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A top down view of the expansive Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park

Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park

An expansive preserve of 45,387 acres protects over 100 miles of shoreline

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Effective Oct. 3, 2024: Trails may be partially closed at Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park due to flooding. Please follow all instruction from park staff and avoid closed areas.

Temporary Trail Closure

Effective Dec. 15, 2023: The Eagle Point Trail near the Charlotte Harbor Education Center is closed for repairs. Alternate routes have been established.

Hours

Sunrise until sunset

Fees

No fees required

Location

12301 Burnt Store Road
Punta Gorda FL 33955

Get directions

Contact Info

941-575-5816

Park Menu

  • Experiences & Amenities
  • History
Download Park Map

Welcome to Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park

The park is composed of 45,387 acres and protects more than 100 miles of shoreline along Charlotte Harbor in Charlotte and Lee counties. It is the third largest Florida State Park. 

Visitors can take advantage of opportunities to hike, fish, paddle and observe wildlife in the park's many natural communities, including mangrove forests, marshes, scrub habitats and pine flatwoods. Most of the park is shallow water fringed by mangroves, providing amazing opportunities to view wading birds, manatees, dolphins and other wildlife.

The park is best accessed by kayak or canoe. Portions of two paddle trail systems wind through the park. Hikers and bird-watchers can access Charlotte Harbor's upland areas at pedestrian walk-throughs available in each section of the park and explore the wildlife found along three marked trails.

Visitors can also enjoy the resources provided by the Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center (CHEC) located in the park near Punta Gorda. CHEC is a nonprofit group that offers a visitors center, environmental education programs, interpretive guided hikes and 6 miles of marked trails.

Visitors are welcome to explore other areas of the preserve, unless posted as closed, but should be aware that these areas are of remote and primitive wilderness. Visitors should take a compass, a map and sufficient water for their trip. No restrooms or drinking water are available.

Plan Your Visit

Nicole Ross, manager at Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park.
Learn

Manager's Message

There are several trails that provide opportunities for observing birds and other wildlife around the preserve. Stop in at the Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center for great information about the habitats and animals that this park protects.
An aerial view of the Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center.
Learn

Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center

The Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center is an exciting place to learn about the natural communities that make up Charlotte Harbor. Enjoy one of the many programs, or tour the trails around the center to see all that the park has to offer.
A view of the shoreline at Charlotte Harbor.
Learn

North Cape Flats Trail

Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park has hiking opportunities available in every section of the park. These trails provide a great opportunity to see parts of this remote and primitive wilderness and the wildlife that we protect.

Experiences

Bicycling
Bicycling
Birding
Birding
Boating
Boating
Fishing
Fishing
Geo-Seeking
Geo-Seeking
Hiking
Hiking
Paddling
Paddling
Walking and Running
Walking and Running

Amenities

Accessible Amenities
Accessible Amenities
Canoe Kayak Launch
Canoe Kayak Launch
Historic Site
Historic Site
Interpretive Exhibit
Interpretive Exhibit
Parking
Parking
Picnic Pavilion
Picnic Pavilion

Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park Photo Gallery

Charlotte Harbor Tippecanoe Bay
Charlotte Harbor Hikers
Fishing in Charlotte Harbor
Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park
Charlotte Harbor Preserve Nature Trail
Charlotte Harbor Preserve
Charlotte Harbor Preserve Trail to the Bay
A view of a restored waterway of the park.
Learn

Hydrologic Restoration at Charlotte Harbor

The hydrologic restoration that has taken place at Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park has significantly improved the environment within and surrounding the park. Since the project began, approximately 5,000 acres of land have been restored.
A view of the smoke from a prescribed fire.
Learn

Prescribed Burning at Charlotte Harbor

Prescribed burning at Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park helps keep the environment thriving and greatly benefits the plants and animals of the park.

People Make the Parks

Jay Garner looking at the camera

Staff Spotlight

Jay is dedicated to protecting the environment at Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park. His knowledge of prescribed burning methods help keep the park environments healthy and thriving.
Volunteer

Volunteering at Charlotte Harbor

Help fulfill the Florida State Parks mission. Assist park employees to preserve, interpret and restore ...the Real Florida.
Friends of the Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves

Friends of the Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves

Friends groups meet the critical needs of individual parks and the system of state parks. They share one thing in common – passion for parks.

Park Map

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Florida State Parks

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(850) 245-2157

Or send an email to:

FSP.Feedback@FloridaDEP.gov

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