Pinellas County, Florida, Park and Conservation Resources

Information for:

Camping at Fort De Soto Park - New Cancellation Fee
- Primitive Youth Camping at Fort De Soto Park

Primitive Camping Permit for Shell Key Preserve
Primitive Youth Camping at Wall Springs Park

The Parks and Conservation Resources administrative office is located at 12520 Ulmerton Road in Largo. Fort De Soto campsite reservations and all park shelter reservations can also be made online or at this office.

Make a reservation online:

Fort De Soto Campground Information:

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. Special camp sites for camping with pets.
Attention Fort De Soto Campers
The walk-in site practice has been revised.

Fort De Soto campers no longer have to wait in line in front of the camp office to try and reserve a walk-in camp site. We are changing to a hold-back system where 10% of the campsites will become available every Friday morning at 7 a.m. Hold-back sites will be secured either online beginning at 7 a.m. or any remaining sites will be secured in person at the Camp Office after 9 a.m. Sites can be reserved up to seven (7) days. The camp office hours are Saturday through Thursday from 9 a.m to 6 p.m and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Campsite map, rates, rules and information
Campground Store: (727) 866-9191
Reserve early for local residents - Pinellas County residents can make camping reservations outside the usual reservation window. Reservations are taken up to seven (7) months in advance. 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. Failure to meet the residency requirement at check-in will result in cancellation. For further information, call (727) 582-2100, select Option #2. Please note designated pet area, camping spots 86-164.
Fort DeSoto Campground Cancellation Policy:
Our policy on changing or cancelling a reservation is:
- There is a $5 modification fee per reservation for any cancellations, change site, or rescheduling of reservations.

Primitive Youth Camping at Fort De Soto Park

We accept reservations and can accommodate up to 90 people, by phone, up to three months in advance. There is no charge. You may call (727) 582-2267 between 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Monday – Friday, closed Saturday, Sunday, & holidays. The area is very popular and is usually booked exactly three months in advance. Call at 9 a.m. if you plan to reserve.

Primitive Camping at Shell Key Preserve:

Please review
Shell Key rules

All Shell Key campers are required to obtain a Shell Key camping permit. Permits currently are available at no cost to campers. Camping permit does not include the Fort De Soto boat ramp / beach parking fee.

Please respect and appreciate the wonderful natural resource of Shell Key Preserve. 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. 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.

A "leave no trace" camping ethic is expected at all times from visitors to the preserve. Access to Shell Key is by watercraft only. There are no facilities at Shell Key Preserve, and campers are required to bring, use and remove portable toilets. Camping is allowed only in the southern Public Use Area. Within this designated area, there are no defined campsites so visitors are free to select a camping location of their choice. Alcohol, pets, littering, nudity, fireworks and excessive noise are prohibited at all times in the Preserve. Campfires and other open fires are permitted in the designated camping area only, from October 1 through April 30. No camp fires allowed from May 1 through September 30. (Due to turtle nesting, $118 fine imposed)

Primitive Youth Camping at Wall Springs Park:

Wall Springs Park Youth Camping permit application
This permit application and reservation confirmation number should be in the possession of the person in charge of your group on the
day of occupancy. It is your responsibility to see that all members of your group are informed and adhere to the campground rules.

Campground Rules:

Youth camp capacity is 30 people. 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.
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.
It is the responsibility of the leader to contact park staff to obtain the gate code.
Campers are restricted to the designated youth camping area between sundown and sun-up.
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY CALL 911. Someone should proceed to the front gate to direct the rescue personnel. The address for the front entrance gate is 3725 DeSoto Blvd., Palm Harbor, FL 34683.
The department reserves the right to make inspections of the camping area at any time.
Campfires must be confined to the fire pit.
The camping area is designated for tent camping only.
All vehicles except equipment trailers must be parked outside of the camp area in spaces provided.
Pinellas County Code Chapter 90 prohibits consumption of alcoholic beverages in all Pinellas County parks. This is strictly enforced.
Wall Springs Park will provide a confirmation number prior to arrival.

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