Cayo Costa Island State Park was a BIG hit with our family when we spent a weekend camping on this Island. My husband and I invited my sister in law and her family for a camping adventure we will truly remember for a long time.

Lets start with the adventure of getting to Cayco Costa. We set sail in our little Boston Whaler to Cayco Costa Island from Pineland Marina on Pine Island. It was an adventure! But we made it camping gear and all. My husband is not a boat captain! LOL. The plan was for my husband to meet everyone at the Pineland Marina and taxi everyone to Caya Costa Island. We all arrived safely on the bay side of the island, which is where you dock your boat. The Park Ranger‘s home sits right there at the docks, so we were assured our boat was going to be well secure. The camping areas and cabins are on the gulf side of the island; therefore you can catch a Tran to the other side of the island. It’s less then a mile walk, but with your camping gear in hand you’ll want to take the Tran.

Cayo Coast offers primitive camping for those wishing to set up tent camping or you can rent primitive cabins for as low as $20.00 per night. We rented a cabin. Each cabin sleeps up to six people. With four adults and three children in our party, we slept very comfortable. Each cabin is furnished with three bunk beds and a table, for preparing your meals. There are tables outside for eating. Unfortunately the cabins do not have electricity or any other amenities. But there are centrally located bathrooms and showers. There are grills available for cooking with each cabin conveniently located to the beach area and nature trails. Which I will share with you later on how wonderful the nature trails are.

Basically you are camping on a barrier island. Cayco Costa State Park occupies most of the island which lies in a chain of barrier islands of Southwest Florida and lies in the gulf of Mexico so the island is only accessible by private boat or passenger ferry services.

When we arrived at the campsite, we were all in awe. The natural features of Caya Costa Island are stunning; Miles of beaches, acres of pine forest and mangrove swamps with a spectacular display of bird life. Wild life such as raccoons will be a pest if you don’t prepare for their visits late at night. There are even wild hogs on the island. This Island has a Lagoon, which I didn’t know this until we left the island but the lagoon is home to alligators that the state relocated, due to being a hazard. I don’t suggest you hang out near the lagoon.

The cabins were very clean and well maintained. . The cabins are set well enough apart to enjoy your privacy. There are two community campfire areas with nice wood benches to sit while you take in the warmth of fire on a late chilly night. Oh did I tell you, the best time to camp in Florida is during the winter months, I personally would never adventure out to Caya Costa Island during the summer months, due to Florida's rainy season, the Island tends to get flooded, not to mention the BUGS! But camping in Florida during the months of October through April would have the perfect weather conditions. We went camping last February. It was chilly at night, to enjoy a nice campfire and warm in the day, to enjoy the warmth of the sun on the beautiful sandy beaches. Did I mention? You can view miles of beach, just by stepping out your front door? It’s beautiful!

You can pack a lunch and enjoy a picnic on the beach, take a stroll along the beautiful beach and go shelling, but keep in mind; life shells are prohibited to keep. You can take a dip in the Gulf of Mexico, which you swim at your own risk; there is no lifeguard on duty, or you can toss out a line or two; maybe you can go home with a BIG fish story. This area is well known for the fantastic fishing, the area holds Tarpon tournaments yearly. Just watch out for Old Henry. Old Henry is a large shark! He makes his way in and out of Boca Grande Pass.

The park is very primitive, but they do offer bike rental, and the bikes are primitive too. I can say they did do the job by getting us around the island. Nothing is more relaxing then riding a bike on the nature trails of Cayca Costa Island, until you run into a couple of those wild hogs...LOL... Don’t worry, from our experience all they will do is snort at you. The nature trails are beautiful; you feel you are excluded from the world taking in the view of the wild life.

Our camping adventure was very pleasant. As long as you prepare your self, primitive camping on Cayca will be very enjoyable. Just remember that you can only get to Caya Costa by private boat or ferry service. Tropic Star of Pine Island provides ferry service to and from the Island. This ferry is equipped to carry your camping gear for you.

Which I am going to tell you, Us ladies were wimps, after the adventuress ride to the island in our little Boston Whaler, We abandon our spot on the our boat and decided to take the ferry back to the main land along with the kids. It was a most enjoyable ride, they take you on a scenic tour of the barrier islands, it took two hours, for a 10 minute ride. but you will learn a little history of the area while you enjoy the view of the wild life, and I am sure you will spot a dolphin or two swimming along the boat.

Reservations can be made up to eleven months in advance. To make reservations
Boca Grande Gasparilla Island State Recreation Area
c/o Barrier islands GEOpark
P.O. Box 1150
Boca Grande, FL 33921
or call: (941) 964-0375

If primitive camping isn’t your style and your are in the Southwest Florida area, the park also offers day tours; you can join a park ranger for a guided beach walk on this beautiful barrier island. Make sure you prepare yourself with wear comfortable walking shoes, camera, sun protection, insect repellant and drinking water.

One Day Activities:

CAST NETTING

Fridays (1:30 p.m.)
Learn cast-netting techniques on this beautiful barrier island. Class begins at 1:30 p.m. at the park office. You must have your own casting net.

TURTLE WALK

Fridays (1:30 p.m.)
Meet at the amphitheater on the Gulf Side at 1:30 p.m. for a guided walk and educational program about sea turtles. Learn about the sea turtles and their nesting habits.

BEACH NATURE WALK

Fridays (1:30 p.m.)
Join a park ranger for a guided beach walk on this beautiful barrier island. Again don’t forget your comfortable walking shoes, camera, sun protection, insect repellant and drinking water.

Before you plan your day on Caya Costa Island, check the days and times to make sure they offer these activities throughout the year.

And One more thing. I want to share a little history of Caya Costa Island, also known as Gasparilla Island, Legend has it that Gasparilla Island was named for the infamous pirate Jose Gasper, who reportly settled on the island in the 1700’s. With his band of men. According to legend, Jose Gasper and his men used the island as a hiding place. Who knows you just might find a buried treasure in your adventure to Caya Costa Island. Good Luck!









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