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Best Campgrounds near St. James City, FL

409 Reviews

St. James City, Florida provides a mix of coastal and inland camping experiences on the southern tip of Pine Island. Fort Myers-Pine Island KOA offers full-service camping with boat access, electric hookups, and amenities for RVs and tent campers alike. Just four nautical miles west lies Cayo Costa State Park Campground, accessible only by ferry or private boat, featuring primitive tent sites and rustic cabins along nine miles of undeveloped Gulf Coast beach. Several RV resorts including Tropical Waters RV Park in nearby Bokeelia cater to long-term winter visitors with full hookups, while Sanibel Island's Periwinkle Park provides camping options within easy reach of renowned shelling beaches and wildlife viewing areas.

Reservation planning requires careful attention to seasonal patterns in this region. Winter months (December through March) see campgrounds at maximum capacity as "snowbirds" migrate south, making advance bookings essential up to 11 months ahead. As one camper noted, "It's nearly impossible to find available campsites unless you reserved 11 months in advance." Summer brings intense heat, humidity, and afternoon thunderstorms, but also greater availability. Mosquitoes and no-see-ums can be problematic year-round, particularly at dawn and dusk. According to a Cayo Costa visitor, "Pack lots of bug spray for no-see-ums and mosquitos. You still need some bug spray at dawn and dusk even in the dry season."

Wildlife viewing opportunities rank among the top experiences reported by campers in the area. Waterfront sites at places like Cayo Costa State Park offer exceptional shelling, with one visitor describing it as "the best beach-oriented camping in Florida." Boating and paddling access is a significant draw, with many campgrounds providing kayak launches or boat ramps. Privacy varies considerably between campgrounds, with some RV parks offering little separation between sites. Cell service is generally available at developed campgrounds but limited or nonexistent at more remote locations like Cayo Costa, where one camper advised, "Make sure you bring flashlights and headlamps because this place is DARK at night! No phone signals and no electricity."

Map showing campgrounds near St. James City, FloridaExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near St. James City, Florida (121)

    1. Cayo Costa State Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    Boca Grande, FL
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (941) 964-0375

    $22 / night

    "Best beach oriented camping in Florida.  The shelling is amazing and you truly feel like you have traveled back in time.  We have camped there in a tent site three times in the last year.  "

    "Cayo Costa is absolutely the best place for getting away from everything civilized!."

    2. Fort Myers-Pine Island KOA

    11 Reviews
    St. James City, FL
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (239) 283-2415

    "Surrounded by water. Paradise"

    "Grocery store nearby, which is really convenient. Good cell service and ok wifi. Have to drive to beach but so worth it! Super beaches and amazing water."

    3. Periwinkle Park

    10 Reviews
    Sanibel, FL
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (239) 472-1433

    $50 - $62 / night

    "Good location. However, be mindful of your location. There is an area right next to the sewage treatment facility and it stinks bad when the wind is wrong. It was wrong most of my weekend."

    "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."

    4. Koreshan State Park Campground

    30 Reviews
    Estero, FL
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (239) 992-0311

    $26 / night

    "It’s hard to book a weekend at any Florida campground in season so plan ahead if you want a Florida State park. This campground has short trails to hike through beautiful bamboo forests."

    "Koreshan, as its referred to by locals…is a little gem neatly tucked away between U.S. 41, Corkscrew Rd. and the Estero River."

    5. Encore Fort Myers Beach

    6 Reviews
    Fort Myers Beach, FL
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "Super close to the beach and so much to do! Lots of attractions, shops, and restaurants!"

    "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."

    6. Dancing Dolphins

    5 Reviews
    Fort Myers Beach, FL
    12 miles
    +1 (847) 452-4909

    $75 - $100 / night

    "Parking was easy on brick pavers and was right next to the sandy beach. We could walk for miles in both directions. Loved it and will come back."

    "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!!!"

    7. San Carlos RV Resort & Marina

    3 Reviews
    Fort Myers Beach, FL
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (239) 466-3133

    "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"

    "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. Dogs allowed, shuffle board small pool."

    8. Encore Gulf Air

    2 Reviews
    Fort Myers Beach, FL
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "Love that it's close to the beach, just needs Moore trees."

