![]() At Cayo Costa State Park, tent sites are $22 a night, while primitive cabins are $40. Further south, there’s also Captiva Cruises ($50 and $40) at 23 captiva. The simple huts remain just off the sand, though, and perfect for small families on a weekend trip.Ĭayo Costa is just south of Gasparilla Island, but most people reach the park on the Tropic Star ferry ($35 for adults, $25 for kids) from Pine Island. Sometimes it feels like a deserted island.īeach cabins used to be shaded by rows of Australian pines, but Hurricane Charlie put an end to that. The state park is only accessible by boat - a ferry runs from Bokeelia on Pine Island - which means that a few dozen visitors have 7 miles of beach to themselves. This tent-camping paradise might be the best-kept secret on the Gulf Coast. Campers need a boat to reach the key, but - get this - it’s free.įort DeSoto Park is at 3500 S. Permitted campers are required to bring, use and removed portable toilets. It’s called the Shell Key Preserve just north of the county park. RVers outnumber tent campers by a wide margin, but there is an alternative for primitive camping. Now people frantically log on to the Pinellas County reservation website at 7 a.m. Years ago, Fort DeSoto’s limited number of walk-in campsites meant people lined up in their cars before dawn. ![]() It’s more like gorgeous bay-side camping that’s just a short drive or bike ride from miles and miles of beaches that were named No. The Turtle Beach Campground is at 8862 Midnight Pass Road, Siesta Key. More restaurants are a short walk down the road. Just across from the campground is the Turtle Beach Grill (94 ), which offers a full menu and live music. Restrooms, showers and laundry room are top-notch. There’s now a paved drive, fresh landscaping and the latest hook-ups. The campground was completely renovated in 2017. Turtle Beach Campground has lost some of its Australian pines over the years, but it remains a shady haven just a few steps from the Gulf of Mexico. Spaces range from $42 to $60, with surcharges for weekends and holidays. No wonder campsites sell out weeks and months in advance. A free island trolley even stops at the campground. You can beat the traffic coming off the mainland by never leaving Siesta Key. Here are five great beach camping options.įor Sarasota campers, this is one of the great staycations. That leaves you fresh for paddling at dawn, walking in the morning and picnicking at noon, then swimming in the afternoon and bike riding in the evening. Not matter how you’re staying at a campground or state park, it feels great to lie down for a cushy, comfy nap. If you’re camping in an RV, you can even crank up the air conditioning. It doesn’t seem so hot and buggy when you can play on the sand, jump in the surf and then watch the sun set over the blue-green water. The best thing about summer camping on the Gulf Coast is beach camping on the Gulf Coast.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |