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Hurricane Ian Update

Cayo Costa State Park is closed due to damage from Hurricane Ian.

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Experiences & Amenities

Back to Cayo Costa State Park

Park Menu

  • Hours and Fees
  • Experiences & Amenities
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Experiences

Bicycling
Bicycling

Enjoy a leisurely bike ride on our trails, which meander through our beautiful barrier island. Bicycles are available at the gift shop for half- or full-day rental. 

  • Helmets are highly recommended for all cyclists and Florida law requires helmets for cyclists age 16 and under.
Boating
Boating

Boaters may stay overnight at our bayside park dock, with our bayside restroom facilities conveniently located for their use.

Reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis.

Camping Boat
Camping Boat

Boat camping is currently unavailable.

Camping Primitive
Camping Primitive

Cayo Costa has 30 tent sites in a primitive environment. Each site has a picnic table, a ground grill and access to potable water. There are no sites with electricity.

The campground is fairly sunny and near the beach. Restroom facilities are located nearby and have cold showers and flush toilets.

Tram service is available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to carry gear and campers to the campground. Before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m., campers are responsible for transporting their gear in and out. It is about one mile from the docks to the camping area.

  • For reservations, visit the Florida State Parks reservations website or call 800-326-3521 or TDD 888-433-0287.
  • Camping on the island park is reservable year-round, but the park is accessible only by private boat or passenger ferry service.
  • In order to protect our park and camping areas, please remember that no items (i.e., tent lines, wires, ropes, hammocks, etc.) may be affixed to vegetation. Thank you for helping protect your Florida State Parks.
  • Generators are not allowed in the campsites. Hammock camping is also available in the primitive tent camping area.
  • Primitive tent sites 8, 9, 15 and 22 are all approved for hammock camping. Visitors are invited to hang your hammocks on the approved post in these designated areas.
Fishing
Fishing

Surf fishing can yield catches of flounder, snook, trout, redfish, snapper, whiting, sheepshead and tarpon. All fishing within the park must conform to regulations concerning size, number, method of capture and season. 

  • A fishing license may be required. More information is available at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission’s Fishing in Florida.
Hiking
Hiking

Enjoy a leisurely walk on the nature trails that meander through our beautiful barrier island. Along the way you can see many species of birds, including several rare and endangered, that visit our island in the spring and fall during their migratory journeys.

Some of these species use our island’s natural resources for their nesting activities.

Paddling
Paddling

Experience the thrill of paddling through the crystal-clear waters and encountering various species of wildlife. Kayak rentals are available through the gift shop.

Picnicking
Picnicking

A picnic pavilion, restroom facility, tables and grills are available on the island.

Scuba Diving
Scuba Diving

Scuba diving can be enjoyed off the beaches.

Shelling
Shelling

Beachcombing or shelling is a favorite pastime of many visitors, and the beaches of Cayo Costa State Park are a great place to find them. Collectors can find a multitude of shells, including clam, scallop, oyster and olives.

Plan your shelling around the low phase of the tide, which exposes the most beach area.

Please be aware that most everything you find on the beach was, is or still could be alive.

Snorkeling
Snorkeling

Snorkeling is a favorite activity in the pristine, blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico. You must provide your own equipment.

Swimming
Swimming

Enjoy swimming in the pristine, blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Our nine miles of beautiful beaches are excellent for sunbathing and shell collecting, contributing to an overall wonderful experience.

Tours
Tours
Walking and Running
Walking and Running
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife Viewing

Manatees, porpoises and a multitude of shorebirds are just some of the animals you might observe during your visit.

Sea turtles and many species of shorebirds use our beaches to nest. Bird nesting season is generally late winter through spring.

Sea turtle nesting season begins in May and continues through October.

All nests are protected by law and are well-marked and easily recognized.

Amenities

Accessible Amenities
Accessible Amenities
Amphitheater
Amphitheater

Located in the day-use area, our amphitheater provides a centralized location for our interpretive programs.

These programs, given by our rangers, volunteers and naturalists, cover a wide variety of topics including the history of the island and interpretation of natural resources.

Beach
Beach

The island is approximately 7 miles long and has nearly 9.5 miles of pristine beach on the Gulf of Mexico. This beach is perfect for shelling, swimming, snorkeling, fishing, hiking and sunbathing.

  • There is a scheduled tram service between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Cabins
Cabins

The rustic one-room cabins offer a change of pace from the hustle and bustle of modern living. Here you can spend the day on the beach and the evening gazing at the stars with a view unobstructed by artificial lights.

Keep in mind that Cayo Costa State Park is accessible only by boat.

Cabins are located near the beach and nature trails. Each cabin sleeps up to six people and is furnished with three bunk beds and a table. Though the cabins have no electricity or water, outdoor grills are provided for cooking.

  • Restrooms, cold water showers and potable water are located in the park.
  • Several charter boat services provide access to the island park.
  • Visitors must carry in all food and drinks. All items must be taken off the island upon departure.
  • Tram service is available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to carry gear and campers to the campground. Before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m., campers are responsible for toting their gear in and out.
  • It is about one mile from the docks to the camping area.

Cabin 1, cabin 2, cabin 3, cabin 7 and cabin 12 offer park visitors a large screen porch, while cabin 4, cabin 5, cabin 6, cabin 8, cabin 9, cabin 10 and cabin 11 offer campers a spacious open porch. 

  • For reservations, visit the Florida State Parks reservations website or call 800-326-3521 or TDD 888-433-0287.
  • Camping reservations on the island park are year-round, but the park is  accessible only by private boat or passenger ferry service.
  • Parking is available at the ferry service for a fee.
  • Cabins require a two-night minimum stay.
Campfire Circles
Campfire Circles

Two fire circles located in the camping area offer campers a place to relax and enjoy a taste of the Real Florida.

Campgrounds
Campgrounds
Canoe Kayak Launch
Canoe Kayak Launch

Kayak rentals are available through the gift shop. Please contact 239-224-8134 for more information.

Concession and Restaurant
Concession and Restaurant

Next to our new ranger station is the park's gift shop, where you can purchase a souvenir of your visit. There is ice available for sale as well as snacks, cold drinks and basic camp items.

Firewood is available for sale. Collecting firewood is not allowed. 

Please contact our gift shop at 239-220-1722 for more information. Remember, our rangers are a source of valuable information on the island's history and natural and cultural resources.

Historic Site
Historic Site
Interpretive Exhibit
Interpretive Exhibit

Visit the ranger station to view our exhibits. Additionally, educational films are for sale.

Pets
Pets

Pets are allowed in this park but not on the beaches or in the cabin area. They must be well-behaved and kept on a 6-foot, hand-held leash at all times.

Pets must not be left unattended nor taken into restroom facilities or onto playground equipment.

Service animals are welcome in all areas and buildings of the park, as required by law.

Recycling
Recycling

We have recycling containers for aluminum and plastic in all common use areas.

Restroom Facilities
Restroom Facilities

Bathroom facilities are available and ADA accessible. Facilities are also available at the bayside/boat slips and conveniently located for boat camper use.

Shower Station
Shower Station

Cayo Costa has modern restroom facilities, conveniently located in the camping areas, equipped with flushable toilets and cold water rinse-off showers. Potable water is also available at the restrooms.

Florida State Parks

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(850) 245-2157

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