Best RV Parks & Resorts near Marco Island, FL

Recent RV Reviews near Marco Island, Florida

201 Reviews of 56 Marco Island Campgrounds

• 

  Rick P.

  Scout

  

  Mar. 15, 2022

  Golden Palms Luxury Motorcoach Resort

  Simply Awful

  We had an exceptionally unpleasant experience due to the pet policy being misrepresented. We paid in advance, their policy, for the entire month of February. We had to sign a document stating the payment was not refundable. Before signing, we read through the policies that affected renters, like the pet policy and did not see anything out of line with other RV parks. We set up our exercise pens for the dogs, like we've done at every RV park for the last 30 years. We were informed that exercise pens violated their policy. We had not seen that and asked that it be shown to us. They showed a construction policy that stated owners were not allowed to build a fence on their property. We had not built anything on their property, but they maintained that an exercise pen was a fence and had to be taken down. Our dogs are quiet and love to bask in the warm sun. It felt like a cruel expectation for them to have to stay in our RV 24/7 for a full month. They suggested that we could tie our dogs out on the lawn, but they are escape artists and we could not risk them getting away. We again stated that we were not in any way violating their policy. They were very indifferent. We could not put our pets through being confined to and RV, so we immediately left. They refused to refund our money, offer a stay at another date or even offer any kindness at all. This is truly the worst experience and poorest treatment that we've ever had at an RV resort.

• T

  Thomas C.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 5, 2022

  San Carlos RV Resort & Marina

  Comfortable, Clean, Safe Amazing location

  One 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

• 

  Megan K.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 16, 2018

  Periwinkle Park

  Sanibel Island on a Budget

  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. 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.

• 

  J B.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 8, 2020

  Marco Naples RV Resort

  Delightful park, Tight Roads

  This RV resort is delightful. The roads are tight for bigger rigs. Don't let that deter you. We truly enjoyed our stay and we will definitely return to this campground!

  Dogs are welcome, the grounds were impeccably kept, the staff was professional, and the atmosphere of the resort was relaxing.

• 

  Linda A.

  Guide

  

  May. 11, 2020

  Periwinkle Park

  Sanibel Island

  Nice 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.

• 

  Josh D.

  Traveler

  

  Jun. 2, 2019

  Northtide Naples 55+ RV Resort

  Simple place

  If your looking for a weekend get away this is not the place. If you are looking for long term camper living this is the place for you. The sites dont have fire rings or bbq pits and they are very small and cramped together but what can you ask for. They do have a heated pool and are close to town since they are in the middle of it. Coin operated laundry and there is a day room

• K

  Krystal H.

  Guide

  

  Apr. 22, 2023

  Dancing Dolphins

  Closest thing to staying at your own private beach…

  FMB is still devastated from the hurricane, but this is my absolute favorite place in the U.S. I have ever stayed. We’ve stay for a couple of months and although there is no long term stay discount, it’s absolutely worth it. It’s private, you get the space to yourself and there’s hardly anyone on the beach. Best part you can just walk straight on down to the beach. The owner is wonderful- friendly with great communication. Yes there is recovery surrounding us, but who cares!!! You get a very private space/beach located in paradise! We can’t wait to come back!!!!

• 

  Michelle S.

  Guide

  

  Jan. 1, 2021

  Periwinkle Park

  Lovely Quaint Place

  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.

• 

  Christian D.

  Legend

  

  Dec. 25, 2022

  Naples Garden RV Resort

  RV park

  RV park is ok if you like these type of place. Staff friendly and clean facilities.

• C

  Corrie

  Guide

  

  Jul. 22, 2022

  Encore Fort Myers Beach

  Packed like sardines

  I live in Florida so I know “season” is busy but this place had zero outside living space due to they cram everyone in there. Also there are permanent trailers mixed with regular campers that face each other. So when you come out the door of the camper you ate essentially on their doorstep. Really weird and zero privacy. We lucked out and had great neighbors but it could get pretty weird if that wasnt the case. It served its purpose but we couldnt even put our awning all the way out for fear it would hit the next trailer. Full hookups, and pool was nice. Also they have shuffleboard available which was fun and staff was very friendly.

