The best campgrounds in Southwest Florida with horseback riding

Southwest Florida follows the Gulf of Mexico and blends with the Everglades—but the scenery doesn’t stop there. The region includes state parks, state forests, and a whole lot of beaches. Hikers will love the trails at Picayune Strand State Forest, which come just before Big Cypress. Meanwhile, the coastal tranquility of Pine Island Sound Aquatic Preserve offers campers the ultimate opportunity to unwind. Just like Southwest Florida’s landscapes, campsites come with variety. Park your RV, unlock your cabin, or take out your tent—campgrounds in Southwest Florida are ready for check-in.

97% (484)

Top-rated campgrounds near Southwest Florida

Southwest Florida follows the Gulf of Mexico and blends with the Everglades—but the scenery doesn’t stop there. The region includes state parks, state forests, and a whole lot of beaches. Hikers will love the trails at Picayune Strand State Forest, which come just before Big Cypress. Meanwhile, the coastal tranquility of Pine Island Sound Aquatic Preserve offers campers the ultimate opportunity to unwind. Just like Southwest Florida’s landscapes, campsites come with variety. Park your RV, unlock your cabin, or take out your tent—campgrounds in Southwest Florida are ready for check-in.

97% (484)

Top-rated campgrounds near Southwest Florida

1. Bell Oaks Ranch 5 min from Beach

97%

(291)

9 sites · Tents, RVs · Englewood, FL

Going on Year 4 as a hipcamp host! We are so grateful to have met such wonderful guests over the years! This land is very special to us and we hope you enjoy it as much as we do. The perfect place to unwind and disconnect from the busy day to day surrounded by nature, farm animals and wildlife. Located in one of the best spots in SW Florida! Hiking trails, horse farms, shopping, restaurants, recreational activities and within minutes from the beautiful FL beaches. Ideal for a weekend getaway or a snowbird vacation!

2. Blue Fox Ranch: Lake & Farm Camp

97%

(355)

10 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Moore Haven, FL

Learn more about this land: Blue Fox Ranch is a serene campsite nestled by a private lake, surrounded by lush palm trees and friendly farm animals, The gentle sounds of water lapping at the shore create a soothing atmosphere, perfect for relaxation. As the sun begins to set, the sky transforms into a breathtaking canvas of oranges, pinks, and purples, reflecting beautifully on the lake’s surface. Campers can gather around crackling campfires, sharing stories and enjoying the warmth of the flames against the cool evening air. The rustic sites are thoughtfully providing stunning views of the sunset. Each site offers ample space for tents or RVs, and there are plenty of trails nearby for hiking and exploring. Whether you're fishing, canoeing, or simply soaking in the peaceful surroundings, Blue Fox Ranch is a perfect escape into private small farm with farm animals for a truly new experience that you and your children will Guard forever. Blue Fox Ranch, your perfect getaway on the west side of Lake Okeechobee! Nestled just a mile from boat launch ramps, we’re ideally situated for fishing enthusiasts. Enjoy the nearby wildlife management area, just 3 miles away, or try your luck at Seminole Casino Brighton, only 10 minutes from the ranch. Our friendly farm is home to horses, chickens, ducks, sheep, and cows, all eager for attention—just be mindful, they can be a bit pushy! We’re dog-friendly, so feel free to bring your furry friends along for a peaceful and fun weekend. Experience the charm of our ranch while exploring the beautiful attractions around Lake Okeechobee. We can’t wait to welcome you! Site  1, 2, and 3 have hookups. All others are around the property with no hookups, toilets, showers are available by an outside bathroom by the house. Site 1= Electric and sewer hookup. 30 amps. Site 2= Electric and sewer hookup. 30 amps. Site 3= Electric and sewer hookup 50 / 30 amps. Site 4= No Hookups,  your generator is ok. Site 5= No Hookups, your generator is ok. Site 6=  No hookups, your generator is ok. Site 7= No Hookups, your generator is ok. (Shower and toilet are available )

3. Noda’s Ranch

96%

(13)

