More than just spring training and good fishing, Fort Myers is a popular outdoor destination for those looking to live the South Florida lifestyle. Camping is plentiful in this part of the state, and the best campgrounds near Fort Myers and Cape Coral have ample options for both tent campers and RV travelers.
While this fast-growing city tends to get more recognition, its neighbor Cape Coral has a population that’s roughly double and offers a greater variety of amenities. From both Fort Myers and Cape Coral, you’ll have proximity to Warm Mineral Springs Park, and several other Florida natural springs are within driving distance.
Fort Myers’ Top Tent and RV Campgrounds
Fort Myers (population 83,505 in 2020) and Cape Coral (189,633) reside just 15 minutes apart, their downtowns separated by the Caloosahatchee River. These two large cities in southwestern Florida cater to year-round warm-weather seekers and those looking to live or experience life by the water.
There are numerous campgrounds that put within a short drive of the beautiful Gulf of Mexico. Take in the laid-back lifestyle of the Sunshine State at one of these top places to camp.
Here are the best and closest campgrounds to Fort Myers, FL, in order of proximity:
Seminole Campground (10 miles)
This local RV campground has been taking in travelers for nearly half a century now. With a creek running through the heart of the park, you’ll feel removed from it all, even just ten miles from Fort Myers. Seminole has some of the best access to the Caloosahatchee River as well for watersports pursuits or just floating along enjoying the good weather.
- Closest Town: Tice, FL (4 mi)
- Specs: 120 back-in RV sites, nine pull-through RV sites, full hookups, open year-round
- Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, heated pool, private restrooms, hot showers, recreation hall, exercise room, laundry, on-site general store, dog park, walking trails on site
- Reservations: Yes, visit seminolecampground.com/… or call (239) 543-2919
- Address: 8991 Triplett Rd, North Fort Myers, FL 33917 (Map)
Upriver RV Resort (10 miles)
If you want to be even closer to the Caloosahatchee, Upriver RV Resort offers sites that put you right on the river itself. With a gated entrance, families will be able to feel safe and secure during their stay. While at the resort, you’ll have a full suite of outdoor activities to choose from as well as Wi-Fi and a library if you need a quiet place to work.
- Closest Town: Tice, FL (5 mi)
- Specs: 395 sites, full hookups, open year-round with differing summer and winter office hours
- Amenities: Two pools, outdoor games, pool tables, exercise room, live music, food trucks, Wi-Fi with some fiber optic availability, pet-friendly but requires a pet fee, library, laundry, restrooms
- Reservations: Yes, visit upriver.com/reservation-form or call (239) 301-3551
- Address: 17021 Upriver Dr, North Fort Myers, FL 33917 (Map)
Woodsmoke Camping Resort (14 miles)
Part of the Sun Outdoors network, Woodsmoke offers luxurious facilities and 30 acres of wooded land to enjoy. With several levels of comfort, you can pick which amenities you’ll want to make your stay most enjoyable. While the resort has plenty of activities, including two fishing lakes and a nature trail, your proximity to the best beaches in Fort Myers will make you want to set out and explore.
- Closest Town: San Carlos Park, FL (2 mi)
- Specs: 300 RV sites, full hookups, open year-round with differing summer and winter office hours, dump station
- Amenities: Basketball courts, dog walk area, dog run, outdoor games, laundry, on-site office, on-site walking trail, playground, pool, rec hall, restrooms, tiki hut, Wi-Fi, clubhouse, hot tub, fitness center, fishing lake
- Reservations: Yes, visit sunoutdoors.com/… or call (888) 886-2477
- Address: 19551 S Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers, FL 33908 (Map)
San Carlos RV Park (14 miles)
For anglers heading to the Fort Myers area, San Carlos RV Park bills itself as the place to be for access to the Gulf of Mexico. Just a few minutes from the heart of the city, you’ll have plenty of restaurants and shopping to choose from if you want to spend a slow day exploring the city.
When you’re ready to set out onto the water, San Carlos RV Park has a marina and boat ramp on-site. If you have a successful day fishing, head to their fish cleaning station to process your catch.
