Address: 3500 Pinellas Bayway S, Tierra Verde, FL 33715, USA
Phone: +17275822267
Sunday: 7AM–7PM
Monday: 7AM–7PM
Tuesday: 7AM–8:30PM
Wednesday: 7AM–7PM
Thursday: 7AM–7PM
Friday: 7AM–7PM
Saturday: 7AM–7PM
luana Richards
This park is amazing to visit!! We had a water site (228)very shaded with a kayak launch site. Would definitely come back. So let me give you a few things to think about or tell you before you go visit. And of course my opinion😉 The bathhouse needs a little work, needs a little more TLC, the sites are awesome like I said but they could also use some TLC maybe clean it up a little and before anyone goes crazy about it being nature and what not, what I mean is the dead palm fronds need to be cleaned up looks very unkept that is all I am saying. They are sand sites so if you aren’t use to sand sites a little messy for those not use to sand site and because by the water lots of mosquitoes so if you don’t have mosquitos spray please bring it or the coils work pretty good which is what we used. There is a grill but no fire pit but you can rent a pit for $5 a day which is cool. So the camp store on site is pretty cool they have a lot of stuff!! So if you forgot something you will be able to get it there! They have ICE-CREAM!! Lots to do! Fishing, bike riding and kayaking!! So much fun! Hope this helps and have fun!!
Captain David Rogers
Just another beautiful west coast Florida area. Since the Brandon has prices are so high we will spend our cash in Florida. The beaches are gorgeous and the dog park is awesome along with the dog beach. The only bad part was the noseeums were bad at dusk and early morning. Definitely would camp here again.
Peter Blanco
If you don't understand what this is you're probably going to be bored. If you do understand how important this fort was during the early 1900s, you're going to be fascinated by it and love the history behind it. Fun fact, this site is where there were test runs dropping dummy bombs for the nuclear bombs that ended up being dropped Japan. So it's little nuggets like that that when you understand them, you understand how important this place is. Only one of the buildings still stands, one of them crumbled into the gulf but the remnants were still there and you can actually touch and go on them when you go to the beach.
K M
What a gem!! This county park is beautifully maintained and expertly staffed. It is very quiet and peaceful. The beaches are loaded with seashells and there's gorgeous birds of all kinds everywhere. I visited on an overcast weekday and counted less than 30 vehicles in the whole park, not counting the campground (which looks really nice, I'd love to come back with my RV). I found the best shells on North Beach along with a huge flock of ibis. The gulf waters are clear and pretty shallow, you can walk a ways out and only be up to your waist, plus there's occasional sandbars. I saw dolphins swimming and cresting along the coast at North beach and again later at East beach. There is a big dog park that is popular with locals. The fort is of historical note and there are miles of bicycle trails. I was impressed by the Barrier-Free Nature Trail which is made to be not only ADA accessible but also made for the blind (a sensor detects your presence and triggers an audio recording describing the features of the area). 10 stars and all the thumbs up. This park is a great addition to your Tampa/St Pete area itinerary.
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State park pass cannot be used
Bit of advice... We went for Thanksgiving and the county sheriff's Dept has a new policy on alcohol. $184 fine for open container. Put it in a cup. The officer came into our camp and found the drunkest person who had an open container and gave her a ticket. He said and I quote, " We Don't sniff cups." Also, camping is permitted only in the campgrounds. http://www.pinellascounty.org/park/05_ft_desoto.htm
Absolutely! They still have the original 12" rifled mortars and the 6" rapid fire rifled guns. It dates back to the Spanish American war. A lot of history there. Enjoy!
Not really from the kayak. Better to stop at Billies in treasure island otw home
There is one area that is a designated dog beach and also has a big fenced dog park.
Yes they have a snack area , with. Food , and drinks , swimwear , ect.
That entire area has beautiful crystal clear beaches.
BBQ using the grills there are usually first come, first served. If you have one to bring, do so.
Close to an air force base. Call park directly for more information.
No, what they refer to is beach areas that you can swim.
No, ice (10lb bags) can only be purchased at the Camping Store located by the main entrance of the campground.
Only Dog the Bounty Hunter is allowed in the fort
Yes all the restrooms have private places to change. In addition there is an outdoor shower station to rinse after spending time in the salt water.
Yes there is a great campground there for tents, campers and motorhomes
I found that we were outside a whole lot more than in the camper. We went to the beach, visited the fort, went fishing, and kayaking. At night we played games and sat around the fire. It was nice to loose the electronics and come together as a family.
