Friends of Collier-Seminole State Park

PARK INFORMATION:

The 7,271 acre Collier-Seminole State Park lies partly within the great mangrove swamp of southern Florida, one of the largest mangrve swamps in the world. A wide variety of wildlife including some imperiled species, inhabits this unusual blend of temperate and tropical native plant communities.

Collier-Seminole State Park features vegetation and wildlife typical of Florida's Everglades. Although rare elsewhere, the park covers one of three original stands of royal palm trees in Florida, coexisting with large areas of mangrove swamp. The park is the site of a National Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark, the last existing Bay City Walking Dredge. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in May 2013. Built in 1924, it was used to build the Tamiami Trail Highway (U.S. 41) through the Everglades and Big Cypress Swamp, linking Tampa and Miami and opening southwest Florida to travelers.

The campground has 120 sites with electricity, water, a campfire ring with a grill, and a picnic table. The restrooms have hot showers and one has a laundry facility. A centralized dump station is available or RV campers. All 120 sites are $24.20 a night (including tax). Primitive camping is also available on the Adventure Trail and at Grocery Place off of the canoeing trail at $5 per person per night. A group campsite is also available in the campground. For more information please contact the park at (239)-394-3397.

Park programs are offered from December to March. Park Rangers present programs on a variety of topic about the park's plantss, animals, and history. The Friends of Collier-Seminole State Park offers guided canoe trips at $30 per person for day trips and $35 per person for full moon trips. Visit our website for park programs.

Visitors can experience this park's remarkable wilderness on several trails. The Blackwater River originates in the park and meanders through the mangroves to Blackwater Bay and the Ten Thousand Islands. The park has canoe rentals available at $5 an hour per canoe, along with a boat ramp that provides access to the Blackwater River. Other trails offer opportunities for bicycling, hiking, and nature observation.

HISTORY AND NATURE:

The park was originally created by Barron Gift Collier to preserve the royal palm trees and later the park was donated by the county. The park then served as a memorial to Barron Collier and those who fought on both sides of the Seminole Wars. In 1947, the county donated the land which became Collier-Seminole State Park.

In the 1700s, Seminole Indians emigrated from the Creek Confederacy to Florida. Three wars took place to remove the Seminoles from Florida and send them to reservations. During the Third Seminole War, the Seminoles resisted and retreated to the swamps of southwest Florida. Soldiers searching for the Indians drew maps. One crude 1857 military map illustrates the Blackwater River with an area labeled "palm grove." That area, now a part of the park, contains the beautiful royal pal trees.

In the early 1920s, advertising tycoon and pioneer developer, Barron Collier purchased nearly a million acres in southwest Florida. In 1923, it became Collier County. Barron Collier was a major investor in developing the Collier County section of the Tampa-to-Miami highway, the Tamiami Trail.

EVENTS:

Every year during the second weekend of February the Friends of Collier-Seminole State Park hosts its annual "Jammin' in the Hammock" bluegrass festival. Come enjoy a variety of bands, foods, and craft vendors. The concert is held rain or shine. No pets, alcohol, smoking, or coolers are permitted in the festival area. The cost of the festival does not cover camping rates in the campground.

The park will be hosting its first "Dancin' with the Cars" antique auto show in March 2015. The Naples-Marco Island Antique Automobile Club of America will feature 15-20 anitque autos prominently displayed along the Blackwater River. Come enjoy of classic old-timey music, collectible vendors, and an assortment of delicious delectables. There is no additional entrance fee for this event (just regular park entrance fee).

PARK GUIDELINES:

- Hours: 8AM - sunset, 365 days a year
- Entrance Fee: $2 per walk-in/bike-in/extra person, $4 single vehicle driver, $5 covers 2-8 people in a vehicle.
- All plants, animals, and park property are protected.
- Pets must be on leash no longer than 6 feet and well behaved at all times.
- Please file a float plan at the ranger station when boating in the park.
- A Florida fishing license may be required.
- Fireworks and hunting are prohibited.
- Alcoholic beverage consumption is allowed in designated areas only.
- Become a volunteer. Inquire at the ranger station.
- For information about Friends of Collier-Seminole State Park, cal (239)-394-3397.
- For camping information, contact Reserve America at (800)-326-3521 or (866) I CAMP FL or TDD (888)-433-0287 or visit ReserveAmerica.com
- Florida's state parks are committed to providing equal access to all facilities and programs. Should you need assistance to enable your participation, please contact the ranger station.