Anclote Key Preserve State Park in Florida, USA - map and visitor information

Research checked: 2026-10-23. Check linked official notices before travel.

Anclote Key Preserve State Park protects four islands about 3 miles off Tarpon Springs on Florida's Gulf coast. Reach the preserve by private boat or ferry for beaches, coastal habitats, and views of its historic lighthouse. An overnight trip needs a different plan: ferries do not drop off campers, and primitive camping requires registration and your own transportation.

Four islands beyond Tarpon Springs

• Island beaches: The preserve includes Anclote Key, North Anclote Bar, South Anclote Bar, and Three Rooker Island.
• Historic lighthouse: See the 1887 lighthouse on Anclote Key. Entry and climbs depend on special events.
• Coastal habitats: Observe shorebirds and the transition between beach, island vegetation, and surrounding shallow water.

Know before you go

Fees, hours, and seasonal access

Prepare for an offshore visit

Bring drinking water, food, sun protection, and insect protection. There are no provisions for purchase on the islands. Swimming areas have no lifeguards. Arrange your return transport before leaving the mainland, and confirm the boat operator's weather policy.

Follow island-specific rules

Dogs are allowed only on North Anclote Bar and must stay on a handheld leash no longer than 6 feet. North Anclote Bar is a separate island from the camping area at the north end of Anclote Key. Leave live shellfish in place, avoid nesting areas, and carry all trash back to the mainland. The park's activity guidance explains these island restrictions.

Register before an overnight trip

Call the ranger at 727-638-4447 to register for primitive camping. The Friends of Anclote Key camping guidance gives the registration contact. Do not book a daytime ferry and assume it can leave you overnight. Confirm landing, return transport, and toilet arrangements with staff before committing to the trip.

Reach the preserve by water

The islands lie offshore from Tarpon Springs, Florida. A navigation pin for Anclote Key does not identify a road entrance. Choose your mainland departure point with your boat operator, then confirm which island and landing the trip serves. Lighthouse visitors should also check the current open-house arrangements; the dock is for staff use, so visitors cannot assume a dock landing.

Nearby parks after returning to the mainland

• Honeymoon Island State Park: Drive to the Dunedin Causeway and the park entrance at 1 Causeway Boulevard. Check current beach conditions before planning a walk.
• Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park: Use the main entrance at 8737 U.S. Highway 19 North in Port Richey for a mainland coastal park stop.

Choose an island day trip or primitive camp

For a day trip, choose a boat outing that allows time on the island you want to visit. Beach walking, wildlife observation, and lighthouse views offer different ways to spend a landing. Keep the nesting closure in mind when visiting Three Rooker Island.

For an overnight stay, use the designated primitive camping area at the north end of Anclote Key. Bring all supplies and take them away again. A lighthouse climb needs its own confirmed event arrangement; it is not included automatically in a beach or camping visit.

Carry essentials from the mainland

Prepare for a primitive island setting without drinking-water supplies, electricity, or trash collection at camp. Pack enough water for the full stay and any transport delay. Confirm toilet arrangements before an overnight visit, and do not depend on island facilities for essential supplies.

About the island preserve

The lighthouse and coastal navigation

The Anclote Key lighthouse began operating in 1887 to help vessels navigate this coast. Restoration returned the light to service in 2003 after its earlier deactivation. The Friends' lighthouse history explains the structure's working life and restoration.

Give coastal wildlife room

Beaches, island vegetation, and surrounding seagrass habitats support coastal wildlife. Watch shorebirds from a distance and stay outside marked nesting areas. Keep observation separate from collecting or disturbing living animals.

Contact the preserve before a boat trip

Call the park at 727-241-6106 for current access questions. Use the official preserve page for park notices before departure.