Charlotte Harbor

Charlotte Harbor PSP https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/charlotte-harbor-preserve-state-park https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlotte_Harbor_Preserve_State_Park Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park in Florida is composed of islands and land that surrounds Charlotte Harbor. It is part of the Southwest Florida Water Management District and protects the Gasparilla Sound/ Charlotte Harbor, Cape Haze, Matlacha Pass, and Pine Island Sound aquatic preserves. It is site 22 on southern section of the Great Florida Birding Trail and offers boating, paddling, fishing, and hiking. The park can be accessed from Punta Gorda, Cape Coral, Cape Haze, El Jobean, Rotonda, and Little Pine Island. The main offices are approximately 3 miles (4.8 km) south of US 41/Tamiami Trail, in Punta Gorda.

History & Nature The Preserve provides protection for five aquatic preserves: Pine Island Sound, Matlacha Pass, Gasparilla Sound – Charlotte Harbor, Cape Haze and Lemon Bay Aquatic Preserves. Mangrove forests dominate the shoreline and provide habitat for coastal birds including herons and egrets. Landward of the mangrove coast, the Preserve is a mix of communities including fresh and saltwater marshes, salt flats, pine flatwoods, coastal hammocks, scrub and scrubby flatwoods. These communities are home to red-shouldered hawks, Eastern diamondback rattlesnakes, wading birds, otters, alligators and migratory birds. Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park is rich in cultural resources from the pre- and postColumbian cultures. Humans have used the lands surrounding Charlotte Harbor for thousands of years. The earliest most visible evidence of past use at the Preserve are shell middens and mounds left by prehistoric peoples. Archaeological sites on public lands are protected by law. Acquisition of the Preserve lands began in the 1970s and became a Florida state park in 2004. Florida State Parks Florida Department of Environmental Protection Division of Recreation and Parks Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park 12301 Burnt Store Road Punta Gorda, FL 33955 (941)575-5861 FloridaStateParks.org Park Guidelines Southwest Florida Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park “Protecting Florida’s largest and most productive estuary.” • Trails are open sunrise until sunset, 365 days a year. • The collection, destruction or disturbance of cultural resources, plants, animals or park property is prohibited. • Pets are permitted in designated areas only. Pets must be kept on a hand-held leash no longer than six feet and well-behaved at all times. • Fishing is allowed throughout the Preserve, except for the Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center. A Florida fishing license may be required. • Fireworks and hunting are prohibited. • Become a volunteer. Inquire at the park office. • For information about joining the Friends of the Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves, call (941)575-5861. • 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 park office. Alternate format available upon request at any Florida state park. FLORIDA State Parks Created on 11/2014 SM National Gold Medal Winner Florida State Parks - “America’s First Three-Time Winner” Real Fun in SM Public Access Points Tea Street Trailhead Visitors are welcome to explore other areas of the Preserve, unless posted as closed, but should be aware that these areas are a remote and primitive wilderness. Visitors should take a compass, a map and sufficient water for their trip. No restrooms or drinking water are provided. Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center Trailhead Coral Creek Trailhead C. R. 77 71 York Road Trailhead 5 Park Office Catfish Creek Trailhead and Picnic Pavilion Old Datsun Trailhead 75 41 North Cape Flats Trailhead Burnt Store Road The Little Pine Island High Marsh Trail is located on the north side of Pine Island Road between Matlacha and Pine Island. It is two miles long and traverses a salt marsh, salt flats, freshwater marsh and mangrove forest. The Catfish Creek Trailhead is located on the east side of County Road 771, about 2.5 miles north of Placida. A pavilion is available for picnics. The 1.75-mile Old Datsun Trail is located on Burnt Store Road in Punta Gorda. It winds through oak and sabal palm hammocks, pine flatwoods and isolated wetlands. It is located near the Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center (CHEC), where environmental education programs, interpretive guided hikes and approximately six miles of marked trails can be utilized. Marion C. R. 7 Fishing, wildlife viewing and hiking are popular activities. Wildlife is abundant and a variety of bird life is readily observable. Birding is considered of such quality that some trails have been listed in the south section of the Great Florida Birding Trail. Access is provided at trailheads and gates along the boundary of the Preserve. Open water and expansive tidal marsh communities provide opportunities for scenic vistas. Edgewater S.R. 7 76 The Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park is comprised of over 43,000 acres in Lee and Charlotte counties. These lands were acquired to provide a natural buffer from urban areas and agricultural lands to help protect the largest and most productive estuary in Florida. More than 80 miles of shoreline is protected. Little Pine Island Trailhead Pine Directions From I-75, take Exit 161 (County Road 768) west for six miles to 12301 Burnt Store Road. The road changes from North Jones Loop Road to Burnt Store Road (County Road 765) upon crossing U.S. 41. The park’s administrative office is located on the right. ad d Ro Islan Veteran s Parkwa y 