2 sites · Tents, RVs · Port La Belle, FL

Welcome to our ranch and be prepared to be in a country side. We are a family cattle ranch that loves what we do, there are 40 acres to explore, and you can choose the area that best suits your expectations. You can be close to our refreshing area or far away from us. , You may see us around working the land and are welcome to help if you wanna. We are dog lovers and dogs are welcome, we have two sweet and friendly ranch dogs, females, German Shepherd that walk freely at the property. If you love nature you may be surprised by a deer, alligator, hog, armadillo, panther, turtle, rabbit, raccoon, we already saw so many over here, you can see but please don’t touch, remember they are not pets and are free in their habitats! We producing a delicious raw honey just for us, not selling, you can see some working bees. We have some fruits trees like bananas, oranges, lemons, limes, mangos, avocados, that maybe you are luck and are in the season when you arrive, and yes, you are allowed to pick it if in season. Also you are more than welcome to bring any fruit tree and plant here during your stay. You can watch an amazing sunrise and sunset that are memorable. At night you can prepare delicious s'mores, bring your stuff and gaze into the night sky filled with stars like you've never seen. There is a social area with hammock, relaxing chairs, fire-pit, outdoor open shower, barbecue, table. Bring more chairs if you are a big family. If you like fishing, bring your stuff and you can fish at the water canal that are in the back of our property, we already got some delicious yummy Tilapias. The water that we provide come from a well, we use filters to purify it and use as shower and hose, but bring your drink water. You can bring your UTV and ATV to ride over here. If you are in a mood for a horseback, we can share a contact of a lady that bring them to our property, must be arranged prior to visit. Talking about outside the ranch, you can see our neighbors with orange farms, dragon fruit plantations, passion fruit plantations, bamboo plantations, ostrich farm, chicken farm. The town of LaBelle offers a lot to do and you must visit some places like LaBelle Nature Park, and Barron Park, we love to go there afternoons after grabbing a pizza. Talking restaurants, we can recommend our favorites, like a Italian restaurant, Mexican restaurant, a Brewing co, and a delicious Pelican's SnoBall shaved-ice snow cones that we are addicts of it! We are located 30 minutes from town, no stores or gas stations close by. Please come fully equipped with your own utensils, cooking essentials, food and beverages. We're also within 50 miles away of Estero Beach and 44 miles of Fort Myer. Bring sunscreen and a hat, we are in Florida and it is always super hot over here during the day. Don’t forget the bug repellent and a sweater, sometime the temperature drop during night. You may want a flashlight or headlamp for walking around at night. Enjoy the Florida outdoors lifestyle and we hope you enjoy your stay with us!

4. Oakey Dokey Acres

2 sites · RVs · Alva, FL

This is a 10 acre private property /ranch . It is an oak hammock with a beautiful creek ( Bedman creek) that runs through . Neighboring properties are small ranches with horses and cattle . There is a large orange grove across the road . It is a peaceful , rural area with lots of beautiful oak trees . Please contact/message me prior to booking .

5. Suburban Myth

88%

(8)

2 sites · RVs · North Fort Myers, FL

2 Full hook up concrete pad or gravel sites 30/50 amp sewer amd water free wifi Security gate/fully fenced Ideal for those Displaced by hurricane Ian, traveling professionals and or monthly vacationers. Owner lives on-site in separate building. Hot tub Out door shower.... Security gate with code. Along with camera security system. 10 minutes and 5 red lights from downtown Ft meyers nightlife and shopping. Minutes from the caloosahatchee River, shell factory and Sun-n-Fun water park. Several parks an walking trails are within minutes.... Large yard.... possible rental to corporation needing safe storage for equipment.

6. Equestrian Retreat

100%

(57)

2 sites · RVs · Alva, FL

Small private equestrian estate. Located in a very rural setting, surrounded by oak trees, cows, horses, tons of native birds and plants. Very close (less5mins) to hiking/bike trails, post office, river boat ramp/dock, farmers markets, grocery stores. Gated with 24-7 surveillance off of a private (10mph) dead end paved rd. Site/s offer high and dry 80’ x 30’ rock and millings parking. Full hook up. 30amp or 50 amp service please specify prior to booking to ensure power needs can be met. Filtered Well water. Dedicated sanitary drain at each site. Surrounded by palm trees, flowers, and bamboo. Post Ian we have built a new chicken coop and are proud to say our hens are laying fresh eggs again for our hipcampers to collect and enjoy! Property is shared by home owner, horses, additional Rv pad, and about a dozen chickens. Quiet and tranquil location. Mutual respect for privacy is required. Currently we are unable to host guests with children. under the age of 15. Well behaved dogs and cats are welcome. Thanks for checking us out! Let us know if we can help book your retreat. Our farm boasts a small but growing nursery, a very active barn and arena for racing horses, tons of wildlife, and generally a safe quiet place to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life. Please be respectful and bring good vibes 🎯👍🏻

