Those who seek adventure can find a plethora of park options in Florida's Collier County, where the warm, sunny climate beckons both locals and visitors outdoors. With an average temperature of 77 and a beach setting, recreational opportunities abound in Collier County year-round. Local, county, state and national parks offer options ranging from a swim in the ocean to hiking and biking trails to a game of volleyball.
County Parks
Collier County Parks and Recreation offers 10 community parks, five fitness centers, four Little League fields, 12 neighborhood parks, three regional parks, five school-based parks, two skate and BMX parks and three aquatic facilities. The parks accommodate activities such as baseball, biking, hiking, boating, fishing, gymnastics, picnicking, racquetball, roller hockey, shuffleboard, bocce ball, in-line skating, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis and volleyball.
State Parks
Naples' Delnor-Wiggins State Park is one of the nation's top-rated beaches where people flock to sunbathe, swim, snorkel, boat and picnic. Boats can be launched at Water Turkey Bay, and the Cocohatchee River is a popular boating destination for saltwater and freshwater fishing. Kayakers and scuba divers also will find a place to pass the day at the park.
In Immokalee, hikers can explore the trails at Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park, near a swamp forest and lake, or walk the Cypress Bend Boardwalk, which ventures into a cypress forest. Guided canoe trips also are offered, and viewing wildlife ranging from raccoons to large alligators is another popular pastime.
National Park
Everglades National Park, established in 1947 to conserve the plants and animals of the Everglades, offers activities such as camping, hiking, canoeing and bird-watching. Canoe routes wind through the park, and a tram at Shark Valley takes sightseers on a two-hour open-air tour where they can take in the unique ecosystem and view the area from an observation deck.
Private Parks
Chokoloskee Island Park, located off the coast just north of the Everglades National Park and adjacent to the Island National Wildlife Refuge, is a private neighborhood offering RV sites, tent camping, fishing, a boat dock and marina and home rentals. Campers can stay from one night to six months. Biking, kayaking and hiking are popular activities,
Considerations
The warm climate in Florida can be unexpected for some visitors, so be sure to dress appropriately and drink lots of water while enjoying outdoor activities. Because of delicate ecosystems, particularly in the Everglades, do not remove items from any park. Insect repellent is a necessity in Southern Florida. In the Everglades, vultures may damage cars, so National Park officials recommend parking in full sun, away from vultures, using a car cover, or at least covering windshield wipers, sun roofs and other rubber parts with a wet sheet or towel.
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