SP Campground Rating – Koreshan State Park, Estero, FL
A quick stop-over & a bit of history for us on our way South in FL.
Link to campground here: Koreshan State Park, FL
Link to map here: Koreshan State Park, FL
- Site Quality = 3.5/5
The sites here are OK, but not exceptional. They’re flat, sandy/packed earth with 30AMP/water, fire-pit and picnic table. Sizes tend to vary a bit and some are too close together or too small for our liking, but they’re rated for rig-size and access from the main road is good. Our site (#6) was a fit, but there really wasn’t room for more, so no place to sit and hang out except for a sliver in the back of the RV. - Facilities = 4/5
Decent set of facilities. They’re a tad older, but shower-stalls have decent pressure & temperature and are kept clean. There’s a few laundry machines on-site, a dump-station, plus playground and picnic area around the campground. The nearby river has canoeing and fishing. - Location = 3.5/5
Koreshan is a decent stop-over location going South. There’s interest with the on-site historical site, and you’re relatively close to Estero Bay and the associated beach towns, plus a medium drive to Fort Myers and Sanibel. You’re not on the beach, but it’s not too bad a spot considering. - Pet Friendliness = 4/5
The park is open to pets, but some of the sites are a tad tight for “hanging out”. There is a small nature trail where you can walk doggie on the campground, but no larger hiking areas. There is a decent off-leash dog-beach in Bonita Springs ~ 13 miles away.
Overall Rating = 3.75
BONUS ALERT = Visit the historic Koreshan Unity Settlement!
Summary: The main interest at Koreshan is the historical Koreshan Settlement which is on-site and I do think it’s worth the stop to have a look. The Koreshanites believed the entire universe existed in a hollow sphere and built an elaborate colony in Estero led by their charismatic leader, Dr. Teed where they researched their beliefs and educated their followers. All the original buildings are preserved and it’s a fascinating little visit. Other than that the campground is nice but only so-so. Sites are a tad close for our liking and some are rather small, although access is decent everywhere. There are good facilities and a nice, little nature-trail. There’s also a river on-site which lends itself to fishing and canoeing. This place doesn’t really have enough of a draw for us to come back, but we enjoyed the stay and historic visit and would recommend it as a one-time stop-over for others.
Extra Info: Verizon aircard and AT&T both workes. Sites are reservable $26/night with 30AMP & water. On-site dump station. Laundry.
Love that bridge! The place looks like something out of CSI. Beautiful. It is about 0 degrees here now. Kind of glad we have had to stay on here through the winter. Gave us time to get things done you don’t normally like to take care of, like dentist appts. I ended up with an infected tooth and had to have it pulled. That would’ve been no fun on the road. Plus yearly exams like mammograms and stuff. Sounds like a good idea for an article on my blog. I completely am in favor of planning at least a year or two in advance. A friend of mine and her boyfriend bought a 12 yr old RV then immediately took off in it, against my advice to plan a little longer. Not only did the RV start falling apart as soon as they got on the road, but they also discovered how inexperienced they were at driving a Class A. Not only did their RV fall apart, but their relationship fell apart as well. It was basically a mess, and in 2 short months they were no longer together and the RV was back to the dealer to be sold. They had never camped together before that. How long did you plan or when did you get the idea and start planning? Would love to see that in a blog story. Good human interest story.
stumbled across your blog and find it quite interesting and enjoyable to read… we are a few months away from retiring early and starting our trip on the road.
So happy to “meet” you here & congrats on the upcoming retirement & going full-timing! Feel free to ask any questions. We’re by no means experts, but always love to help people on the way. Some great forums on the web too (rv.net, escapees, irv2.com). Let us know if you start up a travelogue or blog. Nina
I just finished reading almost all the information in your web page. It’s now on my favorites list.
We full timed it for a little over four years before we had to stop because our youngest son needed a care giver. We are active part times now making at least two extended adventures a year.
http://www.irv2.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=16890
http://www.irv2.com/photopost/showfull.php?photo=12997
FastEagle
Can & Linda
Lovely to meet you on the blog! Just spent some time looking through your shots. You’ve been to some lovely sites and I see you’re State Park lovers like us. Let us know if we’re ever in the same area! Nina