Manager's Message

Darren Flickinger, Park Manager

Welcome to Collier-Seminole State Park, the front door to the Everglades! There are many things to do and see in our park. Choose among a wide variety of challenging and diverse recreational opportunities.

Early morning is the perfect time to paddle the Blackwater River through the summer and experience magnificent mangrove tunnels in one of the largest mangrove forests in the world. A 13.5-mile canoeing trail travels along the Blackwater River, which empties into the Ten Thousand Islands and eventually the Gulf of Mexico. 

There are many great freshwater and saltwater fishing opportunities throughout the park as well. Collier-Seminole State Park's newly completed floating boat dock and ADA accessible canoe/kayak launch are amazing. Both are designed and constructed to give those with limited mobility an opportunity to enjoy a leisurely paddle on the water using the new ADA launching rig.

Enjoy family time with an overnight camping experience in our 104-campsite campground. Loop A (sites 1 to 19) is exclusively for tents, pop-ups and vans. All regular campground sites have electric and water hook-ups.

We have three primitive campsites: a remote campsite on the Blackwater River called Grocery Place, a backpacking campsite on the northern Strand Swamp Trail and another area for youth group camping. Call the park at 239-394-3397 for more information on camping. Picnic pavilions are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The wildlife viewing opportunities are unique and abundant as well. It is one of the few places in the world where you may be lucky enough to see Florida panthers, manatees, dolphins, alligators, crocodiles, bobcats, sharks, black bears, bald eagles, gopher tortoises, sea turtles and so much more all in the same place.

There is plenty more to do at this park. I hope I have piqued your interest.