7. Nature retreat in Horse Country

100%

(6)

1 site · RV · Fort Myers, FL

SINGLE SITE! This is a Farm property in very rural area of Fort Myers/Buckingham. We are 1 mile from the NORTH Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve horse/hiking trails. It's on a (bumpy) gravel backroad with almost no traffic. Bring your horse! Site is flat gravel without any hookups. No bathrooms or showers. We have 2 mountain bikes you can use. Fishing Poles provided for freshwater pond fishing. Close to 75, but very quiet.

8. Fisheating Creek Outpost

7 sites · Palmdale, FL

Welcome to Fisheating Creek Outpost, a hidden gem in Florida that offers an unparalleled outdoor experience along one of the state's most pristine creeks. Nestled near the quaint town of Palmdale, just west of Lake Okeechobee and north of the Everglades, our campground is the ideal destination for nature enthusiasts seeking adventure and tranquility. At Fisheating Creek Outpost, you can immerse yourself in a variety of eco-adventures, including camping, paddling, and hiking. Explore the enchanting cypress swamps or trek through our lush hardwood forests, where you may encounter alligators, turtles, deer, wild boar, turkey, wading birds, raptors, and even the occasional black bear. Whether you choose to paddle in your own canoe or kayak or rent one of ours, the natural beauty surrounding you is sure to leave a lasting impression. Our campground features wonderfully shaded tent and RV campsites, providing a perfect blend of comfort and privacy. Most of our RV sites come equipped with full hookups, including 30 and 50 amp electric, water, and sewer connections. For those who prefer a more rustic experience, our primitive tent sites are located along the creek and near a small lake, offering easy access to bathhouses and our

9. Myakka River RV Resort

14 sites · North Port, FL

Welcome to Myakka River RV Resort, a unique destination nestled along the scenic Myakka River in Venice, Florida. Our RV park offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and modern amenities, making it an ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. With riverfront and preserve-front sites that are big rig friendly, we provide full hookup and camper-style accommodations, complete with patio slabs, picnic tables, and cable TV for your comfort. Our prime location allows you to explore a variety of nearby attractions, including Cedar Point Park, Lemon Bay Park & Nature Center, the historic Henry Ford Home, and the expansive Myakka River State Park. These natural wonders offer opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and enjoying the great outdoors. At Myakka River RV Resort, you can partake in a range of fun activities such as horseshoes, swimming, tetherball, bingo, fishing, and bird watching. Whether you're planning a short getaway or an extended stay, we look forward to welcoming you to our beautiful resort soon!

Camper favorites in and near Southwest Florida

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Oakey Dokey Acres

2 sites · RVs · Alva, FL

This is a 10 acre private property /ranch . It is an oak hammock with a beautiful creek ( Bedman creek) that runs through . Neighboring properties are small ranches with horses and cattle . There is a large orange grove across the road . It is a peaceful , rural area with lots of beautiful oak trees . Please contact/message me prior to booking .

Suburban Myth

88%

(8)

2 sites · RVs · North Fort Myers, FL

2 Full hook up concrete pad or gravel sites 30/50 amp sewer amd water free wifi Security gate/fully fenced Ideal for those Displaced by hurricane Ian, traveling professionals and or monthly vacationers. Owner lives on-site in separate building. Hot tub Out door shower.... Security gate with code. Along with camera security system. 10 minutes and 5 red lights from downtown Ft meyers nightlife and shopping. Minutes from the caloosahatchee River, shell factory and Sun-n-Fun water park. Several parks an walking trails are within minutes.... Large yard.... possible rental to corporation needing safe storage for equipment.