Camping and Cabins Guide Florida State Parks FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks Welcome When the setting sun paints the evening sky, where will you make your bed? Florida’s state parks offer you a variety of overnight accommodations. At a Florida state park, the day’s work is play, a walk on the beach, a hike through the woods, a swim, a bike ride. All you need is a fishing rod, a kayak, a book and a friend. What do you want to see when the sun rises on the new day? Choose a wooded campsite within walking distance of white sandy beaches or camp along the banks of a quietly moving river. Bring your boat or canoe, or fishing tackle and a rod, for a relaxing time with family and friends. Explore nature on the hiking trails, while at the same time leaving stress of the busy world behind. Attend a festival, a reenactment or simply do nothing. We are committed to providing a variety of accessible amenities for all visitors at Florida state parks, including campgrounds and cabins. 2 FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks Family Camping Florida’s state parks offer more than 50 campgrounds statewide for tents, campers and RVs. Most campsites include water, electricity, a grill and picnic table. Centralized showers, restrooms and a dump station are also available. • One responsible person, 18 or older, must be present on each campsite or cabin. • Camping fees vary from park to park and include a maximum of eight people per site, not including children under 6 years old. • Check-in time is 3 p.m. Check-out time is 1 p.m. You are welcome to stay in the park through the end of the day. • Quiet time is from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. • Campsites are limited to two vehicles. Selected campsites may only allow one vehicle. FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks 3 Cabins From modern to rustic, state park cabins provide overnight accommodations in a variety of settings—near beaches, rivers and lakes or peaceful wooded communities. Cabin styles vary from fully equipped modern cabins to hand-hewn, lumber or palm-log retreats. Cabin amenities may include a kitchen, fireplace and screened porch, complete with rocking chairs and porch swings. • Cabins may be reserved for one night during the week, Monday–Thursday, or a minimum of two nights on weekends and holidays, Friday and Saturday, departing Sunday, or Saturday and Sunday, departing Monday. Some exceptions apply. • Cabins can accommodate either four or six visitors. • Check-in time is 4 p.m. Check-out time is 11 a.m. • Quiet time is from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. 4 FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks • Pets are not permitted in cabins or cabin areas. • Staff may assess cabin renters a damage fee if necessary to clean-up or repair any damage beyond ordinary cleaning, wear and tear. Fees may also be charged for lost/stolen items. Group, Primitive, Equestrian and Boat Many parks offer areas for youth and group camping. Backpackers may wish to hike to secluded areas for primitive camping. More than 15 state parks offer campsites and other amenities for equestrians and their horses. Owners of horses visiting state parks must provide proof of a negative Coggins test. Call the park to discuss availability, facilities, rules and fees. Five state parks provide boat slips with water and electricity. Boaters have access to the state park’s restrooms, showers, pump-outs and other amenities. Boaters can also anchor overnight at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park and at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks 5 Camping with Pets and Service Animals Pets are welcome at most Florida State Parks. Some campgrounds have designated sites for pets. All pets must be confined, leashed or otherwise under the physical control of a person at all times. Leashes may not exceed six feet in length. Pets must be well behaved. Owners must pick up after their pets and properly dispose of all pet droppings in trash receptacles. Pets are not permitted on beaches or playgrounds, or in bathing areas, cabins, park buildings or concession facilities. Individual parks may have specific areas prohibiting pets. Service animals in a working capacity are allowed in all public areas of state parks when accompanied by a visitor with a disability. Service animals should be harnessed, leashed or tethered unless such a device interferes with the service animal’s work or the visitor’s disability prevents the use of these devices. 6 FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks Reservations Campsite and cabin reservations may be made from one day to 11 months in advance by calling (800) 326-3521, (866) I CAMP FL or TDD (888) 433-0287 or by visiting FloridaStateParks.ReserveAmerica.com. Call the park directly to reserve group or primitive campsites. Prices per night: Campsites $16 to $42 Cabins $30 to $160 Visitors pay a reservation fee of $6.70 *Prices subject to change. A 50 percent discount on base campsite fees is available to Florida citizens who are 65 years old or older, or Florida c