The 6,423-acre park overlaps two of subtropical Florida's natural features: the great mangrove swamp of southwest Florida and the Big Cypress Swamp, which you can view by tour boat. The combined salt water and fresh water conditions provide a diversity of plant life, with at least 40 types of tree, and support a variety of wildlife, including threatened and endangered species, such as the Florida black bear, panther, mangrove fox squirrel, crocodile, bald eagle and red-cockaded woodpecker. A great attraction is the manatee that feeds in the Blackwater River.

You can rent a canoe and paddle along a 13.5 mile trail, ideal for bird-spotting. Pelicans, herons, ducks, American vultures, hawks, kites, osprey, bobwhites, plovers, owls, pine warblers, meadowlarks and many other birds thrive in this paradise of wings, as do tropical butterflies. The tropical hardwood hammock is characteristic of the coastal forest of the West Indies and the Yucatan, and here you will find the rare Florida royal palm. Trek the 6.5 mile-long nature trail, explore by boat, or simply come to fish.

If you want to do it all, consider a camping trip here at Collier-Seminole State Park (primitive camping is also permitted).