Where is Cockroach Bay in Florida?

Cockroach Bay is located on the east side of Tampa Bay, below the city of Ruskin. It is part of a ten thousand islands ecosystem that is surprisingly beautiful. However, the name is a bit of a deterrent to developers. Despite the beautiful location, the name is enough to keep a person away.

The state-owned islands are part of the aquatic preserve. Nearby are prehistoric sites and a historical railroad. There are also a couple of upland archeological sites that are managed by Hillsborough County. The park is also home to several renowned bird species. At the center of the park is a kiosk that can be used for information.

Visitors can access the park by boat from Cockroach Bay Road. A concrete ramp makes access easy, and there are several parking areas with gravel and dirt. Once inside, the boardwalk is 275 feet long and features plenty of staging space. A port-a-potty is also available.

There are also hiking trails within the preserve that lead into the water. One of these trails can lead to the scenic overlook, which offers a beautiful view of the area. The Cockroach Bay Nature Preserve is also a great place for birdwatching, with over 260 different species recorded. Visitors can pick up birding guides and hiking and paddling maps at the site kiosk, which is located south of the preserve office.