Camping near Naples, Florida offers diverse options from primitive sites within state forests to developed RV parks with full amenities. The region experiences significant afternoon thunderstorms from June through September during hurricane season, with temperatures consistently reaching into the 90s during summer months. Winter season (November-March) brings milder temperatures but significantly higher occupancy rates at most campgrounds.
What to do
Kayaking on the Estero River: Koreshan State Park Campground provides direct access to the Estero River with rentals available on-site. A camper noted the river feels "remote and jungle-like" with opportunities to spot aquatic wildlife: "Manatee make their rounds (especially in cooler months)."
Hiking through historic sites: Collier-Seminole State Park Campground offers both natural and historical attractions. "A historical sight down in the Florida Everglades," writes one reviewer, while another mentions "many attractions in the nearby Everglades City and throughout Big Cypress, Everglades National Park, and other preserves."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The primitive camping area at Horseshoe Primitive Campground provides excellent wildlife spotting with open fields that attract deer. One camper reported: "Keep your eyes peeled for a panther sighting!" Another camper mentioned seeing "four campsites packed together and the entire field was open which had many other campsites" with "deer roaming the campground."
What campers like
Clean facilities year-round: Naples/Marco Island KOA Holiday receives consistent praise for maintenance. A reviewer stated: "We stayed here for a week and thoroughly enjoyed it. The location is fantastic, close enough in to be 5 minutes from a super Walmart and shopping, 25 minutes to Everglades City."
Access to local attractions: The location of campgrounds relative to attractions factors highly in reviews. One camper at Naples/Marco Island KOA Holiday appreciated being "25 minutes to Everglades City where we went out fishing and took an air boat tour, and is a hop skip to Marco beaches."
Variety of camping styles: From tent-only areas to RV sites with full hookups, the Naples region accommodates different camping preferences. A Collier-Seminole State Park camper noted: "There is one loop that is dedicated to tent campers with bathhouse. The rest of the grounds can be tent campers but mostly RVers ranging sizes with another bathhouse."
What you should know
Mosquito preparation is essential: Multiple reviews across campgrounds warn about intense mosquito activity. A camper at Koreshan State Park Campground advised: "The only real negative for tent campers...other than the heat (which I love), is the traffic noise from U.S. 41. Its not obnoxious, but you do hear it."
Drainage issues during rain: Some campgrounds experience flooding during Florida's rainy season. A camper at Naples/Marco Island KOA Holiday warned about "severe drainage issues" with sites where you might wake up to "water FLOWING through your site."
Seasonal occupation patterns: Winter months bring "snowbirds" who often stay for extended periods. A Collier-Seminole reviewer confirmed: "I can promise you between Nov 1 and March 30, this campground is crowded."
Tips for camping with families
Bring proper safety equipment: Rules regarding safety are enforced at some parks. At Collier-Seminole, a reviewer mentioned: "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."
Look for campgrounds with playgrounds: Crystal Lake RV Resort offers family-friendly amenities that received positive reviews: "Everything is very well kept (laundry, gym, clubhouse etc.)" making it suitable for families needing recreational spaces.
Plan for hot weather activities: Summer camping requires heat management strategies. A Collier-Seminole visitor reported: "This place was nicely maintained. We camped on the tent only loop... Overall a pleasant tent camping spot but wow it was crazy HOT July 31st."
Tips from RVers
Site navigation challenges: Some parks have tight spacing that requires careful maneuvering. At Marco Naples RV Resort, a camper noted: "The roads are tight for bigger rigs. Don't let that deter you... Tight spaces but I had no issues maneuvering my 28' RV."
Reservation timing: Due to high demand, planning ahead is critical. A Crystal Lake RV Resort visitor observed: "Campsites are normally booked out a year in advance and only available to stay 10 months max."
Site selection considerations: At Collier-Seminole, an RVer advised: "Some of the sites are tricky to back into (site poles, trees....etc.) weather they were on the site OR a site across from yours."
