Estero, Florida

Contact Information
P.O. Box 7
Estero, 33928
(239) 992-0311

Florida State Campgrounds
1-800-326-3521

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Koreshan State Historic Site is the former home of a unique group of late 19th century pioneers. The founder of the community, Dr. Cyrus Teed served as a surgeon in the Civil War. After the war he received much attention with his strong beliefs in the equality of men and women, celibacy and communal living. He changed his name to Koresh, which is Hebrew for Cyrus. He founded the Koreshan Unity in Chicago. As membership grew he chose Lee County as the location for his utopian dream. In 1893 he and other followers known as Koreshans began construction of the settlement that was to become a large communal city. They generated their own electricity, had a boat works, general store and other businesses. In 1961 the last 4 members of the Koreshan Unity donated the land to the state of Florida to become a park.Today the park preserves 11 of the original buildings. Guided Ranger walks are available on Saturday and Sunday at 10:00 AM. Koreshan State Historic Site makes every attempt to improve access to services and facilities for the public. Please contact the park office for questions or assistance.

Hours of Operation
Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.

Driving Directions
1-75- Exit 123 Corkscrew Road, head west 2 miles, cross U.S. 41 and continue on Corkscrew Road approximately 1000 yards to entrance of park. If traveling U.S. 41 (TaMiami Trail) Koreshan is located at the intersection of U.S. 41 and Corkscrew Road at Estero.

Park Activities

Campfire Circle
Koreshan State Historic Site has a campfire circle located near the campground by the Estero River. Every Saturday night from January to March park ranger's give a slide program about natural history, the environment and other subjects related to the park service. The area is also used for scout groups to have meetings and events. Also during the winter every Saturday morning, camper's coffee is offered to campers. Donations are accepted.

Canoeing
Canoeing is a popular activity here in the park. The river is a brackish tidal waterway which leads to the Estero Bay approximately 3 miles west.

Fishing
There are several spots along the river for fishing. The Estero River is brackish with snook, mullet, redfish and other popular game fish. Freshwater bass can be found as you paddle inland away from the Gulf. The Estero Bay is located about 3 miles by canoe down the river. It offers abundant saltwater fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities. The bay is home to bottlenose dolphins, manatees and several game fish.

Full Facility Camping
The park has 60 wooded campsites. Twelve sites are designated tent camping only and located next to the Estero River. All sites have electric, water, grill and table. Pets are permitted in the campground overnight with current vaccination papers and a wastewater dump station is available for RV campers. A centrally located bathhouse has a utility area with a washer, dryer and sinks. The community campfire circle is for group use, seasonal interpretive programs and camper get-togethers. A volleyball court is next to the campground. The large picnic area has a nature trail, small playground, restroom, many grills and tables. The Estero River borders the park and flows into the Estero Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. There is a boat ramp and canoes are available to rent. The Koreshan Historic Settlement is open daily with guided tours on weekends.

For more information on camping in our park simply click on the Reserve America link. Clicking on the park map or selecting one of the camping area links just below the park map will allow you to see a map of the individual campsite locations. Select any campsite icon to see a detailed description of the individual campsite and what it has to offer.

Guided Tours
Koreshan Settlement guided or self-guided walks are available.

Nature Trails
The park features a Hiking Trail along the river and a Running Trail along the park boundary that takes you through a pine flatwoods habitat.

Picnicking
The picnic area is located on the Estero River and is well shaded by Pine trees. Also found there are grills, restrooms and a playground.

RV's
RV camping is available in the park and there is a wastewater dump station available for RV campers.

Wildlife Viewing
Bobcats, Grey Foxes, River Otters and Alligators are all found along the Estero River. During the Winter Manatees are found in our waters. Koreshan is great for bird watching as it is home to over a 100 bird species. Among them are Swallow-Tail Kites, Bald Eagles , Bobwhites, Belted Kingfishers and others.