Fort de Soto is one of the best campgrounds we've stayed in. In addition, one boat trailer is allowed on each site. Fort Desoto Park is one of Florida’s most beautiful and as such tends to be booked up well in advance. Dump stations and modern restrooms with showers and laundry facilities are provided for your convenience. 9:00pm. Bayfront campsites, WIDE, level, and waterfront access, so bring your kayaks! Alcohol, pets, littering, nudity, fireworks and excessive noise are prohibited at all The trees were perfect for a hammock and a fire in the evening was really nice. It is the responsibility of the leader to contact park staff to obtain the gate code. Park Features. NOTE: There must be at least one adult at each site. Alcohol, pets, littering, nudity, fireworks and excessive noise are prohibited at all AmericInn by … Pinellas Web Link. Cancellations subject to the $5 administrative fee must be received at least 3 days prior to your reservation date. Reservations. A "leave no trace" camping ethic is expected at all times from visitors to the preserve. Pinellas County Code Chapter 90 prohibits consumption of alcoholic beverages in all Pinellas County parks. The sites are large and filled with trees and palms. Boat ramp fee is a separate permit. If you wish, break up your day with a quick User credit cannot be granted for reservations initiated prior to 4/16/2020. and maximum number of consecutive days. Two swimming areas, North Beach and East Beach. Fort De Soto Park 3500 Pinellas Bayway S., Tierra Verde, FL 33715 Park Office (727) 893-9185 Campground Office (727) 893-9185 Reserve Campground Online All vehicles except equipment trailers must be parked outside of the camp area in spaces provided. regarding the maximum party size calling: (727) 582-2267. Camping area with a camp store, modern … Campsite occupancy is limited to ONE of the following groups of camping rigs: For a print-friendly version of this page, select Print at the top right of this web page under the Search box. Any reservations made before the upgrade are still valid and will not require any action. Copyright notice: All rights reserved. And you can keep it for as long as seven days. Being able to show up and jump straight into the activities was pleasurable and convenient. In the event of a serious infraction, a citation may be issued. Pinellas County residents may make reservations up to seven months in advance. The Fort De Soto Campground is conveniently located close to the St. Petersburg/Tampa area. right at the door of your RV. IN CASE OF EMERGENCY, CALL 911. a permit must: Print the confirmation email or the Printer Friendly receipt that appears in the web page once the Submit button is selected. It is really important to follow the Shell Key Rules, since through your actions, Shell Key Preserve can remain a welcoming place for generations to come. Description Located on 1136 acres of coastal lovely, Fort De Soto Campground is the creme de la creme of the Gulf Coast and one of the only sites on this coast that offers waterfront beach camping. within minutes from your campsite! Your kids can fish while you can watch from a … All Shell Key campers are required to obtain a Shell Key Camping Permit. The area is very popular and is usually booked exactly three months in advance. Website Instructions. Or enjoy beach camping in a tent, just steps away from a sand beach. The ocean, a short bike ride away is absolutely the most beautiful water you will find and the historic ruins of Fort Desoto in the water add to it's charm. A Day at Fort De Soto County Park Canoeing, kayaking, biking, and even a doggie playground make for a beautiful day at Fort De Soto County Park. In fact, these campgrounds are among the best in the state. You can enjoy the The bathhouses are clean and located throughout the campground as you would expect. Beginning Wednesday, May 20th, permits will be available for $6 per day, with a limit of 6 guests for each permit. Come relax. Posts at the righthand side of the picture To be considered valid, Fort DeSoto Park. Fort De Soto Park has some of the finest camping facilities in the St. Petersburg area. These keys are home to beach plants, mangroves, wetlands, palm hammocks, hardwoods and scores of native plants. We, on the other hand, were exhausted only from all our adventuring. The camp store in the campground is open 7 days a week, Friday and Saturday until It was repurchased from the U.S. government in 1948 and opened to the public on December 21, 1962. Overnight parking is allowed at the Fort De Soto boat ramp only. The new Parks and Conservation Resources reservation system offers easier access to parks facility reservations. Shell Key Preserve is a sensitive environmental area and good stewardship is required to ensure that the islands and waterways remain intact for future generations. Quartermaster Storehouse Museum. This is strictly enforced. Turn left on Pinellas Bayway/Hwy 679 and follow to Fort DeSoto Park. Bit of a mudfest when I arrived but turned out nice later. This huge campground is geared to the nines with modern amenities and has activities for everyone. Fort De Soto Park . Things to do near Fort de Soto Park Campground on Tripadvisor: See 22,558 reviews and 24,987 candid photos of things to do near Fort de Soto Park Campground in St. Petersburg, Florida. Within this designated area, there are no defined campsites so visitors are free to select a camping location of their choice. Click here for a map of