Camping out in the beach at night while watching the stars beside a warm fire is simply exceptional, especially when you do it out there around the Ten Thousand Islands. What makes this trip unique is that to get to the beaches in one of the many islands, you have to row your kayak towards the spot where you’re allowed to camp and that in itself is quite the experience already. You can start off from Chokoloskee or from the Everglades National Park and make your way to the island beach. The white sands and the environment that’s almost clear from human intervention gives a very relaxing vibe to all who visit.
You’ll be paddling out in the sea from to get to the campsite and you will have to fight against the waves and strong winds in order to get there. Yet rough the journey may be, the reward will be absolute paradise with crystal clear waters and the blue sky touched by cotton candy clouds, the cool trees and the abundance of birds and other wildlife. The weather may be unpredictable the whole year round though so its best that you plan your trip ahead and watch out for the weather updates. Coordinating with the local ranger is always advisable as they can help you plan out your route, when to leave, the paths to take and when to return to the mainland, and help you check the tides to see if it’s safe to go, plus the fees you may need for parking and entrance.
If the waves are too much for you or perhaps you’re a beginner in kayaking, you can try to rent or purchase a motorboat in any of the shops in the Everglades city. And while you’re at it, you can always say hi to the dolphins that may pass your way.
One awesome place to set up camp is in Panther Key. There are white sands and serene beaches that face the open sea. Heading out further north, you should see two other spots that the national park has given a green light for visitors to camp, Picnic Key and Tiger Key. Watch out for shoals and corals when on the boat, there are some areas where you might get stuck. Picnic and Tiger require a backcountry camping permit and chances are, there will be many people vying for camping spots as they are limited in number. However, Panther Key and Camp Lulu which is northwest of Tiger Key are free of charge and is a party island so it gets crowded from time to time.
Awesome camping trips await those who wish to be in The Ten Thousand Islands. Plan your trip and start making memorable vacations just like those who had been to the islands. But if you are looking for more kayaking trips and more outdoor camping options, go to our Articles section as we tell you about them in detail. Or you can come by our Visitor Center in downtown Naples and we will tell you all about them personally.
