Collier-Seminole State Park

Collier-Seminole State Park offers a boat ramp providing convenient access to the Blackwater River, a scenic tidal waterway that winds through mangrove forests toward the Gulf of Mexico. The park is an excellent launching point for kayakers and canoeists of varying skill levels, with on-site canoe rentals available (call the ranger station for pricing and reservations). The ramp provides direct entry to a slow-current river ideal for paddling exploration.

The Blackwater River features a popular 13.5-mile paddling loop through pristine mangrove channels and island passages, though the full route is recommended for intermediate to experienced paddlers only. A shorter 9-mile round-trip option to Grocery Place Campsite is available via Royal Palm Hammock Creek for those seeking a less demanding outing. The river is tidal, so plan accordingly—high tide typically occurs about two hours later than Gulf-side timing. Wildlife viewing opportunities are excellent, including roseate spoonbills, dolphins, and abundant bird species.

**Tip:** File a float plan at the ranger station before departing, and be aware that sections like Mud Bay may become impassable depending on water conditions and tide. The park also offers hiking, biking, and nature observation, plus convenient access to Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge and Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve nearby.