Manager's Message

Darren Flickinger, Park Manager

Welcome to Collier-Seminole State Park!

The park is located on the edge of Florida’s Everglades, approximately eight miles from the edge of Naples and Marco Island. It features a unique blend of natural environments typical of Florida’s Everglades including various hammocks, flatwoods, prairies, estuaries and swamps. 

A few of the park’s natural features are particularly noteworthy. The largest natural community at Collier-Seminole, the mangrove swamp, lies partly within the great mangrove swamp of southern Florida. This swamp one of the largest mangrove swamps in the world! Due to southern Florida’s tropical climate and being influenced by both freshwater and saltwater, the park is part of one of the most biodiverse areas of plants and animals on the planet. The wildlife viewing opportunities are an especially spectacular experience, as this is one of the only places where people may see black bears, manatees, alligators, crocodiles and even the elusive Florida panther in the same place.

One of the best ways to spend time at Collier-Seminole is to plan an immersive outdoor experience. There are many available resource-based recreational opportunities available. Kayak and paddleboard on-line rentals are available at the boat basin, where visitors can paddle the Blackwater River. This is part of a 13.5-mile canoe and kayak trail that leads to the Ten Thousand Islands and the gulf, providing ample fishing opportunities. For those feeling a bit more adventurous, there are also currently two hiking trails open to explore (3.5-mile and 6.5-mile). 

Many people love to come to Collier-Seminole for a more leisurely experience. One of my personal favorite things to do is sit around a campfire, grill and enjoy some family time while camping at the various Florida State Parks. Full facility campsites, which include water and electricity, are available to reserve throughout the year. Picnic pavilions are also available on a first-come, first-served basis. The nationally registered Bay City Walking Dredge, which helped create a portion of the Tamiami Trail, rests within the park boundary. This machine was developed just over one hundred years ago!

No matter what suits your fancy, there is plenty more to do at the park. In essence, Collier-Seminole is considered part of “…the real Florida” and it is just waiting to be discovered!