North Beach currently has one giant tide pool at the northern end. I didn't see any others.
Thanks Mark! Thank you! Something to advocate for.
The water is darker than normal as of 10/30/2018 : 10:30 pm; with a strong odor. There is a high probability of encountering red tide if u are visiting ANY of our gulf coast beaches. RT has even been discovered in Brevard Co., along the Atlantic coast. This link offers up to date info on RT, but keep in mind no one fully understands it's origins. https://www.visitstpeteclearwater.com/current-beach-conditions
From their park brochure: Metal detecting is only permitted on the sandy beach area, however, it excludes any shorebird habitat. Any holes dug must be filled with sand.
Has not came that far north yet
$5 to get into the park unless you have a handicap placard. And several dollars on the roads leading up to the park. But it varies depending on which roads you take.
Most of the parks are open until dark. But I think you can stay in this one until 11 pm.
Yes. North beach at low tide. Work the sandbar parallel to the beach. You should find some colorful sponge, sand dollars, sea biscuits, sea stars, sea urchins, starfish, hermit crabs, and horse conch.
Not sure. Can't imagine anyone would say anything about it though.
If you have 100% disability and papers to show it through the federal government you get 50% off. I've not seen anything about it being free. Only when they offer discounts. You will have to ask for it at counter .
Where do I park for kayak launch and what is the fee
Yes you can
Dog the Bounty Hunter is there, so it is safe
If Dog the Bounty Hunter said he did, then it's true #InDogWeTrust🙏
If Dog the Bounty Hunter said they were there, then it's true #InDogWeTrust🙏
They are owned by the park. Since there are stops before the park entrance they installed parking machines to sort of pay for the park entrance at those parking before the entrance and others inside if no personnel at gate
Was camping the week of 7.20.21. No smell at the camp site, saw a few dead fish beginning of the week, but none today. Was smelly near the pier. Wouldn't recommend swimming near the pier at least.
Go to the internet and look for fort de soto park camping it will leave pinellas county there you look
North Beach had picnic areas, grills, and a snack bar.
Yes. There are a set of washers & dryers in each area for use. They take quarter's, and start at $1.75 for a small load.
Yes.You also get free entrance into the park with your handicapped placard.
Fort Desoto Park closes at Dusk. But if you have a campsite at the campground you can enjoy the night sky.
It's a long line to get in but once you're there, it's huge so there are plenty areas to feel spaced out.
Billy's stone crab is the closest to ft desoto, but no restaurants inside the park. There is a snack bar, though.
Prices weren't listed on any of the signs
Not sure you can or need to. Just show up at the rental area (in the campground) to get set up. There are other rental areas as well in the park itself - past the toll booth (in Fort DeSoto itself, not the hwy in) turn right and kayak rental house will on the right. Keep going to North Beach and I saw bikes for rent at the store/refreshment area.
Yes, I have seen some big rigs out there. It is wide open and they have shot movies out there.
The bait shop was also open TG day
Should be open, it's the tourist season.
Boy I'm not sure but I bet you could call
Permission is not obtained, 5 dollars are paid per car
Michael Waldrop, how much of a fee and where do I pay it
8 am to 8PM
Yes there is no charge for young children at Fort Desoto
Yes
Yes frozen but there are bait shops close that have fresh but would call first to check availability
It would be 40 mins from Tampa so depending on we're in Orlando you are 2-2.5 hours. Well worth the drive. Have fun
Not sure...but for a answer..call the park..they can answer all your questions
State law requires all visitors to have a saltwater fishing license, unless they are fishing with a licensed guide or on a licensed, private fishing pier. Fort De Soto's fishing piers are private and licensed, so as long as you are fishing from one of the piers, you are not required to have your own license.
Dog the Bounty Hunter has been peeing in the ocean & killed all the algae #InDogWeTrust🙏
There is a chart for all tide times
Two separate.....one allows pets.....one doesn't
Quiet time is most likely 10 or 11pm... Check the rules
6 am but you can go around the booth sooner and pay at one of the pay stations also if you have a handicap sign in your window your free
Yes from the beach house.
no power to the public out there. the food court will not charge any electronics.
Yes you can take uber
There is a long stretch of beach close to the WWI fort that does not require a leash. However, if your dog is not already well socialized, it would be wise to keep it on a lead. The size of the dog does not matter. Some of the worst trouble-makers are the little Napoleons!