Equestrian Retreat

100%

(57)

2 sites · RVs · Alva, FL

Small private equestrian estate. Located in a very rural setting, surrounded by oak trees, cows, horses, tons of native birds and plants. Very close (less5mins) to hiking/bike trails, post office, river boat ramp/dock, farmers markets, grocery stores. Gated with 24-7 surveillance off of a private (10mph) dead end paved rd. Site/s offer high and dry 80’ x 30’ rock and millings parking. Full hook up. 30amp or 50 amp service please specify prior to booking to ensure power needs can be met. Filtered Well water. Dedicated sanitary drain at each site. Surrounded by palm trees, flowers, and bamboo. Post Ian we have built a new chicken coop and are proud to say our hens are laying fresh eggs again for our hipcampers to collect and enjoy! Property is shared by home owner, horses, additional Rv pad, and about a dozen chickens. Quiet and tranquil location. Mutual respect for privacy is required. Currently we are unable to host guests with children. under the age of 15. Well behaved dogs and cats are welcome. Thanks for checking us out! Let us know if we can help book your retreat. Our farm boasts a small but growing nursery, a very active barn and arena for racing horses, tons of wildlife, and generally a safe quiet place to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life. Please be respectful and bring good vibes 🎯👍🏻

Nature retreat in Horse Country

100%

(6)

1 site · RV · Fort Myers, FL

SINGLE SITE! This is a Farm property in very rural area of Fort Myers/Buckingham. We are 1 mile from the NORTH Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve horse/hiking trails. It's on a (bumpy) gravel backroad with almost no traffic. Bring your horse! Site is flat gravel without any hookups. No bathrooms or showers. We have 2 mountain bikes you can use. Fishing Poles provided for freshwater pond fishing. Close to 75, but very quiet.

Fisheating Creek Outpost

7 sites · Palmdale, FL

Welcome to Fisheating Creek Outpost, a hidden gem in Florida that offers an unparalleled outdoor experience along one of the state's most pristine creeks. Nestled near the quaint town of Palmdale, just west of Lake Okeechobee and north of the Everglades, our campground is the ideal destination for nature enthusiasts seeking adventure and tranquility. At Fisheating Creek Outpost, you can immerse yourself in a variety of eco-adventures, including camping, paddling, and hiking. Explore the enchanting cypress swamps or trek through our lush hardwood forests, where you may encounter alligators, turtles, deer, wild boar, turkey, wading birds, raptors, and even the occasional black bear. Whether you choose to paddle in your own canoe or kayak or rent one of ours, the natural beauty surrounding you is sure to leave a lasting impression. Our campground features wonderfully shaded tent and RV campsites, providing a perfect blend of comfort and privacy. Most of our RV sites come equipped with full hookups, including 30 and 50 amp electric, water, and sewer connections. For those who prefer a more rustic experience, our primitive tent sites are located along the creek and near a small lake, offering easy access to bathhouses and our

Myakka River RV Resort

14 sites · North Port, FL

Welcome to Myakka River RV Resort, a unique destination nestled along the scenic Myakka River in Venice, Florida. Our RV park offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and modern amenities, making it an ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. With riverfront and preserve-front sites that are big rig friendly, we provide full hookup and camper-style accommodations, complete with patio slabs, picnic tables, and cable TV for your comfort. Our prime location allows you to explore a variety of nearby attractions, including Cedar Point Park, Lemon Bay Park & Nature Center, the historic Henry Ford Home, and the expansive Myakka River State Park. These natural wonders offer opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and enjoying the great outdoors. At Myakka River RV Resort, you can partake in a range of fun activities such as horseshoes, swimming, tetherball, bingo, fishing, and bird watching. Whether you're planning a short getaway or an extended stay, we look forward to welcoming you to our beautiful resort soon!

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

J

Janine

2 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Blue Fox Ranch: Lake & Farm Camp

Beautiful property! Luis is amazing host! Our stay wasn’t long enough. We will definitely be back.

Bernadette

3 weeks ago

20 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Bell Oaks Ranch 5 min from Beach

Easy 5 min from the beaches. And just down the road from Venice.

Andrea

November 2025

16 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Bell Oaks Ranch 5 min from Beach

We enjoyed our stay at Bell Oaks Ranch. The property is beautiful, quiet, and full of birds/wildlife. We had the back half to ourselves, so we had plenty of room and privacy. We greatly appreciated the clean bathroom and visited with your super sweet horses every day - thank you for hosting us!!

S

Shelley

November 2025

27 ft Class C

With pets

Weekend Trip to Bell Oaks Ranch 5 min from Beach

Great spot!! Secluded location on cute private farm but close enough to get to things as well! Hosts very friendly and it was a great place to stay! Definitely recommend!

