J.B. Starkey Wilderness Park covers over 8,300 acres of land and is a cooperative venture between the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) and Pasco County Parks and Recreation. Together with the adjoining 6,500 acre Serenova Tract to the north and the 1,300 acre Anclote River Ranch Tract to the south, the Starkey Wilderness Preserve is one of the largest recreational areas in central Florida - all open to the public for exploration and recreation.

Starkey Wilderness Park is a favorite with local residents in west Pasco County. Bicyclists make frequent use of the paved multi-use trail that runs from the park entrance on Starkey Boulevard all the way to the west boundary where it joins with the Suncoast Trail - a 7.3 mile ride one way. And mountain bikers have 12 miles of single-track trail to explore. It is common to find casual hikers and dedicated backpackers taking advantage of the large trail network that takes them deep into the wilderness areas of the park.

Two rivers flow through the park - the Anclote and the Pithlachascotee. Neither river is navigable this far up stream, and no kayak launch facility is available. Hiking in and around the floodplains near the rivers is, however, a spectacular experience - in the dry season of course (October through March).

The park offers all of the amenities and facilities required for an extended camping or vacation destination - including  rental cabins and tent camping. The campground has full restroom and shower facilities, picnic shelters, and a playground. There is even a corral, trailer parking, and 10 miles of horse trails for equestrian campers.

The main day-use area of the park includes five picnic shelters and two large pavilions available for family get-togethers, birthday parties, or large gatherings. There is also a large centrally located children's playground. Several short hiking trails and boardwalks suitable for families and small children offer a good way to explore the natrual surroundings and the area near the Pithlachascotee River.

Here's a list of the features of Starkey Wilderness Park...

• Large day use area with 5 picnic shelters accommodating up to 50 people each, and two large pavilions for up to 100 people. Pasco GeoFest will be centered at pavilion "A" next to the playground.
• 4 and 8 person cabins with shower and restroom facilities.
• Tent camping area with shower and restroom facilities.
• Primitive tent camping areas (with no facilities, and not accessible by automobile).
• Equestrian facilities including a corral, trailer parking, equestrian camping area, and 10 miles of marked horse trails. The adjoining Serenova Tract offers 18 additional miles of horse trails and a larger equestrian camping area.
• 27 miles of marked wilderness hiking trails.
• A 7.3 mile paved bicycle path suitable for in-line skating. This path connects to the 42 mile paved Suncoast Trail.
• 12 miles of single-track mountain bike trail.
• Part of the Audubon Society's Great Florida Birding Trail - 177 species of birds have been viewed in the park.
• Large children's playground next to pavilion "A".
• Environmental education center with classroom and laboratory facilities.
• Volleyball courts and athletic field.
• Horseshoe pits next to the large pavilions.
• McNeil homestead historic and archeological site.
• Dogs are allowed in the day use area - on a 6 foot leash. Sorry, no dogs in the overnight camping areas.
• ADA approved restroom facilities.Activities & Facilities
  
  PlaygroundPicnic shelterDogs allowedShort hiking trailsLong hiking trailsPaved bike trailsMountain bike trailsHorse trailsTent campingCabins
  
  
  

• Trail map
• Mountain bike trail map
• Pasco County Parks & Recreation website for J. B. Starkey Wilderness Park
• SWFWMD website for Starkey Wilderness Preserve
• SWFWMD website for J. B. Starkey Wilderness Park
• Pasco County reservations website for cabins, tent campsites, and picnic pavilions
• Starkey Wilderness Preserve 2005 land use plan