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
Guest Reviews
Not at all the same. There need to be funding for this park so it can continue to be what it was. We have been to Egmont key years ago and it was beautiful now it is all over grown and you can’t walk to half of the historic sites. I am glade my family and I went when it was operational. We did have fun and the plan trees are beautiful but wish we could have had the full experience.
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
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.
Nice park, great to relax and spend the day exploring and watching dolphins. No bathrooms or convenience stores so come ready.
General Information
- Family-friendly
- Free admission
- Hours: 8 a.m. - sunset.
Rates & Times
- Time to Experience Activity: Half day
On-Site Facilities & Services
- Picnic Area
Park Activities
- Boat Access
- Fishing