Florida’s Collier-Seminole State Park is located 17 miles southeast of Naples, near Ochopee. Natural habitats include mangrove swamps, cypress forests, and pine flatwoods in the 7,271-acre park. It’s easy to get lost in the innate natural beauty of Southern Florida by exploring Collier-Seminole state park. In this guide, you’ll find out what you need to know about Collier-Seminole State Park before you go. Lots to see within this small park!
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Need to Know About Collier-Seminole State Park
State park Collier-Seminole was established in 1947. The park protected and preserved one of the original native stands of Royal Palms.. It is named after Barron Gift Collier, a prominent advertising entrepreneur and developer. Collier had a significant impact on the development of southwest Florida. He purchased a large tract of land in the region, hoping to create a national park. His vision was to form Lincoln-Lee national park, instead the state settled for Collier-Seminole State park.
Where is Collier-Seminole State Park?
Collier-Seminole State Park is near Big Cypress National Preserve, and Everglades National Park allowing visitors to explore the off-the-beaten-path areas of the region. Both parks offer unique natural environments and opportunities for outdoor activities.
By Car: if you’re coming from Naples, Florida, take US-41 East (Tamiami Trail) heading southeast. Continue on US-41 for approximately 17 miles until you reach Collier-Seminole State Park. The entrance to the park will be on your left.
By Car: From the Everglades, head east on Tamiami Trail/US-41. Continue on Tamiami Trail/US-41 for approximately 69.3 miles. Once you reach the intersection of Tamiami Trail/US-41 and FL-29 after 1.5 miles, you will reach the entrance to Collier-Seminole State Park on your left.
By Air: If you’re flying to the area, the closest major airport is Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers, Florida. From the airport, you can rent a car and drive southeast on I-75 towards Naples. Take exit 101 onto Collier Boulevard/FL-951 heading south. Continue on Collier Boulevard/FL-951 for approximately 18 miles until you reach US-41. Turn left onto US-41 East and continue for about 1.5 miles until you reach Collier-Seminole State Park on your left.
What is Important to Know before Your Trip
- Location: Collier-Seminole State Park is a 7,271-acre park located in Collier County, Florida.
- Operating Hours: The park is typically open every day of the year, including weekends and holidays. The operating hours are 8:00 AM to sunset. Visitors are encouraged to check the official National Park Service website for up-to-date information on events, accessibility, and safety guidelines.
- Pets: Pets are allowed on the park grounds on a leash no longer than six feet.
- Entrance Fees: An entrance pass is required to access the park. Single Occupant Vehicle: $5, Vehicle with 2-8 occupants: $6.00. Pedestrians, Bicyclists, and Extra Passengers: $2.00 per person.
- Best Time to Visit: Summer (June-August) can be hot/humid, with temperatures often exceeding 90°F. It also brings the rainy season, which can lead to mosquitoes and storms. Spring (April-May) Fall (September-October) If you prefer fewer crowds and don’t mind some heat, visiting in late spring or early fall can also be enjoyable. Just be prepared for the weather, including hurricanes! Winter (November-March) temperatures are mild, ranging from the 60s to 80s°F (15-27°C), making it ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and kayaking.
- Accommodation: There are lots of accommodations in nearby Marco Island. Port of the Islands Resort: Laid-back studios in a resort offering an outdoor pool, a marina & dining, plus free breakfast. Timberline Glamping Naples offers glamping accommodations in the park’s campground, including cabins and safari tents. Reservations can be made by calling (941) 777-3114 or online.
- Camping: The park has 105 campsites that can accommodate tents, pop-ups, and large RVs. Sites 1–19 are for tents and pop-ups only, and sites 6, 8, 15, and 16 are glamping sites. All sites have electricity, water, a grill, and a picnic table. Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance for Florida residents and 10 months for non-residents.
Collier-Seminole State Park Has a Rich History
Indigenous tribes, such as the Calusa and Seminole, once inhabited the area that now comprises Collier-Seminole State Park. Their culture and sustenance depended on the natural resources around them. The Seminole and Miccosukee Indians settled in this area by 1840. The park offers visitors a chance to learn about the Native American history and culture of the Seminole Tribe through interpretive displays and exhibits at the park’s replica Seminole Indian village.
Logging was an important business in the late 1800s and early 1900s. They collected a lot of cypress trees for their useful wood. Workers floated logs down the Blackwater River to process and ship them.
In the 1930s, during the Great Depression, a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp was established within the boundaries of the present-day park. The CCC workers constructed roads, trails, and buildings to enhance the park’s infrastructure.