• 

  Roger W.

  Legend

  

  Feb. 12, 2024

  Burns Lake Campground — Big Cypress National Preserve

  Around Monument Lake

  Burns Lake: This is a fine campground. The only redeeming factor is the lake. RV sites are not that great in my opinion.
  (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good

  (71 yr olds in 17’ trailer.)

  To Do: The smallest Post Office in the USA is close by. Oasis Visitor Center has gator viewing.
  Visit all the nearby boardwalks are worth a visit.
  Do a Ranger led wet walk. It is out of this world.
  Drive to Shark Valley and take the tram (reservations are best), bicycle the 12 mile loop or walk part of it. The gates open at 9:00 AM for park parking. Fills up, thus slowing entry into the park. However, parking is available along the highway. We parked there, just past the no parking signs. We then walked in at sunrise for enjoyment before the crowds. Some folks were biking at that time as well. Beautiful. Gators began sunning themselves by 9:30AM or so. Drive to Everglade City for a boat ride out to the bay. Fantastic experience. The BCNP Visitor Center can tell you who to contact to make reservations. We went on this trip a couple years ago.
  Airboats and swamp buggy rides are popular. We did this as well, but preferred the other activities in the end. However, how can you pass up on a fun airboat experience. Unlike the Everglades the full campsite discount for seniors is offered here.

  Overall Rating: 3 - not picturesque . One of our least favorites. Others we have talked to love this campground. Price 2023: $ 12 w interagency pass Security: Must drive be host site. Usage during visit: Full Site Privacy: None Site Spacing: Close as Monument and Midway Site surface: Grass Reservations: Required Campground Noise: Quiet during our visit Road Noise: Less than Midway and Monument
  Through Traffic in campground: None Electric Hookup: No Sewer Hookup: No Dump Station: At Midway Potable: Water Not available. Fill up at Midway. Generators: Allowed Bathroom: Pit toilet Showers: At Monument Pull Throughs: all Cell Service (AT&T): 1 Bar Setting: Around Burns Lake. Lake view from all sites. Recent Weather: Unusually wet winter Solar: Solar will be great in the RV sites.
  Host: Yes Rig Size: Largest is fine in RV sites.
  Sites: None of the sites really appeal to me. Other people I have met love it here. #10 is the best RV site. Id rather be in the tent only area. It is nicer than Monument and Midway tent only sites. Campers and vans use these sites, I noticed.

• 

  Sam S.

  Guide

  

  Apr. 12, 2022

  Encore Fort Myers Beach

  Nice Location And Amenities But Too Tight For Us

  The pros on this RV park are that it is only 4 miles from the beach and very convenient to shopping. Fort Myers, Sanibel, Cape Coral are all just 15 to 20 minutes drive. It has a very nice smaller pool that is a great meeting place every afternoon. The people really make this place tolerable as they are so nice. The front bathroom has just been redone and is very nice. The back one is OK. Laundry facility is nice however, they use the card system so you have to pay $5 just to get the card and then the minimum you can purchase is $10 so you better need to do a lot of laundry to get your $15 dollars worth. The real downside to this park is that the sites are SO tight. Crazy tight. And the other issue is that there are a lot of seasonal sites mixed in that are not well kept with old cars and junk scattered around. Too bad they can't get some pride in this place to make it better.

