Egmont Key State Park
Now partially home to a wildlife refuge, Egmont Key is a natural island escape with significant history. It was a camp for captured Seminoles during the Third Seminole War and was a Union Navy base during the Civil War. Located at the mouth of Tampa Bay, southwest of Fort De Soto Park. This 440-acre island is the home to one of the last government-operated lighthouses in the U.S. Built in 1858 still serves as an active navigational aide to all ships entering Tampa Bay.
Several boats offer snorkeling excursions to this island which is accessible only by boat. Egmont Key also has a variety of significant natural resources, including a large population of gopher tortoises, and its beach is used as a nesting area by loggerhead sea turtles. In addition to snorkeling, visitors to the island can enjoy beaches, hiking trails and the historic fort and lighthouse.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection cooperatively manages Egmont Key with the U.S. Fish And Wildlife Service and the U.S. Coast Guard
What Visitors Love
Can pull boat up to almost 5ft of shore to to quick drop off. Nif goid you can hop out and only get wet up to you knees on North west side. Very isolated tropical island feel with land mark and cool structures to visit. Fun to have a picnic on.
Nice place to visit if you can do long walks, bring water, and snacks there is no vendors on the key. Lots of wildlife. State Park as all Park protect wildlife . If you don't want to walk sit under a palm tree enjoy the beautiful waters and view
Beautiful island, arrived via ferry from Hubbards marina. Captain Zip and crew mate Bray were excellent! Saw lots of dolphins plus a manatee and a southern stingray. Island is simply paradise, lots of interesting trails to the lighthouse and fort. Tons of shells and shark teeth on the beaches. Water was the most tropical green, wish we could have stayed the entire day. Go early, 9am ferry and you will literally have the island to yourself!
Egmont Key still shows a lot of devastation from the two hurricanes but it’s a great place to visit still. The lighthouse area you can see gopher turtles, and is surrounded by some clearest waters on each side. Sometimes you see manatees chowing down on the healthy grass on the north east side. They have to eat about 100 pounds of grass a day.
Exceptional place just a very wonderful state park and beach day
General Information
- Family-friendly
- Free admission
Rates & Times
- Time to Experience Activity: Half day
On-Site Facilities & Services
- Picnic Area
Park Activities
- Boat Access
- Fishing