Park Summary for Print - Anclote Key Preserve State Park

Welcome to Anclote Key Preserve State Park

Blue-green Gulf waters lap gently along the preserve´s beautiful four-mile-long beach. Located three miles off the coast of Tarpon Springs, this park is accessible only by private boat. Visitors must bring water and supplies; there are no provisions on the island. The park is home to at least 43 species of birds, including the American oystercatcher, bald eagle, and piping plover. A picturesque 1887 lighthouse stands as a sentinel on the southern end of the island. Visitors can swim and sunbathe at the beach, then fire up a grill and enjoy a picnic. There is no charge for overnight stays in the primitive campground, but campers must check in by calling the park before arrival.

Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about Anclote Key Preserve State Park, please call 727- 469 - 5942.

Hours of Operation

Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.

Driving Directions

Anclote Key State Preserve is located three miles off Tarpon Springs and is accessible only by private boat.

Park Fees

Admission Fee:

No entrance fee is required to enter this park.

Primitive Camping Fee:

Primitive camping is free but you must call 727-638-4447 to check in. Please have your boat registration number, number of campers, arrival and departure dates and a contact phone number in case of emergency.

Activities at Anclote Key Preserve State Park

	Beaches Come relax or play on our beach
	Boating Boating is available
	Facilities Restroom facilities are available at the park, however there are no ADA accessible restrooms at this time.
	Picnicking Two picnic pavilions are located at the middle of the island along the Gulf of Mexico side as well as one pavilion at the north end, in the designated primitive campground. Each picnic area is complete with composting toilet facilities, picnic tables and grills. No reservations are necessary as they are a first come first served basis. Please note that there are no electic hook-up nor running water available on the island. Please carry out what you carried in at this preserve.
	Primitive Camping Primitive camping is available
	Swimming Swimming is allowed off the beaches of Anclote, but there are no lifeguards on duty.
	Wildlife Viewing Wildlife viewing is possible at this park

Special Events for Anclote Key Preserve State Park

There are no events listed at this time. Please call our park for more details on possible future events.

Anclote Key Preserve State Park Ranger Programs

Anclote Key Preserve State Park History

About 1,000 years ago this island was pushed up from the Gulf floor to rest on a limestone platform. Its geologic growth hasn’t stopped. Recent research has documented a 30 percent increase in the size of Anclote since 1957.

Anclote Key Preserve State Park Volunteer Information

Volunteers can do many things -- greet visitors, conduct tours, help rangers remove exotic plants or maintain the natural beauty of a beach, waterway or trail. Our volunteers have contributed tremendously to the park. If you would like to help, please contact the park at 727-298-2305. You can see available Volunteer Position Vacancy Announcements on the Parks Webpage. Simply click on the "News Articles" link to view the announcements.