Short term reservation in Naples?

[lsbrodsky]

What is anyone's experience trying to book for only two weeks, a year ahead, at Silver Lake or Crystal Lake in Naples? We want to visit some friends for only 2 weeks in Feb 2017.
It seems that camping locations, especially those two, understandably prefer campers who want to stay for 3 months. Many seem to say that they assign vacancies in priority order to longer term then down to the short term. I am on both waiting lists for next year but was told that I may not know anything until December of this year.
This is my first experience trying South Florida in the winter. Am I going to get a space at either of those two spots or am I just dreaming?

Thanks,
Larry

[lsbrodsky]

Anyone?

Larry

[SteveSueMac]

Sorry - no experience to offer help. Are there other campsites in the area that would confirm now? If you get more peace of mind knowing it's locked in it may be worth it to you. Good luck!

[Mrjkq]

Google Florida State Parks near Naples. This far out you still have a chance for a two week stay.

[SeaLevel]

You can only reserve 11 months out at the FL State Parks, so today that would be through Dec 23rd.

[AirEgger]

We just left Silver Lakes a few days ago. We first contacted them last March for a one month reservation starting mid Dec. They contacted us in June and ask for a deposit to confirm our dates. We didn't get our site assignment until Nov. due to them working with the longer term customers. We had a similar experience with Crystal Lakes last year. Others have told us it's best to start early in the year with both Crystal and Silver Lakes.

[lsbrodsky]

Thanks, I am starting early. We will just stay flexible and not go if we do not get an allocation. The other places down there do not look very inviting.
Larry

[lewster]

Larry,

You should have no problems booking a week or two at any time during the 'season' as long as it's done well ahead of your needs. Many if the longer stay folks are lot owners in these parks, but there are also a good quantity of transient rentals.

I am in and out of those parks on a regular basis and see folks constantly on the move during the big 3 months. My preference between the two is Silver Lakes, as it's much closer in to beaches and downtown Naples and Marco Island than Crystal Lake.

The local state park, Collier Seminole, is presently closed for construction and renovation. I did not see an anticipated re-opening date last time I was there.

There are other areas as well. PM me for a complete list and my 'observations of them.

Thanks!

[Mrjkq]

Originally Posted by SeaLevel

You can only reserve 11 months out at the FL State Parks, so today that would be through Dec 23rd.

Thought it was 12 months but that's even better for original poster as he can prepare.

[bunni]

We've stayed at Silver Lakes twice for a week each time (in December both times). It's very nice with lots of amenities and activities. We felt very welcome there.

[lsbrodsky]

Thanks, I am encouraged that we might get a slot although it will be many months before we know.
Larry

[MelGoddard]

'Better half says try Bonita Beach.
It's close by.

[Flying Gypsies]

We just stayed 3 nights at Smokewood Campground in South Ft Myers right on S US Hwy 41 (Tamiami trail). It is tight in there but we were able to maneuver our 31 Classic after a few jig-jogs back and forth. There were folks leaving the site when we moved in and they had someone coming in when we left. You might get lucky.

[lsbrodsky]

Thanks but we are not interested in spending 2 weeks in one of those campgrounds where you almost cannot deploy the awning and there is barely room for the truck. That is why I selected the two I mentioned.
Larry