• 

  David G.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 21, 2019

  Koreshan State Park Campground

  Very interesting historic park, near Naples

  We first came to Koreshan ( core-resh-in) as a place to get near Naples to visit relatives. The campground is mainly two circles, one inside the other. Sites are small but manageable and have relatively good screening between sights. There’s kayaking on the river and a little bit of hiking. The main attraction is the historic Koreshan commune. It’s a short hike along the river. There’s lots of wildlife snakes, gopher tortoises, etc to see and some very cool giant bamboo from the original gardens. If it’s windy stop and listen to the bamboo! The historic buildings and information is very interesting, very odd beliefs and well kept.
  There are frequent gatherings at the historic site such as vintage camper trailers when we were there.
  Bathhouse is in serious need of renovating, but is kept clean. It’s located in the center of everything and sometimes quite a walk depending on your site. The campground stays pretty busy all year.

• J

  Jeffrey P.

  Guide

  

  May. 29, 2019

  Naples-Marco Island KOA

  Nice place

  A nice campground near Marco Island. Nice people. Good pool.

• 

  Dave C.

  Guide

  

  Mar. 28, 2020

  Gator Head Campground — Big Cypress National Preserve

  Remote enough to fill the wilderness

  The camp at Bear island is has a good location to camp with tents and rvs with clean bathrooms with toilets no showers no electrical or water for rvs. Even though it looks close off 75W you have to go through the loop to actually get to the camp ground. There is a mix of campsites raging from a loop to a straight road with camp sites on each side. Wildlife includes white tail dear, black bears and alligators. Non were present near the camp site but we saw them on our way back on the preserve grounds.

• 

  Sebastian S.

  Scout

  

  Mar. 7, 2021

  Everglades Isle Motorcoach Retreat

  Amazing resort

  I have to say i was very impressed with the resort and staff, it was way above my expectations, very close to Marco Island and Naples. I will dedinetly come back.

• M

  Mike W.

  Guide

  

  May. 11, 2023

  Lakes Park RV

  Convenient city location with spacious views

  If you are looking for a park right in Fort Myers, but with an open feel, this is the place. Though there are some year round mobile homes, all the RV spots on the lake are beautiful.

• 

  L O.

  Legend

  

  Dec. 6, 2020

  Collier–Seminole State Park Campground

  Tenters: Stick to spots 1 -16

  Arrived here for a three-night tent stay in early December. The staff was very friendly. The comfort rooms spotless and modern. New-looking washer and dryer. The RV spots are very close together. I got spot #79, on the North side, conveniently close to the restroom but also close to San Marco Rd over the fence. Remarkable how, having so much land to build a park, that loop was placed so close to the road and therefore to its noise. On the way out, I drove around the tents' loop (no spots had been available at the time of reservation). May I recommend that tenters strive for spots 1 to 16 which are on the tent loop and far from the outside road. They are private, with vegetation between spots, unlike the RV side, where I set up my tent.  The grounds are kept so well at this park, with open grassy areas trimmed and neat. There are kayak and bicycle rental stations, photos included. The waters of the inlet are tranquil. Truly spectacular and peaceful. There is no camp store, so bring your firewood and supplies. The nearest Publix is about 8 miles away, but there's a gas station just west of the Park's main entrance.  The mosquitos will quickly invade your tent, so shutter it well before sundown. Spot 79 has gravel and grass and is level. So are most spots as far as I could see. The picnic tables are a bit too big for the normal 8ft "mosquito tent." Each spot, RV or tent, has electric, water, and fire pit.

• 

  Jessica S.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 1, 2018

  Monument Lake Campground — Big Cypress National Preserve

  A nice place for quiet seclusion but not a lot of activities

  There are plenty of RV spots around a cute lake. We stayed in a tent only campsite which was a little farther from the lake. They were far apart from each other and did not seem too crowded. It seems every site was full the weekend we camped there. There is no shade in the tent only campgrounds and as this is south Florida, I recommend bringing some sort of pop-up or tarp to escape the sun. They had pretty great fire rings that were high with a grate across the top. There is one building with bathrooms and showers. It was pretty clean while we were there. There is also animal proof trash cans that are near by as well.

