Road Trips Starting from Fort Myers, FL
Best National Parks Near Fort Myers, FL
Approximately 182 miles south near Florida Bay, Everglades National Park encompasses 1.5 million acres of marshes, flatwoods and mangroves. This is the third-largest national park in the country and has also been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visiting this park gives you a chance to see manatees, panthers, crocodiles, alligators, snail kites, and wood storks. It is the only place in the world where alligators and crocodiles coexist. Consider reserving a spot on an airboat ride or taking a canoe tour. Of the park's two camping areas, the popular Flamingo Campground boasts a dump station, grills, showers, and spacious RV sites.
To the east of the Everglades, Biscayne National Park gives you the chance to enjoy a pristine tropical landscape. About 175 miles away from Fort Myers, Biscayne National Park spans 172,000 acres that include an untouched underwater seagrass ecosystem and countless shipwrecks. The park's Dante Fascell Visitor Center Gallery features many gorgeous photographs, sculptures, ceramics, collages, and drawings. Make the most of the superior fishing opportunities as well as the guided snorkeling and scuba diving experiences. While both of the park's campgrounds are only accessible by boat, RV campers can stay at a convenient nearby RV campground.
To reach Dry Tortugas National Park, you'll need to drive 300 miles down to Key West. From there, you'll ride west on a seaplane, ferry, or boat for an additional 70 miles to reach the park's cluster of seven islands. This hidden gem encompasses several lovely coral reefs, a lighthouse, and a 19th-century fortress. Many visitors head here in the spring or summer when the seas are calmer. Feel free to spend your trip swimming, boating, paddling, or fishing. Divers and snorkelers often flock to the Windjammer Wreck, which sits about 20 feet below the waves. This park typically has a wet and a dry season. You can expect rainy, hot summers and dry, cool winters.
Popular State Parks Near Fort Myers, FL
Closet to Fort Myers, Koreshan State Park is home to beautiful grounds and many significant historical sites. The area once belonged to the Koreshans, who were a religious group that lived in the region in the 19th and 20th centuries. Wander the grounds to check out the 11 nationally recognized landmarks. You can also fish and paddle on the Estero River that runs across the park.
Located to the north of Fort Myers in Osprey, Oscar Scherer State Park commemorates the wildlife conservation efforts of Oscar Scherer, a Florida biologist. Visitors are welcome to walk the maintained trails and tour the Scherer estate. The paths are lined with towering flatwoods as well as countless wildflower species like firewheels and chaffheads. Consider swimming in Lake Osprey or planning a few hours of boating fun on South Creek. Between the thriving lake and plentiful streams, anglers can catch catfish, largemouth bass, and tilapia.
Drive 90 miles north to reach Highlands Hammock State Park. This site has a reputation for housing more endemic and rare plant and animal species than any other Florida State Park. Check out the breathtaking botanical gardens or head over to one of the many sports fields. History enthusiasts won't want to miss taking the hour-long tram tour describing the park's exciting history. You can also hike, kayak, canoe, fish, boat, or ride horses. The 143-site campground offers amenities like water, electricity, showers, and dishwashing areas.
Must-see Monuments and Landmarks Near Fort Myers, FL
The Big Cypress National Preserve houses the freshwater that's vital to the Everglades and the marine estuaries along Florida's coast. This site covers 729,000 acres of protected wilderness. The many trails will take you across prairies, forests, and mangroves. You'll find parking at the Nathaniel P. Reed Visitor Center. The preserve has several RV-friendly campgrounds like Midway and Bear Island.
One hundred miles north, the De Soto National Memorial memorializes the changing point in Florida history when Spanish conquistadors arrived. Stop by Camp Uzita, the living history museum, to get a glimpse of what life was like back in 1539. You'll learn more about the local Native Americans and the impact the conquistadors had on the area. The weather here is pleasantly warm year-round, allowing you to hike, swim, and boat. You'll find great RV camping options only fifteen minutes from the site at Sarasota Bay RV Park.
Although Canaveral National Seashore is a bit further away, you don't want to miss this gorgeous 25-mile stretch of pristine Florida beach. Take your time walking along the sand or paddling in the peaceful Mosquito Lagoon. The short Seminole Rest Trail will teach you about the area's fascinating Native American history. The Castle Windy Trail, a great hike through the coastal hammock, is best trekked in the winter when there aren't as many insects. You can't camp on the protected seashore, but you can stay at the Crystal Lake RV Park, only 14 miles away.
RVshare’s Top Picks for Nearby RV Parks & Campgrounds
Red Coconut RV Park in Fort Myers Beach is one of the few campgrounds in the region to offer beach access at nearly every campsite. Only 18 miles outside of Fort Myers, this pet-friendly RV park has Wi-Fi, showers, and full hookups. No matter which of the spacious 215 sites you choose, you'll be close to both the Gulf of Mexico and Estero Bay.
Lakes Park RV is located next to a 279-acre park with several swimming and fishing lakes. You can also count on this facility to offer low rates and a clean and quiet camping experience. This campground is right off the Tamiami Trail, a scenic driving tour that takes you to the Everglades. Daily rates start at $50.
The 300-site Shady Acres RV Park, 13 miles south of Fort Myers, isn't far from Interstate 75 and US Highway 41. One of the key benefits of this campground is its sense of community due to its large population of long-term residents. Spend your evenings in the pool or playing a few games on the shuffleboards. Nearby amenities include a pizza parlor, a gas station, and a church.
RV Dump Stations Near Fort Myers, FL
Fifteen miles west, Siesta Bay RV Resort has a dump station that's available all year long. However, only registered guests of the campground can use the facilities.
Drive 12 miles across the Caloosahatchee River to find Tamiami Village and RV Park. Guests can dump their RVs for free, but other visitors will be charged a small fee.
For quick and easy dumping, stop by Love's Travel Stop, which is 12 miles north near Manatee Park. It's located on I-75 off Exit 143. They're open 24/7 and charge $10 or less to use their RV dumping facilities.