The history of the park is deeply intertwined with the broader narrative of southwest Florida. This encompasses the region’s natural resources, land development patterns, and the ongoing efforts to strike a balance between environmental protection and human activities within the delicate Everglades ecosystem.
What is there to explore in Collier-Seminole State Park?
Besides its natural features, the park also has recreational facilities such as camping areas, picnic areas, and a boat ramp. Visitors can enjoy camping under the stars, picnicking with family and friends, or launching their boats for a day of fishing or boating on the river.
The park has a boat launch area, providing access to the Blackwater River and the surrounding waterways. This allows visitors to participate in boating, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing activities.
Visit the Blockhouse & Butterfly Garden
The Butterfly Garden at Collier-Seminole State Park’s Blockhouse offered a tranquil setting to appreciate butterflies up close. This dedicated habitat, with plants that attract and support these delicate creatures, reflected the park’s commitment to environmental stewardship. The garden played a role in butterfly conservation by providing a space to learn about their importance in the ecosystem.
They patterned the visitor center in the park after a blockhouse from the Seminole War era. The Blockhouse is a remnant of the past and represents an important piece of local history. Built in the 1940 for the caretaker, County Commissioner D Graham Copland. It is a reconstructed replica of the original blockhouse. During the construction of the Tamiami Trail; it served as a shelter and supply station for the workers involved in the engineering project.
Barron Collier Memorial
Barron G. Collier was instrumental in the construction of roads, drainage systems, and other infrastructure that helped open up the area for development. His efforts were crucial in transforming the region into a viable and accessible destination.
Barron Collier was born on March 23, 1873, in Memphis, Tennessee. He came from a wealthy family involved in the advertising business. Collier began his career in advertising and eventually established his own successful advertising firm, Barron Collier Company. He gained significant wealth through his advertising ventures, particularly with outdoor advertising and billboards. In the early 1900s, Collier turned his attention to real estate investment. He acquired large tracts of land in Southwest Florida, including what is now Collier County. His land holdings spanned over one million acres.
Collier played a vital role in developing the infrastructure and economy of Southwest Florida. He focused on building roads, bridges, and drainage systems to make the region more accessible and habitable. His efforts were crucial in opening up the area for development. One of Collier’s most significant projects was the construction of the Tamiami Trail (Tampa to Miami). This roadway, completed in 1928, connected Tampa on the Gulf Coast with Miami on the Atlantic Coast. The trail facilitated transportation and trade, helping to stimulate growth and development in the region.
Barron Collier passed away on March 13, 1939. The memorial here is dedicated to his contributions to the development of Southwest Florida. His philanthropic endeavors left a lasting impact on the region. Today, Collier County and the various landmarks and institutions associated with his name serve as a testament to his legacy.
Hiking Trails in collier-Seminole state Park
Collier-Seminole State Park is home to a variety of plant and animal species, including alligators, wading birds, and various fish species. It is an excellent location for birdwatching. We spotted egrets, herons and roseate spoon-bills.
Note: mosquitoes/no-see-ems can be brutal even in the cooler winter months. Don’t forget your bug spray and sunscreen.
Royal Palm Hammock Trail is a 0.9 mile loop begins at the boat launch parking lot. A self-guided nature trail featuring a boardwalk system winds through a dense and diverse hammock forest. The short path is gravel, dirt, and boardwalks. Showcasing the park’s lush vegetation, Royal Palms, Gumbo Limbo and giant ferns are the predominant flora. The trail is really buggy in the beginning, but remarkably the boardwalk section was not that bad. Maybe it was the breeze. An observation platform overlooks the salt marsh.
- Collier-Seminole Prairie Hammock Trail: This trail leads you through a beautiful pine forest dominated by slash pine trees. This bike trail follows an old roadbed is a 3.5-mile loop. The trail may be wet in the rainy season.
- Collier-Seminole Trail is the longest and most challenging within the park, spanning approximately 7.5 miles. It takes you through various ecosystems, including pine flatwoods, cypress swamps, and hardwood hammocks.
- Collier-Seminole Flatwoods Trail: Walk through Sawgrass prairie and upland cypress and Pine forest. This 3.3-mile loop trail. Some refer to this as the Old Marcos Road.
Unexpected Artifacts: The Bay City Walking Dredge
Bay City Walking Dredge Trail was our favorite experience in the park. This one surprised me. The trail takes you around the historic 1924 Bay City Walking Dredge, also known as the Bay City Walking Dredge #489. It is a significant artifact that played a crucial role in the early development and drainage of the surrounding Big Cypress swamp. This a National Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark played a role in the drainage and development of the Everglades region. The park’s proximity to Big Cypress National Preserve and the Everglades influenced the management of water flow and the establishment of canals and waterways for land reclamation and agriculture.
