Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park

Location

10500 Wilderness Park Blvd.
New Port Richey, FL 34655
(727) 834-3247 Kiosk/Reservations
(727) 834-3262 Maintenance

Hours of Operation

Open 7 days a week from dawn to dusk.

Park Information

This regional park covers over 8,300 acres of land and is a cooperative venture between the Southwest Florida Water Management District and Pasco County Parks and Recreation. The park consists of a kiosk, open space, camping area, horse corral and equestrian trail, nature and multi-purpose trails, day use area, shelters and pavilions, playgrounds, horseshoe and volleyball courts. The birding trail was designated by the Audubon Society and 177 species of birds have been viewed. For more information, you can visit their website at www.westpascoaudubon.com.

The multi-purpose trail consists of 7.3 miles of paved surface for bike riding, roller blading, jogging or walking and it connects to the Suncoast Trail (PDF) (42 miles) which runs along the west side of the Suncoast Parkway and stretches across Hillsborough, Pasco and Hernando counties with eight trailheads in Pasco County. There is a 10 mile equestrian trail and 13 miles of hiking trails. For information on other trails, visit www.floridagreenwaysandtrails.com.

Dogs are allowed in the day use area, the hiking and paved bike trail but must be on a 6' leash. No dogs are allowed in the camping area or equestrian trail.

Amenities

  • Camping / Nature Trails
  • Playgrounds
  • Bike Trail (Connects to Suncoast Trail)
  • Volleyball (Outdoor)
  • Horseshoe Pits / Equestrian trail
  • Picnic Area / Shelter
  • Open Space

Camping Information:

There are 16 tent camp sites with restrooms and showers and a small shelter. On the hiking trail, there are three remote (primitive) camping sites without any facilities. Tent camping is $10/night April-September and $15/night October-March. Primitive camping is $5/night year round. Group site tent camping fees are as follows: 9-16 persons is $20/$25 night; 17-24 persons is $25/$30 night; 25-32 persons is $30/$35 night; 33-40 persons is $35/$40 night. Groups reserving the entire tent camping area may be made up to 90 days in advance. (Group and individual weekends alternate). Only two tent sites per individual per weekend. Only two cars are permitted to park free with camping reservation.

Cabin Information:

Large cabin (8 people max) $30/$35 night
Pavilion and shelter reservations can be made online or you can visit one of the following locations and pay on site:

To reserve a shelter, for weekdays only, you can reserve it on line ($2.00 convenience fee applies) or pay at one of the following three sites with check, cash or credit card (no convenience fees apply): 

Reservation Payment Options: 

  1. Pay with credit card online  ($2.00 convenience fee will apply)
  2. Reserve and pay at one of the following three sites with check, cash or credit card (no convenience fees apply) :

For a smoother check in process, we highly recommend filling out and bringing the appropriate forms upon arrival.

Cabin Registration Form (PDF)
Camping Rules - Cabin & Tent Area (PDF)
Group Tent Camping Registration (PDF)
Remote Tent Registration Form (PDF)
Reservation Form (PDF)
Tent Camping Registration Form (PDF)
Tent Camping Registration - April through September (PDF)

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Forms and Maps
Activity Schedule
Off-Road Bike Trail Map
Painted Rock Rules