Fort De Soto Park
3500
Pinellas Bayway S.,
Tierra Verde, FL 33715
Park Office (727) 893-9185
Campground Office (727) 893-9185
Automated Information Message:
(727) 582-2267
location
map  park diagram with amenities gmap 
Fort De Soto Named America’s
Top Beach for 2009
Pristine Area Favorite Lauded as “Portrait
of Tranquility”
Fort
De Soto Park was named America’s Top Beach
for the second consecutive year by TripAdvisor, the world's largest online travel
community.
Citing a “spectacular combination of
soft white sand, calm, clear water and a laid-back
atmosphere,” the popular online travel
network put the park’s North Beach at
the top of its annual best-of list, based on
TripAdvisor's Popularity Index.
This
marks the second time in three years the pristine
Pinellas County beach has received top honors
on an annual “best-of” list.
In 2005
Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, a.k.a. “Dr.
Beach,” named Fort De Soto the nation’s
#1 Beach .
Beaches
are the number one recreational destination
for Americans. These sandy playgrounds that
line our coasts are the most extensive natural
parks in the country.
The
largest park within the Pinellas County Park
System, Fort De Soto park consists of 1,136 acres made
up of five interconnected islands. First opened
on December 21, 1962, when the state toll road
named the Pinellas Bayway was completed, this
park was dedicated May 11, 1963, in perpetuity
as a public park.Annual
park attendance averages more than 2.7 million
visitors.
The
12-inch mortar battery, located at the fort
for which the park was named, was listed in
the National Register of Historic Places in
1978. Adding to the historical
interest at Fort De Soto, two British breech-loading,
rapid-fire rifles of 1890 vintage were installed
in March 1982. Markers showing the original
building locations and a Quartermaster
Storehouse Museum add to the park's historic
interest.
History: Fort De Soto Historic Guide
The park property was first purchased from
the federal government in 1938 for $12,500.
In 1941 the property was sold back to the federal
government for $18,404 to be used as a gunnery
and bombing range during World War II. The
property was repurchased from the United States
in 1948 for $26,500.
Amenities:
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| Restroom Update |
As an additional cost-saving measure, some restrooms in county parks are closed weekdays. However, facilities near most popular user areas remain open during all hours of park operation. All restrooms in county parks will be open on weekends. See park diagram for details
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Over 7 miles of waterfront, including almost
three miles of the finest white sand beach
in the United States.
- An 800-foot-long boat launching facility with eleven
floating docks. see ramp permits
- 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
camp store. See information above.
-
Two large swim centers including a food concession
area located at the North Beach Swim Center.
- Two fishing piers--one on Tampa
Bay (500 feet long) and the other
on the Gulf (1,000 feet long).
Each pier has a food and bait concession.
- Fourteen large group picnic shelters incorporating award-winning aesthetic
and functional design features. Reserve
Shelters Online
- Twenty storm-resistant public restroom buildings featured in several national
publications.
-
A snack bar/souvenir shop offering a beautiful view of the Gulf of Mexico.
- A 6.8 mile, 12-foot-wide asphalt recreation trail connects the campground
with the North and East Beach Swim Centers and the historic fort.
- A 2.25-mile recreational canoe trail.
- A 1-mile nature trail in the Arrowhead Picnic area, and a 3/4 mile nature
trail in the Soldiers' Hole area provides a glimpse of some the native fauna
and flora.
- Quartermaster
Museum
- 2,200 foot Barrier-Free Nature Trail is a self-guided interpretive trail
providing access to nature for all visitors to Fort De Soto Park, regardless
of their physical abilities. download
brochure
- A Dog Park - Fort De Soto has the only dog park where dogs are allowed on the beach in a designated area - Please Review Dog Park Rules
- Youth camping area for organized youth groups such as Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts,
Church groups, etc.
ATTENTION
PINELLAS COUNTY RESIDENTS
Ft.
De Soto campground is now taking camping
reservations for Pinellas County residents
outside the usual reservation window. Reservations
are taken seven (7) months in advance and
must be made in person at either Ft. De Soto
campground office or the Park and Recreation
Administration office. The
campsite must be occupied by the Pinellas
County resident making the reservation. For
verification of residency, a current Florida
Drivers license or Florida valid ID along
with a current utility bill will be required
at the time of reservation. For further information
call 582-2267 or 552-1862.
See Campground
information for rates.
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