Unfortunately, the campground is currently considered 'flooded' and camping is restricted, but the Preserve is run by the Southwest Florida Management district and has over 2500 acres to explore. There are several primitive campsites and is a nice little getaway from the RV scene. Hiking, camping and horseback riding are the main activities, along with a model-airplane flying field.

During our journeys we came across this small, out of the way park that was quite a delight!

Serenova tract is part of the larger Jay B. Starkey wilderness park and can be accessed off of Route 52 in Land O' Lakes, Fl. The park offers free camping with a reservation which needs to be made with the Southwest Florida Wildlife Management District. The campsites are primitive, but each site has a picnic table and fire ring which doubles as a grill - you must provide your own firewood. Potable water is not available, so bring your own plus, directly across Route 52 is a Publix shopping center where you can get your water, groceries and ice!. The campsites are very well maintained, shaded by oak trees and separated enough to allow everyone to enjoy their peace while not disturbing their neighbors.

Hiking, biking, horseback riding and fishing are the staples of the park, including approx. 20 miles of trails along with a spring fed lake accessible after about a 2 1/2 mile hike. There is even a hand pump well and cast-iron bathtub used as a watering trough for the horses!

For the history buffs, the remains of a decaying chimney near the lake has long been rumored to be the remains of a hideout used by Al Capone.

Shell Key is one of the larger uninhabited islands off of the west coast of Florida near St. Petersburg. It is managed by the county, and all campers wishing to stay must get a (free) camping permit from Pinellas county. The key itself can only be accessed by water and you must carry in/out everything as there are no bathroom facilities available and all campers must bring a port-a-potty.

Once you decide to stay, you will be amazed by the white sands, abundant wildlife, crazy beautiful sunsets all while pitching your tent among the seagrass in one of the designated camping spots. On the west coast of the island is the blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico, while only footsteps away is the lush waters of the Intercoastal waterway. You can enjoy most water activities as well as what nature has to offer from bird and dolphin watching to fishing and hiking the almost 2 mile long island.

Great get away in west-central Florida as a day trip or long weekend stay.

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. Not to mention several parking areas throughout with playgrounds and an educational center make this a favorite for families to just get away.

Reservations can be made for camping up to 90 days in advance either online or at the park. We noticed several rangers and volunteers performing various tasks to improve the parks appearance. Will definitely be returning!

This was one of the unexpected highlights of our trip to the Smokey Mountains. Amazing views, good walking/hiking. A bit strenuous climbing the 400+ steps from the base of the waterfall to the top, but well worth it!

If you want to see 'Old Florida', you can't get much better than this - we spent the weekend kayaking along the myakka river and saw more wildlife than we could of imagined. Campgrounds are quiet with lush overgrowth between sites, clean restrooms and plenty to see and do within the park.

Only callout is the need to be mindful making reservations and staying at the park during the rainy season as some roads are awash and difficult to drive.

We've stayed at Ft. Desoto on several occasions; the most recent was an overnight to support a Sea Turtle habitat cleanup in the park and nearby Shell Key. As other's have mentioned, there is quite a waiting list for a camp site, whether for RV, trailer or tenting, but recently the park has started making 10% of the campsites available every Friday morning at 7 a.m. - both online and and in person at the park.

Great for water activities, nature trails, trips to nearby keys as well as just kicking your feet up and catching the amazing views..