadway (depending on the wind direction)…but it is sporadic at night (I do sleep with earplugs) and didn't bother me. Power boat traffic is quite heavy during winter months also…and noise travels on the water…but there was no boat traffic during the night.

If you don't bring it…you won't have it…and you can't get it…no stores within five paddling miles (and some walking) or on the water in this area. There is a marina just south of Big Hickory Island that has a nice restaurant, and there is a hotel restaurant on the north end of Lover's Key…but not simple 10 minute jaunts.

Fishing is great, for both sport and meals…just make sure you get a license. Big Hickory Island and Lover's Key have beautiful beaches to enjoy a short paddle west…via New Pass. I'm not suggesting that you paddle over to the Lover's Key State Park restrooms to enjoy modern facilities…but its only a 20 minute paddle. Mound Key Archaeological Site is a close paddle in Estero Bay…and Koreshan State Park is a further paddle up Estero River on the mainland. If you paddle south, 3+ miles, you can dock at Coconut Jack's restaurant along Bonita Beach Road and enjoy incredible seafood meals.

Check the weather forecast when boating…and continue to check it, as SW FL weather can change rapidly. Winter months see sparse rain, but nights can get downright chilly. Summer months are gloriously hot, but from June through October it usually rains each afternoon…and when I say rain…I mean torrential deluge. I thoroughly enjoy paddling in rain storms, but in Florida, "the lightning capital of the world," I would advise against it.

Consider the challenge of the Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail and its island primitive campsites.

Note: I contacted State of Florida Parks, FWC, County Parks/Recreation and City of Bonita Springs regarding rules, regulations and reservations…and each one deferred to the other, so nobody really knew. Biggest concern will be where you leave your vehicle while you paddle.

PRODUCT REVIEW:  PRIMUS LITE+ "ALL IN ONE GAS STOVE"

Primus makes sturdy, reliable, innovative stoves…and the Primus Lite+ is no exception https://primus.us/products/eta-lite-7?variant=38436885010 . I have and still own numerous stoves by various manufacturers, but the stove I use exclusively when in the backcountry on short or extended trips is the lightweight Primus Express piezo ignition stove…front country camping, I utilize my Primus Primetech 1.3 Stove set especially if I'm cooking for multiple people, where weight and size is not critical. 

Enter the Primus Lite+ "All In One Stove"…featuring a creative locking mechanism that secures the 500 ml pot to the stove burner with a simple insertion and twist. The Primus Lite+ also incorporates their proprietary Laminar Flow Burner Technology, which minimizes distance from pot to burner…along with lowering overall height. Like the Primetech Stove pots, the Lite+ pot also utilizes the integrated heat exchanger which both distributes burner heart evenly, thereby reducing fuel usage, and helps block the wind, also assisting with faster cook times and lower fuel consumption.

As a TheDyrt.com Review Ranger, I get the opportunity to test and evaluate outdoor products for review either for free or deeply discounted, as was the case for the Primus Lite+ "All in One Stove."

Box Contents:

⦁ Stove with locking mechanism and Piezo ignition

⦁ 500 ml (nearly 16 oz or 2 cups) pot with integrated heat exchanger/wind-block

⦁ Plastic lid with strainer holes

⦁ Removable, felt-lined Insulated pot sleeve with strap grab handle

⦁ Folding canister stabilizing legs

⦁ Suspension cord 

⦁ 3 Threaded Stabilizing Studs (for using standard flat bottom pots on stove)

Available Accessories:

⦁ Coffee press

A 500 ml pot will give you two cups of coffee using the Primus Coffee Press (not included). This sized pot is sufficient in the backcountry to provide meals for two…based on the one cup meal servings.

PROS:

⦁ Reasonably lightweight at 13.9 oz

⦁ Integrated Ignition is simple and works

⦁ Insulated sleeve with handle gives it a "mug" feel

⦁ Pot Heat Exchanger heats fast and evenly

⦁ Pot/Stove Burner interface locks securely

⦁ Canister stabilizing legs fulfill their purpose

CONS:

⦁ Primus did not use their new Ceramic coating on pot interior

⦁ No Stove Pouch provided like their Express Stove includes.

