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4.5
2,437 votes

Fort De Soto Park

3500 Pinellas Bayway S, Florida 33715 USA

$
Budget
Closed Now
Opens Tue 7a
  • Independent
  • Pet Friendly
  • Not Wheelchair
    Accessible
  • Public
    Restrooms
  • Outdoor
    Seating
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Natural Wonder

Our Take

First things first: Be prepared to pay a highway toll and admission to the park. It’ll all be worth it, though, once you park and stroll over the dunes to reach the ocean. The beach is super long, so there is a ton of space to spread out and get comfortable. The water is gorgeous, although the southern end of the beach seems to have less seaweed. There are amenities here as well, including bathrooms and a snack bar.

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“beach time!”

Whether you are sitting on the beach or kayaking near the still water's edge at Fort De Soto, you find yourself absorbed in the abundance of natural beauty for as far as the eye can see. The complexity of the ecology is not immediately apparent, but the park offers the greatest diversity of systems just about anywhere. Emerging from the wealth of bird life, sea life, wild life and plant life is the majestic tapestry called Fort De Soto.   The largest park within the Pinellas County Park System, Fort De Soto park consists of 1,136 acres made up of five interconnected islands (keys). These keys are home to beach plants, mangroves, wetlands, palm hammocks, hardwoods and scores of native plants. Each of these species plays a vital role in the preservation and protection of the natural environment.

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Reviews of Fort De Soto Park

1 person has reviewed this location

Ratings Summary

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Location
Cleanliness
Site Quality
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Reviewed by
AshleyDeniseATL

  • 2 Reviews
  • 1 Helpful
October 09, 2014
Rated 4.0

Ft.Desoto is our favorite vacation place. We don't like to go to the beach without our pup (who loves it even more than us) so we go here to take advantage of the off-leash dog-beach! It is the only official off leash dog beach in Pinellas county and, as far as I can tell, the only one in mainland FL! Additionally, downtown St.Petersberg is nearby and some of the most beautiful water on gulf is all around you. I have yet to camp at the rv and camping site but we will next time. I hear that you can trade campsite for volunteering but do be warned that the gates close at night! We tried to get into the park for sunrise but were too early! Bummer!

1 person found this review helpful

Reviewed by
jvstarr3

  • 2 Reviews
  • 3 Helpful
June 24, 2014
Rated

Excellent park - definitely need to stay overnight (at least two). This place is popular, so make reservations well in advance. The park team is fantastic and show they really care for this park. The park offers - river activities, bike trails, a historical fort, and two beaches (north and south). They also offer refreshment stands and great facilities.

1 person found this review helpful
  • 8 Reviews
  • 2 Helpful
January 15, 2022
Rated 5.0

Great park! Hidden gem! You should visit here in the winter season, if you can get a site!

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Reviewed by
amesser04

  • 2 Reviews
  • 0 Helpful
June 23, 2021
Rated 5.0

This is a beautiful park! My husband and kids had an excellent time fishing from the pier and we enjoyed watching the dolphins.

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  • 2 Reviews
  • 0 Helpful
June 05, 2018
Rated 5.0

Beautiful park!

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Reviewed by
CourtneySisko

  • 1 Review
  • 0 Helpful
August 17, 2016
Rated 5.0

I love this beach! So much cool stuff going on, a lot of wildlife and shells to see.

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Fort De Soto Park

3500 Pinellas Bayway S
Florida
33715 USA
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Hours

Closed Now
  • Sun - Sat: 7:00 am - 11:00 pm

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Good for Adventurers.

  • Check
    Parking
  • Check
    Pets Allowed
  • Check
    Restrooms
  • Check
    Wifi
  • Unavailable
    Wheelchair Accessible
  • Unknown
    Credit Cards Accepted
Max Stay
14
Affiliation
Other public land (TVA, DOD, county parks with campgrounds)
Lowest Nightly Rate
48.0
  • Check
    Laundry
  • Unavailable
    Propane
  • Check
    Showers
  • Unavailable
    Big Rigs
  • Unavailable
    Boondock
  • Unavailable
    Firewood
  • Check
    Fifty Amp
  • Check
    Tent Sites
  • Unavailable
    Cabin Sites
  • Unavailable
    Full Hookup
  • Check
    Dump Station
  • Unavailable
    Mobile Homes
  • Check
    Public Water
  • Unavailable
    Pull Through
  • Check
    Reservations
  • Unavailable
    Sewer Hookup
  • Check
    Water Hookup
  • Check
    Potable Water
  • Unavailable
    Age Restricted
  • Check
    Rec Facilities
  • Unavailable
    Dispersed Sites
  • Unavailable
    Permit Required
  • Unavailable
    Group Tent Sites
  • Unavailable
    Fulltime Residents
  • Check
    Standard Tent Sites
  • Unavailable
    Pull Through RV Sites
  • Check
    Outdoor Seating
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Campground, Parking, Dining, Restrooms

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