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Best Campgrounds near Sanibel, FL

285 Reviews

Sanibel Island and the surrounding area offer limited camping opportunities with a focus on established campgrounds rather than dispersed camping. Periwinkle Park serves as the only campground directly on Sanibel Island, providing full hookup sites for RVs, tent camping areas, and cabin accommodations. Within 20 miles of Sanibel, additional options include Fort Myers-Pine Island KOA in St. James City and Koreshan State Park Campground in Estero. These facilities generally feature amenities such as electric hookups, water access, and shower facilities, though amenity levels vary significantly between locations.

Camping in the Sanibel area requires advance planning due to limited availability and seasonal demand. A camper noted, "This is the only campsite available on the entire island, and as a result it is a bit pricier than most camp sites, but it is far and away the most economical way to see the island." Summer months bring higher temperatures, humidity, and mosquito activity, with several reviews mentioning the need for bug protection. Most campgrounds in the region operate year-round, but winter represents peak season with higher occupancy rates. Regulations vary between facilities, with some prohibiting campfires and others having specific rules about pets and site boundaries.

Most campgrounds near Sanibel provide convenient access to beaches, wildlife viewing, and water activities. Periwinkle Park features an aviary that receives positive mentions in reviews, with one visitor noting it's "a bird watcher paradise" with "lots of parrots as well as native birds." The RV resorts along the mainland coast provide boat access to surrounding waterways. Many campgrounds in the region are combination facilities that include both short-term camping sites and permanent mobile home areas. Water-based activities remain the primary attraction, with campers citing proximity to beaches and fishing opportunities as key highlights. While camping options are limited compared to other Florida regions, they provide cost-effective accommodation for exploring Sanibel's beaches, shell collecting, and wildlife preserves.

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Best Camping Sites Near Sanibel, Florida (108)

    1. Periwinkle Park

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

    $50 - $62 / night

    "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."

    "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."

    2. 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"

    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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Recent Camping Photos near Sanibel, FL

67 Photos of 108 Sanibel Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Sanibel, FL

285 Reviews of 108 Sanibel 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.

  • 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.

  • Marji E.
    Mar. 9, 2025

    Encore Harbor Lakes

    Emergency overnight stay

    We wanted to use our generator for camping to test it out, but it would not start. Had to have a RV park nearby and called, and booked a site within 10 minutes. Very pleased with the accommodations. Pool was great, neighbors were friendly and very helpful. Park was clean and orderly. Definitely would stay here again.

  • Matthew B.
    Feb. 17, 2025

    Wildcow Campground

    Secluded site with hiking trails a driving distance away

    It is a lovely secluded primitive campsite with all the advertised amenities. Very good view of the night sky for South Florida. The grass was fairly overgrown so we couldn't walk off the trails much. Ground was very dry as it hadn't rained in over a week and it was the middle of the dry season. Easily fit 4 tents at the site, 2 of which were on the raised platforms. Bugs were quite mild for a swampy South Florida location; citronella candles and the campfire did a good job of keeping them at bay. Saw some gators and spotted gar hanging at the culvert near the gate.

Guide to Sanibel

Camping spots near Sanibel, Florida are limited but offer varied experiences ranging from beachfront locations to island retreats. The subtropical climate brings average summer temperatures above 90°F with high humidity from June through September, while winter months remain mild with temperatures typically between 60-75°F. Thunderstorms occur frequently during summer afternoons, creating brief but intense rainfall patterns that campers should prepare for.

What to do

Beach access biking: Most Sanibel area campgrounds provide bike-friendly access to beaches. At Periwinkle Park, campsites are "less than a mile from the beach, easily walkable and even easier to bike," according to one camper. Another visitor notes, "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."

Bird watching opportunities: Several camping locations feature bird sanctuaries or natural habitats. Periwinkle Park offers an aviary that receives strong reviews from guests. A camper describes it as a "bird watcher paradise. Lots of parrots as well as native birds. Love all the squawking when they wake up in morning!"

Kayaking and paddleboarding: Water activities remain accessible from most camping areas. At San Carlos RV Resort & Marina, one visitor reports they "took the paddle boards over to the restaurant on the opposite side" and enjoyed the convenience of water access. Waterways around the region provide ample paddling opportunities with connecting channels to explore.

What campers like

Affordability compared to resorts: Camping offers significant cost savings when visiting Sanibel. A camper notes about Koreshan State Park Campground: "Sites are small but will work for a tent or smaller camper... Staff is super friendly. Sites fill up quickly especially on the weekend."

Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain high standards for bathrooms and common areas. About Fort Myers-Pine Island KOA, a visitor mentioned: "Good spot very clean with clean amenities. Wifi and cable access good too." Another camper at Periwinkle Park stated, "Bathrooms were probably the cleanest I've ever seen at a campground. They were cleaned daily and it showed."

Historical attractions: Several camping areas provide access to historical sites. Koreshan State Park features walking tours of a historic settlement. One visitor noted, "This park also has a walking tour of the Korshean Settlement which was interesting," providing educational opportunities alongside camping.

What you should know

Insect preparation essential: Mosquitoes and no-see-ums can be problematic, particularly during summer months. Pack appropriate repellents regardless of season. At Fort Myers-Pine Island KOA, a camper advised: "Bring your bug spray. Lots of mosquitos." Another camper mentioned the presence of "sand fleas" that were "eating us up."

Weather patterns: Afternoon thunderstorms frequently occur during summer months. Rain creates temporary flooding at some sites. A camper at Gulf Air reported that "it rained and I woke up to find my camper surrounded by 4" of water."

Campfire restrictions: Many Sanibel area campgrounds prohibit open fires due to regulations and property constraints. At Periwinkle Park, a visitor noted: "Fires are not permitted. But grills are allowed and the site has very well kept and clean shower/bathroom facilities."

Frequently Asked Questions

What RV parks are available on Sanibel Island?

Sanibel Island offers limited RV camping options with Periwinkle Park being the primary RV park on the island. This park features gravel sites for rigs with concrete pads for outdoor setups, grills, and picnic tables. Sites are somewhat close together but well-maintained, making it a cost-effective way to enjoy Sanibel. For additional options near Sanibel, Encore Fort Myers Beach is located just 4 miles from the beach and approximately 15-20 minutes from Sanibel, offering convenient access to shopping and featuring a nice pool for afternoon gatherings.

Can you camp at Sanibel Island State Park?

There isn't actually a "Sanibel Island State Park" specifically, but camping options exist near Sanibel. The closest state park camping experience is at Cayo Costa State Park Campground, accessible by boat from Sanibel. This park offers primitive tent camping and rustic cabins on a pristine barrier island with excellent shelling opportunities. It provides a secluded beach camping experience with steady ocean breezes. For mainland options near Sanibel, Koreshan State Park Campground is about 30 minutes away and offers more developed facilities.

Where are the campgrounds on Sanibel Island, Florida?

On Sanibel Island itself, camping options are limited to primarily Periwinkle Park, the only campground located directly on the island. This campground offers flat sites ideal for trailers and RVs, with very clean bathrooms and laundry facilities. It's the most economical way to stay on Sanibel while enjoying the island's white sand beaches and world-class shelling. For those willing to stay nearby but off-island, W.P. Franklin N offers camping about 45 minutes from the Gulf Coast beaches, though travel times increase significantly during winter months.

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