Anclote Key Preserve State Park — Attraction in Tarpon Springs

The place is pretty nice but it's the people who absolutely ruin it at The boat ramp. The beach is a smaller area with a playground a pavilion and outside grills. We saw some lifeguards. It was roped off for safety. This area was fine with ample parking. We brought our boat back to use the ramps. Trying to avoid crowds for our first visit we went mid afternoon. People were blocking people from getting to the ramp to launch or pick up and doing it while they were getting themselves together. Cars were cutting around trying to pass in the parking lot to get ahead of other boats. Anyway boats are everywhere as are jet skis. All trying to leave and come in. We waited about 20 mins when a spot opened we began launching. Tying the boat while trailer was moved when a boater began cussing and screaming at the people on the ramps. Demanding 30 boats had to come in before any could launch. He was insulting everyone. No one had any idea on boats about waiting in parking area and who is waiting. Then parking area had no idea there was an alleged line that seemingly this one guy was aware of and no one else. It's disorganized and while most people at other ramps try to be fair this one is not. People feel entitled here. Not all but many we encountered today. Upon returning 3 rows coming in when two boaters next to us and the boater on the other side almost had a fist fight over getting too close to someone else who left their door open. Out in the water you had people cutting off faster boats and people just disrespectful of one another. Parking gets over full here and people get mad. The nature reserve is nice and old lighthouse is cool but I am unclear where u dock your boat to go onto the island. There is a large dock but you are not alllwed to use it. I don't know of any closer ramps that might be a little more polite than this one. Upon leaving trucks were blocking others. It was chaos. It is a shame many think...

FOR CAMPERS: I went with my young son. We sailed to the island from the Anclote boat launch. We arrived on the North side for camping. Sailed (we can beach the boat) around to the west side beach (less currents, more friendly for playing in the water). We had a great beach day. Lots of kids for him to play with (a boat every 10 feet...not really my thing but good for him. A couple mentioned that they once had to turn back because there were so many boats they couldn't get to the island). I set up the tent on the upper beach above the high tide mark, but due to potential swells that would affect the boat, we went to the Northeast side of the island to camp. During the day not a single mosquito. The locals haul butt home before sunset, for good reason. We pulled up to a spot tied the boat off to a tree and set up camp under the Mangroves as the treeline is essentially the waterline. I felt a few mosquitos, but after awhile I realized what microneedling must feel like at a spa. The heat of our fire to cook kept them away, but afterwards we used so much DEET I was worried we might get intoxicated. For a while the mosquitos go away to make way for the no-see-ums and gnats. Then they come back afterwards. We were going to stay two nights, but about 2 am my son woke to say this trip is perfect...except for the mosquitos. He was ready to cut it short. Our tent doesn't let no-see-ums in, or gnats in because of the tight knit screens. The breeze off the water was great, but not enough to hold back the mosquitos even along the shore line. The locals know how to do it. Arrive early, play all day, and then leave before the afternoon thunderstorms of sunset. Which ever...

The Island is natural Florida at it's best. Remote though near to land. There are no amenities such as , fresh water, electricity, or food. If you plan on visiting bring all necessary supplies with you. There is a light tower on the south end that's unmanned and no Rangers stay on the island. Camping is permitted on the north end of the island. The water around the island is shallow flats, approximately 3 ft deep for the most part. Shallow draft vessels only. Clean, clear swimming and fishing from the island and nice beaches. Mosquitos at night and an abundant Raccoon population. Store food well or loose it and be kept awake all night from Coons ransacking, Chittering, and fighting over your food all night. Believe me, I know from experience. I think it's best for day trips only, but that's just my opinion. You can decide for yourselves. The island is 3 miles out from Anclote Park and 4 miles in length. It's covered in Mangroves and 3 ft grasses. No open grassy areas inshore to picnic. Some trails. Beware...