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Over 67% of the properties on Sanibel (as well as the small, neighboring island of Captiva) are protected by federal, local, or private foundations, creating a barrier island sanctuary with a fragile ecosystem.
Due to its location between San Carlos Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, Sanibel and Captiva boast a unique biodiversity. They also have plenty of wetlands, Tarpon Bay, and the Sanibel River.
Only a few barrier islands in Florida have freshwater rivers, like Sanibel, which is why it draws more species than others—especially bobcats, alligators, and river otters.
The Sanibel Lighthouse and Lighthouse Beach Park (very attractive park in Floriday) with best best RV parks should be your first destination when you arrive on Sanibel Island.
The SCCF Nature Center features a wonderful 4-mile nature trail (sadly, pets are not permitted due to the wildlife) as well as a number of preserves, including Bailey Homestead Preserve, Bob Wigley Preserve, Periwinkle Preserve, and Sanibel Gardens.
Many of the fantastic walking trails on Sanibel Island, including the ones already mentioned, are marked on an excellent map.
Sanibel Island is a stunning barrier island in Florida's Gulf Coast, located just off Cape Coral. It boasts tranquil emerald waters and white sugar sand.
Sanibel Island has earned the moniker "Seashell Capital of the World" thanks to the 400+ varieties of shells that wash up on these shores every morning.
Sanibel Island and its northern neighbor, Captiva, offer a plethora of activities to enjoy. Classic activities include hiking, motorcycling, bird watching, fishing, kayaking, and shelling.
The pristine waters of beautiful Sanibel island are home to manatees, dolphins, sea turtles, and tropical fish, and the island's breathtaking sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico never grow old.
Whether you are staying at a campsite on the island or are just passing through, Sanibel Island RV camping makes for a great way to unwind in the sun.
With gentle waves, near-shore sandbars, and fantastic shelling over more than 15 miles of white sand beach, the island is home to some of Florida's most breathtaking beaches.
The majority of beach access points have $5 hourly parking and are accessible 24 hours a day; however, overnight parking is not permitted.
Day camping is acceptable, but the cost of parking can mount up quickly. After having a busy day you need to cool off right? Now, let's take you through the best spots.
1. Periwinkle Park & Campgrounds
Situated on stunning Sanibel Island, Periwinkle Park & Campground is a welcoming full hook-up site. These guys provide a range of camping options, including tents, motor homes, and everything in between.
A destination park with lodging options for campers ranging from motorhomes to tents and everything in between located on stunning Sanibel Island.
They're only half a mile from pristine, sandy beaches littered with shells; it only takes 10 minutes to walk there!
Complete full hook-up site for your RV, motor home, fifth wheel, or pop-ups, including power, water, and sewage.
White, sandy beaches with shells are about a minute's stroll away (they're only 5 of a mile away, not pretty walking distance but a short drive!).
Complete water hookups, a boat ramp, paddle board, picnic tables, ice, laundry facilities, grocery stores, restrooms/showers, LP gas, and a pavilion for both private and public events are among the amenities.
Beach, golf, shopping, and dining are all accessible by bicycle or foot. Don't forget to pack your bicycles!
Reservations for camping are now being accepted at Periwinkle Park Campground on Sanibel Island for the late spring, summer, and fall of 2024.
The late spring, summer, and fall of 2024 will see camping reservations available at Periwinkle Park Campground on Sanibel Island.
Campers wishing to take in the splendor of Sanibel Island can enjoy the campground's distinctive outdoor experience.
Please visit sanibelcamping.com to book your campsite and obtain additional information.
At Periwinkle Park Campground, plan your next outdoor getaway and make priceless memories on Sanibel Island.
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2. San Carlos RV Resort
If you want to have a pleasant, calm, and relaxing vacation, San Carlos RV Park & Island Resort is the place to go.
You should stay with us to enjoy Fort Myers Beach and the surrounding region because of their fantastic location, lovely surroundings, and unequaled amenities!