There is a designated dog beach. It is near the dock for the Egmont Key ferry. 🐾
Fort Desoto is a Pinellas COUNTY Park, so neither National nor Florida State Park passes are usable there.
Bradley Bishop , most likely North Beach...There are a few beaches at Desoto , but North beach , is near the point , so where I go when I'm picking shells , and sand dollars... the dog beach they get trampled more , so I never find a lot there...
Not in the actual fort, no. Dogs are allowed in the campground on leash and at the dog beach.
After you enter the main park you'll come to a "T" in the road, then turn right and drive about 1 or 2 miles, then you'll see the sign for the Bay Pier on your left and there's an enclosed dog park located on the right side of the parking lot.
There is a campground. To my knowledge there is no overnight camping except in the campground.
No doubt
They do have Camp hosts. Def call them
No, there is No umbrella rental available. But there are shops to buy different swim wear
Yes
From what date can non-residents reserve? From which date can non-residents book a reservation? You can book 6 months in advance and the schedule can be fast. Residents can book 7 months in advance. You can book 6 months ahead and the schedule fills fast! Residents can book 7 months ahead.
Yep but the $5 is one of the best investments you'll ever make! One thing I've realized since my kids were born I'd rather pay the next day than go to any special free day for anything.
$5 per car per day to enter the park includes access to all beaches and parking, worth every penny!
No cabins, but the Park offers a camping spots and the shelters with grills for rent.
It costs $5; well worth it for the beauty, bird watching and beachcombing.
During the week, and out of season, are much less full
They say, no alcohol, but, we ALWAYS bring, in our cooler & have NEVER, been checked! Just saying!!
Not sure, maybe to keep people, away from cannons! Just contact Fort DeSoto, they should have the answer!
12.18 from what I could see
They do have discounts for seniors & veterans. We pay about $50 for a year pass to Ft. DeSoto which also gets you into Sand Key in Clearwater & all other county parks.
https://uavcoach.com/drone-laws-florida/
There are some
I didn't see anywhere bad...avoid RIP current anywhere when at the gulf
Check the schedule. Not sure but it would be cool if they did.
Only in a small fenced in area that is designated. Not on the beach
The camping area is quite far from off leash dog park and beach. The park is 10 miles long, so you may need to drive to different areas. We used biclyes and car to travel the park when at the camp grounds.
Guess 25-30
In the park off the main road on the left look for the dog park and the beach is behind it
Yes👍
The conditions weren't bad this past weekend, Pinellas County has a website that provides updated information about the red tide at various parks: https://www.visitstpeteclearwater.com/current-beach-conditions
Im not sure but you can check the website or call
Well yes, we were there 2 weeks ago and the county was cleaning up the dead fish but it's not as bad as manatee and Sarasota counties. People were there laying on the shore and others were just walking. There's lots to do there, you don't have to go in the water.
I went last weekend, everything was fine.
Went last weekend, not too bad
Not on the sand beach but on the grassy area between parking and the beach are many shelters and grills
Yes, there is a designated area to pitch a tent. You get to that area before reaching the beach area. There is a sign for camping on the right side of the road.
$ 5 per vehicle. If there is no one in the guard booth, later there is a machine where you can pay and print a receipt. Do not park without the receipt on the dashboard, as you can be towed and fined.
If you are asking about camping area, none of them are actually on the beach. Some of them are waterfront but is an inland natural canal, with mangrove trees on shore. The ones next to the office (left) have a concrete wall on the water side. Good choice if you have a boat. You can identify them in the campground map, online.
We canceled our September trip due to the red tide, but I am unsure of honeymoon.
Most likely mosquito control
It is about a 50 yard walk from the parking lot to the dog beach. No there is not a gravel or hard path to it. It is a sandy soft path that you follow. What you could do is go straight to the beach then walk past the dog beach markers. If you need help the rangers are there to guide you.
I believe the park closes at dark but there is a campground on site.
In the RV section I'm guessing. I would check campground info first.
When i went to a certain part which is most of the whole beach. I did not see any. I only saw playgrounds, bathrooms with showers, grills and a snack shop. Did not see any B-BALL courts
If you act like a fool they will mess with you keep it in a cup and be an adult about it and you are good.
$25 per person. Can pay online at Hubbard's Marina website
You can get one night. I believe it's 30 a night for water and electricity
It is not illegal to take sand dollars!
The park closes at dark. If you are staying in the campground you could see them from there.
