Best Season For Glamping In Southwest Florida
Glamping is not new but it was new to me. Now, I fear, I may be hooked. This is the best season for glamping in Southwest Florida and now I know exactly where to go.
For those of you not familiar with the term, glamping is so-called glamorous camping. As if camping could EVER be glamorous. You still get the rustic camping experience but in accommodations that have a few of the comforts of home.
For example, you don’t sleep on the uncomfortable, uneven ground. These tents have actual beds. They also have electricity for heating and cooling, a small refrigerator, minimal lighting and plugs for phone charging. It’s the best of both worlds.
My birthday is January 21st but some of my friends surprised me with an early celebration. I was blindfolded and lead out to Koreshan State Park in Estero for two nights of unplugging, adventure and glamping in Southwest Florida. The tents are operated by Timberline Glamping and the owners thought of everything.
Photos Of Glamping In Southwest Florida
You can see the inside of the tent above. My friends had it filled with goodies for my birthday. You can get a better look inside by clicking here and watching a quick video I made of the weekend.
The beds were dreamy and the sheets soft and silky. Our tent had a king-size bed and four single bunks. It was pretty spacious. I slept like a baby.
In addition, there was a Keurig machine for morning coffee and an adventure box full of goodies including binoculars. The small touches here made a big difference.
I had a group of friends “kidnap” me for the weekend with this surprise adventure. I was told to pack casual and for colder weather. That was it. Although I knew I would be overnighting somewhere, I had no idea where or who would be joining the party.
The campsites are surrounded in brush to give you a feeling like you are alone. However, you can still see and hear your neighbors at times. That being said, campers here people were respectful, quiet at night and in the morning. My friends like to eat and drink so we were well stocked.
The fire pit had a grate for cooking but the site also had a full grill which was easier. You can see it behind the picnic table. A few chairs are provided but we brought more and used all of them.
More Activities For Glamping In Southwest Florida
There are numerous trails to explore in the Koreshan State Park. Some run along the Estero River. Others wind inland so you can explore the diverse nature found here from bamboo forests to a variety of palms and palmettos.
The campground sits on the banks of the Estero River. If you check at the ranger station when you arrive, you can rent outdoor gear like kayaks, canoes and bicycles. It’s also where you can purchase bags of firewood.
As a camper, you are able to explore the historic sites of the Koreshans. I love to explore my own back yard and find interesting places around the state. Two of my friends had never been to this site and knew very little about the Koreshans. It’s a fascinating little place.
Back at camp, it’s time for a nap. We had two hammocks to relax in. They were both used. So were the bunks. It was so relaxing.
Glamping In Southwest Florida After Dark
You can’t have a campfire and not make s’mores. I’m obsessed with the perfect melty middle and toasted outside. Nothing better, and they smell so good too. We brought our own but there was a small s’mores kit in the room for purchase in case you forgot.
Our fires were a little shaky to start out. But by the end we got our Girl Scout skills working and built some good ones. The nights were quiet and peaceful. It was dark enough to really see the moon and stars. To me, it was one of the best parts about camping/glamping.
To top it off, we got to marvel at a gorgeous full moon. This one was the Wolf Moon. It is said to bring the energy of community, comfort, peace and intuition. I can’t think of a more perfect ending to our glamping adventure.
Glamping In Southwest Florida And Beyond
Timberline provides glamping accommodations at other Florida State Parks and other sites in the Southeastern United States. I would 100% stay in one of their tents after my weekend experience. I was only a few miles from work, not far from home, but still felt a world away.