UPDATES TO THE NINTH EDITION OF THE CT GUIDE
What’s New on the Circumnavigational Trail CT Trail changes since the 9th edition of the printed CT Guide (available in our bookstore) was published in 2024 are as follows:
July 4th, 2025: In Segment 10, There is a new primitive CT campsite in Oscar Scherer State Park. To stay at the Oscar Scherer State Park, notify the Park prior to your arrival at (941) 483-5956. Upon your arrival, paddle up South Creek a short distance and stop at the small beach landing on your left near the entrance station to walk to, and notify the entrance station office that you will be staying at the CT campsite and pay the $15 camping fee. This campsite is not on the State Parks reservation system. Then, paddle up South Creek to the park canoe launch site, again on your left (a total of about a mile from the bay). You’ll have to leave your boat here and walk north about 100 yards to the CT campsite which is at the South Creek Picnic area. Campsite coordinates are N27.1719 W-82.4700. Bathrooms are nearby.
June 15th, 2025: In Segment 6, The Econfina River State Park CT primitive campsite has moved to a site near the Park boat ramp. The coordinates are N30.0587 W-83.9072. After landing at the Econfina River State Park boat ramp, walk up the ramp and enter the first opening on your left. The CT primitive campsite is on your left. Please notify the Park Manager at 850-766-9033 if you plan to camp for the night. A quarter mile up the road is a small store, showers, and bathrooms at the Econfina River Resort. There is a fee.They also have rooms (another overnight option) that may be available. Contact them at 850-584-2135. Please practice “Leave No Trace” principles at the campsite.
May 5th, 2025: In Segment 7, Overnight parking has been offered by Whiskey Joe’s Restaurant in Port Richey at a grassy lot behind the restaurant. Contact the Restaurant to make arrangements. There is a short walk to Nick’s Park City boat ramp.
May 1st, 2025: In Segment 6, The Cross Florida Greenway Spoil Island CT campsite has moved to another island due to hurricane damage to the previous island. The new island coordinates are N28.979504 W-82.772865. Signage is on the north and south sides of the island. The remaining spoil islands, including the previous island, are designated as preserves for nesting birds and do not allow camping.
March 2025: In Segment 6, since the temporary closure from Hurricane Helene and Milton damage, all Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail campsites are now open and taking reservations.
July 31, 2024: In Segment 16, camping is currently no longer allowed on Teacher’s Island, so the alternate inside route along Biscayne Bay is recommended. Since it is 19.5 miles from Matheson Hammock to Oleta River State Park versus 28.4 miles from Boca Chita to Oleta, paddlers on the outside route have the better option of crossing the bay from Boca Chita to Matheson Hammock.
June 5, 2024: In Segment 6, the El-Sea’s Fish Camp and Horseshoe Marina, both in Horseshoe Beach, are no longer open.
March 26, 2024: Starting April 1st, the Everglades National Park Gulf Coast Visitor Center and canoe/kayak launch in Everglades City will be closed through most of 2024 as a new visitor center and seawall is constructed. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. There is no longer a requirement to pick up hard copy permits at the visitor centers within 24 hours. Instead, you can reserve campsites in advance online: https://www.recreation.gov/permits/4675314. Make sure to print out the email confirmation and have it with you if approached by law enforcement. The closure is necessary for visitor safety and includes the canoe and kayak launch, the visitor contact station, and adjacent parking areas. The canoe and kayak launch is expected to reopen by the end of the year (2025). https://www.nps.gov/.../gulf-coast-site-closure 2024.htm
Oct. 11, 2023: In Segment 9, the Club Bamboo South is now the Dream Inn. In Segment 12, the Bridgewater Inn and Castaways Cottages are permanently closed. In Segment 15, the Lookout Lodge is closed and the Big Pine Fishing Lodge is now the Big Pine Key Resort.
