Glamping in Placida, Florida sits within a subtropical zone with consistent year-round humidity and temperatures ranging from 55°F in winter to 90°F in summer. The coastal proximity creates a microclimate with afternoon sea breezes that can reduce mosquito activity at premium sites. Campers should note that the barrier islands near Placida are accessible primarily during daylight hours, with ferry services having strict schedules that don't accommodate late arrivals.
What to do
Fossil hunting in Peace River: Visitors at Peace River Campground can search for prehistoric shark teeth and other fossils in the riverbed. "You can spend the day paddeling down the river, fishing or sifting through the sediment looking for fossils from all different time periods," reports Kasey K., who found the activity suitable for all ages.
Biking on Cayo Costa: Rent bicycles to explore the island's trail system. "There is a series of trails that run through the wooded sections of the island to explore. There are some truly great views to take in as well as an island cemetery which provides some historical contest to what Cayo Costa was used for," notes David I., who recommends this as an essential activity.
Kayaking the Estero River: Launch from Koreshan State Park Campground for a paddling adventure through mangrove tunnels. "The Estero River. Though built up on the north side with a trailer park...parts of the Estero feel remote and jungle-like," explains Dave V., who advises checking tide charts before setting out to avoid fighting currents.
Wildlife watching at Myakka: The park hosts numerous bird species, alligators, and native mammals. "This is one of our fave places in FL because there is hiking, biking, birding, kayaking, much more," shares Linda M., highlighting the diverse ecological zones within the park's boundaries.
What campers like
Limited light pollution for stargazing: Cayo Costa State Park Campground offers exceptional night sky viewing due to its remote location. "Stargazing is to die for...no ambient light to wash out the blackness of the night sky," writes Dave V., who recommends bringing headlamps since "this place is DARK at night."
Private beach access: Many campers appreciate the uncrowded shorelines. "You have miles of beach with very few people and the nighttime skies are truly cosmic," reports David I., who visited multiple times and tried both tent camping and cabin rentals on the island.
Historical exploration opportunities: "The buildings are pretty interesting, as is the beliefs these unusual folks held," notes Dave V. about the Koreshan settlement buildings at Koreshan State Park, where visitors can tour the remains of a 19th-century utopian community while camping nearby.
Modern amenities at rustic locations: Periwinkle Park offers facilities that maintain cleanliness despite natural surroundings. "Bathrooms were probably the cleanest I've ever seen at a campground. They were cleaned daily and it showed," shares Rob Y., who found the site provided good value compared to resort accommodations.
What you should know
Island access logistics: "Access to the island is by ferry (Tropic Star of Pine Island) although it is possible to kayak to it from Pine Island. This would involve some open water crossing and about a 7 mile total one way trip," advises David I. about reaching Cayo Costa, noting travelers should pack light due to ferry loading procedures.
Insect preparation: Biting insects can be intense, particularly at dusk. "Insects are a serious issue, even in the fall and winter. Hope for a breeze to deter the no-see-ums. I used DEET spray and a thermacell and a permethrin-treated tent and still left with dozens of bites," warns Jennifer L. who camped in November.
Wildlife encounters: "Well, the night belongs to the Rats on this island. There are literally thousands of them," cautions one reviewer about Cayo Costa, recommending food storage in bear-proof containers and never keeping food in tents, as "rats will chew through any bag that contains food."
Seasonal planning: The winter dry season (November-April) offers the best camping conditions. "No problem with bugs in the dry season, but you still need some bug spray at dawn and dusk," notes Jim about Cayo Costa, who observed successful rodent management efforts in late 2021.
Tips for camping with families
Boat tours for kids: Myakka River State Park offers guided excursions that engage children with wildlife spotting. "We ended up taking a boat tour on the river which was highly enjoyable," shares Anthony S., though he notes some visitors disregard park rules regarding trail closures and wildlife interactions.
Beach camping preparation: "Want to avoid the crowds and have a heavenly beach camping experience? Cayo Costa is absolutely the best place for getting away from everything civilized!" recommends Jeanene A., who advises bringing "flashlights and headlamps because this place is DARK at night!"
Animal attractions: Children enjoy the diverse wildlife viewing options. "Birds are amazing. If you are around at feeding time, you can often see parrots riding around in a gold cart!" reports Jeffrey W. about Periwinkle Park, which doubles as an exotic bird sanctuary.
Water safety awareness: "The Peace River is full of alligators in the spring/summer time. They didn't bother us but they also didn't seem too afraid of us either," observes Leslie M., recommending appropriate supervision of children near waterways.
Tips from RVers
Site selection at San Carlos RV Resort & Marina: "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," shares Sara G., noting the convenient location for accessing local amenities without driving.
Space considerations: "The sites are very spacious with fire pits, picnic table and at some sites a place to hang a hammock," notes Trudy T. about Cayo Costa, though access requires planning since vehicles remain on the mainland.
RV service accessibility: "Close to gas, grocery store and really good restaurants," reports Lexi U. about Horseshoe Cove RV Resort, appreciating that maintenance staff were responsive to camper needs during her extended stay.
Parking logistics: "Some campsites have a windblock of trees, so you cannot directly see the beach, but you can hear it," explains Leah W. about coastal camping setups, noting the practical benefits of natural barriers for RV positioning and noise reduction.
