This island refuge was once the site of the former United States Army Fort Dade Military Reservation, and abundant reminders of this unique military past can be found scattered throughout the island today. Silent gun batteries testify to a time when mighty battleships reigned supreme on the world's oceans, and a brick carriage road meanders across the island recalling the days when mules and horses carried military personnel and their dependents on sunny picnics to the beaches. Today, gulls, least terns and other birds perch on the now silent batteries, while Gopher Tortoises, box turtles and an occasional tourist traverse the old carriage roads. Egmont key, an island that once quaked under the sound of massive coastal cannon fire, now resides quietly amid the sounds of wildlife as, once more, nature has taken over this little slice of Florida paradise
General Information:
Getting There . . .
Arial shot of Egmont Key NWR. Credit: USFWS
Egmont Key is located at the mouth or entrance to Tampa Bay. There are no bridges connecting it to St. Petersburg (to the north) or Anna Maria Island (to the south). Access is limited to watercraft only. Private charters are available in both Manatee and Pinellas Counties for a fee.
Hours of Operation
Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.
Driving Directions
Egmont Key is located at the mouth of Tampa Bay, southwest of Fort DeSoto Beach. Access by private boat only.
Park Fees
Admission Fee:
No entrance fee is required to enter this park.
Egmont Key State Park
4905 34th Street South, #5000
St. Petersburg, Florida 33711
Phone: 727- 893 - 2627
Fax: 727- 893- 2627
