Located within the great mangrove swamp of southern Florida and featuring historical items and abundant recreational activities, Collier-Seminole State Park is a fantastic choice for an RV getaway. The 7,271-acre park is a rarity in Florida due to its wide variety of wildlife that aren't typically found in Florida's Everglades. 6,430 acres of the total area of the park is made up of mangrove swamp, cypress swamps, salt marshes, mangrove rivers and pine flatwoods. The major historical item that calls the park home is the Bay City Walking Dredge. The dredge was used to build the Tamiami Trail through the Everglades and is a National Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark. If you want to learn more about the dredge check out the interpretive kiosks located near the Bay City Walking Dredge and interpretative displays at the Interpretive Center.
The park is frequented by those wanting to partake in fun recreational activities. Within Collier-Seminole State Park you will find opportunities to picnic, hike, ride a bicycle, canoe, fish and go boating throughout the year. Camping at Collier-Seminole State Park is also very popular, with the campground being known as a tropical outpost on the edge of the Everglades. Here you will find 78 RV friendly campsites that also all feature the option of a 50-amp electrical and water hookups. Peak season at Collier-Seminole State Park is during the summer months.
Collier-Seminole State Park is located in south-west Florida within Collier County, Florida. The park is in a beautiful location that is very close to Gullivan Bay. The park is very easy to access as the only road that will take you to the park is located directly off US-41. Once you exit US-41 the park will be very close as there is no long entry road. There are many towns near the park, including Marco Island (around 10 miles away), Old Marco Junction (around 10 miles away) and Naples (around 17 miles away). The closest major city to Collier-Seminole State Park is Fort Myles (around 55 miles away).
The road leading into the park is very easy to navigate and it is very well maintained. The roads are quite flat and you shouldn't have any problem driving in if your RV is 50 feet or smaller. The park is open all year round and you should be able to gain access all year no matter the weather.
If you are going south from Tampa on I-75, take Exit 101 and turn right. Follow 951 to US-41. After this, turn left on US-41 and the Collier-Seminole State Park will be right miles on the right. If you are going West on I-75 from Fort Lauderdale, take Exit 80. Go south to US-41 and then turn right. Follow US-41 for about 15 miles, and the park will be on your left.
There is plenty of parking available at Collier-Seminole State Park.
Take a trip to beautiful Naples, Florida and enjoy spectacular beaches and breathtaking scenic views. At Naples/Marco Island KOA, you can canoe down a marked trail out of the campground right into the Gulf of Mexico. This KOA features great amenities like Wi-Fi, cable TV, a swimming pool, fishing, and more. The Naples KOA has sites for rigs up to 72 feet and is an excellent way to get close to the reserves, beaches, and city life that make Naples famous.
Collier-Seminole State Park Campground is a fairly large campground inside Collier-Seminole State Park that is great for RV travelers. The campground has a rather interest shape that from above looks like a diamond. In total there are 78 RV spots that are a mixture between sand and dirt pads that all come with water and 50-amp electrical hookups. The showers and toilets at Collier-Seminole State Park Campground are renowned for being very clean and featuring good water pressure in the showers.
Other amenities in the campground include ADA-accessible sites, dump station, telephone box and the ability to get satellite reception at some of the more open spots. Getting cell phone reception is known to be tough and the mosquitoes can come out to play so make sure you are prepared. The whole campground is pet-friendly but they must be on a leash at all times. Reservations are available up to 11 months in advance and the campground is open all year round.
Collier-Seminole State Park is such a great spot to see birds that it is part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. There are many for bird watching within the park, most notably in the different different trail areas, as well as a 13.5-mile canoe/kayak trail. Over 150 different species of birds have been spotted in the park so you will be spoiled for choice on different types of birds that you will spot.
Collier-Seminole State Park is also a great place for those who love to treasure hunt. In total, the park has 10 geocaches, with three of those being those in the challenging multi-stage caches. Collier-Seminole State Park also has a claim to fame of having the oldest geocache in Florida, named the "Christmas Cache." For some trails (including "Christmas Cache) you will need to register at the ranger station. For more information chat to the park office upon your arrival to the park.
Collier-Seminole State Park has four great nature trails within its boundaries that will satisfy the hiking fans who visit the park. The trails very in length, ranging from just under a mile to three and a half miles. If you are looking to see some unique flora we recommend the Royal Palm Hammock Nature Trail. The plants in this area are more common to the Yucatan or Caribbean. On the trail you will see a thick canopy of royal palms, gumbo limbo, Jamaican dogwood, satin leaf and many varieties of ferns.
Unfortunately there are no public transport options that are available to Collier-Seminole State Park.
Another great summer activity is to spend an afternoon relaxing in the park with a picnic. There is a picnic area in Collier-Seminole State Park that has two pavilions available to use. Both pavilions are equipped with picnic tables and standing charcoal grills. Other amenities located nearby for your convenience include the park's boat basin, playground and restrooms. The pavilions are non-reservable so make sure you are there with plenty of time if you have a large group as it is first come, first served.
Collier-Seminole State Park is also a great place to canoe or kayak. The Blackwater River flows through a gorgeous mangrove forest and into the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge. The river is tidal but very gentle and is a great place for less experienced paddlers. If you are visiting the park during March to March The Friends of Collier-Seminole State Park group offer guided canoe tours. If you are feeling more adventurous you can give the 13.5-mile canoe/kayak trail a go. Rentals are available from the park concession stand if you don't have your own watercraft.
Love to fish? If so, you will love Collier-Seminole State Park! The Blackwater River that is located within the park is a mix of salt and fresh water and it provides plenty of fishing opportunities, including largemouth bass, bream, warmouth, spotted sunfish, seatrout, redfish, croaker and mullet. All fishing that is done in Collier-Seminole State Park must conform to regulations and a fishing license may be required. Check with the park office for more information.
