Best Campgrounds near North Fort Myers, FL
The Caloosahatchee River corridor shapes camping options around North Fort Myers, Florida, with a mix of RV resorts and water-oriented sites within a 20-mile radius. W.P. Franklin North, managed by the Army Corps of Engineers, sits on a boomerang-shaped river island offering water and electric hookups with direct river access. Seminole Campground, just off I-75, provides full-service RV camping with amenities like air-conditioned bathrooms and a pool, though it primarily serves RVs rather than tent campers. Several private RV resorts including Upriver RV Resort and Encore Pioneer Village cater to long-term winter visitors with full hookups, while Koreshan State Park in nearby Estero offers a more traditional camping experience with historical attractions and natural areas.
Reservations are essential during winter months when "snowbird" visitors fill campgrounds from November through April. As one camper noted, "It's nearly impossible to find available campsites unless you reserved 11 months in advance." Most campgrounds in the region feature level sites with gravel or concrete pads suitable for RVs of various sizes. Summer brings intense heat, humidity, and afternoon thunderstorms, making bug protection essential. Mosquitoes become particularly aggressive at dusk and dawn. The subtropical climate means year-round camping is possible, though hurricane season (June through November) may affect availability and conditions. Cell service is generally strong throughout the area due to proximity to urban centers.
Waterfront sites receive consistently high ratings from visitors, particularly those along the Caloosahatchee River. A reviewer of W.P. Franklin North noted, "Water is ten feet from your site—slide your paddle craft in and go—or back your power craft down a ramp in the center of the campground." However, tent campers often report challenges with privacy and noise. Many campgrounds prioritize RV amenities over tent camping experiences, with one visitor observing that Seminole Campground "has more the feel of a mobile home park than a campground." Wildlife viewing opportunities exist even in developed areas, with wading birds, alligators, and diverse plant communities visible along waterways and in nearby natural areas like Caloosahatchee Regional Park.