R

Rod

November 2025

33 ft Class A

1 night at Blue Fox Ranch: Lake & Farm Camp

Good simple farm campground, 10-15 min from casino

J

Judy

November 2025

30 ft fifth wheel

7 nights at Bell Oaks Ranch 5 min from Beach

We loved staying here, our hostess was wonderful.

J

Janice

November 2025

Tent

2 nights at Blue Fox Ranch: Lake & Farm Camp

We loved tent camping here! I loved that the horses come up to say hello (although keep an eye on your stuff lol!), it was nice to be surrounded by farm animals. There was ample privacy, the bathroom/shower room was spotless and worked well. Stargazing at nighttime was excellent. Luiz was a gracious host and responded quickly to any questions we had. 10/10 recommend!

D

Denise

November 2025

Tent

With pets

2 nights at Bell Oaks Ranch 5 min from Beach

We love camping here, it's so peaceful and quiet. It was lovely watching Oakley and Willow their two horses from our tent, and then being able to pet them. It was unusually cold for the time of year we stayed, and the hosts offered us blankets and jackets, which we really appreciated This was our second stay here and and we will be back again in the future. .

B

Barbara

October 2025

12 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Bell Oaks Ranch 5 min from Beach

I had a great night of camping at Taylor and Beth place. It was easy to find, quiet, and well maintained. Many big trees for shade. Electric and water hookup worked without any issue. The horses were cool. And flush toilet and hot showers always a plus! It’s about 25 minutes to the Venice dog beach which is a little drive but totally worth it according to my dogs.

A

Arnas

September 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Blue Fox Ranch: Lake & Farm Camp

Quiet place, as advertised. You can observe the horses and cows just across the fence. The owner was very responsive throughout

R

Richard

September 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Blue Fox Ranch: Lake & Farm Camp

We absolutely loved the place. Luiz was so nice and helpful with anything we needed. So many good fishing spots around. Loved seeing all the animals and feeding the horses carrots. The RV was amazing and super clean. Everything we needed all there. Definitely would come back.

D

Dave

August 2025

18 ft Class B

Weekend Trip to Blue Fox Ranch: Lake & Farm Camp

Luiz is just an awesome guy!! Highly recommend staying here. Be sure to throw the stick for his dog Bruno!!!!

C

Celia

July 2025

Tent

1 night at Bell Oaks Ranch 5 min from Beach

I loved camping at Taylor's farm! She and her mom were very friendly and welcoming. The farm has an ideal location, close to Publix and minutes from the beach. The farm itself has access to a bathroom with shower which is convenient. The horses are gorgeous and the dogs super friendly as well. I would return without a doubt and highly recommend it to other campers!

A

Arturo

July 2025

38 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Blue Fox Ranch: Lake & Farm Camp

Off the path. Awesome sunsets. That canoes and bikes are available is great. The host is very attentive as well as Bruno his pup. Extremely friendly and playful.

S

Svetlana

July 2025

21 ft Class B

With kids

Weekend Trip to Blue Fox Ranch: Lake & Farm Camp

Me and my kids had a beautiful stay at Luiz farm! It’s very peaceful, the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen. Luiz is very friendly and helpful, he even made a dough bait for my son to fish. Kids loved to feed horses, bring some carrots and apples. We definitely recommend this place for a peaceful gateway.

R

Raquel

July 2025

25 ft Class C

With kids

Weekend Trip to Blue Fox Ranch: Lake & Farm Camp

Beautiful place, very peaceful atmosphere. Luiz is an amazing host! He made sure we had the best weekend! My kids fell in love with his dog Bruno, and his horses, specially Bella. Thank you Luiz for an amazing experience! We’ll definitely be back soon!

K

Kevin

June 2025

23 ft travel trailer

3 nights at Bell Oaks Ranch 5 min from Beach

My stay was nice and enjoyed seeing the horses. Easy in and easy out. Manasota Beach was not a far drive and we found sharks teeth on both visits. Nice to place to stay and relax.

James

June 2025

24 ft Class C

Weekend Trip to Blue Fox Ranch: Lake & Farm Camp

If you are looking for a peaceful place to rest, this is it. Luiz and his neighbor are helpful and informative. Horses, cows and chickens, oh my! Peaceful lake to walk around.

