11/11/2023 0 Comments Rv station near meMarkers showing the original building locations and a Quartermaster Storehouse Museum add to the park’s historic interest.Bear in mind that this post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Adding to the historical interest at Fort De Soto, two British breech-loading, rapid-fire rifles of 1890 vintage were installed in March 1982. 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 1977. The property was repurchased from the United States in 1948 for $26,500. 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 park property was first purchased from the federal government in 1938 for $12,500. Halloween Distance Classic Halfathon, 10K, & 5K ![]() to sunset Road Closures Upcoming Road Closures Due to Permitted Special Events There are also 2 fenced-in areas near the beach for large and small dogs with water stations (beach entrance is at the far southwest corner of dog park). Fort De Soto has the only dog park where dogs are allowed on the beach in a designated area. Dog park – Please review dog park rules.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.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.6.8 mile, 12-foot-wide asphalt recreation trail connects the campground with the North and East Beach Swim Centers and the historic fort.Fishing license is required throughout the park, including fishing piers.Two fishing piers – each pier has a food and bait concession – Gulf & Bay Pier Hours: 7 a.m.Two large swim centers including a food concession area located at the North Beach Swim Center.Multipurpose trail – seven miles of paved trail connecting North Beach, East Beach, the boat ramp and the camping area.Primitive youth camping area for organized youth groups.For information about camping reservations, cancellations, fees, facilities and rules, please visit our Camping Information page. Camping – 238-site family camping area with facilities.800-foot-long boat launching facility with eleven floating docks.Over 7 miles of waterfront, includes almost three miles of beautiful white sandy beach.1 Beach.Īnnual park attendance averages more than 2.7 million visitors. Beach” named Fort De Soto the nation’s No. The beach also provides refuge to the loggerhead sea turtle, which nests between April and September.įort De Soto was named America’s Top Beach for 2009 by Tripadvisor, the world’s largest online travel community. Each of these species plays a vital role in the preservation and protection of the natural environment.Īnother amazing example of the importance of the park’s natural ecosystems is the more than 328 species of birds that ornithologists have documents over a 60-year span. These keys are home to beach plants, mangroves, wetlands, palm hammocks, hardwoods and scores of native plants. 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). Emerging from the wealth of bird life, sea life, wildlife and plant life is the majestic tapestry called Fort De Soto. The complexity of the ecology is not immediately apparent, but the park offers the greatest diversity of systems just about anywhere. Whether you are sitting on the beach or kayaking near the still water’s edge at Fort De Soto, you find yourself absorbed in the abundance of natural beauty as far as the eye can see. Visa, Mastercard and American Express are accepted. Please note: If you are using the app or pay-by-text option, there is a $0.35 cent convenience fee for submitting your payment using the app or pay-by-text option. Patrons can pay the County’s $5 parking fee using either the mobile parking apps, pay-by-text, existing parking terminals or annual pass. ![]()
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