Park Photo De Soto National Memorial Ranger Led Kayak Tours **Following guidance from the CDC and recommendations from state and local public health authorities in consultation with NPS Public Health Service Officers, De Soto National Memorial is entering a phased reopening. The parking lot and trails are open during normal park hours. All Ranger-led Activities, including the kayak tour bookings and reservations, are on hiatus until further notice.**
Pet VisitsDe Soto National Memorial is pet friendly. We encourage visitors to bring their furry friends out to enjoy the park and it's trails and water areas. While you are here, there are a couple of rules we ask for you to follow to respect everyones use of the park:
Forty-five minute guided Trail Walks are offered by Park Rangers pending staff availability and weather. Inquire at the Visitor Center. For tour availability, call (941)792-0458, ext. 105. Camp UzitaOur Living History Camp is opened December through April. Rangers and volunteers dressed in period clothing will present talks on a variety of historical topics related to the De Soto Expedition and Florida's Native Americans. There will also be weapons and Spanish and native craft demonstrations throughout the day. Picnic Area A ten table picnic area is located adjacent to the parking lot and is available for visitors on a first come basis. Large groups and schools should call ahead to reserve seating. Grills and alcohol are not allowed within the park. Bird Watching The seasonal migration of birds brings many bird watchers to the park in the fall and early spring. The exact timing of migration is dependent upon weather. Come to our visitor center and inquire what new and rare birds have been sighted recently at De Soto National Memorial. Camping De Soto National Memorial has no facilities for camping. The park grounds are closed from sunset to sunrise. Beach Several small beaches are located within the park. The De Soto Point Beach is located west of De Soto Point and northwest of the Visitor Center. This beach is exposed to the current of the Manatee River and the waves of Tampa Bay. The Cove Beach located on the south side of De Soto Point and is more popular because it is sheltered from most current and waves. No life guards are on duty. Swimmers use park beaches at their own risk.
The Cove is a popular temporary anchorage for small pleasure boats. Canoes and kayaks that may easily carried to the water by hand may be launched from the park beaches provided that vegetation, terrain, and wildlife is not disturbed. Loud motors and the creation of excessive wave action is prohibited.
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Last updated: June 8, 2020