View from the Wetland Walk overlooking the Little Manatee River
Days/Hours: Thursday- Saturday; 9am-2pm.
Physical Address: 4140 24th St SE, Ruskin, FL 33570
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 507, Ruskin, FL 33570
Phone: 813-641-8545 email: campbayou@gmail.com
What we are: Camp Bayou was an RV park in another life. It is now publicly owned through Hillsborough County's Environmental Lands Acquistion and Protection Program (ELAPP), and managed for public use by the Florida non-profit, Bayou Outdoor Learning and Discovery, Inc. (BOLD), through a partnership with Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation. It is now a nature preserve open to the general public with trails, nature center, fossil museum, native peoples camp re-creation, fishing cabins, picnic tables and more in its 160 acres. BOLD offers programs with a nature theme. Enjoy trail walks, geocaching, fishing, canoeing, nature photography, or purchase a native plant from the nursery. Formal environmental education programs are available for a small fee for school children, youth groups, homeschool groups, families and adults. Contact Dolly to reserve your group.
What we aren't: There is no hunting, four-wheeling, or horseback riding permitted at the Center. There are no playgrounds, ball fields, or other less 'natural' activites. Public camping is not currently an option at the Center.
It is the mission of BOLD to sustain a portion of Florida’s original habitats, in the Little Manatee River Watershed, and to promote appreciation and better understanding of our natural resources, local history and culture through education.