    9. Tropical Waters RV Park

    1 Review
    Bokeelia, FL
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (239) 283-4456

    $60 / night

    "They have bike paths."

    10. Groves RV Resort, A Sun RV Resort

    1 Review
    Fort Myers Beach, FL
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (239) 466-4300
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Recent Camping Photos near St. James City, FL

91 Photos of 121 St. James City Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near St. James City, FL

409 Reviews of 121 St. James City Campgrounds

  • Anthony B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Naples/Marco Island KOA Holiday

    Nice park but drainage issues

    We stayed here last weekend, and while the park is nice enough, there are severe drainage issues. We live in Florida and fully understand rainy season, but there’s no excuse to wake up to 4 inches of water FLOWING through your site. Site L18 is not recommended.

  • bailey J.
    Aug. 22, 2025

    Caloosahatchee Regional Park

    Our Stay

    We’ve stayed here twice now and absolutely loved it. The first time we stayed in Site 5, I believe, and something to note is that it is directly next to one of the ground volunteers’ RV site. It’s very close and does offer very limited privacy. However, he was incredibly nice and offered us firewood and a few other things that we forgot. This site was also incredibly close to the bathroom, which is a must for me. It was an amazing experience! Our second visit, we stayed on site 24. This site backs up directly to 25 and is right behind the bathrooms/showers. This site was also perfect for us despite the limited privacy. However, inconsiderate campers would walk directly through the back of our site to get to the bathrooms. Either way, these things were not dealbreakers. The grounds have incredible trails, mile-long trails to walk along the Caloosahatchee River, with beautiful sight-seeing. This is now our go-to campground!!

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 29, 2025

    Periwinkle Park

    Very nice campground on Sanibel Island

    Nice campground with very flat campsites made setting up our small trailer a breeze. 

    Very cost effective way to enjoy the island.

    Sites were a bit snug but were plenty for us.

    Bathrooms were probably the cleanest I've ever seen at a campground.  They were cleaned daily and it showed.

    Laundry facilities were very nice as well.

    Periwinkle park is located fairly close to most anything you'd like to do on Sanibel.  It was only a few minute bike ride down to the beach and to many other attractions.

    Great place, would definitely stay again.

  • j
    May. 12, 2025

    Koreshan State Park Campground

    Nice place.

    Grounds are nice, and staff are great. I’d suggest avoiding site 37 until it’s renovated. Big tree in the middle, and soft sugar sand is hard to level. Also, just know there are paths in the back where you want to keep eyes open. Saw rattlesnakes.

  • Amanda W.
    Apr. 25, 2025

    Palmetto Ridge Campground — Myakka River State Park

    Enormous park

    I’m staying in the Palmetto Ridge loop which is the only paved loop & I think the only one w/sewer. The Big Flats & Old Prairie loops are gravel road, tight, no privacy & very small sites like for popups, vans or small campers. The Palmetto Ridge pull thrus are gigantic. I would say the vegetation gives semi privacy but they aren’t on top of each other so it’s not like you’re looking right at your neighbor. There is a picnic table & a fire ring. Gravel sites but pretty level. My site was 50 amp. Not sure how many are. Bath house & laundry facility appears clean. Pet friendly. The outpost is literally like 3 miles into the park down from the entrance & Palmetto loop. The store was nice & there was a food truck. It was a little spendy but good food. The river was low so the kayak rental & boat tours were shut down. Tons of great hiking & even some elevated bridges for site seeing. Tons of gators, birds, deer etc. There is also a scenic drive in the park, a “fisherman’s loop” & a few picnic areas. There are cabins to rent but I didn’t see them. Also never saw a playground if you have kids. Very dark & quiet at night.

  • Mary jo R.
    Apr. 22, 2025

    Koreshan State Park Campground

    Basic Accomodations

    The trees and shrubs appear burned out from controlled burn or brush fire. The dead branches are still there. Sites have stones and sand. Not alot of grass or tree coverage. The park offers hiking trails and close by access for launching kayaks. This park also has a walking tour of the Korshean Settlement which was interesting. Every time we have been here there has been a burn ban so no campfires allowed. Sites are small but will work for a tent or smaller camper. Ours is 32’ and it is really tight for the site. Staff is super friendly. Sites fill up quickly especially on the weekend.

