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KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Effective Oct. 3, 2024: The dock, boardwalk and lighthouse at Anclote Key Preserve State Park are closed for storm recovery efforts. Please follow instruction from park staff and avoid closed areas.

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Experiences & Amenities

Back to Anclote Key Preserve State Park

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  • Experiences & Amenities
  • History

Experiences

Birding
Birding

The islands of Anclote Key Preserve State Park are a haven for foraging and nesting shorebirds. During nesting season, thousands of shorebirds can be found nesting on Three Rooker Island. Please remember to keep your distance from nesting shorebirds.

  • An 1,800-foot section of the beach of Three Rooker is closed from May 1 to August 1 to help ensure nesting success.
Boating
Boating

The park has nearly 12,000 acres of beautiful gulf waters making Anclote Key Preserve State Park a boater’s paradise. You also can access the islands by ferry from Tarpon Springs or New Port Richey.

  • Due to the sensitive nature of this preserve, visitors are reminded that pets are not permitted on Anclote Key.
  • Due to the sensitive nature of these islands, boaters are reminded that pets are permitted only on North Anclote Bar. Pets must be on 6-foot handheld leash at all times.
Camping Primitive
Camping Primitive

Primitive camping is permitted on the very north end of Anclote Key. There is a compostable toilet for use in that area.

There is no water or any other amenities, so you will have to bring everything that you need.

  • Remember to pack it in, pack it out.
Fishing
Fishing

The fishing is outstanding throughout the park. Anglers report catches of sea trout, redfish snook and sharks.

Shelling
Shelling

Shell collecting along the beaches is a favorite activity. Collecting of live shellfish is prohibited.

Snorkeling
Snorkeling

The clear blue waters that make up the park are an excellent spot to snorkel and observe the abundance on sea life under the surface.

Swimming
Swimming

Swimming is an excellent way to enjoy the clear blue waters that make up the park.

  • There are no lifeguards on duty. Swimming is at your own risk.

Amenities

Beach
Beach
Beach Warning Flags Signage

Anclote Key Preserve State Park’s beaches are a great place to swim, play, sunbathe, collect shells or just sit back and relax.

Visitors to coastal parks are reminded to pay close attention to the warning flag signs posted at welcome stations and on the beaches. These flags indicate the swimming conditions at the beach:

  • Double red flags mean absolutely no swimming because of high winds and undertow currents
  • Yellow flag means swim with caution and stay close to shore
  • Green flag means that the waters are safe
  • Purple flag means that marine pests are present

Please use caution! Lifeguards are not provided.

Historic Site
Historic Site

The 110-foot Anclote Key Lighthouse was built in 1887. It is open to the public only during special events.

Restroom Facilities
Restroom Facilities

There are two compostable toilets on Anclote Key.

One is located at the north end of the island and one a short distance from the lighthouse compound.

Florida State Parks

Main Menu

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    • FAQs
    • Fees
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  • Events

Have Questions?

Contact the Statewide Information Line:

(850) 245-2157

Or send an email to:

FSP.Feedback@FloridaDEP.gov

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