Escape into nature and disconnect from daily life with glamping near Immokalee. Glamping near Immokalee is especially popular among campers who enjoy beds and electricity. Glamping offers quick access to one or more of Immokalee's most popular destinations.
$10 / night
Trail Lakes Campground is Everglades RV and tent camping at its best!! Camp in the Everglades with the conveniences of home. We are located in the Big Cypress National Preserve and surrounded by over 1 million acres of National Park lands. Trail Lakes Campground offers a truly unique wilderness camping experience. We’re owned and operated by the Shealy family for three generations. This old- style Florida campground is one of a kind. We offer primitive tent camping, tent camping with electric (Class B site), rustic cabins with A/C, and Native American built chickee cottages for a clamping-style experience. Amenities include showers, laundry, ice, firewood, general camping sundries, a gift shop and nearby fishing areas and hiking trails. Information regarding availability, unit capacity and reservations are available on our website. Fishing and safari guide services are available directly on site. Restaurants, grocery, gas, hardware, bait and tackle supplies and National park water access are easily accessible in nearby Everglades City, just 12 minutes away. Experience the real Florida at Trail Lakes Campground.
$45 - $225 / night
Just a few miles east of sunny downtown Naples, Florida you will find the gorgeous RV Resort that is Endless Summer. With a location like this one, your possibilities for fun and relaxation are as endless as our name suggests. If you like golf, this community is perfect for you, as it sits minutes away from over 80 different golf courses, catering to a variety of levels of golf expertise. Not into golf? That's ok, hop in your car for a quick 15-minute drive west to the stunning white, sandy beaches of Naples. Or, spend your beautiful winter days among countless numbers of nearby shops and restaurants. Don't wait another minute, book your stay now! Your Endless Summer awaits!
Amenities include: Complete Hookups Picnic Tables Restrooms/Showers Laundry Ice LP Gas Pavilion available for private & public functions Beach, Golf, Shops & Dining all within walking distance NO DOGS ALLOWED. NO CREDIT CARDS. WI-FI NOT PROVIDED If you need Wi-Fi during your stay, you must supply your own hotspot. Verizon has the best coverage in our area. Please note Campfires are not permitted.
$50 - $62 / night
Legend
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
Legend
I gave this campground 5 stars because it feels so different than the rest of the Campgrounds available in Big Cypress Reserve and Everglades National Park.
Trail Lakes is a proper campground which is staffed and gated just off of Hwy 41 (Alligator Alley) on the west side in Ochopee. It's open all year long.
For me, visiting in the off season, it felt nice to have the structure of the campground. Most of the other campgrounds I visited along 41 between Naples and Miami were completely empty of people, but full of signs warning campers of Panthers and alligators - and even bears. I had no idea Florida had bears. I didn't want to camp alone, so I loved that this campground had staff and a few other guests who might notice f I got eaten.
The campground is open all year long, and has a small store in the camp office.
The campground is built in several loops around a couple of lakes and has space for RV's and tents. If also offers cabins and some screened in open air huts (which I didn't stay in but they looked really cool). You could buy ice and firewood, as well as rent kayaks if you dared to boat through alligator swamps.
There's not much in Ochopee, so stock up when you leave Miaimi or Naples (depending which way you drive). There are a few things available at the campground store. There is a mini post office in Ochopee which is worth stopping for a photo opp. The airboat tours which are everywhere along the highway here are definitely worth it.
You can get their latest pricing for all their sites and cabins at www.evergladescamping.net
TravelerMy girlfriend and I wanted to do the spur of the moment camping trip and so, while we were driving from the east side of south Florida we tried calling multiple campgrounds to find which had last minute availability for a 7:30 pm check-in. This campground was the first to answer the phone number listed on this app. The lady that answered was very nice and explained they had electricity and showers and that there were still tent sites available. The latest time you can check in is 9:00 pm and check out time is lax so we weren’t told a specific time.
Once arriving to the campground all we had to do was call a number to unlock the gate and then we paid for our camp site while we were in the car. After we paid, we were escorted to our camping site by a gentleman on a four wheeler.
The camping cite has a grill and electricity but we couldn’t find any water pump. But we brought water so we were fine. We were on a site next to the bathroom which also has showers, so it was easily accessible. There is a good amount of space for each site. You can definitely play some music at a low volume without disturbing anyone else. Another great aspect of this location is your ability to see all of the stars. There are no towns close by so the light pollution is low.
We are in November now and the weather is in the 70s during the day and 60s at night so the mosquitoes are not bad, but they are still present. Having a bottle of bug spray and maybe a fogger will do just fine in this weather.
Overall I am so happy with this campsite and it was perfect for what we were looking for.
TravelerThis 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. Nice area for horses.
GuideWe stayed in a campervan and upon arrival saw 4 campsites packed together a d the entire field was open which had many other campsites. We drove into camp site 20 instead of our reserved site 2. There was no body working there so I guess switching campsites was okay. I did call and let them know o. Their answering machine that I was taking site 20 instead. It didn’t make sense to be crammed together. Anyway, it was a great stay for 4 days with deer roaming the campground. We biked (very sandy) and hiked. Only a portapotty . No other amenities. The generator of one of the campers was annoying because we were in the wilderness. I guess they needed their heat, as it did get down to 30 degrees in Feb. So realize that because there is no power that some people may be using noisy generators.
TravelerVery friendly camp host, he was eager to greet me n my crew of moto riders and offer us a cooler with ice and a dozen bottles of water. Gave us a site away from the main area for some peace and quiet and a great view of the sky’s above. Definitely a nice place to search out for a nice nite star gazing.
