Cayo Costa State Park Campground

About

Cayo Costa State Park preserves one of the most pristine barrier islands remaining in Florida, once used as fishing grounds by the Calusa Indians. The campground sits on this remote 2,500-acre island accessible only by watercraft, offering an escape from developed Florida beaches. Campers can explore 9 miles of undeveloped Gulf shoreline renowned for exceptional shelling, particularly after storms. The primitive tent camping area includes 30 sites, each with a picnic table and ground grill. Twelve rustic wooden cabins provide an alternative, each containing three sets of bunk beds with mattress pads and sleeping up to six people. The cabins have no electricity. Central restroom facilities feature flush toilets and cold-water rinse-off showers. A small camp store historically provided ice, firewood, and basic supplies. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with manatees frequenting the bayside waters and gopher tortoises roaming the interior trails. The island also serves as important nesting habitat for sea turtles and shorebirds.

Directions

Cayo Costa is accessible only by private boat, kayak, or charter vessel. The island is located west of Pine Island in Lee County. Boat launches are available at Pineland Marina on Pine Island and Four Winds Marina in Bokeelia. When ferry service operates, departures are typically from Captiva Island or Pine Island.