The best camping near Cayo Costa State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Cayo Costa State Park adventure.

100% (9 reviews)

Nature rules on this Gulf of Mexico island.

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Stay at a public campground in Cayo Costa State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Cayo Costa State Park

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Smokey Acres

16 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Brooksville, FL

Welcome to Smokey Acres! This property has been in my family for decades. My Husband and I were married under the oaks and have had our share of campfires out there. Down a hidden gravel drive with wetlands on either side you will find a completely fenced in field surrounded by pine, oak, and swamp maple trees. There are two ponds located on the property both stocked with bass, bluegill, and sunfish. The front pond is home to many natural Florida wildlife and is a great location to bird watch. Located a few miles from Brooksville and the Suncoast Parkway, this quiet and peaceful setting is just 5 minutes from the parking area and trailhead for the Suncoast Trail and 10 miles from the famous Weeki Wachee Springs, where you can spend the day at the local park or float down the river with the manatees. Withlacoochee State Park and other natural preserves with trail access and kayaking are only a short distance away, and Dames Cave, Homosassa Springs, and Chasawiska Springs are all within a ~20-minute drive as well. Spending a day at the beach is easy with plenty of options along the Nature Coast. We’re also less than an hour from Tampa and Clearwater and two hours from Orlando. A perfect weekend get-away for anyone looking to “unplug,” Smokey Acres is also a great stop for those passing through the area. We are a close distance to many racing, livestock, boating and fishing events. We have no problem accommodating whatever you’re towing! Whether you'd like a leisurely day on the river or an adventure in the Gulf, there are plenty of boating options nearby. Be sure to make it back to the property in time to enjoy amazing sunsets that bring peace and tranquility to your experience. Our neighbors, JG Ranch, offers U- Pick Fruit and Vegetables or a great selection of local harvest at their roadside stand. This 10-acre property has been in my family for decades. My Husband and I were married under the oaks and have had our share of campfires together out there. I've recently moved back home with my own family and as much as we enjoy the land for ourselves we'd love to share it. Any profit from hosting campers will help us maintain our sustainable farm that we're hoping to expand onto Smokey Acres. Just in! Our dirt road has been repaved. So no worries about a bumpy drive in!

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By the Pond...

12 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents33 acres · Ruskin, FL

Stay by a lovely pond on 33 acre fruit and ornamental tree nursery property with great vibes. Located near I-75 just 20 miles South of Tampa, 35 miles east of Saint Petersburg, 35 miles North of Sarasota, 2 hours West of Orlando. This property is home to a farm/nursery operation and has a large pond on the west side. The pond is Spring-fed at the headwaters of Marsh Branch Creek which begins at our property and flows West about five miles in to Tampa Bay. Approximately 33 private acres allows for plenty of space between our campsites. Property is home to a farm with hundreds of fruit trees- Lychee, Mango, Starfruit, Papaya, Guava). Red Mombin, and thousands of banana plants. Fishing can be great, wildlife and bird watching too. Fenced and gated for safety, this old historic nursery property has good vibes and plenty to offer. Until you see it - you really may not understand. Parts of property are wide open, other areas are rugged and difficult to walk through including some wetland areas. The nursery has plenty of trees, and some fields -the large pond is surrounded by cattails and marsh/wetlands and has fish (Bass, Tilapia, Sunfish, Catfish). Several species of wildlife have been seen on the property. We think the property is lovely, and definitely want you to enjoy your camping experience!

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Sandy Bottom River Retreat

5 sites · Tents8 acres · Wimauma, FL

Learn more about this land:Come relax and rejuvenate in our private peaceful oasis. Surround yourself with the tranquility of the woods and private river access in this very rustic, near amenity-less experience; home to towering pine trees, fluffy saw palmettos, soaring air plants, you name it! Looking to spot a few critters? You’ll likely encounter squirrels, rabbit and may even find an occasional deer or hog. Bird watchers welcome, it’s easy to spot real beauties in this quiet untouched gem. Make your way down to the river for tubing, canoeing, wading or just picnicking on the bank overlooking the pristine golden sandy bottom where the water is almost always just knee high. Need to pick up snacks? You’ll be pleased to find that delivery is just one click away via Walmart, Instacart, Amazon and more but you’re also just minutes away from shopping, restaurants, entertainment and the interstate is no more than a 10 minute drive from the property :-)

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Cotee River Bend

15 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · New Port Richey, FL

Our RV Campsites are located in a grassy field next to dense woods. Electric and water hookups are included in the RV/Camper sites, but not the Tent Site. All sites have a picnic table and fire ring. Our newly renovated restrooms on the property have toilets and one shower. A boardwalk takes you along the Cotee River to our open air pavilions with several places to sit and enjoy nature. Cell phone service is not a problem, as we are not that remote (although it sort of feels like we are when you are here) - we are 5 min from downtown New Port Richey, 2 minutes from groceries, gas, restaurants. This beautiful slice of Old Florida is named for the Pithlachascotee River that bends along the back side of the property. Pithlo is the Creek word meaning canoe, and chaskita means to dig or chop out, together signifying "place where canoes are chopped or dug out". Seminoles of this area used canoes dug out from the great cypress trees found along Florida rivers. From the 1980s until 2014, this property was owned by the Cotee River Lions Club. They held a popular monthly pancake breakfast fundraiser in the large pavilion along the river. We purchased this 4.9 acres of land in late 2019. It is now where we live and have a woodworking shop. It has been a magical place for us, with no shortage of wildlife, rich jungle forest, a lazy winding narrow river, and even the occasion river otter sighting. We are grateful to all the humans who have occupied this place over the centuries before us for keeping it as nature intended it. It is our intention to do our part to conserve and protect its natural beauty as long as possible. We hope you find it to be as restful and rejuvenating as we do.

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Cedarkirk Camp & Conf. Center

6 sites · RVs, Tents170 acres · Lithia, FL

Cedarkirk was founded in 1971 as a year-round camp and conference center that serves churches, not-for-profits, and schools. Our beautiful property and amenities exist for all people to enjoy recreation and renewal in nature. We own 170 acres of land, most of which looks like wild Florida has for thousands of years, and provides sanctuary for many native plants and animals. We are excited to welcome you to this "place apart."

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(10)

Find Out Farms

8 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Dade City, FL

This is a 10 acre farm 2 miles off the paved road and a mile from nearest neighbor. This property specializes in sunrises, peace, fresh air, open sky, epic stars and sunsets. There are 5 spots 20 ft wide that include: 50 amp hook up Well water hose bib It’s quiet, calm, and surrounded by nature. Paramotor and off road activities may be available. Any questions please reach out.

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The Olive Grove Cabin Tent

19 sites · Lodging, Tents4 acres · Brookridge, FL

Glamping in The Olive Grove. Aframe Cabin Tent nestled in a 4 acre olive orchard. We are a working farm and harvest and mill our olives into high quality, extra virgin olive oil. Free range chickens and ducks and rescue dogs roam the grounds. Cabin tent side opens, queen bed, Wi-fi, heat and AC, TV, electric outlets and fire pit. Kitchenette and bathrooms are separate from the cabin tent. Kitchenette has coffee maker, toaster over/ air fryer, hot plate, pots and pans. Bathrooms have showers with hot water and flushing toilets. Located on the bike path, close to Weeki Wachee River Mermaids and the beautiful Chassahwitzka River. Relax, rest and take it all in. No pets please. Enjoy farm fresh eggs and fresh olive oil with your stay, our gift. Firewood available $1 per log. Farm Store open on weekends August thru March. Ask about our kayak and sailboat adventures.

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(8)

WFL Event Ranch

4 sites · RVs20 acres · Brooksville, FL

Branding Change! Upcoming 2025 Our facility will be growing to include more activities such as: (2025 activities: Draft Horse Driving lessons, Riding lessons, Trail Rides, Day camps for Kids, Weekend getaways for Adults, Birthday Parties and much more) Check back with us soon. Special needs activities will also be available please contact directly. Currently Available : Come camp at an off the beaten-path hidden treasure! Wild and serene wooded camping sites about 20 mins from the Weeki Wachee River! We offer 4 RV hookups during your stay or our VRBO facility Studio Apartment or 2 BR Apartment. If you need a stall for your horse please contact us. Peace and Privacy This is the REAL Florida! Beautiful Oaks, Bamboo, and a plethora of other exciting flora! We love it here and think you will too! Our sites are spacious and shaded. Wonderful winery and restaurant right down the road! The State Park is about 20 minutes away. Our neighbors are the wild deer, turkeys, and even peacocks! We may have horses, goats, chicken, or a donkey or two on-site. Enjoy the view but do not approach. Or farm is great for foraging and just disconnecting from the hustle and bustle! Ask your host about property/farm tours, river tours, and horseback riding. After contacting host to announce your arrival enter dirt drive and follow it though the oaks to the camping area signs. A spot will be assigned that you should love, enjoy the peace and quiet. RV'S are allowed in the Camp area only. A monthly rate is available upon request. RULES: Pets: pets are allowed please keep leashed at all times. Please cleanup after your pets. RV: MUST BE SELF CONTAINED UNIT Check-in: 1pm Check-out: 12pm Quiet hours: 10 PM - 8 AM No Generators (our wildlife is our main goal not to disturb) Fire Pits are allowed, must not be left unattended. No access to pastures or barn area unless you are have setup with a guide. (Please do not feed any of the animals) This is a Farm and we are not responsible for injury or damages. All Guests Must Be Registered. All Adult Guest Must Provide Photo ID Before Arriving On Property So We Know What Who To Expect.