ScoutVery open quiet spot. Nice and helpful camp host. Beautiful scenery.
GuideExactly as described. The host was great and helpful. Porta potties available, but no drinkable water. Dusty. Bugs weren’t terrible at all. Fishing in the canals is excellent.
LegendJust hit this equestrian campground for a single night and I had the place to myself.
There was a single cameraman from a local news affiliate shooting video of deer in the field at sunset.
And a group of ladies on horseback went for a sunset trail ride, but after dark it was all mine.
Super affordable, but it does require a little extra time to get there as there isn't a quick exit off the main highway.
There is a water spigot here, but water is not potable, so bring your own.
And keep your eyes peeled for a panther sighting!
Traveler
With a newly purchased Catalina and a few days before memorial weekend we found this very nice Campground. Nice folks and staff.
GuideFYI. I’ve run into this several times on the Dyrt
TravelerThis 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. Great friendly staff and campers.
Scout
we had a paved site on the river we took the paddle boards over to the restaurant on the opposite side short walk over the bridge to town and the beach. Dogs allowed, shuffle board small pool.
ScoutCampground staff very nice campsites are great concrete slab with table. Some campsites are tricky to get into we have a 34 foot fifth wheel. Could use a little more shade
TravelerOne of the best RV parks I have stayed at so far. It's proximity to the beaches and location on the water makes it a great place to stay. Location has all the amenities you need to make for a fun time
Traveler
Paved road until you get to gate and then you enter a 17 acre farm of tropical fruit trees and plants. Awesome stocked pond for great fishing. Catch and release. Plenty of room to spread our. Was great to get away from life and enjoy the amazing sunsets
Guide
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. The sites were close together and a bit tight, but they are nice gravel for the rig and a concrete pad for your rug. Each site has a grill and picnic table. Fires are not permitted. The beach is a short bike ride away, but can be walked too. This place only takes cash or check and is kind of old school. But the prices are awesome for staying on Sanibel Island. There is a nice restaurant across the street from the park. There is an aviary in the campground. This place is also a trailer park with mobile homes super close to each other. Not many campsites available, so book early. The bath houses were nicely kept and no issues. The sites are all full hook up. We will be back again.
GuideThe campsite is beautiful and well maintained. Lots of landscape and birds to see. 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.
ScoutSuper close to a nice beach. Birds were so cool. Everything worked. Park was clean. Good size lots.
LegendHave camped here twice this year. Bring your bike as beach is half mile away. This is a bird watcher paradise. Lots of parrots as well as native birds. Love all the squawking when they wake up in morning! Nice, family atmosphere. Note: no TMobile service in campground. Ice is available onsite. We will be back!
LegendHad 3 sites together. This park has many permanent residents so our sites backed up to small trailer homes. Didn't bother us much as we had pond and Avery in front of sites and enough trees for hammocks and shade. Birds are amazing. If you are around at feeding time, you can often see parrots riding around in a gold cart!
ScoutThis place is amazing. I wanted to take my kids camping with only a tent. I called the day before and made reservations for the next day. The check-in lady was so nice. Place is very clean and every one is so friendly. We loved it and we definitely will be coming back.
GuideNice park close to the beach! Concrete patios, clean bath houses and laundry rooms. Lots are spaced nicely, full hook ups, good WiFi and cell service.
GuideSanibel Island is a great vacation spot full of vacation homes, white sand beaches, and world-class shell hunting. This is the only campsite available on the entire island, and as a result it is a bit pricier than most camp sites, but it is far and away the most economical way to see the island. It is driving f distance from most of the local tourist sites we stayed for a week and never ran out of things to do.
The campground is less than a mile from the beach, easily walkable and even easier to bike. The campsite is designed to acomódate RV camping and long term mobile home set ups, however there are some lots available for tents as well. Due to the RV and location in city limits there are no campfires allowed, but grills are allowed and the site has very well kept and clean shower/bathroom facilities.
TravelerEnjoyed our brief stay at Periwinkle. Quiet, good bathrooms, a short hike to the beach and great restaurants and bars and ice cream within walking. Also serves as an exotic bird refuge. So much to like. Great price point.
GuideThis was my 2nd visit to the park. At 50 bucks for a tent site, it isn't cheap, but the sites can accommodate up to 3 tents. The scenery is very nice and the staff are helpful, would go again.
GuideWe were so glad to find this place on The Dyrt. Once you check in, there is someone there to guide you to your site. You cannot reserve sites, you just request the amps needed for your rig. There are tent sites, cabins, and Chickee huts to rent as well. 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. Fire pits are at every site and fires are encouraged. If you did not bring wood, there is some for sale. The bath house was adequate. It could be cleaner, but it is camping. The sites include water and electric. You are not able to pick up antennae TV unless you have high quality tall antennae. Radio stations came in just fine. At the front of the park is a little store with SkunkApe gear and an animal exhibit with gators, pythons and chickens. Skunkape is the equivalent of Sasquatch. Apparently, there is a legend of sitings in the Everglades. Kayak and canoe rentals are available as well as a swamp buggy ride. We brought our own kayaks and were told where to enjoy them. This campground is 15 minutes from Everglade City and 25 minutes from Collier-Seminole State Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Immokalee, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Immokalee, FL is Horseshoe Primitive Campground in Picayune Strand State Forest with a 4.3-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Immokalee, FL?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 glamping camping locations near Immokalee, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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