Estero Bay

Estero Bay PSP https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/estero-bay-preserve-state-park https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Estero_Bay_Preserve_State_Park Estero Bay Preserve State Park, the first aquatic nature preserve established in Florida, is located near Estero, between Fort Myers and Naples. It consists of the water, inlets, and islands along 10 miles (16 km) of Estero Bay. Activities include fishing, and boating, bicycling, canoeing, and wildlife viewing. Among the wildlife of the park are gopher tortoises, fiddler crabs, and bald eagles.

HISTORY AND NATURE ESTERO BAY PRESERVE STATE PARK Estero Bay Preserve State Park is a large area of undeveloped conservation land which serves as a land buffer to protect the water, inlets and islands along 10 miles of Estero Bay. With the help of local support groups and the state of Florida, Estero Bay became Florida’s first aquatic preserve in 1966 and is one of the most productive estuaries in Florida. The park’s wetlands serve as a filter for non-point source pollution from the surrounding region, thereby protecting the bay’s water quality. The preservation and protection of Estero Bay’s water quality is a primary focus in managing the preserve. The preserve protects the water, inlets and islands along 10 miles of Estero Bay and provides critical habitat to a wide variety of terrestrial and aquatic plant and animal species including bald eagles, gopher tortoises, fiddler crabs, live oaks, slash pine, and red, white and black mangroves. Invasive exotic species are a constant problem in the preserve and are able to out-compete, displace or destroy native species and their habitats. Park staff are continuously battling these encroachments and restoring areas to native habitats. The park also protects several important archeological sites associated with the Calusa Indians, European explorers and the Koreshan Unity. The island of Mound Key (Mound Key State Archaeological Site) is centrally located in the heart of Estero Bay and was the capital of the Calusa. 3800 Corkscrew Road Estero, FL 33928 239-992-0311 PARK GUIDELINES Please remember these tips and guidelines, and enjoy your visit: • Hours are 8 a.m. until sunset, 365 days a year. • All plants, animals and park property are protected. Collection, destruction or disturbance is prohibited. • Pets are permitted in designated areas only. Where allowed, pets must be kept on a handheld leash no longer than six feet and wellbehaved at all times. • Fishing and boating are allowed in designated areas only. A Florida fishing license may be required. • Fireworks, alcohol and hunting are prohibited. • To become a volunteer, call 239-992-0311 for more information. • Florida’s state parks are committed to providing all visitors with equal access to all facilities and programs. Should you need assistance to enable your participation, please contact the ranger station. FloridaStateParks.org Visit us online at Follow us on social media FloridaStateParks.org #FLStateParks ESTERO BAY PRESERVE STATE PARK Home of wetlands and wildlands r ve Ri Estero Bay Preserve State Park e C al e o tch EXPERIENCES AND AMENITIES osaha Estero Bay Preserve State Park contains 11,381 acres of numerous habitats that protect the waters of Estero Bay. The park’s natural communities support a productive fish nursery, which, in turn, supports a significant commercial and recreational fishery. The park offers many excellent recreational opportunities including fishing, boating, canoeing/ kayaking, hiking, cycling, birding and wildlife viewing. Shell Creek Fort Myers Winkler Rd. Punta Rassa Connie Mack Island The preserve is accessible at two locations: the Estero River Scrub entrance on Broadway Avenue West and the Winkler Point entrance on Winkler Road. Suburban sights and sounds fade as you hike the more than 10 miles of trails that weave through the interior of the preserve. Keep in mind that some trails flood seasonally and potable water is not available. Big Bayou Winkler Point Trails inset Mullock Creek d en H ry Hurricane Bay Mata k ee Cr San Carlos Island nzas The Winkler Point trails feature coastal marshes and maritime hammocks where visitors can often view ospreys and bald eagles. Two observation decks near the marshes provide excellent viewing spots for wading birds, waterfowl and other wildlife. Pass Fort Myers Beach Observation Decks Estero River Scrub Trails inset Hell Peckney Bay Dog Key Julies Island Starvation atic Preserve qu Key yA Este ro Ba Blue trail: 1.14 miles Red trail: 0.9 mile Yellow trail: 1.11 miles The Estero River Scrub location has four separate trails which entice visitors to hike through the numerous ecosystems that make up preserve. Areas of mesic flatwoods, scrub, and salt flats are home to Gopher tortoises, snakes, lizards and a myriad of bird species. A pavilion and restroom are located at the trailhead and numerous benches are located throughout the preserve to allow visitors to stop and rest or just relax and take in the view. Estero Island Biking Mound Key State Park Black Key Coon Key lin dd los Car s Pas Black Island un La Hiking K at ch Orange trail: .77 mile Gulf of Mexico ) Yellow trail: 2.5 miles Red trail: 2.8 mile rk Wildlife Viewing Pa Blue trail: .26 mile te Restrooms Estero Bay ta Estero River Pavilion Davis Key Lovers Key State Park nS ha es or Parking Big Hickory Island dw oa To Estero River Scrub: I-75 to Corkscrew Road exit 123. West on Corkscrew Road to

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