Best Campgrounds near Sanibel, FL

Several camping options near Sanibel, Florida give you places to stay while visiting this Gulf Coast island. WP Franklin Campground in Alva sits along the Caloosahatchee River where campers can fish or launch boats for day trips. Collier-Seminole State Park near Naples combines camping with history - you can set up near the Royal Palm Hammock and walk the hiking trails through different Florida ecosystems. Watch for wildlife in both areas including alligators, raccoons and many birds, and store your food properly to keep animals away from your campsite. The campgrounds have bathrooms and drinking water for basic comfort. While camping directly on Sanibel isn't an option, the island makes a great day trip with its shell-covered beaches just a short drive from these camping areas. Many campers visit the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel for bird watching and kayaking. Winter brings the best camping weather with mild temperatures, but summer campers should expect humidity, occasional storms, and mosquitoes - bring plenty of repellent if camping May through September. Getting to Sanibel is straightforward via the Sanibel Causeway from the mainland, making it easy to visit from nearby camping spots.

Best Camping Sites Near Sanibel, Florida (102)

    1. Fort Myers-Pine Island KOA

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

    "The map may show that it's close to Sanibel and Ft Meyers but it is not really by car. This place grows on you. Pine island has no beaches but does have a lot of fishing spots and great restaurants."

    "Surrounded by water. Paradise"

    2. Periwinkle Park

    9 Reviews
    Sanibel, FL
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (239) 472-1433

    $50 - $62 / night

    "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."

    "Sanibel Island is a great vacation spot full of vacation homes, white sand beaches, and world-class shell hunting."

    3. Koreshan State Park Campground

    30 Reviews
    Estero, FL
    17 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."

    4. Cayo Costa State Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    Boca Grande, FL
    19 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.  "

    "Shells and palm trees and near restaraunts in Sanibel."

    5. Dancing Dolphins

    5 Reviews
    Fort Myers Beach, FL
    10 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!!!"

    6. Encore Fort Myers Beach

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

    "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."

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

    7. San Carlos RV Resort & Marina

    3 Reviews
    Fort Myers Beach, FL
    9 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
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

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

    9. Gulf Waters RV Resort

    1 Review
    Fort Myers Beach, FL
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (239) 437-5888

    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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Showing results 1-10 of 102 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Sanibel, FL

283 Reviews of 102 Sanibel Campgrounds



Guide to Sanibel

Camping near Sanibel, Florida, offers a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors while being close to beautiful beaches and nature. With several campgrounds in the area, you can find the perfect spot to set up camp and enjoy everything this region has to offer.

What to do

  • Explore the beaches: Sanibel is famous for its stunning beaches. Many campers enjoy collecting seashells and soaking up the sun. One visitor at Turtle Beach Campground said, "This place is an awesome place to visit. Tons of things to do."
  • Hiking and biking: There are plenty of trails for hiking and biking. A camper at Myakka River State Park mentioned, "The campsites are well-shaded and have easy access to walking & biking trails."
  • Wildlife watching: The area is rich in wildlife. Campers at Fisheating Creek Campground love spotting critters along the creek. One reviewer said, "Love the woods, always see critters along the creek."

What campers like

  • Clean facilities: Many campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Oscar Scherer State Park Campground noted, "Restrooms/showers were clean and staff were very helpful."
  • Friendly staff: Campgrounds like Collier–Seminole State Park Campground have friendly staff who are responsive to campers' needs. One camper shared, "The standout for us was the quick and helpful response of the staff."
  • Scenic views: Campers enjoy beautiful views from their sites. A reviewer at W.P. Franklin N mentioned, "You get to Camp right on the waterway; there are great views from every site."

What you should know

  • Mosquitoes can be a problem: Campers at Collier–Seminole State Park Campground warned about the mosquitoes, saying, "The mosquitoes were so aggressive we got tons of bites."
  • Limited amenities at some sites: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A visitor at Peace River Campground mentioned, "If you are a traditional camper stay away. This place is mainly for trucks and ATVs."
  • Reservations are recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. A camper at Ortona South advised, "Sites in this campground are in high demand."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose family-friendly campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. A camper at Koreshan State Park Campground mentioned, "Kids playground. Fishing spots. Canoe and kayak rentals."
  • Plan activities: Bring games and outdoor activities to keep kids entertained. One 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 and drinks: Having food on hand can make family outings easier. A camper at Fisheating Creek Campground said, "Bathrooms always are a bit dirty and get messy at the end of a weekend but otherwise a great spot."

Tips from RVers

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor 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 camper at Collier–Seminole State Park Campground mentioned, "The lack of sewer at each site makes it a nice little gem in SW Florida."
  • Bring bug spray: Mosquitoes can be fierce, so it's wise to come prepared. A camper at Oscar Scherer State Park Campground advised, "Dealing with the mosquitoes was routine for a grizzled Minnesotan such as myself."

Camping near Sanibel, Florida, offers a mix of beautiful scenery, outdoor activities, and family-friendly options. Whether you're in a tent or RV, there's something for everyone to enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Sanibel, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Sanibel, FL is Fort Myers-Pine Island KOA with a 4.1-star rating from 11 reviews.

What parks are near Sanibel, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 parks near Sanibel, FL that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.