Fancy lounging on the palm-fringed shores of the Florida Keys or camping by tropical beaches but don’t want to stray too far from Tampa? Fort De Soto Park is the perfect compromise, with its five interlinked islands affording 1,136 acres of white-sand beaches and manatee-filled mangroves along the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay. Bring your boat, opt for a kayak rental, or get out on a canoe to paddle around the islands, hike or bike along miles of scenic nature trails, and explore the Fort De Soto historic site. You’ll want to stay longer, so snag a tent or RV site at the beachfront campground, all a short stroll from the water.

1. Campers can reserve one of 238 Fort De Soto Park Campground campsites in advance via the Pinellas County Parks online reservation system.
2. Fort De Soto is often mistaken for a state park, but campsite reservations for this county park open six months in advance for non-residents of Pinellas County and seven months in advance for residents. 
3. Camping spots book up fast, especially for summer and holiday weekends, and many sites sell out on the first day of availability. Plan ahead and reserve your site as early as possible to avoid disappointment. 
4. Tent camping sites are more likely to be available on shorter notice but still come with picnic tables and charcoal grills.

Fort De Soto Park is hugely popular with both locals and travelers, especially during the summer months and on sunny weekends throughout the year. Expect heavy traffic and long wait times along the road to the island during peak times—arrive early (before 10am) to avoid the worst and plan a weekday visit if possible. The park is open daily from 7am through sunset.

• Fort De Soto Park is set at the mouth of Tampa Bay, off the coast of St. Petersburg. Access to the park's islands is via Pinellas Bayway S/679. Shell Key Preserve is nearby but only accessible via boat.
• Daily parking fees apply at Fort De Soto Park; admission is free for visitors arriving on foot or by bike. A saltwater fishing license is required to fish anywhere in the park. 
• Facilities include a small camp store, food stands, picnic areas, restrooms, a dog beach, a boat ramp, and two fishing piers. Fort De Soto Campground has water and electric hookups, wifi, fire pits, dump station access for RVers, and laundry facilities. 
• There are accessible camping areas, beaches, restrooms, and picnic areas at Fort De Soto Park, including North Beach and Arrowhead.