Surrounded by the Ten Thousand Islands and just 25 miles east of Naples, Goodland sits at the southeastern tip of Marco Island at an elevation of just 3 feet above sea level. The area's subtropical climate brings humid summers with temperatures in the 90s from June through September, while winter lows rarely dip below 50°F. Camping options near Goodland range from primitive sites in Picayune Strand State Forest to upscale accommodations on Sanibel Island.
What to do
Kayaking the waterways: Picayune Strand State Forest offers extensive paddling opportunities through canals and natural waterways. "We biked (very sandy) and hiked. Only a portapotty. No other amenities," notes Penny M. about Horseshoe Primitive Campground, adding that wildlife viewing is excellent with "deer roaming the campground."
Fishing in canals: The fishing around Goodland and nearby areas is productive year-round. "Fishing in the canals is excellent," reports paul W. about his stay at Horseshoe Primitive Campground. Water access points throughout the region make it easy to catch bass, panfish, and saltwater species depending on location.
Birding and wildlife viewing: The wetlands near Goodland attract diverse bird species. At Periwinkle Park on Sanibel Island, "This is a bird watcher paradise. Lots of parrots as well as native birds. Love all the squawking when they wake up in morning!" shares JEFFREY W. The park doubles as a bird sanctuary with an aviary that houses numerous exotic species.
What campers like
Dark night skies: The remote location of many campsites allows for exceptional stargazing. Tucker B. notes about Horseshoe Primitive Campground: "Super affordable, but it does require a little extra time to get there as there isn't a quick exit off the main highway." He adds that after dark, "it was all mine," making for peaceful star viewing conditions.
Private camping spots: Many campsites offer separation between neighbors. At Koreshan State Park Campground, "There is plenty of scrub between you and your neighbor...you may hear them, but you won't see them," reports Dave V. The park maintains 60 sites within its 135 acres, providing a good balance of privacy and amenities.
Clean facilities: Bathrooms and showers at glamping locations near Goodland receive high marks. Rob Y. says about Periwinkle Park, "Bathrooms were probably the cleanest I've ever seen at a campground. They were cleaned daily and it showed. Laundry facilities were very nice as well."
What you should know
Weather considerations: Summer brings heat, humidity, and mosquitoes. When camping at San Carlos RV Resort & Marina, come prepared with bug spray from April through October. Winter offers milder temperatures but can occasionally get chilly. Penny M. notes at Horseshoe Primitive Campground, "it did get down to 30 degrees in Feb."
Site conditions vary: Many campgrounds have open sites with limited shade. At Horseshoe Primitive Campground, Geoff reports, "This campsite is a bit of a hike to get to and we drove past it. The campground is very open and the sites don't really have much privacy."
Limited amenities at primitive sites: Bring all supplies to remote locations. Dave V. emphasizes about Horseshoe Primitive Campground: "No potable water (bring all the water you need), No Electricity (None, zero, zilch...plenty of sunshine for solar chargers though), No Showers, No waste receptacles (Carry out what you bring in)."
Tips for camping with families
Close beach access: When glamping close to Goodland, Florida with children, choose sites with easy shore access. Megan K. says Periwinkle Park "is less than a mile from the beach, easily walkable and even easier to bike." This makes it simple to plan beach days without long drives.
Historic site exploration: Koreshan State Park offers educational opportunities through its historic settlement. Sarah C. notes, "The historic area is really neat too and they have a farmers market on Sundays." Kids enjoy learning about the unique community that once lived there while parents appreciate the cultural context.
Look for campgrounds with play areas: Some sites offer dedicated children's spaces. "The kids really like the playground at this campground," says Sarah C. about Koreshan State Park, making it easier to keep younger campers entertained between outdoor adventures.
Tips from RVers
Site access considerations: Large rigs may find some campgrounds challenging. At Trail Lakes Campground, Michelle S. mentions, "We were guided to a pull thru site. This was a first for us and we were thrilled. Our site was directly across from the bath house. We had no trouble leveling our trailer and getting set up."
Hookup availability: Most glamping spots near Goodland offer full hookups, but check specifics before booking. Marie F. notes about San Carlos RV Resort, "Campsites are great concrete slab with table. Some campsites are tricky to get into we have a 34 foot fifth wheel."
Cell service reliability: Connectivity varies by location and carrier. JEFFREY W. advises about Periwinkle Park: "Note: no TMobile service in campground." Verizon and AT&T generally provide better coverage throughout the region, but expect spotty service in more remote areas.