  Keep in mind that there are no stores anywhere near this campground. It is located in the big cypress preserve almost right between Miami and Naples. You have to bring everything you need with you (water, firewood, food, etc). There aren't many activities in the campground besides a short walk around the lake. The lake is NOT for swimming as there are gators so you'd have to drive to get to the activities.

  All in all it is nice if you are looking just to relax and hang out around your campsite for a few days but it is a littler underwhelming.

• 

  Roger W.

  Legend

  

  Jan. 20, 2024

  Midway Campground — Big Cypress National Preserve

  All RV Sites Around a Small Lake

  Midway in Big Cypress: This is our forth time here. We love this campground, though the sites are open. All trailer sites look over the lake which is in the middle of the campground. This campground seems to be very conducive to meeting people. (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good

  (70 yr olds in 17’ trailer. Our rating of a campground is influenced by the following: The general ambiance- sort of wilderness feel the campground gives us. A selection of campsites which offer some visual privacy and/or view from sites. Cleanliness of whatever facilities are offered is important and usually noted in my review.

  Overall Rating: 4.5 for the lake view Price 2023: $ 15 w interagency pass Usage during visit: RV sites full every night. Tent sites accommodate vans, rooftop tents…. Site Privacy: None Site Spacing: Fair Site surface: Blacktop Reservations: Required Campground Noise: Tent area - defiantly.
  Road Noise: Tent area - defiantly. From # 21, yes. Through Traffic in campground: Folks might come in to have picnics at tables around the lake. Electric Hookup: Yes Sewer Hookup: No Dump Station: Yes Potable Water Available: Yes, at the dump station. Generators: Allowed. Bathroom: Flush toilet. Only one stall in the men’s. Clean. Showers: At Monument Lake CH, 20 minutes. Pull Throughs: None in RV Loop Cell Service (AT&T): Site 21 usually has 1 bar. Sites at the near the end have weaker reception. Setting: All RV sites are situated around the lake
  Recent Weather: High 50s to 80s. Rain Solar: Plenty in the tent sites Host: Three Rig Size: Largest bus RVs are here Sites: 19 - 26 are best shaded sites. 13 and 14 are corner sites with less shade . 1 is near a shed, but a fine site. Picnic tables along the lake and in between these sites: 22&23, 3&4, 11&12, 16&17. (On nice weekend days you can expect small groups using these spots for day usage.)

• 

  September H.

  Traveler

  

  Mar. 5, 2019

  Collier–Seminole State Park Campground

  Small but lovely

  This park is nice for a short bike ride or hike along it’s nature trail. Don’t forget the kids helmets because it’s a law in Florida for them to wear them and the park ranger will remind you of it. The park is also on a river you can kayak or put a canoe in. They even provide rentals. The campground is well maintained and has three good size shower houses. The RV sites are pretty close together especially in the back. There is a nice playground by the river and a few historic markers to explore. The location is about 30mins to the beach depending on traffic. We visit Naples and Marcos island which were both nice but crowded. The park is also a short distance to the northern part of Everglades National Park. You can easily hitch a ride on an airboat tour there. We visited in December and the mosquitoes were definitely thirty that time of year! The ones that got in ate us alive while we slept in our camper. I still have nightmares but with out a breeze that’s just florida. Overall, great little park to explore just sleep under a mosquito net.

• 

  Laura M.

  Legend

  

  Oct. 15, 2020

  Midway Campground — Big Cypress National Preserve

  Deserted:)

  Arrived at this campground with 2 other RVs already camping. One we never saw the people at all, the other one drove by but really never saw them either! Another arrived later on in the evening and a photographer came to shoot some night bugs and left before we woke up. Nice, quiet place to stay the night. It is close to the road but that was  not bothersome at all. Electric hook ups only with water, garbage  and dump on site. Sign said pick a spot and pay at the kiosk. $30/night cash only. One loop with pond in the middle with signs to beware of alligators though we never saw one. Bathrooms also available and both RV and tent sites and day use.

