How to Enjoy Fort Desoto, Florida
- 1). Walk through what was once an actual army military post containing two gun batteries plus an additional 29 wooden structures used by military personnel until 1910. Construction of the post began in 1898 and was completed in 1907. Battery Laidley and Battery Bigelow were the first and second lines of defense for the fort and both were placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Battery Bigelow was destroyed during a hurricane and the other buildings were damaged and ultimately removed but through efforts by staff and volunteers, the buildings have been rebuilt using actual photographs along with army engineering documents to recreate the post. Historical photographs and artifacts along with an interactive computer program providing photos and a narrative about the history of the fort, provides and educational and interesting look at a part of Florida's diverse history.
- 2). Relax in your lounge chair as the pristine waters of the Gulf of Mexico gently lap the shores of the seven miles of waterfront creating an inviting atmosphere in the Florida sun where you can enjoy three miles of powdery white sand beaches, brilliant blue skies and warm breezes. Whether you're swimming, sunbathing or strolling along the beach, the unspoiled beauty of the beach area is complemented by the natural beauty of the park itself that is lined with palm trees and palmettos.
- 3). Swimming centers are located in the North Beach Swim Center and include a food concession for your convenience. There are also two fishing piers available with one located on Tampa Bay and the other on the Gulf of Mexico. At both piers you can pick up a bite to eat for yourself as well as purchase bait for fishing. Other amenities include a snack bar and souvenir shop, ample picnic tables at the Arrowhead Picnic area and a large boat launching facility.
- 4). Hiking through the park on one of the four trails, provides an opportunity to observe the natural beauty and different species of flora and fauna throughout the park. There is a short nature trail that has been designed for accessibility by all visitors, a 3/4 mile trail at the Soldiers' Hole area, a 1-mile trail located at the Arrowhead Picnic area and for the adventurous, a 6.8 mile trail connecting the campground area to the fort and swimming centers. Canoes are available to rent and the canoe trail meanders along through the mangrove for 2.25 miles. Bicycles are also available to rent and the park also offers scheduled walking tours which provides an opportunity for bird watching.
- 5). Camping at Fort DeSoto is available year-round. The camp sites are equipped with electricity and water, picnic tables and grills, restrooms and showers, a camp store for supplies, disposal station, washer and dryer facilities and a play area for the children. There are some sites that are available immediately upon arrival at the park but if you plan to spend several days at the park, reservations are required ahead of time and pets are allowed only in specifically designated camping sites.
