Facility Activities

Hunting

Upwards of 50% of the historical marshes that once occurred in the Ten Thousand Islands Region have been lost in the last 75 years (mainly due to mangrove forest expansion), and hunter numbers have significantly increased since the Refuge was first established. During the 2023-2024 season,...

Fishing

The fresh and brackish marshes are open during daylight hours. Available species include redfish, snook, gray snapper, spotted seatrout and sheepshead. Freshwater fishing is accessible from U.S. Route 41, 2.5 miles east of intersection of Florida Hwy. 92 and U.S. 41. Access in this area is...

Hiking

One of the best ways to view wildlife at Ten Thousand Islands is from our Marsh Trail and Observation Tower. This 2.2 mile round trip trek follows the only access trail found on the refuge. The first ¼ mile of the trail is paved, the rest being a wide gravel road. The 2-story...

Biking
Biking is a good way to see wildlife, learn about habitats and photograph nature. Yield to pedestrians; many refuge routes are multi-use trails. Biking may be permitted at sites where it is consistent with a refuge’s statutory purpose. E-bikes are permitted on any refuge roads and trails where traditional bicycle use is allowed, if it is consistent with a refuge’s statutory purpose and the refuge manager determines it to be a compatible use.
Boating - non-motorized

One of the best ways to enjoy Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge is from the water The refuge offers four canoe and kayak trails with launch sites located off of U.S. 41. The Refuge currently does not provide parking for trails 1, 3, and 4; Please use caution when accessing those...

Wildlife watching

One of the best ways to view wildlife at Ten Thousand Islands is from our Marsh Trail and Observation Tower. This 2.2 mile round trip trek follows the only access trail found on the refuge. The first ¼ mile of the trail is paved, the rest being a wide gravel road. The 2-story observation tower...

Birding

Birders will be delighted with the variety of feathered friends present on the refuge and especially visible from the Marsh Trail. Birds are best viewed during the winter season, from approximately October – March.  Wading birds such as egrets, herons, including the black-crowned night-...

Camping

Camping on the white sands of Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge offers a primitive Southwest Florida experience that is often an ideal complement to fishing, canoeing and kayaking, or simply connecting with nature in the Refuge. 

Camping is allowed only on the outer...