Periwinkle Trailer Park and Campground, Sanibel, Fla.

[John McNamara]

Second outing with camper. Periwinkle Park is mix of snowbird permanent trailer homes and rvs. Had tents, PUps, TT, fifth wheels and big and small rigs while we were there. Price is not totally unreasonable, but on high side. Be sure to e-mail or call about availability before making reservation request. Also, bring cash or check, they don't take credit cards. Be prepared to pay a $6 (yes, six bucks) toll for the bridge to get onto the island. Nothing to leave, of course. In addition to full hook ups, Periwinkle also has an interesting collection of exotic birds and lemurs. Hanging out around their cages is a good way to kill part of a day. Plus, the noises at night and in the morning are interesting. Campground is bordered by a small stream which is home to some very aggresive turtles (to many people have fed them) and a four-foot alligator, plus some of the usual and unusual south Florida birds. Kinda of cool, actually. Bring your bikes. They are the best way to get around on the island. Or bring cash to rent bikes. Off season is relatively quiet, in season expect heavy traffic -- car, bike and foot. Plenty of restuarants, the famous Sanibel beaches (bike and save the $2 an hour parking fee), shops, even small island movie theater. Keep in mind it is hot and humid during the summer, but pleasant during winter. Downside -- bridge toll and bath house. Two showers and two sinks in each. One of the sinks in the men's side was not working. Bath house could use good regular cleaning. Not much air circulation, so it gets even more humid than outside air.
Bottom line -- would I return? Maybe, but only in off season.

[GeneF]

I haven't stayed there but I did visit a friend there last March.

I would have to say that the men's bathroom was okay but not great.

I would have to agree on taking your bike.  Parking is limited outside the cg.

Friend really likes the place and plans on going there again in March.

Not my type of cg.  I found it very crowded and no shade.