Koreshan State Park provides a unique camping experience 9 miles from LaBelle, Florida. The park sits at just 10 feet above sea level in an area characterized by subtropical climate patterns with distinct wet and dry seasons. Summer temperatures frequently reach above 90°F with high humidity, while winter nights can occasionally dip into the 40s, creating variable camping conditions year-round.
What to do
Historic exploration opportunities: Koreshan State Park Campground features a fascinating historic settlement with guided tours available. "The historic area of the park was interesting and there are guided tours," notes a visitor who explored the preserved buildings dating back to the early 1900s religious community.
Trail biking: The sandy trails throughout Horseshoe Primitive Campground offer challenging terrain for mountain bikers. "We biked (very sandy) and hiked. Only a portapotty. No other amenities," reports one camper who enjoyed the primitive experience.
Wildlife viewing: Birding opportunities abound across the region with multiple species visible from campsites. A visitor at Cayo Costa State Park Campground mentioned, "You'll enjoy a myriad of water birds (herons, egrets, diver ducks, anhinga, spoonbills, pelicans, sea gulls) along with osprey, bald eagles, kingfisher and kites."
What campers like
Secluded beach access: Camping near coastal areas provides uncrowded beach experiences. "You have miles of beach with very few people and the nighttime skies are truly cosmic," shares one Cayo Costa visitor about the pristine shoreline.
Fossil hunting opportunities: The Peace River area offers unique geological exploration. A camper at Peace River Campground noted, "This park seems to flood and have limited sewer sites but is a great place to find Shark teeth and other fossils."
Budget-friendly island stays: Economical options exist for experiencing barrier islands. A visitor to Periwinkle Park explained, "Sanibel 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."
What you should know
Bug preparation essential: No-see-ums and mosquitoes require strategic planning. "WHATEVER YOU DO BRING BUG PROTECTION! I brought sawyers bug lotion and 2 thermacell bug repellents and in 24 hours got 2 bug bites!" advises a Cayo Costa camper.
Pack light for island camping: Transportation logistics influence packing decisions. A visitor explains, "Given the tram and ferry loading and unloading processes you may want to travel as lightly as you can," highlighting the unique challenges of reaching remote sites.
Seasonal water concerns: Water levels fluctuate dramatically throughout the year. A camper at Horseshoe Primitive Campground reported, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife education opportunities: Introduce children to diverse ecosystems safely. At Fort Myers-Pine Island KOA, families appreciate the natural setting: "Surrounded by water. Paradise," notes one visitor who enjoyed the waterfront location.
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer dedicated child-friendly spaces. Koreshan State Park receives positive feedback from families: "We love to hike the trails and the kids really like the playground at this campground."
Water recreation options: Kayaking provides safe family adventures. Peace River campers report, "This campground was easy to get to and has lots to do near by... You can spend the day paddling down the river, fishing or sifting through the sediment looking for fossils from all different time periods."
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Concrete pads offer stability advantages. A visitor at San Carlos RV Resort & Marina noted, "Campsites are great concrete slab with table. Some campsites are tricky to get into we have a 34 foot fifth wheel."
Utility reliability: Power supply varies between campgrounds. An RVer at Brighton RV Resort reported, "30amp breaker overheated and tripped 3 times during our 7 night stay," highlighting the importance of checking electrical capacity.
Seasonal booking timelines: Advanced planning proves essential for glamping close to LaBelle, Florida. "Cayo Costa can book out as much as 6 months in advance. Plan your trip accordingly," advises a frequent visitor, noting the popularity of luxury camping options during peak season.
