CALOOSAHATCHEE RIVER STATE PARK
CALOOSAHATCHEE RIVER STATE PARK
The Caloosahatchee River State Park is a lush, expansive park known for its diverse wildlife and recreational activities. It spans over 760 acres along the banks of the scenic Caloosahatchee River. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, horseback riding paths, fishing spots and camping facilities amidst beautiful natural surroundings. The park also offers opportunities to spot various bird species making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts.
The park was established in 1980. It spans over 760 acres along the Caloosahatchee River's northern bank. The area is rich with archaeological sites from Native American tribes like the Seminole and Calusa. In addition to its historical significance, it also serves as a habitat for various wildlife species including alligators and bald eagles.
Annual Entrance Passes can be purchased at all park ranger stations and museums. If you require immediate use of your pass, this is the best option. Passes can be purchased during regular business hours 365 days a year. Please call the park in advance to ensure availability. Those who are eligible for discounted or free passes may use this method to receive their pass. Annual Entrance Passes may be purchased online by visiting the
FLORIDA STATE PARKS ANNUALENTRANCE PASSES web page.
The park offers a variety of boating options for visitors. There is an accessible boat ramp that can accommodate both motorized and non-motorized vessels, including kayaks and canoes. Boaters have the opportunity to explore the river's diverse ecosystems or fish in its waters which are home to various species like largemouth bass, catfish, bluegill etc., but they must follow all state fishing regulations. The area also provides opportunities for wildlife viewing from boats as it hosts numerous bird species along with other animals such as manatees.
Anglers can enjoy freshwater and brackish fishing in the river, with species like largemouth bass and snook. Other fish include tarpon, redfish, spotted seatrout, bluegill and catfish. Fishing from a boat or shoreline is allowed but requires proper licensing.
Caloosahatchee River State Park is located near Cape Coral, Fort Myers and Labelle
1. Caloosahatchee River State Park offers several picnic areas with tables and grills.
2. Enjoy a riverside meal at the park's designated picnic spots.
3. Picnic pavilions are available for larger gatherings or events.
4. Visitors can enjoy picnicking while observing local wildlife in their natural habitat.
5. The park provides trash cans, promoting clean: up after your outdoor feast.
- Black Locust Trail: A 1.4-mile loop trail that winds through a variety of habitats, including pine flatwoods and oak hammocks.
- Campground Loop: This is an easy .5 mile hike around the campground area with views of prairie habitat and wildlife sightings possible.
- River Otter Run Trail: At just under one mile long, this trail offers hikers scenic river overlooks as well as opportunities to spot local bird species in their natural environment.
- Pine Flatwood Trails (North & South): These two trails combined cover approximately three miles within the park's extensive pine flatwoods ecosystem; they can be accessed from either end for different hiking experiences.
- Pop Ash Creek Hiking Pathway : An intermediate level path stretching over 2.3 miles along which you may encounter various types of vegetation such as cypress swamps and hardwood forests.
- Prairie Pines Preserve Track : It's a longer route spanning about six-and-a-half-miles where visitors might see gopher tortoises or white-tailed deer while traversing mixed wetland woods areas.
- Calusa Shell Mound Trail : Although only half-a-mile-long , it provides insight into Florida's ancient history by leading past Native American shell mounds left behind centuries ago .
- Telegraph Swamp Boardwalk/Trailhead Connector - The boardwalk portion spans roughly .25 miles across swampy terrain before connecting to another four-plus-miles worth of dirt paths winding throughout diverse ecosystems .
Biking enthusiasts can explore miles of multi-use trails, but should be prepared for rugged terrain and occasional wildlife encounters.
The park's trail system is not recommended for inexperienced riders due to its challenging nature.
Helmets are strongly encouraged as safety precautions on these paths which may include steep inclines or loose gravel.
Riders must respect the natural environment by staying on marked trails only; off-trail biking is strictly prohibited here.
Remember that you share this space with hikers and horseback riders - always yield right-of-way accordingly.
Ensure your bike has sturdy tires capable of handling rough surfaces common in this area before setting out.
Be aware: there aren't any facilities available specifically catering to cyclists such as rental shops or repair stations within the vicinity.
Lastly, it's important to bring plenty of water since Florida heat can become intense especially during summer months.
The park offers excellent birding opportunities with over 190 species recorded. Birdwatchers can spot wading birds, raptors and songbirds along the trails or from observation decks overlooking marshes. The Black-crowned Night-Heron, Limpkin and Bald Eagle are among notable sightings. Guided bird walks may be available during winter months.
- Pets must be kept on a handheld leash that is six feet or shorter at all times.
- Pet owners are required to pick up after their pets and properly dispose of waste in trash receptacles.
- Pets should not be left unattended for more than 30 minutes, even inside camping vehicles.
- In public areas such as picnic spots, playgrounds, park buildings and swimming zones; pets are strictly prohibited.
- Aggressive behavior from pets towards other visitors will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
- Noisy or disruptive animals may result in the owner being asked to leave the park premises immediately.
- Pets cannot disturb wildlife within Caloosahatchee River State Park boundaries - this includes chasing or harassing them.
- Campers with dogs need prior approval before bringing their pet into campgrounds overnight stay area.
Directions to Caloosahatchee River State Park, Florida:
- Start on I-75 S towards Naples.
- Take exit 141 for FL-80 E toward La Belle/Ft Myers Shores.
- Turn left onto Palm Beach Blvd/FL - 80 E.
Note: Continue to follow FL - 80E.
Next steps:
- After approximately five miles, turn right onto Hickeys Creek Road
- Follow this road until you reach the park entrance