Cayo Costa Beach
Cayo Costa State Park is a Florida State Park directly south of Boca Grande, 12 miles west of Cape Coral and just north of Sanibel and Captiva Islands. The island is about 90 minutes by car from Naples.
The park contains nine miles of soft white sandy beaches and 2,506 acres of pine forests, oak-palm hammocks, and mangrove swamps. You arrive on the barrier island by boat—either your own or shuttle. Reservations are required (call for current pricing). Once you reach Cayo Costa your gear is moved to a flatbed truck for the short, one-mile ride to the campgrounds.
There are 30 tent sites and 12 cabins available for rent. The tent sites are a bit more secluded and shaded. The cabin sites vary, a few are quite shaded while others are in direct sun all day. Each cabin offers a small porch, 6 built-in bunks (small but large enough for an adult) both an indoor and outdoor picnic table and a small table inside for food preparation or storage. The cabins are not roomy but because they are sparse, 2 adults and 2-3 children or 3 or 4 adults can fit easily. They aren’t fancy but they are clean and reasonably comfortable. Each cabin has an outdoor cooking area—some are open fire pits, others have a raised grill. A few of the cabins have screens for the doors and all of them have screened windows that can be latched completely open. The doors lock from both the inside and outside by key so security isn’t an issue. Cabins do not have running water or electricity. Restrooms, showers and potable water are located near the cabins.
The best part of Cayo Costa is the beach just seconds from your cabin door. The island has nine miles of beautiful beaches and acres of pine forests, oak-palm hammocks and mangrove swamps. You may see manatees and pods of dolphins in the waters around the park, as well as a spectacular assortment of birds. You can swim or snorkel in the surf, enjoy the sun and picnic in the shade. The nature trails that crisscross the island provide opportunities for hiking.
Cayo Costa is a quiet, peaceful retreat perfect for families. The island is unbelievably beautiful (some of Clyde Butcher’s most iconic photos were taken on the island) and there is room to roam and play for children. It’s the ideal spot to reconnect as a family, without the intrusion of the modern world. Plan a trip now before it’s too hot and you’re sure to please your family!
NEED TO KNOW:
There is a minimum two nights stay in cabins on weekends and holidays, either Friday and Saturday night, or Saturday and Sunday nights. Cabin Rental: $40.00 per night includes sales tax and bed tax or $280.00 per week (7 nights), includes sales tax and bed tax.
• Reservations may be made up to 11 months in advance through ReserveAmerica. Book Online or call (800) 326-3521 (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.) or TDD (888) 433-0287.
• Generators are not allowed in the campsites. You must bring everything you need: food, fuel, and bedding.
• The Ranger station houses a store with ice available for sale as well as snacks, cold drinks, and basic camp items. Firewood is available for sale, as collecting firewood on the island is not allowed. The store has limited hours.
• Captiva Cruises offers ferry service to the park from locations in Punta Gorda, Pine Island, Fort Myers, Sanibel Island and Captiva Island. Reservations are suggested. To check on pricing and schedule: www.cayocostaferry.com
Park information:
(941) 964-0375
www.floridastateparks.org/cayocosta/
Reservations can be made online.