It was fascinating seeing the now-silent walking dredge. It is an impressive piece of engineering, weighing over 200 tons and measuring approximately 68 feet long and 24 feet wide. Its strange design allows it to “walk” on legs while excavating and dredging material. The dredge could be repositioned by lifting its legs and moving it forward, making it more mobile than traditional dredging equipment.
Interpretive displays and information boards provide insights into the dredge’s operation and its role in the drainage efforts of the Everglades. The dredge serves as a reminder of the engineering feats undertaken in the early 20th century to reclaim and transform the Florida landscape. It stands as a testament to the ingenuity and perseverance of those involved in the drainage projects and the impact they had on the region’s development.
Experience a Guided Canoe Tour on the blackwater river
One of the park’s main attractions is the scenic boat tour through the mangrove-lined Blackwater River, which provides visitors with an opportunity to observe the park’s unique wildlife and vegetation. The park also offers several hiking trails that take you through various ecosystems, allowing you to explore the park’s natural beauty on foot.
KAYAK adventures within COLLIER-Seminole STATE PARK
Take to the water and paddle along the Blackwater River or explore the surrounding waterways. Participating in a guided canoe trip on the Blackwater River provides a unique opportunity to connect with nature, learn from knowledgeable guides, and appreciate the beauty of Collier-Seminole State Park’s waterways. It’s a memorable way to explore the park’s diverse ecosystem and create lasting memories. The guided canoe trip sponsored by Friends of Collier-Seminole State Park.
The guides provide all the necessary equipment for the canoe trip, including canoes, paddles, and life jackets. It is advisable to wear comfortable clothing and bring sun protection, such as hats and sunscreen. The difficulty level is generally suitable for beginners, but it’s always a good idea to check with the park or tour operator for specific details.
As we started our journey on the Blackwater River, the striking natural beauty took me in. The river is lined with mangroves and other vegetation, creating a serene and picturesque setting. As you paddle along the river, keep an eye out for wildlife. The park is the source of the Blackwater River, which winds its way through tangled mangroves, until reaches Blackwater Bay and the Ten Thousand Islands (13.2-mile canoe trail). The Blackwater River is home to a variety of bird species, including herons, egrets, and ospreys. You may also spot turtles, alligators, and other aquatic creatures. The guides will help identify and provide information about the wildlife you encounter.
The guides share interesting facts and stories about the history, ecology, and conservation efforts of the Blackwater River and the surrounding area. They offer a deeper understanding of the ecosystem and its importance in the larger Everglades region.
Camping at Collier-Seminole State Park
Set up camp at one of the park’s campsites. Collier-Seminole State Park offers a campground with 120 campsites. Nineteen of the sites are for tent only. The modern campsites have electric and water hookups. The campground also provides amenities such as restrooms, showers, a dump station, and a laundry facility.
We found the sites in the main campground loop are quite small and do not have any privacy. The sites were considerably closer than most state parks we have been to. The bathhouse is new and there is a washer and dryer available.
- Primitive Camping: $22.00 per night
- Modern Camping (with water and electricity hookups): $30.00 per night
- Note: If you are a resident of Florida Senior, you get 50% off park fees.
Primitive camping with the “Queen of Marco”
The influential and prominent Stephens family, particularly the daughter, gained recognition as “Queen of Marco.” The Stephens family, led by William Thomas “Capt. Bill” Stephens, played a significant role in the development of Marco Island. They lived in the small community of Caxambus before moving lock stock and barrel to Grocery Place to try their hand at farming. Today, the only reminder of the small village is the primitive campsite operated by the park. It lies 5-miles downstream along the Royal Palm River Hammock Creek between Mud Bay and Palm Bay.
Tommie Camilla Stephens was known for her dedication to the preservation and promotion of Marco Island’s natural beauty and its rich history. She was involved in various community initiatives and was a vocal advocate for environmental conservation.
Final Thoughts: Experience Unique Collier-Seminole State Park
At Collier-Seminole State Park, we experienced a peaceful and scenic setting where we immersed ourselves in Florida’s lifestyle. We appreciated the park’s natural scenery, exploring its trails, and engaging in outdoor activities. If you are a history buff, you will gain a deeper understanding of the region’s ecology and history. Enjoy your visit to Collier-Seminole State Park in the Sunshine State!
Have you been to the Collier-Seminole State Park? What did you think of it? What activities did you explore there?
