Fort De Soto County Park

"I adore this park. So much preserved space, preserved dunes by incredible clean, white, huge beaches. Well maintained, good signs, so much space, SO MANY birds (Osprey heaven). Campsites are exceptional wilth so many trees between them, and an amazing tidal mangrove ecosystem you can explore. Lots of common space for walking and exploring. Loved the darkness at night, good star watching, relatively. So many wind- and kite-surfers here! And it was a 4 minute drive from some awesome restaurants when it was too windy to cook outside."

"Well maintained park. Lots of parking. Lots of places of interest. Been there many times and will definitely return. Lots of shells if you interested. Went with a group of friends (16 of us from all over the US and Canada!!)"

"We go here all the time but this was the first time we camped & fished at the new pier. It's important to note that a lot of the campsites are on the water, but it's not safe to swim there...and you're not right on the beach. All camping gear & stuff has to stay in the designated camping area. I was hoping I could put my tent up right on the beach...oh well"

"Few toll roads to get out but a beautiful camp site and location. Bathrooms were clean and well ventilated, campground was split between dog and no dog areas, electrical at your site, but surprisingly no fire pit (fire ring for rent). Waterfront spots are wonderful if you want ease of access to drop in your watercraft. Bayou was full of wildlife. Fort is great for any SWFL historians and everything was well maintained."

"Fort Desoto used to be a real gem. It was bustling with friendly workers who were constantly cleaning the park and assisting patrons. Many people don’t know they had a full crews of journeyman types; electricians, wood-shop, painters, masons, mechanics that provided services to south county and two resident supervisors that lived on the island. Handful of park rangers that patrolled. There was a welcoming center for people to come in and learn about the park and ask questions or come to if you were injured or needed help. Full crew of lifeguards that also helped people not drown and treat wounds injuries. They had tours teaching about the Fort and telling stories. It was an exciting place to be and to work at. I worked as a lifeguard here for a handful of years and met my wife here. The skeleton crew that now work there barely know the culture that was there before them. The sad faces of the people that walk up to the welcoming administration building only to find a locked door and empty offices. I’m guessing some people got some raises for firing all the help and we lost a bunch of good services and local jobs for our community."