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(3)

Owen's Family Farm

6 sites · RVs, Tents6 acres · Lithia, FL

We are a small hobby farm in Lithia, FL, looking to provide boutique camp experiences for guests looking for a nature-based yet centrally located agro-tourism family environment. Our property is six acres, and the central feature is our natural spring-fed pond with gorgeous waterfront views. The camping designated area is a one-acre pasture across the pond from the farm house we live in. If you like privacy, you will be happy to know that we have very few designated RV and glamping sites. The property sits at the end of a private road in a quiet country-like setting with mature oak trees decorated with Spanish moss. The current inhabitants of our farm include our three mini-cows, Stormy, Lila, and Boots, two donkeys, Pancho, a standard, and Cindy Lou, a mini. Another two friendly faces you will see are Liza and Louise, two Kune-Kune sows. Other animals you will see everywhere are our chickens, ducks, and other wild birds. The chickens and ducks don't have names but are also filled with personality. Our farm is strategically located. We call it 'one-hour and ten-minutes to anything'. Here's why: We are an hour away from Disney World, Downtown Tampa, the downtown St. Petersburg and Clearwater beach. Most of Tampa Bay suburban areas are also under an hour away. We are also a little over an hour away from some of the most breathtaking springs in Florida. Alderman's Ford, a Hillsborough County conservation park with over seven miles of hiking trails, is within walking or biking distance. The park's most famous attraction is a 1.9-mile paved and one of the state's most popular canoe spots. The loop, which is hiker, dog-walker, and bicycle-friendly, links with a boardwalk and footbridges leading into shaded woods of gigantic cypress and oak trees. There is also a designated horse trail. About 10 minutes down the road, the Alafaia River State Park offers some of the most radical elevation changes in the state. This topography is uncommon for most of Florida, making the park a hot spot for mountain bikers, equestrians, and hikers. The hilly trails at Alafaia River total about 20 miles and run through forests, flatwoods, and lakes. Lithia Springs is also a 10 minute drive and is well-known for its natural spring which flows year-round, cool, and clean water. Great for swimming on a hot day. Also, all standard suburban amenities, including banks, franchised restaurants, fast food, grocery stores, nail and hair salons, coffee shops, urgent care, etc., are 10 minutes away. Inquire about staying at our farm today!

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Tamiami Trails

6 sites · RVs, Tents23 acres · Ruskin, FL

RV sites located at an established petting zoo with common and exotic animals. Horseback riding is also available on site. Our property is centrally located with easy access to Tampa, St Pete, and Sarasota. Horse and hiking trails are all through native Florida landscaping. Short drive to well maintained boat ramps and marinas.

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Beach Glamping

2 sites · Lodging1 acre · Bay Pines, FL

Affordable glamping located just minutes from the beach! Enjoy drinks by the pool, catch a gorgeous sunset at Madeira Beach, and relax by the fire pit in the evening. Check out one of the many delicious restaurants this area has to offer. This inviting camper has all the perks of a hotel, but for a fraction of the price.

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(8)

Hearts & Dreams Ranch & Retreat

9 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Dade City, FL

We are an experience!!! We assure you will want to do more than just a pit stop here! We offer cow hugs, cow feedings, a full petting farm, donkeys that are extremely invasive with their smiles and heeehaws, and of course endless laughter and selfies! Let's not forget the scenery and fresh air. Extraordinary sunsets and clear night skies with no city lights! You'll probably want to stay more than a day but we assure whether it's a single night or a several nights, you will have an experience!! In addition to our experience there's so much opportunity surrounding us for exploration from springs to a giraffe Safari to old shopping towns! We offer farm fresh products such as eggs, milk, & honey, goats soap and more!

The best camping near Cayo Costa State Park guide

Overview

About

Nine miles of beautiful beaches, lush mangroves, and unspoiled hiking trails await on Cayo Costa Island, one of Florida’s largest barrier islands. Of course, you have to get there first, and with access only by boat, this Gulf Coast getaway is strictly for the adventurous only. Catch the ferry from one of the surrounding islands or bring your own boat and sail across the Charlotte Harbor Estuary. Don’t forget your snorkel or scuba gear—manatees, porpoises, and sea turtles have all been spotted around the island, or you can swim, fish, or go shelling along the pristine beaches.

When to go

The state park welcomes day visitors from 8am to sunset. The best time to visit southwest Florida is from late-October through May, when the weather is warm enough for beach days without the high humidity of the summer months. However, you might also want to time your trip to enjoy the winter seabird migrations or sea turtle nesting season (May through October). Hurricane season runs from June through November, and may affect travel to the island.

Know before you go

Cayo Costa State Park encompasses the entire island of Cayo Costa, which sits between Boca Grande (Gasparilla Island) and North Captiva Island just west of Cape Coral and Fort Myers. You can only reach the island by private boat, kayak, or ferry, and Captiva Cruises offers ferries and day trips to the island from Captiva Island, Punta Gorda island, and Pine Island.
There are day-use fees for all Florida State Parks, and an honor box system is in place on Cayo Costa island. The island’s tent campsites and primitive cabins have been closed since Hurricane Ian in 2022, and it’s not yet known when they will reopen.
Accessible restrooms are available on the island, but there are no other facilities, so bring everything you need with you, including drinking water.
Dogs are permitted in the park, but not on the beaches, and must be kept on a 6-foot, hand-held leash at all times.