- Closest Town: Fort Myers Beach, FL (1 mi)
- Specs: 150 sites, open year-round with seasonally-dependent office hours and rates,
- Amenities: Heated pool, rec center, spa, boat docs, laundry, fish cleaning station, dog walking area, pet cleaning area, outdoor games, live music, restrooms, showers, on-site office
- Reservations: Yes, call (239) 466-3133
- Address: 18701 San Carlos Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931 (Map)
W.P. Franklin Campground (16 miles)
Run by the Army Corps of Engineers, this is the closest Lake Okeechobee campground to Fort Myers and Cape Coral. Since this campsite juts out into the water, campers will be surrounded by the Caloosahatchee River. Because of this proximity, boating, kayaking, and fishing are some of the most popular activities here.
Those looking to hike will want to either choose a different site or prepare for a drive to the nearby trailheads. If you’re camping with your RV, note that W.P. Franklin requires a fee if you use the dump station before you check into your site. Usage is included, though, once your stay starts.
- Closest Town: Alva, FL (6 mi)
- Specs: 29 RV sites, eight boat sites, 50-amp electric hookups, water hookups, dump station, open year-round
- Amenities: Boat ramp, fishing pier, pet-friendly, picnic shelters, shower, BBQ grills, picnic tables, fire pits
- Reservations: Yes, visit recreation.gov/…
- Address: 17850 N Franklin Lock Rd, Alva, FL 33920 (Map)
Red Coconut RV Park (16 miles)
Red Coconut RV Park leans into the feel of Old Florida and models itself after vintage styling. You’ll be just steps from pristine white beaches and distraction-free camping while here. Red Coconut bills itself as offering a simple life, so if you’re not worried about maximizing amenities, this is the perfect getaway.
You won’t be without luxury here by any means, though. Expect full hookups, recreational opportunities, and all the basics that you could want. Note that the internet has limited bandwidth, so streaming services won’t operate well.
- Closest Town: Fort Myers Beach, FL (<1 mi)
- Specs: 60 beachfront RV sites, 181 park model rental units, full hookups, dump station, open year-round with differing summer and winter rates
- Amenities: Wi-Fi, picnic tables, recreation hall, fishing, swimming, laundry, outdoor games
- Reservations: Yes, call (239) 463-7200 or (888) 262-6226
- Address: 3001 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931 (Map)
Koreshan State Park (16 miles)
Located on the Estero River, your campsite will be among the South Florida oak trees. Named for a religious group that lived here in the late 19th century, the Koreshans, Koreshan State Park offers a glimpse of the area’s history. The grounds hold numerous registered historic buildings to tour in between hiking and fishing excursions.
- Closest Town: Estero, FL (1 mi)
- Specs: 46 standard campsites, four ADA-accessible sites,12 tent-only sites, open year-round, max RV length of 40 feet, four campsites allow hammock use, electric and water hookups
- Amenities: Picnic tables, fire rings, playground, picnic area, bathrooms, utility area, pet-friendly but leashes required at all times, boat ramp, canoe/kayak launch, laundry,
- Reservations: Yes, visit reserve.floridastateparks.org/…
- Address: 3800 Corkscrew Rd, Estero, FL 33928 (Map)
Caloosahatchee Regional Park (18 miles)
Run by the county, this small tent and RV park offers several group and equestrian sites apart from its standard camping spots. Tent spots here are primitive, but the location is convenient.
With nearby biking and equestrian trails, you won’t have to go far to get a ride in. Note that these trails are in one direction, and it changes monthly, so you’ll want to double-check the route before you set off. Trail maps are always recommended for those using these trails. While you can’t rent bikes, the office does let you borrow helmets.
- Closest Town: Alva, FL (3 mi)
- Specs: 19 standard campsites, six group campsites, two equestrian campsites, one lodge, open year-round
- Amenities: Campground office, restrooms, campground host on-site, picnic shelters for rent, kayak rentals, fishing pier, kayak/canoe launch, on-site trails
- Reservations: Yes, visit webtrac.leegov.com/… or call (239) 694-0398
- Address: 19130 N River Rd, Alva, FL 33920 (Map)
Periwinkle Park and Campground Aviary (18 miles)
Located off the coast on beautiful Sanibel Island, you’re always steps from the beach when visiting Periwinkle Park. You’ll be even closer to the birds of South Florida (and many others) since you’ll have an on-site aviary, making this a great destination for families.
