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.