The Primus Lite+ ticks almost all the boxes for my preferred usage. If Primus would've used their ceramic coating inside the pot, along with providing a nylon storage pouch for the stove burner…it would place Primus further ahead of the competitors in this hot market. Clean up would be a breeze…and the storage pouch would minimize stove damage and pot interior scratching.

There is nothing difficult or foreign about usage, nor is there a learning curve…remove the contents from the box, thread the stove burner head onto a fuel canister, line up the triangle on the stove head with the triangle opening on the bottom of the pot, insert…twist and shazaam! Fill the pot with your desired contents, turn the black fuel adjustment knob so it releases gas…press the red piezo ignition inward…adjust the flame and in a few minutes dinner is served.

Final Thoughts:

The Primus Lite+ is a solid all-around performer! Light enough to take with you anywhere-everywhere again and again. Absent are any complexities… simply user-friendly and practical. As previously mentioned, I would like to see Primus utilize their ceramic coating on the pot interior and include a protective mini stuff sack for the burner…their absence doesn't affect performance or function in any way…though I think it would help bring the competition to their knees.

Overall Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Nice but small primitive state forest campground. Only 10 sites and one is for the camp host. About half the sites are back-in and can hold small RVs. The rest are tent only although the parking space is large enough to put a van-sized RV in sideways.

All the sites are quite large and well separated from neighboring sites. With the right mix of campers, you could have a super peaceful night in the forest without having to bushwhack your way in. (Our night included a site with small kids the parents kept yelling at. Ugh.)

All sites have a fire ring and picnic table

There are vault toilets available in the loop and there is a potable water spigot at the nearby ranger station (firewood also available there).

Nearby hiking trails are rated easy and moderate and the trailhead is just a quarter mile down the road.

The campground is gated (you get the lock code when you reserve a site). Note that this campground requires reservations.

If you're self-contained and looking for a nice quiet spot to camp, this would be a good spot to choose.

Cell service on Verizon was ok with a jetpack, better with a MIMO antenna attached. (1 bar without /2-3 bars with but data speeds with MIMO were decent).

T-Mobile service was good but kept bouncing between 4G and 5G on phone, which made it a bit erratic. On jetpack that only does 4G, had a strong signal with good data rates.

This place was nicely maintained. We camped on the tent only loop. Most of the sites are pretty private with water, a fire ring and picnic table at each spot. Some get more shade and some have more trees. The shower was great but broken and the light was broken in there as well. But I’m not a complainer. There are some trails in the park with canoe / kayak rentals. And then more trails off the main road. Overall a pleasant tent camping spot but wow it was crazy HOT July 31st. So many mosquitoes and yellow biting flies. I would go in the cooler months for sure!

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

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.

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!!!

Panther Pond: We really liked this quiet campground with very secluded sites. More sunshine and solar at Okaloacoochee Overflow and Hunt Camp. To Do: Nearby trails here to talk of grass to comfortably walk in. Either not much recent horse traffic or they just have not been mowed. Either is probably due to this year’s wet winter .

Make sure to make the 30 minute drive to the board walk on Sic Island Dr. Short walk to the short boardwalk. Outstanding way to leave with a taste of the slough.

Bicycles on Wildcow Rd

(Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good

(70 yr olds in 17’ trailer.)

Overall Rating: 4.5 for Great privacy. Price 2023: $ 10 for seniors Security: None Usage during visit: 1/4 full Site Privacy: most all sites – excellent, with shrubbery in between sites. Site Spacing: very nice Site surface: dirt Reservations: required Campground Noise: Quiet Road Noise: Maybe a little from Cow Path Rd. Very little travel. Through Traffic in campground: No Electric Hookup: no Sewer Hookup: no Dump Station: no none Potable Water Available: a couple miles away at Hunt camp there is a hand pump at the horse corals. Rangers say it is not portable.
Generators: allowed Bathroom: chemical toilets Showers: no Pull Throughs: None Cell Service (AT&T): one bar Setting: in a long pine forest, with lots of palm tree shrubbery Recent Weather: clear with highs in the upper 60s Solar: some sites. See below. Host: no Rig Size: 17 to 20 foot trailer will fit in some sites in my opinion. See below. Sites: Will easily fit a 17 foot trailer: 1,2,3*,5*,7,6,9*,11, *very nice solar at 2 PM, but not all day.