Camping at America’s Number One Beach

Fort DeSoto’s North Beach in Fort DeSoto Park, Florida was named Dr. Beach’s top American beach. Not only is Fort DeSoto famous for it’s incredible beach, it is also widely known for its historic value and wonderful campground.

Located in the county of Pinellas, Florida, Fort DeSoto also leads the way as Pinellas’ largest park. Fort DeSoto consists of five, yes five, interconnected islands. Along with topping the charts of America’s number one beach, Fort DeSoto has also made an impression for its historical value. On Feb. 7, 1978 Fort DeSoto Park made its grand debut into the National Register of Historic Places.

But in my opinion, it isn’t the incredible beaches or wealth of historic knowledge that makes this park the best. It is the incredible campground! Camping at Fort DeSoto Park offers a host of nature experiences certain to please any outdoor loving individual.

The campground offers an 800-foot long boat launch with 11 boat docks. When camping at Fort DeSoto, make sure to bring the boat. You will not want to miss the beautiful view of the ocean, the incredible fishing piers, (Fort DeSoto has 2 fishing piers, one is 500 feet long, the other is 1,000 feet long), or just watching the incredible Florida sunset over America’s number one beach, North Beach at Fort DeSoto.

If you have never seen the infamous Florida white sand, then this camping trip will be another amazing banquet for your eyes. Fort DeSoto Park is home to over 7 miles of waterfront that consists of nearly three miles of gorgeous white sand.
There is a canoeing trail as well that was completed in 1997. It is 2.25 miles long. Canoeing is a favorite of many campers, and there is nothing more peaceful and tranquil then a canoeing trip at Fort DeSoto Park.
Florida is home to some of the most beautiful and exotic wildlife and flora. In fact, Florida derived its name from the Spanish and means, “feast of flowers”. You will feast your eyes upon breathtaking flowers and wildlife as you hike through the 2,200 ft. Barrier- Free Nature Trail.

There is a wonderful museum located in the park as well, “Fort DeSoto Quartermaster Storehouse Museum” that will combine history and education with your camping pleasures. Best of all, admission for the museum is free.

The campground facilities provide water and electricity (up to 30 AMPS) picnic tables, and charcoal grills. They also conveniently provide modern restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities. The nightly rate is $25.00 and tax for a total of $27.75. Not bad for an exquisite camping get-away at America’s number one beach.