Several cabin camping options near Fort Myers, Florida provide both basic and upgraded accommodations for travelers seeking alternatives to tent camping. Fort Myers Beach RV Resort maintains cabins within 4 miles of the beach, though sites are positioned close together. At Periwinkle Park on Sanibel Island, cabin rentals include concrete pads and convenient access to beaches less than half a mile away. The park serves as a bird refuge with numerous parrots and native species visible throughout the grounds.
What to do
Beach access from cabins: Periwinkle Park on Sanibel Island offers cabin stays within walking distance of renowned shell-hunting beaches. "Super close to a nice beach. Birds were so cool. Everything worked. Park was clean. Good size lots," notes one visitor.
Fishing opportunities: Near Fort Myers-Pine Island KOA, cabin guests can fish in surrounding waters. A reviewer explains, "This is an out of the way park. 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."
Explore local dining: When staying in cabins at Periwinkle Park, visitors can walk to nearby restaurants. "Quiet, good bathrooms, a short hike to the beach and great restaurants and bars and ice cream within walking," according to a camper who appreciated the convenience.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Crystal Lake RV Resort in Naples maintains well-kept cabins and amenities. "Incredibly clean amenities and friendly resort if you are lucky enough to get in. Mostly a snow bird community but overall very nice a community. Close to many restaurants, grocery and beaches!"
Pet-friendly options: Many cabin rentals like Raintree RV Resort welcome pets. "The resort was nice, clean and quiet. Many amenities including pickleball. Good communication and a very secure park. The people staying there were very nice," reports one visitor.
Pool access: Several cabin rental locations provide swimming pools. At Riverside Camp and Retreat Center, a visitor noted, "Well maintained. Outstanding pool. Away from hustle of Ft. Myers. Bathrooms very clean with best showers I've ever encountered camping."
What you should know
Reservation timing: Cabin availability is extremely limited during winter months. At Crystal Lake RV Resort, "Campsites are normally booked out a year in advance and only available to stay 10 months max."
Site spacing concerns: Cabin sites at Fort Myers Beach RV Resort are positioned very close together. "This place had zero outside living space due to they cram everyone in there. Also there are permanent trailers mixed with regular campers that face each other. So when you come out the door of the camper you ate essentially on their doorstep."
Insect preparation: Mosquitoes and no-see-ums can be problematic, particularly at dusk. "The noseeums about did me in there. No one sits out once the sun starts to set. The pool closes at dusk," warns a Pine Island KOA visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Bring bicycles: For families staying in cabins at Encore Pioneer Village, bikes make exploring easier. "This is a park with permanent sites, transient and seasonal people, with a the locals prominently making the social life active and fun."
Check wildlife viewing opportunities: Periwinkle Park offers unique wildlife experiences. "Birds are amazing. If you are around at feeding time, you can often see parrots riding around in a gold cart!"
Consider tent sites: Some locations offer tent camping as an affordable cabin alternative. "I wanted to take my kids camping with only a tent. I called the day before and made reservations for the next day. The check-in lady was so nice. Place is very clean and every one is so friendly."
Tips from RVers
Laundry facility considerations: When using cabin accommodations, check laundry policies. At Fort Myers Beach RV Resort, "They use the card system so you have to pay $5 just to get the card and then the minimum you can purchase is $10 so you better need to do a lot of laundry to get your $15 dollars worth."
Fire restrictions: Many cabin camping locations prohibit open fires. According to a Fort Myers Beach RV Resort visitor, "No fires, no wifi, restroom/shower dated. Mini golf, but no one seems to be playing. Checkin staff and site locator very friendly. Okay for overnight but wouldn't want to be here very long."
Check layout before booking: Request site maps before booking cabin accommodations. "Super tight, awning to awning. That's the only reason I dropped a star. But it's easy to make friends here, that's for sure!"
