Lovers Key

Lovers Key SP https://www.floridastateparks.org/park/Lovers-Key https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lovers_Key_State_Park For years, Lovers Key was accessible only by boat and it was said that only lovers traveled to the island to enjoy its remote and solitary beach. Today, it is one of four barrier islands that make up this state park. A haven for wildlife, the islands and their waters are home to West Indian manatees, bottlenose dolphins, roseate spoonbills, marsh rabbits, and bald eagles. The two mile long beach is accessible by boardwalk or tram and is popular for shelling, swimming, picnicking and sunbathing. Black Island has over five miles of multiuse trails for hiking and bicycling. Anglers and boaters can launch their vessels from the park's boat ramp. The park's concession offers kayak tours, as well as bicycle, canoe, kayak, paddleboard, beach chair and umbrella rentals.

HISTORY AND NATURE In the early 1900s the islands were accessible only by boat. It was said that only lovers made the effort to get to this romantic island – thus the name Lovers Key. A road to the island was built in 1965. Local legend hints that Black Island got its name from Black Augustus, a pirate who had been captured by authorities, and later escaped, making this island his home for the remainder of his life. Fish camps were located on Black Island from the early 1900s until the late 1950s. Then, in the 1960s and 1970s, the four barrier islands were slated for development. Preparations for development damaged the islands. Mangrove swamps were altered to uplands by dredging a canal through Black Island. In 1983, the state acquired the islands and in 1996, merged with adjacent Carl E. Johnson County Park to become Lovers Key State Park. LOVERS KEY STATE PARK 8700 Estero Blvd. Ft. Myers Beach, FL 33931 239-463-4588 PARK GUIDELINES • Hours are 8 a.m. until sunset, 365 days a year. • An entrance fee is required. • All plants, animals and park property are protected. Collection, destruction or disturbance is prohibited. • Pets are permitted in designated areas only. Pets must be kept on a hand-held leash no longer than 6 feet and well-behaved at all times. • Fishing, boating, swimming and fires are allowed in designated areas only. A Florida fishing license may be required. • Fireworks and hunting are prohibited. • Consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited except in designated areas. • To become a volunteer, inquire at the ranger station. • For information about joining Friends of Lovers Key (FOLKS), call 239- 463-4588. • Florida’s state parks are committed to providing all visitors 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 LOVERS KEY STATE PARK Where outdoor adventures are endless EXPERIENCES AND AMENITIES Lovers Key Carl E. Johnson State Park This 1,616-acre park between Fort Myers and Naples is comprised of four barrier islands— Lovers Key, Inner Key, Black Island and Long Key. The park offers 2.5 miles of white sandy beaches on the Gulf of Mexico and a variety of recreational opportunities including wildlife viewing, fishing, kayaking and swimming. Boat Ramp Honor Box gC Bi ass Volleyball Court sP o arl Canoe/Kayak Launch Canoeing Black Island Trail Concession Fishing k ac Bl Eagle Trail Hiking d an Isl Ke Inner rs ve Interpretive Kiosk Parking y y Ke The concession offers food and drinks, bicycles, stand up paddle boards, canoe and kayak rentals, bait and fishing supplies, as well as boat and guided tours. A tram service is available to the south beach where a gazebo, restroom and picnic area are located. The gazebo on the south beach, where weddings and family gatherings are common, may be reserved year-round. Contact the park for details and prices. Biking Estero Bay North Entrance Lo Swim, sunbathe and experience some of the best shelling on southwest Florida’s Gulf beaches. Hike or bike on 4.5 miles of island trails including the 2.5 mile Black Island Trail that follows the inner waterways of the island. Kayaking and canoeing in the 920 acres of waterways fed by the Gulf and bay are favorite pastimes at the park. A boat ramp located on the bay side of the park allows access to Estero Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, and a canoe launch is located within the park. Enjoy saltwater fishing where catches of snook, redfish, trout and tarpon are common—or try castnetting for mullet. Ranger programs such as guided walks, beginning birding and more are offered year-round. Beach Access Picnicking Trailhead South Entrance Playground Plant Nursery Restrooms Tram Pavilion Gulf of Mexico Observation Area Tram Pavilion Entrance Station Long Key Observation Deck Legend Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail Park Boundary County Road Tram Pavilion Park Road Paved Park Road Stabilized Park Road Unstabilized Private Road Walkways Hiking/Biking Trail Paddling Trail Directions Lovers Key is located 10.5 miles Structures west of I-75, Parking lots exit 116 Bonita Beach Rd. (County Rd. 865). The park entrance is between New Pass and Big Carlos Pass at 8700 Estero Blvd. LOVERS KEY STATE PARK New Pass ´ 0 500 1,000 00256_Rev_01.19 2,000 Feet 

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