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.
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.
Rookery Bay Research Reserve had 3 full time staff managing 9,000 acres.
1985
The Journey for a Better Outcome
Reserve staff envisioned a way to achieve a better outcome with limited resources.
1986
Community Involvement Begins
Goal to help engage local community volunteers and raise funds to help support ongoing work at the Reserve.
1987
Friends of Rookery Bay Established
Friends of Rookery Bay established. Original steering committee included a science teacher, college professor, attorney, and real estate agent.
Today
Friends of Rookery Bay Today
Friends of Rookery Bay has grown today to over 500 members. The Friends continue to provide vital monetary and in-kind support for Reserve programs and operations.
Between April and October restricted access will apply to the following locations:
Cape Romano Complex (Dickmans Island, Kice Island, Blind Pass, Morgan Beach, and Cape Romano)
Gullivan Key
Whitehorse Key
Hog Key
Camp Lulu
Second Chance
Second Chance is CLOSED March 1 – August 31, 2024
Camping on Second Chance is closed all year round
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 in the northern part of the Reserve are open year round. Designated camping locations in the southern part of the Reserve are open October – April.
Permits or reservations 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.
This is a “wilderness experience!” Campers must be aware there are NO facilities available. In order to maintain a pristine environment for wildlife and other visitors, please observe the following guidelines at all times when visiting or camping in natural areas:
Human feces are a health hazard – see Wilderness Hygiene Guidelines
Pack out all your trash including unsanitary and unsightly toilet paper
Do not leave camping equipment behind – take everything back with you
Properly dispose all food items: and do not discard food or rinds on the island or in the water
Campfire Guidelines
Fires are permitted in designated camping areas, but they must be attended at all times.
Do not burn wood pallets. They leave behind dangerous nails.
Do not burn trash. Broken glass bottles and cans are dangerous.
If you dig a fire pit, fill it in when you are done.
If you use charcoal, do not leave briquettes behind on the beach or in vegetation.
Parking
No overnight parking at Collier County boat ramps, except for at Port of the Islands Marina and the Goodland Boat Park (fee is $10 per vehicle per night).
Safety First
We strongly encourage all boaters to file a float plan with a friend or family member who will be responsible for notifying the coast guard in the event the boater does not return as scheduled.
Wilderness Hygiene
Use facilities on board your boat, or a “portable potty”, and dispose of properly when in port.
Urinate below the high tide line and away from other people.
Dig a cat hole above the high tide line and at least eight inches deep for any fecal waste. Carry out waste paper in a ziplock baggie for proper disposal.