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The Friends of Rookery Bay’s ongoing mission has been to help connect people with southwest Florida’s dynamic coastal environment in support of the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve.

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Rookery Bay Research Reserve

Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve stretches across 110,000 acres from Gordon Pass in Naples to the western Everglades of pristine mangrove forest, uplands and protected waters.

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Our Impact

Become a Friend

Members are an intricate part of our organization. Help us protect the environment and wildlife that live here.

Membership Information

Donate

A one-time or monthly donation is an impactful way to support education, research, and conservation.

Donation Information

Volunteer

Hundreds of volunteers play a vital role in the preservation, restoration and management of our mangrove estuary.

Volunteering Information

Briggs Boardwalk is closed until further notice due to renovations.

The Reserve’s 110,000 acres provide campers with access to one of the few remaining undisturbed mangrove estuaries in North America. Primitive camping is allowed in designated locations within the reserve. Review the guidelines and safety tips to ensure your next camping trip is memorable.

Primitive camping is allowed in "Designated Areas" marked with [tent icon] on the map above.
Designated camping locations north of San Marco Road are open year-round. Designated camping locations south of San Marco Road are open November 1^st – March 31^st.
Permits or reservations are not required. Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Visitors found camping in locations that are not designated for this use may be asked to leave by FWC or other law enforcement entity.
Camping rules may be different within the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge. Please visit their website to follow their guidelines - https://www.fws.gov/refuge/ten-thousand-islands/visit-us/activities/camping

Visit Rookery Bay

Guided Eco-Tours

Activities

Upcoming Events

Tag Archives: southwest florida

Briggs Boardwalk is closed until further notice due to renovations.

Camping Closures: April 1st – October 31st

Second Chance Critical Wildlife Area / “Shell Island”

Visit Rookery Bay

Guided Eco-Tours

Activities

Upcoming Events

Tag Archives: southwest florida

Experience Rookery Bay “Virtually” Every Day in April and May

Briggs Boardwalk is closed until further notice due to renovations.

Camping Closures: April 1st – October 31st

Second Chance Critical Wildlife Area / “Shell Island”