M

Martin

May 2025

21 ft Class A

With pets

Weekend Trip to Bell Oaks Ranch 5 min from Beach

Taylor’s land was a clean but still natural camping experience. The horses are well kept and cute. We had to change our RV size (our 21’ RV for our 40’ Motor coach) and was no problem at all they were able to accommodate us in a bigger size spot. The area was quiet of outside noises but you can hear the animals at night, even a little owl visit us while we were cooking outside. My dogs and us felt safe and relaxed. Took us around 5 minutes to get to the beach, no traffic, no crowds. I highly recommend you to visit them and stay the night.

A

Abigail

May 2025

20 ft Class B

Weekend Trip to Bell Oaks Ranch 5 min from Beach

Very pleasant overnight. Charming young couple as hosts. I will stay again.

More campsites in and near Southwest Florida

Fisheating Creek Outpost

7 sites · Palmdale, FL

Welcome to Fisheating Creek Outpost, a hidden gem in Florida that offers an unparalleled outdoor experience along one of the state's most pristine creeks. Nestled near the quaint town of Palmdale, just west of Lake Okeechobee and north of the Everglades, our campground is the ideal destination for nature enthusiasts seeking adventure and tranquility. At Fisheating Creek Outpost, you can immerse yourself in a variety of eco-adventures, including camping, paddling, and hiking. Explore the enchanting cypress swamps or trek through our lush hardwood forests, where you may encounter alligators, turtles, deer, wild boar, turkey, wading birds, raptors, and even the occasional black bear. Whether you choose to paddle in your own canoe or kayak or rent one of ours, the natural beauty surrounding you is sure to leave a lasting impression. Our campground features wonderfully shaded tent and RV campsites, providing a perfect blend of comfort and privacy. Most of our RV sites come equipped with full hookups, including 30 and 50 amp electric, water, and sewer connections. For those who prefer a more rustic experience, our primitive tent sites are located along the creek and near a small lake, offering easy access to bathhouses and our

Myakka River RV Resort

14 sites · North Port, FL

Welcome to Myakka River RV Resort, a unique destination nestled along the scenic Myakka River in Venice, Florida. Our RV park offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and modern amenities, making it an ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. With riverfront and preserve-front sites that are big rig friendly, we provide full hookup and camper-style accommodations, complete with patio slabs, picnic tables, and cable TV for your comfort. Our prime location allows you to explore a variety of nearby attractions, including Cedar Point Park, Lemon Bay Park & Nature Center, the historic Henry Ford Home, and the expansive Myakka River State Park. These natural wonders offer opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and enjoying the great outdoors. At Myakka River RV Resort, you can partake in a range of fun activities such as horseshoes, swimming, tetherball, bingo, fishing, and bird watching. Whether you're planning a short getaway or an extended stay, we look forward to welcoming you to our beautiful resort soon!

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best camping in Southwest Florida with horseback riding guide

Where to go

Everglades National Park

If you’re looking to hike or cross a national park off your list, you can’t miss the Everglades. The park occupies mainland Florida’s southernmost region, but is easily accessible from the state’s West Coast. Throughout the park, campers can discover more than 30 species of orchids—not to mention various plants, ecosystems, and birds. Lace up your hiking boots, but don’t forget to stop and smell the flowers.

Myakka River State Park

Characterized by live oaks, Florida’s trademark palm trees, and a river of the same name, Myakka River State Park offers a change of pace and scenery from the Everglades. If you’re a birdwatcher, meander along the birdwalk and keep your eyes peeled for soaring osprey and sunbathing gators. And don’t discount the river itself. You can fish, kayak, and canoe in the Myakka River—and embrace the wonders of Florida’s wetlands.

Along The Gulf Coast

If you’d rather keep close to the coast, Southwest Florida’s beaches follow the Gulf of Mexico and range in both style and scenery. Try the beaches near Naples for a camping getaway that offers access to golf courses, boutiques, and museums. Or, embrace the island life altogether and explore Marco Island, Sanibel Island, or Gasparilla Island. Pitch your tent, park your RV, and settle into your campsite. The water is calling.

When to go

The best time to visit Southwest Florida depends on the nature of your trip. If you want to hike, especially in the Everglades, come during the dry season, from December to March. Not only will the weather cooperate, but you’ll also camp within the window for prime wildlife spotting. If you’d rather improve your chances to see sea turtles, however, camp during the nesting period between May and October.