Experiences
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.
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.
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.
Scuba diving can be enjoyed off the beaches of Cayo Costa State Park.
For everyone's safety, the following rules must be observed:
- All persons participating in scuba diving activities do so at their own risk.
- Each diver must dive within the limits of their certification.
- A dive party must consist of at least two divers.
- A diver-down flag must be displayed.
- Fossils and artifacts must not be disturbed or removed. Aquatic plants must not be trampled or disturbed.
- Do not carve or otherwise deface rocks or any other surfaces.
- Keep a minimum distance of 50 feet between you and manatees at all times.
- Dives must be completed one hour before sunset.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