There are no cabins there are tiny spots to fit your tent and car and near the entrance are the big spots for your R.V
in the campground you can. I don't think you can in the public beach area. But I am not sure you can ask one of the Rangers.
On friday they have a ten percent hold baxk for walkins, but everything is internet. That means there is only 35 sites available friday moning at 7 a.m. so have your credit card ready. Weekdays are more available, but reservations are the only sure way. Sites go licky split.
I have always walked up and found a place. Although 3 times is all that o have been.
Not directly within the park but at the harbor right after crossing the bridge on the right side. Just about 5 minutes by car.
Closest beach, East Beach is 2 miles. They have a 9 mile bike,walking trail, but it is in full sun. North beach, everyones fav is 4-5 miles. I strongly suggest driving.
Depend witch season, and week or Weekend, better having reservation
Yes campers with tents can have fire rings but they must be off the ground and have a cover and of course that would infer that they should be smaller fires our situation to rectify that was to go to Walmart for like a little over $100 we purchased a fire pit that stands off the ground and has a lid to keep the Sparks from flying
And if you are staying at the campground, you have free access to the trails and beach included with your campground fee. You just show them your campground pass to get thru the gate.
Don't think so but I would contact to confirm before you go
Is the private beach got a nice shady area surrounded by trees
I don't believe the 10 size makes a difference at all it should fit clearly on a campsite
Oh my! Ft Desoto is the beach to go to for shore. Don't forget to visit the fort itself. Great beach, great facilities, plenty of parking, kayaking, fishing and more. You could catch a Ray's game, visit Busch Gardens, The Florida Aquarium, Clearwater Marine Science Center....think Dolphin Tail...and much more.
I don't know. But they have bathrooms
If it's booked during the timeframe you're looking at you last best chance would be checking the Friday morning releases of last minute cancellations for the following 7 days.
Shelter 15 is located next to the Rest Room on East Beach. If you go to their website, you can download a PDF map of the park which has all the shelters and everything labeled. It's nice to keep in your phone if you frequent the park often like we do.
9pm
Yes you could bring your own Grill to the beach but you make sure that the fire is completely out before you dump it
Yes
It does have a pavilions and grills there, I'm assuming you must have to reserve one to be assured you have one like most other parks....
What are you talking about? Hydra meetings? Justice Leaugue of America meetings? Smh
I believe you can stay fo two weeks it is expensive. It is also one of the best kept, most beautiful place s we've camped.
Beaches stretching the length of Ft Desoto are subject to rip tides and rip currents as are all beaches any where. Best preparation is to talk about it with everyone in your party and what to do in the event of being caught in one which is to swim parallel to the beach either north or south. These are very rare events but they do happen so prepare. We're much more likely to get a sunburn but we know what to do about that with hats, shirts, sunglasses and sunscreen!
Agree with all the responses. Here now and the water is cold. North Beach is the best.
$35-40 a night if I remember correctly.
I heard it was like $15 or $20, but I haven't been. Planning on going tomorrow, and I'm trying to find out the same thing.
Don't know, I get in free as a handicap driver. Normal is $5 per care entrance fee. No charge for parking.
U bring it or have it catered your choice.
Sheephead, trout, reds,snook, flounder and Spanish mackerel
It's been a while but I believe it's $35-40/ night.
We launch boat there...have caught alot. There are always dozens of people fishing on the (very long) pier there.
They don't rent them. You go to the beach about a mile down the road and there's a concession for them.
Absolutely.
Does not make sense.
You would have to hire a boat. At far as I know there is only a ferry to the island offered, no snorkel trips
Park is open 7 days a week from sunrise to sunset it does cost money for parking the place is pet friendly but dogs are not allowed on the beach there is picnic areas tables bathrooms grilling areas playgrounds everything you need for a family event just a reminder dogs are not allowed on the beaches certain parts of beaches are off-limits to to Turtle nesting and nature preserves
Squid is also good to use, cast net for live bait has worked the best for us
Might be more helpful to take that up with someone in charge. As this isn't their website, there's a good chance they'll never see that you posted a complaint in the Q&A page on Google.
Yes, snorkeling is great around the sandbar and up to the channel markers. Lots of starfish, sea urchins, shells, fish, sand dollars and other marine life. Be careful of currents. Manatees and dolphin love to swim with you. Remember it carries a hefty fine for touching them. Don't reach out and they might bump up against you. Careful they are very strong creatures.
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Sure. Make sure you move the scraps well away....lots of aggressive raccoons!
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