Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park offers versatile camping options within a 8,300-acre wilderness preserve just minutes from Port Richey. The park maintains 16 drive-in tent sites, several primitive hike-in sites, and cabin accommodations. Temperatures average 72°F in winter and 90°F in summer, with highest rainfall between June and September. Campers should reserve sites well in advance through the Pasco County Parks and Recreation website.
What to do
Explore extensive trail systems: The primitive camping areas at Starkey Park offer a more secluded experience while providing access to miles of trails. One camper noted, "We spent the day hiking the numerous off-road trails and enjoying some of the amenities the park has to offer. The park has separate primitive tent, car-camping (tent) and cabin campgrounds near the entrance of the park along with over 50 miles of biking, hiking, nature as well as equestrian trails to enjoy."
Observe wildlife in natural habitats: Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park supports diverse ecosystems where visitors regularly spot native species. "We come out to Starkey all the time, for the hiking and for the on and off road biking. We came out here with a group and did some backcountry camping (just one night) at Primitive 1... Primitive 1 is a heavily shaded and flat site with plenty of room and privacy," shares a regular visitor.
Paddle through mangrove canals: E.G. Simmons Regional Park offers water-based exploration opportunities close to Port Richey. "We were in site 55 of the East CG which was right on the water where we launched our kayaks to paddle the canals amongst the Mangroves... Great place to paddle a kayak in the Mangrove canals. Right on Tampa Bay," reports one kayaker who enjoyed the waterfront camping.
What campers like
Private, spacious tent sites: Campers appreciate the well-designed layout at Starkey Wilderness Park. "Starkey's Campground has everything you could want or need. Friendly staff, plenty of critters, and beautiful trails to walk. Campsite #9 has so far been my most favorite spot here. It's VERY spacious (could easily fit 5 large tents here) and the back of the site has a trail that leads directly to The McNeil Homestead," explains one reviewer.
Waterfront camping options: Fort De Soto Campground offers premium waterside glamping close to Port Richey. "Beautiful, sites nice amenities all very nice kinda crowded when I went but still nice," remarks one visitor. Another camper explains, "We had neighbors on both sides and across (this places always sells out) and it was still fairly secluded. They did a great job at keeping a lot of natural growth to maintain privacy and a true tropical feel."
Clean facilities and amenities: Despite the natural setting, Starkey maintains well-kept bathrooms and common areas. "The bathrooms are clean and easily accessible. There are also 3 primitive campsites available out on the trails," notes a camper who visited with young children. This makes glamping close to Port Richey, Florida more comfortable for families and those new to outdoor experiences.
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