Visiting Fort DeSoto

Close To Home Getaway - Fort DeSoto, Florida

Fort DeSoto Park - St. Petersburg

Fort DeSoto is a Pinellas County Park that is approximately 150 miles from TGO in St. Petersburg. It is the largest park within the Pinellas County Park System and consists of 1,136 acres made up of fi ve interconnected islands (keys). Fort DeSoto is on Mullet Key. These fi ve keys are home to beach plants, mangroves, wetlands, palm hammocks, native plants and hardwoods that each play a role in the preservation and protection of the natural environment. In addition, there have been more than 328 species of birds documented over 60 years by ornithologists. The beaches also provide refuge to the Loggerhead Sea Turtles whose females nest here. The beach is spectacular! Fort DeSoto was named America’s Top Beach in 2009 Trip Advisor. It certainly is fi lled with beauty and diversity. By Robin Francis There are over seven miles of waterfront at Fort DeSoto which includes almost three miles of white, sandy beach. There are picnic shelters, two fi shing piers, a fantastic dog park, miles of paved trails that are wonderful for bike riding or walking, boat launch areas, canoe trails, food concessions and ferry services to some of the other nearby islands in addition to the beautiful beach areas. It’s also a great area to fi nd Sand Dollars!

The historic Fort DeSoto was built in 1898 and is located on the park property. In 1849, a group of Army Engineers surveyed Florida’s coastline for defensive sights, recommending that Mullet Key be reserved. This group included Robert E. Lee, who later became the famous Confederate general. Fort DeSoto was built to defend Tampa, a major embarkation point for troops in the Spanish American War of 1898. In World War II, Mullet Key was a bombing range for planes stationed at MacDill. It was dedicated as a county park in 1963, and was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. Fort DeSoto has 243 campsites, each with water and electrical hook-ups, a picnic table and a charcoal grill. Many of the sites are next to the water, which is wonderful for kayak, canoe or boat launching. A camp store, dump stations, restrooms (that could use a remodel job) and laundry facilities are also available. Reservations are required. They are available to be booked up to six months in advance. You have to keep trying as they can be diffi cult to get! Another recommendation is do not come if the Red Tide is bad. We came last year during red tide and had to leave due to the dead fi sh and the smell. They completely refunded our visit. The only WiFi available is in and around the store and offi ce area near the front of the campground. Internet service at our campsite was satisfactory on our Verizon service. The beach is located approximately three miles from the campground. What was disappointing to me was that the beach area does not open until 7:00 am as I like to arrive at the beach around 6:00 am! It also closes at sunset. Pets and bicycles are allowed in the campground and on the beach sidewalk areas, however, they are not allowed on the beach. We would highly recommend this beautiful Florida county park. It is located close to St. Petersburg, which has a variety of museums, annual festivals, concerts, sporting events and cultural events. There is always something amazing happening in St. Petersburg!

Directions: Take I-4 West to I-275 South. Take exit 17 for Pinellas Bayway/FL682 and follow the signs! We prefer to take the southern route into St. Petersburg because of the traffi c. That would be going I-4 to 75 South to 275 North. Rates: Range from $37 to $48 including taxes and depending on site selection. This includes free entry into the park.

Robin Francis is not only an accomplished photographer but also enjoys traveling throughout Florida with her husband Steve. They have discovered lots of unique RV camping locations that off er plenty of bird and wildlife photo ops.