This unique campground partners with non-profits to run the aviary rescue and allows campers to experience toucans, macaws, and many other exotic bird species. After visiting the aviary, you’ll be less than half a mile from the Sanibel Island sands, which are home to kayaking and shell-collecting hotspots.
- Closest Town: Sanibel, FL (1 mi)
- Specs: 337 RV sites, full hookups, open year-round with seasonally-dependent prices for summer and winter
- Amenities: Restrooms, showers, not pet-friendly, LP gas, picnic tables, laundry, ice for purchase, pavilion available, no Wi-Fi
- Reservations: Yes, visit form.jotform.com/… or call (239) 472-1433
- Address: 1119 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957 (Map)
\Periwinkle Park and Campground Aviary, Florida. Photo: facebook.com/periwinklepark.sanibel
Creekside RV Resort (22 miles)
Creekside RV Resort has a wide array of options for visitors seeking waterfront views when they park their travel trailer. While it has resort-style amenities, there isn’t any Wi-Fi, so you can unplug fully. If you do need internet service, you’ll want a hotspot, and Creekside mentions that Verizon tends to get the best service here.
The resort does have a few requirements travelers may want to note before making a reservation. Rigs must be 24 feet or longer and 10 years old and newer. However, if your RV doesn’t fit those requirements, you can send photos to management for approval on a case-by-case basis.
- Closest Town: Punta Gorda, FL (4 mi)
- Specs: 208 RV sites, sites up to 90 feet long, full hookups, open year-round with seasonally-dependent pricing
- Amenities: Pool, beach, pavilion, outdoor sports, kayaks for rent, exercise room, billiards room, library, warming kitchen, card room, bathrooms, showers, laundry, putting green, fishing on-site
- Reservations: Yes, visit creeksidervresort.com/… or call (941) 833-3334 or email office@creeksidervresort.com
- Address: 27005 Jones Loop Rd, Punta Gorda, FL 33982 (Map)
Cayo Costa State Park (23 miles)
Cayo Costa is unique in that you can only reach it via water. Plan to take off from Bokeelia with Pine Island Ferry and pack your camping gear. The tent spots here are primitive sites, though there are several communal amenities available to make your stay more comfortable. Those looking for extra comfort should book one of the 12 cabins on the island.
Tram service to carry your gear to your campsite is available from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, and you can park at the ferry service lot for a fee. Wildlife is plentiful at Cayo Costa, which makes for great photography, but it also means remembering proper food management. You’ll need a secure, hard-sided container for food, and all wrappers need to be properly disposed of.
- Closest Town: Bokeelia, FL (3 mi)
- Specs: 30 primitive tent sites, 12 cabins (2-night minimum), open year-round, four sites approved for hammock camping
- Amenities: Picnic tables, in-ground grills, potable water, cold showers, flush toilets, amphitheater, canoe/kayak launch, concessions and restaurant by the ranger station, firewood for purchase, pet-friendly if kept on a leash
- Reservations: Yes, visit reserve.floridastateparks.org/…
- Address: 13921 Waterfront Dr, Bokeelia, FL 33922 (Map)
Fort Myers/Pine Island KOA Holiday (24 miles)
This KOA puts you far enough away from Fort Myers and Cape Coral, but you’ll be near the charming beach town of St. James on Pine Island for restaurants and shopping. Fishing enthusiasts may recognize Pine Island as the “Tarpon Capital of the World,” so make sure you don’t forget the rod and reel at home.
If you want something relaxing, the local area offers historic streets to walk, museum tours, and some of the state’s best seafood, all within driving distance.
- Closest Town: St. James City, FL (2 mi)
- Specs: 277 30/50-amp RV sites, 79 20/30-amp RV sites, seven deluxe cabins, four tent sites, full hookups, dump station
- Amenities: Pool, firewood for purchase, Wi-Fi, hot tub, sauna, pavilion, cable TV, KampK9, Kamping Kitchen, dog wash station, fish cleaning station, laundry
- Reservations: Yes, visit koa.com/… or call (800) 562-8505
- Address: 5120 Stringfellow Rd, St James City, FL 33956 (Map)
The island lifestyle is strong here and is an integral part of these top campgrounds by Cape Coral and Fort Myers. If you’re heading towards Florida’s southwestern tip, the state’s fastest-growing city continually makes a strong case for a visit.
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