the area, and driving directions. A campsite may be reserved for a maximum of 14 nights. This campsite is awesome with beautiful views and beaches. Fort De Soto Park campground is located on an island in the Tampa Bay Area and has 238 single-family campsites (all with water & electric hookups). All Shell Key campers are required to obtain a Shell Key Camping Permit. The Parks and Conservation Resources administrative office is located at 12520 Ulmerton Road in Largo. (For example: If your reservation is July 6, a request for cancellation must be received no later than 11:59 pm on July 2 to avoid forfeiture of reservation cost). You can enjoy the finest Florida RV camping, with hookups and everything you need. That's how camping should be done! Fort De Soto is located in the southwest corner of Mullet Key, at the entrance to Tampa Bay. Reservations. Cancellations subject to the $5 administrative fee must be received 2 days prior to the scheduled reservation date by 11:59 pm, this includes cancellation request to shorten a campground stay (early departure) after arrival. The Parks and Conservation Resources administrative office is located at 12520 Ulmerton Road in Largo. If you’re not a planner (hi there), you can get one of their hold-back sites on Friday mornings starting at 7 am. Surrounding Area: Fort De Soto Campground. You may call (727) 582-2100 between 9am to 3pm Monday – Friday, closed Saturday, Sunday, & holidays. Fort Desoto Park Reservations Select Area 1, 2 or 3 to View Campsites in that Area: Pinellas County. There is no charge. User credit can be applied to future reservations if the new reservation is initiated prior to conversion of user credit to the original payment method when possible or initiation of manual check request. Camping permit does not include the Fort De Soto boat ramp / beach parking fee. Electric carts allowed on campground premises only. Permit cancellations initiated 1-3 days prior to your scheduled reservation date will be subject to forfeiting the cost of the reservation. Our information, reviews and data show that this destination either has bike trails passing through the park or the surrounding area is suitable for bicycle riding. From May through December occupancy may be extended for an additional 14 nights depending upon availability of campsites. Permittee must possess valid photo identification along with their valid, signed camping permit or electronic permit while camping. Fort De Soto, built in 1898, abandoned in phases 1910 to 1948. Park Rules/Info. All sites have water and electrical hook-up (30-50 amp service), picnic table and charcoal grill. Campers must be listed on the permit. Verification of residency (a current Florida Driver’s license or valid Florida ID along with a current utility bill) will be required at the time of check-in, failure to provide will result in cancellation. on shelled area of your campsite. The ocean, a short bike ride away is absolutely the most beautiful water you will find and the historic ruins of Fort Desoto in the water add to it's charm. In 1941, the property was sold back to the federal government to be used as a gunnery and bombing range during World War II. Fort DeSoto Park features include a 7-mile bike trail, nature trails, 7 miles of waterfront, with beaches ranked among the best in the country, campgrounds, playgrounds, snack bars and gift shops, a museum, picnicking, fishing piers, and a dog park. Fort De Soto camping can be tough, with set-up and take-down often the hardest part. Fort Desoto Park Reservations AREA 2 - PETS WELCOME. A youth group is defined as a recognized non-profit organization of young people 17 years of age and under with adult chaperone at a ratio of one (1) adult for every 12 young people. has been received by the Fort De Soto Campground Office. Sites are segregated by RV, pets and tents/pop ups; however all areas have waterfront sites. All modifications and/or cancellations will be assessed either a $5 administrative fee or cancellation penalty equal to the cost of site reserved. Entrance to the beach area of the park is included with the campground fee, so you save $5 every day if you go to the beach here. The front gate entrance is locked from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. One pick-up truck with mounted camping rig. Camping is allowed only in the southern Public Use Area. For further information, call (727) 582-2100, select Option #2. Located on 1136 acres of coastal lovely, Fort De Soto Campground is the creme de la creme of the Gulf Coast and one of the only sites on this coast that offers waterfront beach camping. are for water and electricity. This was our first travel trailer camping experience and Fort De Soto was the perfect destination. We were lucky enough to get a water view site for easy fishing, watching the birds, and beautiful sunsets. Fort DeSoto Park property changed hands several times in the 1930s and 40s. Fort De Soto Park Campground has to be one of the best, non-well-kept secrets out there. It is located near St. Petersburg and Tampa in the Fort De Soto Park, a large park consisting of 1,136 acres spread out of five interconnected islands. Don't plan on using your cell phone because there is very little coverage. All reservations must check in upon arrival. Park Rules/Info. All modifications and/or cancellations incur a $5 administrative fee. Shell Key Camping Permit does not include the Fort De Soto boat ramp & parking fee. Campers are advised to