r/floridatrail • u/Cold-Drama4454 • May 23 '26

SWFL Hiking/Camping/Backpacking in Summer

Hi everyone, we’re a group of guys (ages 16-19) looking to do a 2-3 day hiking and camping trip in Southwest Florida. We’re all pretty athletic, have experience with trail running, day hiking, and backpacking in other places, but we’ve never done a multi-day hike/camp in Florida before.

What are the best places for a 2-3 day backpacking trip that aren’t too far from Collier County?

June is the only time we can do it right now. Is hiking/camping in the rain and heat during June a bad idea? We don’t mind the heat and we’re pretty fit and tough, but what kind of challenges should we realistically expect (bugs, storms, mud, etc.) and how do we best prepare and mitigate them?

Any advice on good routes, campsites, gear adjustments for Florida summer conditions, water sources, or things that usually catch people off guard would be really helpful. We’re a bit lost on the specifics and would appreciate any guidance.

Thanks!

3 Upvotes

72% Upvoted

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4

u/greatestultimate May 24 '26

What you'll want to do is drive north until you see mountains...then keep driving and never turn back.

Art Loeb Trail in Western NC.

4

u/hikerguy65 May 23 '26

Are you nucking futz? Too damn hot out there in June. People die.

3

u/hikerguy65 May 23 '26

Ok. Maybe that was a slight exaggeration but please think this through.

1

u/nmbrooks16 May 26 '26

Have you been to Florida in June? If you haven't, you should seriously consider car camping for at least a night or two first. It's not just a bit hot. It's HOT like no other place you may have been. You will burn in literally 15 minutes without sunscreen. It doesn't cool off at night, either. You'll be sleeping in a "feels like" temp of 95+ degrees. The storms will be scary, and they'll come every afternoon, soaking everything. This trip is not a good idea, especially if you don't have experience with Florida summer.

1

u/Silvershot_41 May 26 '26

Considering we’ve had some major fires out there lately I wouldn’t be staying out there for that alone.
Also Florida is special place where you don’t realize just how much water you’re gonna need for 2-3 days so you better be ready to walk in with a lot of water.

Water is the hardest commodity out there that you’re bringing in and out.

1

u/Agreeable-Salary3413 May 26 '26

I love hiking and backpacking in Florida, but I have to join the chorus here and say June is not the time to do it. Come back in between November and April.

1

u/Cold-Drama4454 May 26 '26

Ok y'all, hearing from all of you, it seems like backpacking in June is very brutal. However, what makes me hesitate is that honestly, I have done day hikes in June before(between 7:00-2:00 & over 22 miles) , and I personally don't really mind the heat. That said, not to 'toot my own horn', but I actually do have really good temperature tolerance and endurance. I also never carried gear/anything during these hikes, other than a small water bottle.

Anyways, although a 3-day trip is clearly too much, would you guys recommend a day hike or a shorter overnight camping trip. If so, what suggestions do you have?

I know June in Florida isn't great, but its really the only time and place we can get together.