  • Eric R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 17, 2025

    Koreshan State Park Campground

    Tight camp spaces.

    Roads are narrow back by the campground site if you're in a big rig. Sites are also a little overgrown with shrubbery. The restrooms were clean. Some road noise. This campground has some history to it, which is pretty cool.

  • Teala S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 16, 2025

    Horseshoe Primitive Campground in Picayune Strand State Forest

    Lucky find

    A perfect primitive spot with a great location. Kind campground host and spacious spots. It is very open and you will see a lot of your neighbors, but that isn’t too much of a worry as many folks are here for hunting. It’s quiet in the evenings and makes for a great sunset spot.

Guide to St. James City

Camping near St. James City, Florida, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to relax by the water or explore the local wildlife, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Hiking and Biking: Explore the trails at Oscar Scherer State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "There are several trails right from the campground that we hiked."
  • Wildlife Watching: At Myakka River State Park, you can see alligators, deer, and a variety of birds. A camper shared, "It's quiet, and there's plenty of wildlife to be seen."
  • Beach Access: Camp at Turtle Beach Campground for easy access to the beach. One reviewer said, "On the beach with shells, sunsets, waves, and all that the beach has to offer."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Collier–Seminole State Park Campground noted, "The bath houses are immaculate, and the showers are hot with great water pressure."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campers mention the helpfulness of the staff. One reviewer at Fisheating Creek Campground said, "Staff is always helpful. Been here many times and will definitely be back!"
  • Scenic Views: Campgrounds like W.P. Franklin N offer beautiful water views. A camper remarked, "You get to camp right on the waterway; there are great views from every site."

What you should know

  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for mosquitoes, especially in the warmer months. A camper at Collier–Seminole State Park Campground warned, "The mosquitoes were so aggressive we got tons of bites."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Peace River Campground, have limited amenities. A visitor mentioned, "There are no trails nearby, but a nice walk on the access road out to the highway is a 4-mile round trip."
  • Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, so it's best to make reservations in advance. A reviewer at Ortona South noted, "Sites in this campground are in high demand."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids, like playgrounds. One camper at Koreshan State Park Campground mentioned, "Kids playground, fishing spots, canoe and kayak rentals."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities to keep the kids entertained. A family at Cayo Costa State Park Campground enjoyed, "The shelling is amazing, and you truly feel like you have traveled back in time."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for the kids. A camper at Gulf Beach Campground said, "We loved this whole area and the campground was perfect."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at W.P. Franklin N noted, "All of the sites are concrete pads which have been almost perfectly level."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Hookups: Some campgrounds may not have sewer hookups. A visitor at Collier–Seminole State Park Campground mentioned, "The only sites not on the water are: 19, 20, 21."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Stock up on essentials before arriving. A camper at Fisheating Creek Campground advised, "If you camp here, take precautions and know that rats will chew through any bag that contains food."

Camping near St. James City, Florida, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're in an RV or tent, there's something for every outdoor enthusiast.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at St. James City campgrounds?

Campgrounds near St. James City offer varying amenities. W.P. Franklin N campground provides water access, well-maintained facilities, and is located within 45 minutes of Gulf Coast beaches. While mosquitoes can be abundant, especially at night, the campground offers a peaceful setting. For more rustic options, Horseshoe Primitive Campground in Picayune Strand State Forest offers a true Florida wilderness experience with basic facilities. Most RV parks in the area like San Carlos RV Resort provide full hookups, while state parks generally offer water, restrooms, and shower facilities with varying levels of cell service.

Where can I find campgrounds in St. James City?

St. James City on Pine Island offers several nearby camping options. Fort Myers-Pine Island KOA provides convenient access with full amenities for RVs and tent campers. For a more adventurous experience, Cayo Costa State Park Campground is accessible by boat from Pine Island and offers pristine beach camping with primitive sites and cabins. You can also find Tropical Waters RV Park near Bokeelia at the north end of Pine Island. All of these locations provide good access to St. James City while offering different camping experiences.

Which is the most popular campground near St. James City, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near St. James City, FL is Cayo Costa State Park Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 21 reviews.

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