protect their personal property. In fact, these campgrounds are among the best in the state. To cancel a reservation and receive a refund, visit the. A 238-site family camping area with facilities including picnic tables, grills, water, electricity, washers, dryers, sanitary disposal stations, modern restrooms, showers, play areas, and a Call at 9am if you plan to reserve. finest Florida RV camping, with hookups and everything you need. The beauty of Fort De Soto is it's location on one of the very best beaches in the area. The camping area is designated for tent camping only. Please be considerate of others by checking out on time. The sites are always clean and well tended, and the facilities are clean and in good working order with a washer/dryer at each building. The completed camping permit with the acknowledging agreement of the rules box checked; and. Fort De Soto campsite reservations and all park shelter reservations can also be made online or at this office. The entire island is now Fort De Soto Park, a Pinellas county park which offers fine beaches, fishing, nature trails, camping, boating, and much more. Sites 1-85 can accommodate tents, … Some of Florida's greatest attractions are The address for the front entrance gate is 3725 DeSoto Blvd., Palm Harbor, FL 34683. Great amenities. Website Instructions. Fort De Soto Park has some of the finest camping facilities in the St. Petersburg area. Permits will be available for $6 per day, with a limit of 6 guests for each permit. Fort De Soto campsite reservations and all park shelter reservations can also be made online or at this office. Restrooms and ample parking are available, plus a boat ramp, kayak, canoe and bike rentals, and the historic fort. Fort DeSoto Park has a wonderful, relaxing campground. There are 2 dump stations, a camp store, bike trails and numerous playgrounds within the camping area. Facilities for campers include washrooms, showers and washers and dryers. Please respect and appreciate the wonderful natural resource of Shell Key Preserve. A campsite with a beautiful view. In 2005 it moved to the first place in this list, being recognized as America's Best Beach. Campground cancellation requests initiated by the account user will be issued "User Credit" which will be reviewed by Parks department prior to refunding original form of payment within 3-5 business days. Bayfront campsites, WIDE, level, and waterfront access, so bring your kayaks! One quick food recommendation: The Island Grille & Raw Bar. Only a short 30 to 45-minute drive from Tampa and just less than 2 hours from Orlando.Fort DeSoto is the perfect weekend get-away.Located just south of St. Petersburg, Fort DeSoto campground and park are just off of Interstate 275.As with every highway in central Florida, expect congestion and traffic during rush hours as well as holidays. For families and beach bums check out the multiple pristine beac 3500 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL 33715 Violators of the rules may be directed to vacate the campground without refund. Sites 86-236 are designed and equipped to accommodate all camping units. Include complete Special camp sites for camping with pets. Head on over to the Greetings from the 2017 Florida RV Supershow post/podcast to hear our interview with native Floridian, Courtney Parish, who shares all the best attractions in this area. The view from our waterfront site at the Fort Desoto Campground, St. Petersburg, Florida. This huge campground is geared to the nines with modern amenities and has activities for everyone. Acknowledge that all members of the party will abide by the rules by checking the "I agree" box. (For example: If your shelter reservation is July 6, a request for cancellation must be received no later than 11:59 pm on July 2 to avoid forfeiture of reservation cost). Hitch Top Tent currently serves nine campgrounds within the Tampa Bay area and is hoping to expand. There is a dedicated dog beach and a larger dog-free beach at … Fort de Soto Park Campground in St. Petersburg, FL: View Tripadvisor's 284 unbiased reviews, 288 photos, and special offers for Fort de Soto Park Campground, #1 … Can't wait to go back! Click on the camp site number to see the site, it's features, and display the dates it is available > Pinellas County. and accurate camper information that Check-in time is after 1 p.m. Check-out time is 11 a.m. The campground is large enough to spend some time cycling around and is great exercise and a great way to meet your fellow campers. The department reserves the right to make inspections of the camping area at any time. Park Features. times in the Preserve. Primitive Youth Camping at Fort De Soto Park, Wall Springs Park Youth Camping permit application, All reservations may be made up to six months in advance. Information Line: (727) 582-2267. A vessel registration is required. Youth camp capacity is 30 people. We are history buffs so we loved being able to walk around the grounds and the fort. The fish didn't care if it rained and were happy to stretch my lines! Campground information is available by Paddle on the water. A qualified scoutmaster, leader or counselor over 21 years of age or older must be on site and is responsible for the actions and behavior of the group. Any user parking at North Beach and Arrowhead Picnic areas are subject to a parking citation. Of the 238 campsites, more than half are directly on the ocean. We accept reservations and can accommodate up to 90 people, by phone, up to three months in advance. Modifications include rescheduling of reservations. Enjoy the views. Your kids can fish while you can watch from a lawn chair Pets are permitted in Area 2 only (sites 86-164). 