Rookery Bay Camping Restrictions Start April 1 to Protect Shorebirds and Sea Turtles Nesting

Spring in Southwest Florida means the return of one of nature’s most remarkable events … nesting season for shorebirds and sea turtles. Beginning April 1, beaches throughout the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve become critical nesting habitat for shorebirds such as Black Skimmers, Least Terns, Wilson’s Plovers and Loggerhead Sea Turtles.  

To protect these endangered species and their vulnerable nesting sites, overnight camping will be closed south of San Marco Road from April 1 - October 31. These seasonal protections help ensure that birds can incubate eggs and raise chicks without disturbance as well as sea turtles can safely come onto beaches to nest. Camping activity including lights and noise can frighten birds off nests or disorient sea turtle hatchlings as they emerge and make their way to the Gulf.  

Visitors can still enjoy primitive beach camping in designated areas north of San Marco Road including beautiful Keewaydin Island. These remain open year-round unless otherwise posted.  

Camping is primitive and first-come, first-served. No reservations or permits are required, but visitors must camp in designated areas shown on the Reserve map. The Reserve’s 110,000 acres of protected mangrove estuary, islands and beaches provide one of the few places in Southwest Florida where visitors can experience a truly natural coastal landscape and camp overnight.