A person looks on with a yellow tent in the foreground and a sun setting behind a hill under a cloudy sky in the background

Camping on the white sands of Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge offers a primitive Southwest Florida experience that is often an ideal complement to fishing, canoeing and kayaking, or simply connecting with nature in the Refuge. 

Camping is allowed only on the outer barrier islands of the Refuge for fishing and wildlife observation. Camping is permitted October-April. The Refuge is closed to camping May-September due to nesting shorebirds and sea turtles. Camping does not require a permit or reservations, free spaces are available on a first come/first serve basis. There are no facilities on the islands, so come completely prepared. If campfires are built, only dead branches can be used. No cutting or clearing of live plants is allowed. Have water readily available to prevent fire accidents. All National Wildlife Refuge rules and regulations apply to campers at Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge. Please familiarize yourself with these rules and important emergency phone numbers for your safety while on the islands.

Practice “Leave No Trace” to minimize the damage to wildlife habitats.