Camping in Naples, Florida

A complete guide to camping in Naples

Photo Credit: Cthecreator

Overview

Naples sits on Florida's southwest Gulf Coast where the Everglades meet the Gulf of Mexico. The city draws a wealthy, seasonal population, and the camping scene reflects the area's character with RV resorts that lean upscale and long-term. Beach access, fishing, and proximity to the Everglades provide the outdoor draws beyond the campground gates.

Naples Motorcoach RV Resort serves the Class A motorcoach crowd with landscaped sites and resort amenities. Sun Retreats Naples and Sun Retreats Naples East operate branded campgrounds east of the city along the Collier County corridor. Lake San Marino and Northtide Naples 55+ RV Resort cater to the seasonal and age-restricted market. Marco Naples RV Resort sits between Naples and Marco Island with access to both.

The Everglades backcountry begins 30 minutes east. Big Cypress National Preserve offers primitive and developed camping in the swamp ecosystem for those wanting a raw contrast to the manicured RV resort experience. The Gulf beaches are the daily draw, with Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park and Clam Pass providing the most natural beach access in the Naples area. Offshore fishing for snook, redfish, and tarpon runs year-round from Naples Bay and Gordon Pass. The Ten Thousand Islands to the south add a backcountry fishing and kayaking dimension that few other Gulf Coast towns can match.

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Weather & Best Seasons

Best months: November through April

Winter is peak season. January averages 65 degrees with dry, sunny days. The Gulf stays swimmable year-round (low 70s in winter, mid-80s in summer). Summer is hot, humid, and within hurricane season (June through November). Daily afternoon thunderstorms from June through September bring lightning and heavy downpours. Mosquitoes peak near the Everglades edge from May through October. The dry season (November through April) coincides with snowbird arrivals and the highest campground occupancy.

Season

Things to Do in Naples

Kayak through the mangrove tunnels at Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve south of Naples. Guided tours navigate narrow channels with wading birds, manatees, and occasional dolphin sightings.
Visit Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park for a mile of undeveloped Gulf beach with clear water, shelling at low tide, and a boat launch into Wiggins Pass. One of the best natural beaches on the southwest coast.
Explore the Everglades backcountry from the western entrance. Big Cypress National Preserve and Fakahatchee Strand provide swamp walks, boardwalk trails, and primitive camping 30 minutes east of Naples.
Fish the inshore waters of Naples Bay and the Ten Thousand Islands for snook, redfish, and tarpon. Charter captains operate from Tin City and the City Dock. Backwater fly fishing is productive year-round.
Walk the Naples Pier at sunset, a 1,000-foot pier extending into the Gulf from the beach. Pier fishing does not require a Florida license. Dolphins regularly feed near the pilings.
Browse Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South in downtown Naples for galleries, restaurants, and upscale shops in a walkable district.

Camping Tips for Naples

Naples-area RV resorts fill for the winter snowbird season (November through March). Many sites book year-to-year by returning seasonal residents. Inquire by summer for winter availability.
Mosquitoes near the Everglades boundary east of Naples are extreme from May through October. Campgrounds closer to the Gulf coast have fewer issues due to sea breeze.
Hurricane season (June through November) affects the entire southwest Florida coast. Hurricane Irma (2017) hit the Naples area directly. Know evacuation routes.
The Gulf beaches in Naples have limited public parking. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park and Clam Pass Park provide the best public beach access. Arrive before 10 AM on winter weekends.
Fishing from Naples Bay, Gordon Pass, and the Gulf piers targets snook, redfish, and tarpon year-round. Inshore guides operate from Tin City marina and the City Dock.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to camp near Naples?

November through April. The dry season brings sunny days in the 70s and 80s, minimal mosquitoes, and swimmable Gulf water. This is also peak demand for RV resorts, so book early. Summer is hot, humid, stormy, and within hurricane season.

Which campground is best for RVs in Naples?

Naples Motorcoach RV Resort is the most upscale option for Class A coaches. Sun Retreats Naples and Sun Retreats Naples East provide branded campground experiences. Northtide Naples 55+ serves the age-restricted seasonal market. Marco Naples RV Resort adds proximity to Marco Island.

Can I camp in the Everglades from Naples?

Big Cypress National Preserve has both primitive and developed campgrounds 30 minutes east of Naples along US 41 (Tamiami Trail). Midway and Monument campgrounds provide developed sites. Backcountry camping is available with a permit. The western Everglades entrance at Everglades City is 45 minutes southeast.

Is Naples good for fishing?

Naples is a strong inshore fishing destination. Naples Bay, Gordon Pass, and the nearshore Gulf produce snook, redfish, tarpon, and sheepshead year-round. The Ten Thousand Islands south of Naples offer backwater fishing in mangrove country. Charter guides and kayak fishing are both productive.

Spring	Mar-May	78°F	66°F	The dry season (November through April) coincides with snowbird arrivals and the highest campground occupancy.
Summer	Jun-Aug	88°F	76°F	The Gulf stays swimmable year-round (low 70s in winter, mid-80s in summer).
Fall	Sep-Nov	78°F	66°F	Daily afternoon thunderstorms from June through September bring lightning and heavy downpours.
Winter	Dec-Feb	67°F	55°F	Winter is peak season.

Camping in Naples, Florida

Overview

Weather & Best Seasons

Featured Parks in Naples

Sun Retreats Naples

Naples Motorcoach RV Resort

Sun Retreats Naples East

Lake San Marino

Nearby National Parks

Everglades National Park

Biscayne National Park