• 

  Dave C.

  Guide

  

  Mar. 28, 2020

  Monument Lake Campground — Big Cypress National Preserve

  Small but worth scenic view

  Campgrounds are based all around the lake they have bathrooms and hookups for electric on designated rv sites. Tents are set only on a separate designated area. Great to see tons of alligators.

• 

  Damon O.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 20, 2023

  Midway Campground — Big Cypress National Preserve

  Quiet, peaceful, well maintained

  Great camp sites, leveled with electric for the RVs and tent camping off on the side. Clean bathrooms (no showers) and dump station. Attendant was friendly. Central pond for fishing just watch for the gators.

• 

  Roger W.

  Legend

  

  Feb. 3, 2024

  Panther Pond

  Secluded Campsites

  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.

• 

  Dave V.

  Legend

  

  May. 28, 2019

  Horseshoe Primitive Campground in Picayune Strand State Forest

  RANGER REVIEW: GREGORY ZULU 35L BACKPACK AT PICAYUNE STRAND STATE FOREST

  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

• 

  Megan E.

  Scout

  

  Jan. 16, 2018

  Monument Lake Campground — Big Cypress National Preserve

  RVers had more fun

  TL;DR Great for RVs, sucks for tents

  Stayed for 2 nights in the tent loop in early January and encountered several problems with the campground.

  1. Every night at 7pm the tent sites were swarmed with a fly hatch (may flies, I’m guessing). We couldn’t breathe without inhaling them. All campers were forced inside their tents at that time and for the rest of the night. Fires didn’t help. We mentioned the situation to a Ranger who was picking up the trash outside of our campsite and suggested that they refer new comers to a different section of the loop because sites 8-10 were the worst. Ranger said it was not her job and that she would not pass the information on to the camp host. Their RVs were parked RIGHT NEXT TO EACH OTHER and we saw them drinking together at sunset, since their sites didn’t have the fly hatch, but no: She would not pass this along and spare the next campers. The positive is that the mosquitos weren’t bad. Just cleaning the dead bugs from your ears and nose gets nasty fast.
  2. Old reviews on the campground mention that there are showers. In fact, there are showers in the restrooms. However, no one is allowed to use them except apparently the camp host and ranger. We had been snorkeling the day before and wanted to rinse off the saltwater. When we asked the camp host where the closest place to buy a shower was, she said she had no idea and suggested we go ask some other campgrounds and see if anyone would let us. This seems like something a camp host should know. But for reference, the answer is: there aren’t any showers for sale. The best we could find was 10 miles west down the road at the Skunk Ape Museum there’s a campground that will sell you a $25 tent site and as many people as you have with you can shower and then just not use the site. For a family, that’s a decent deal. For the 2 of us, we just went on without them. We did see people washing their hair and taking birdbaths in the dish sink if you need.
  3. As we were packing up, a ranger dropped by and we spoke briefly and pointed out a fire ant mound near our site that we had been fastidiously avoiding. She immediately came back and threw some kind of stuff on it that causes them to run away and create a nest elsewhere. She clarified that it was NOT an insecticide and all it did was make them mad. No surprise, they ran over onto us and started biting us. She could’ve just waited until we were done packing up, but again, no one who works there seems to think that tent campers are part of their job. I’m pretty pissed about the fire ant stings though. It’s one thing to not know about showers, it’s another to sick fire ants on people while knowingly saying “this’ll make them mad!”

  So basically the review is this: if you want to boondock in an RV, this is a beautiful place to do it. It’s got a little pond with a couple of gators and beautiful views of marl grass prairie. You can get away from the fly hatch, take a shower, block out the night traffic noise, and hopefully avoid the fire ants. For tent camping, this place was the worst we’ve stayed in for a while. While a lot of things can’t be controlled, the host nor ranger were ever helpful (and sometimes actively making the experience worse!), though they were very chummy with RV campers. Bathrooms were clean though, which was fantastic.