Camping Magic

The second FREE camping spot I wanted to check out is CREW Cypress Dome Trails which is about 15 miles east of Estero off Corkscrew Road. In anticipation of a thunderstorm the first night, I made sure to get there before dark and get everything situated before the rain started. As a fan of storms I was looking forward to the pitter patter of rain on roof but instead we were treated to a magical event. The rain never came but the thunder and lightning were magnificent. The sky lit up with reds and pinks from the sunset while the storm created moody yellows and greens. I looked out at the field next to the camping area and saw it dancing with fireflies!!! I have never seen fireflies in Florida so it was a fantastic surprise. Nature is magic…

“The CREW Cypress Dome Trails (also known as Gate 5) offer six miles of well-marked loop trails through pine flatwoods, oak hammocks, wet prairie, popash slough, and two beautiful cypress domes. Trails are flat grass/sand ground level and seasonally wet in low spots…

Trail maps are located at the trailhead. One port-a-potty is available near the trailhead. No buildings or running water. No trash cans. Benches are located along trails, picnic tables are in and near the campsite.” source

We camped for a few days and hiked all the trails. There are maps at the gate and the spots along the trail were clearly marked so it was very easy to navigate. It’s advised that you hike with a partner because there are panthers, bears and gators out there. I carried a big stick and sang… that will scare anything away. Even making all that noise we still spotted some interesting wildlife.

Some of the trails are wide and open while others are a little more adventurous. I was told the Old Coffee Trail was the most interesting so we saved that for last. Luckily it was the dry season so the trail was nice and dry and there weren’t a lot of mosquitos. Although Irma shook up the trees a bit it has been cleared enough to hike through.

I absolutely loved this FREE camping spot. You can stay for up to 8 consecutive days with a max of 30 days a year. I’m pretty sure when you reserve you get the whole place to yourself. I did… and it was fantastic.