There’s something about driving down the Tamiami Trail in Southwest Florida that just feels right. You’re surrounded by towering royal palms and that thick, humid air that smells of sunshine and green, growing things. Tucked away right on this historic road in North Fort Myers is Raintree RV Resort, a spot that offers more than just a place to empty your black tank. It’s a glimpse into the relaxed, tropical lifestyle that draws so many of us to this part of the country. This isn't a quick in-and-out gas station; it's a proper resort, and while it primarily serves its registered guests, they are known to allow passersby to use their dump station for a day-use fee.
This is a fantastic home base or a strategic stop if you’re exploring the greater Fort Myers area. You’re on the north side of the Caloosahatchee River, which gives you a nice balance of easy access to the famous Gulf coast beaches and the quieter, "Old Florida" nature preserves. Just a few miles south of the resort are the Edison and Ford Winter Estates. I can’t recommend this place enough. It’s fascinating to walk through the homes and workshops where two of America's greatest innovators spent their winters. The botanical gardens along the river are absolutely stunning and worth the price of admission alone.
For a true taste of wild Florida, the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve is an absolute gem. It’s a massive 3,500-acre wetland, and you can experience it via a mile-long boardwalk that takes you right through the heart of it. We’ve seen alligators, otters, turtles, and incredible birds like roseate spoonbills there. It’s a photographer’s dream, especially in the early morning light. If you’re traveling with kids or get stuck with a rainy afternoon, the Calusa Nature Center is another great option with its planetarium and raptor shows. And of course, you’re just a short drive from the causeway that leads to the world-famous barrier islands of Sanibel and Captiva, renowned for their incredible shelling. This resort puts you in the middle of it all.
Because Raintree is a gated RV resort, the experience of using the dump station is very different from a public facility. You don’t just pull up to a spigot; you have to stop at the main office at the entrance. Even if you're just there for the day-use dump, you'll check in, pay your fee, and they’ll give you a map and directions. Often, a staff member will even escort you to the dump pad on a golf cart, which is a nice touch. The whole process is calm, organized, and secure. The internal roads are paved and plenty wide for big rigs, so you won’t have any trouble navigating a 40-foot diesel pusher.
The dump station itself is typically clean and well-maintained. It doubles as a rinse-and-fill station, with a good, strong-pressure potable water spigot that makes filling your fresh tank a quick job. During the off-season, from May to October, you’ll likely have the place to yourself. In the winter months, however, this place is hopping with snowbirds. If you’re stopping during peak season, try to arrive before 10 a.m. to avoid the morning rush of folks heading out for the day.
The amenities for day-users are a bit limited, which is important to know. You get access to the excellent dump station with potable water, and there are trash dumpsters conveniently located near the office, so you can offload any garbage you’ve accumulated. The resort is pet-friendly, with designated walking paths around a scenic lake, but you’ll want to keep your furry friends well away from the resident sandhill cranes, who are beautiful but can be territorial. What you don’t get as a day-user is access to the public restrooms, showers, or laundry facilities. Those are reserved for registered guests. There’s also no propane or fuel sold on-site, so you’ll need to plan your fuel stops for one of the many stations along U.S. 41.
As for the cost, you’ll want to call ahead to confirm, but recent visitors have reported a day-use fee of around $25. While that might seem steep, it’s fairly standard for a private resort in coastal Florida. And here’s a little tip: if you’re polite and ask nicely at the office, they might let you hang out for an hour or two and use their pool or guest Wi-Fi, making that fee feel like a much better value. I always recommend booking by phone at least a day in advance during the busy season to make sure they can accommodate you. Also, it’s a good idea to have exact cash on hand, as some smaller resort offices prefer it or may charge a fee for using a credit card.
One final, very specific tip: as you pull in the entrance lane, keep an eye out for low-hanging branches. The beautiful Spanish moss can sometimes hide the tips of live oak limbs, and you don’t want to start your visit with a new scrape on your roof.
So, is Raintree RV Resort the right stop for you? If you’re looking for a clean, secure, and hassle-free place to dump your tanks, and you appreciate a more serene, palm-shaded environment, then absolutely. It’s a great way to get your chores done while getting a taste of the Florida resort lifestyle, with plenty of fantastic attractions nearby to make it a memorable part of your journey.
19250 N Tamiami Trl, North Fort Myers, FL 33903
(239) 731-1441
Cost: Price not available
Category: RV park
Has Water
raintreerv.com