Families, romantic partners, and lone visitors will all enjoy their park. Their neighborhood has been established to foster friendships and the creation of cherished experiences.
See why their guests are so ready to return year after year when you come to create your own memories with us.
They are a Fort Myers Beach-based family-run company that provides a variety of RV sites to suit your needs throughout your visit.
Their park provides a serene, lovely environment that will make your visit delightful and unforgettable.
They will be pleased to accommodate you if you contact 239-4656-3133 or email mail@sancarlosrv.com with your chosen dates, kind and length of RV, etc. They do not accept reservations made online.
3. West Wind Island Resort
Nestled on 500 feet of Gulf of Mexico sand, West Wind Island Resort is a serene getaway ideal for shelling.
Standard guest rooms with views of the garden or the Gulf are available, as are guest rooms with kitchenettes and similar views.
Their on-site restaurant, Normandie Seaside Cafe, serves breakfast, lunch, and supper to resort guests.
Their Upper Deck Pool Bar serves food, beverages, and live music. Explore, swim, and have a short walk along their infinite beach.
Swim laps in their spacious heated eco-thermal pool. The J.N. Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge is about a 10-minute bike ride away from the nearest hotel, which is located at the entrance along shaded trails.
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4. Cayo Costa State Park
The only ways to get to Cayo Costa, an island north of Captiva, are from Bokeelia by private boat ride with a boat taxi or ferry. It is also known to be a beachfront site with waterfront rv park. Is it actually among private campgrounds in FL?
Cayo Costa State Park leads to its nine kilometers of pristine beaches and sand dunes as well as outdoor cold showers.
Mangroves, lonely sands, and ocean breezes are all around at these beachside tent camping and picnic table cabins.
5. JN “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge
Situated on Sanibel Island, the JN "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge is a remarkable park that protects one of the biggest intact mangrove systems in the United States.
Over 240 kinds of birds can be seen here, along with four miles of hiking and biking paths, canoe launches, and kayak launches.
Everyone is welcome at J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Ding offers something for everyone, regardless of whether you ride through here every day or this is your first time visiting!
The FREE Visitor and Education Center is a great location to start. You can browse their exhibits, pick up information and brochures, visit the Nature Store, and see some of America's greatest bathrooms there.
The exhibits include information about migratory flyways, their ecosystems, the work of Jay Norwood "Ding" Darling, and a kid-friendly hands-on area.
From there, you may access three walking paths and two canoe launches, walk, cycle, and drive the four-mile Wildlife Drive.
The Bailey Tract, a section of the refuge's interior that is primarily home to freshwater flora and fauna, is also accessible by bike or foot.
Birdwatching and photography are fantastic, as the refuge is home to over 245 different kinds of birds. Alternatively, you can take a Tarpon Tay Explorers tram tour to visit the Wildlife Drive.
Tarpon Bay Explorers offers a variety of activities, including kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding.
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6. Cherry Estates TT Park
Cherry Estates offers opulent waterfront homes on lots with deep canal frontage, allowing you to jump into the sea whenever you like.
Their mobile homes with premium price have dependable power, amp Electric, water, and sewage systems, as well as clean, well-lit streets.
Come to Cherry Estates to experience oceanfront living in a friendly neighborhood of like-minded people.
Since 1967, Cherry Estates has provided services to the people of St. James City. You'll find everything you need and more in their mobile homes.
They'll find you a lovely house with room for your cars, whether you arrive in a car or an RV. Possess a boat?
They can allow you to easily access the sea by having your boat docked in their waterways. There is also an accessible outdoor pool pets with their separate RV places.
7. Lighthouse Beach Park
This primitive campground is about two miles separate Periwinkle Campground, which is situated at 110 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957, from Lighthouse Beach Park.
You are able to ride a bike or drive. The south side of the park has some common area that has swimming pool with natural setting at a very perfect place.
Three pay-and-display parking lots are available, along with bike racks. There are picnic tables, barbecue grills, restrooms, outdoor showers, fabulous access to free wifi and a view of the historic Sanibel Lighthouse among the amenities.