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). The all weather day room is sometimes referred to as “The Fort De Soto Living Room” Campground Day Room. Campers must be listed on the permit. times in the Preserve. We are history buffs so we loved being able to walk around the grounds and the fort. Fort De Soto Campground Camp, 2200 feet south; Muller Key Channel Fishing Pier Lights 2 miles southwest; Saint Petersburg Fire and Rescue Station 2 Tierra Verde Building, 2½ miles north; Old Quarantine Pier Light 3½ miles southwest; Egmont Key Coast Guard Station Meteorological station, 3½ miles southwest; WAYP-FM (Holmes Beach) Tower, 4 miles north; Explore Your World. Pinellas Web Link. trip into St. Petersburg. Campers are restricted to the designated youth camping area between sundown and sun-up. Fort De Soto campground visitors with existing reservations will receive an email from CivicRec Recreation Management inviting them to update their profiles. A reservation does not automatically imply an option to extend your stay. Take I-275/Hwy 19, Exit 17 Pinellas Bayway/54th Avenue So./Hwy 682. Fort DeSoto Park Campground is located on St. Jean Key along the Mullet Key Bayou in Fort DeSoto Park. campground store. Modifications include shelter and/or park location changes and rescheduling of reservation. North Beach has been named to "America's Top 10 Beaches" list by Dr. Beach numerous times. Campfires must be confined to the fire pit. Please note designated pet area camping spots 86-164. Sites 1-85 have been designed for the tent, van, pop-up camper and trailers under 16’. All campsites have water & electric hookups and are located very closer to the water. Keep all tents, boats, trailers, etc. No part of the material on these pages may be reproduced or utilized in any form without There are no facilities at Shell Key Preserve, and campers are required to bring, use and remove portable toilets. Campground Office hours at Fort De Soto Park are Saturday – Thursday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. / Friday 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. WiFi is available at the camp store and office. Shell Key Camping Permit Cancellation Policy: Cancellations initiated by the department due to mandatory evacuations or park closures will be refunded in full without penalty. 800-foot boat ramp. A vessel registration is required. Please obtain the combination when you check in. Fort de Soto Park Campground: Snowbird - See 285 traveller reviews, 288 candid photos, and great deals for Fort de Soto Park Campground at Tripadvisor. Campground cancellations initiated within 2 days of the reservations date either online, email, in person or by phone representative will forfeit 1 (one) night stay equivalent to the cost of the reserved campground site and will not be assessed the $5 administrative fee. Fort Desoto Park Reservations AREA 2 - PETS WELCOME. There is a six-person limit, including children, per campsite at any time. Modifications include site changes and rescheduling of reservations. This is a fabulous, award-winning county-run campground in Pinellas County, Florida. It was first purchased from the federal government in 1938. written permission from the copyright owner. Bring the family and have fun! Reservations are limited to a maximum of ONE per individual per day. Payment by MasterCard, VISA, cash, money order or personal check for the full amount is required before a reservation can be recorded. How to Get a … Conform to restrictions Fort De Soto Park Campground in Saint Petersburg Florida is a campground / RV park that has easy access for cyclists looking to ride bikes. Migrated campground reservations initiated prior to 4/16/2020 will be refunded with a manual check request and mailed within 3-4 weeks. The campground will be on your right. Shelter cancellations initiated 1-3 days prior to your scheduled reservation date will be subject to forfeiting the cost of the reservation. Someone should proceed to the front gate to direct the rescue personnel. Fort De Soto Park Campground has 238 single-family campsites and is located on an island in a beautiful 1,136-acre park in the Tampa Bay Area. Home  | Weather | Privacy | Disclaimer | Webmaster, Ground fires (campfires must be in a container, with sides and a bottom), Removing, damaging or defacing trees, shrubs, or any other plants, Feeding wildlife (including birds, squirrels and raccoons). From January through April, occupancy is limited to 14 nights in any 30-day period. Access to Shell Key is by watercraft only. Fort DeSoto Park, located near St. Petersburg, Florida near the entrance of Tampa Bay, is spread over 900 acres on five interconnected islands with seven miles of waterfront, including three miles of some of the prettiest sandy beaches in Florida. Wall Springs Park will provide a confirmation number prior to arrival. The white sandy beaches of Fort De Soto Park were named America’s Best Beach in 2009 by TripAdvisor, and Best Beach for Families in 2014 by USA Today.Fort De Soto Park offers a wide rang… Quiet time is at 10 p.m. All unregistered guests must leave the camp area at that time. The campsite must be occupied by the Pinellas County resident making the reservation. Getting To Fort DeSoto Campground.