Koreshan State Park Recreational Experiences

There is more to Koreshan State Park than a history lesson. The family can enjoy any number of fun outdoor activities. Check out these activities, taken from the Florida State Parks website, that you and your family can enjoy. Please note that at press time, Lee County has a burn ban in place and no campfires are allowed at this time. Charcoal grills can still be used.

Boating 

Boating on the Estero River is a popular activity at the park. The river is a brackish tidal waterway that leads to the Estero Bay, approximately three miles west. A boat ramp is available. Maximum boat length 24 feet.

Camping

Koreshan State Park offers 60 campsites, all with electricity and water, a picnic table and fire ring. Twelve sites are designated tent camping only and located next to the Estero River. Four paved ADA campsites are available. RV max length is 40 feet. A dump station is available for RV campers.  The bathhouse includes a utility area with washers, dryers, sinks and vending machines.  Pets, including cats, are welcome in the campground but must be well-behaved and be kept on no longer than a six-foot leash. Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance through Florida State Parks reservations website or call 800-326-3521 or TDD 888-433-0287.

Fishing

There are several spots along the brackish Estero River where snook, mullet or redfish can be caught. Freshwater bass can be caught in the summer and fall high-water months. The Estero Bay is located three miles by canoe down the river and offers abundant saltwater fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities. 

Hiking 

The River Trail begins on the north side of Monkey Puzzle Island in the historic settlement and parallels the Estero River, through a preserved bamboo forest, transitioning into an oak and cabbage palm forest.  The trail ends in the oak shaded, picnic area and playground. 

The Blue Trail, which connects to the River Trail near its halfway point and creates a loop back to the historic settlement. The distance from the settlement side of the River Trail to the Blue Trail and back to the settlement is 0.64 miles. 

Trail maps are available. 

Paddling

Canoeing and kayaking on the Estero River are popular at the park. The river is a brackish tidal waterway that leads to the Estero Bay approximately 3 miles west. Paddlers may use the boat ramp to launch their own canoes or kayaks.  Canoes and kayaks can be rented at the ranger station between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Picnicking

The picnic area is located on the Estero River and is well-shaded by pine trees. Also available are grills, restrooms and a playground. Consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited.

Wildlife Viewing

Many gopher tortoises make their home in the park and can be seen in the historic settlement.  River otters, alligators, manatees and dolphins can all be found along the Estero River.

Koreshan is great for bird-watching as it is home to over 100 bird species including swallow-tailed kites, bald eagles, bobwhites, belted kingfishers and many wading bird species.

Accessible Amenities

Koreshan State Park is committed to providing a variety of amenities accessible to all our visitors.  Service animals are welcome in all areas of Florida State Parks.

Historic Site

The National Historic District within Koreshan State Park is the heart of Cyrus Teed’s “New Jerusalem” as it would have appeared more than 100 years ago. Eleven buildings on the National Register of Historic Places dating from 1882 to 1920 are located within the district.

Every Sunday from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM the historic settlement hosts a farmers' market with vendors providing a variety of fresh, local food and produce and unique arts and crafts.

Picnic Pavilion

The park has a 22’ x 44’ pavilion available for rent in the picnic area.  Email MichaelDuey@FloridaDEP.gov for information. When not rented, the pavilion is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Two charcoal grills are located on the west end of the pavilion.