Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park
Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park
Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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4.5
365 reviews
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Terrible
5
Cheapscot
Cheapscot7 contributions
Apr 2024 • Solo
Bicycle path that goes for 30 to 50 to 100 mile options right outside cabin. Bicycles are allowed in cabin but no pets. Bunk beds are comfortable when I double up the pads. Bring your own blankets and bedding. 1light bulb 1 outlet in cabin. Outside electric for cooking and heating water. Grills for master bbq. Quiet at night. Peaceful. Great hikes and bike riding. Water spigot outside cabin. Showers are refreshing but not hot. After a bike ride you will appreciate.
Written April 6, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
flashsam7267
Knaresborough, UK3,614 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
We were nearby and someone recommended this place as somewhere to see gopher tortoises.
Unfortunately we didn't see any but we still had a good time.
Plenty of restrooms around the park, but no proper maps that we found.
I saw on the map app on my phone that there was a nature trail parking area so we headed there.
Parked and followed the nature trail wooden signs and did a really nice 1 mile circular walk through the forest. Didn't see any wildlife but the scenery was really lovely.
I'm sure there were loads of other areas to explore with other walking trails so would come back in future if they had better maps available on their website.
Unfortunately we didn't see any but we still had a good time.
Plenty of restrooms around the park, but no proper maps that we found.
I saw on the map app on my phone that there was a nature trail parking area so we headed there.
Parked and followed the nature trail wooden signs and did a really nice 1 mile circular walk through the forest. Didn't see any wildlife but the scenery was really lovely.
I'm sure there were loads of other areas to explore with other walking trails so would come back in future if they had better maps available on their website.
Written December 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kim H
11 contributions
Nov 2022 • Friends
We did a few day camping trip here. The park is absolutely beautiful and well kept up. The bath houses were clean and stocked with plenty of hot water! (It was chilly when we went) We did some hiking on the trails too. Some of the paths were not very wide but still able to stay on the trail. Plenty of wildlife to see and hear. We saw a few different hawks, owls, deer in our campsite, plenty of birds, tortoises, turkeys and even heard a pack of coyotes in the back country area one night! Stars were beautiful and bright as can be without all the light pollution. Definitely a hidden gem and a great few days away. Can't wait to go back!
Written November 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sue G
3 contributions
Jan 2022 • Solo
I’d give them a zero if possible!
Booked a cabin for 4 nights while taking classes at the park. No one told me that these $50/night accommodations have no heat, electricity (has one overhead bulb) no bathroom
, etc. It’s just a room with 4 bunk beds! Certainly NOT where someone wants to stay for 4 nights in the winter cold. I left and found a motel and when I returned the keys, I saw the “ NO REFUNDS” sign. There should be an online description showing exactly what these cabins are or the booking agent should make that clear. This was a total rip off and I’m sure I’m not the only one. In my experience, when a state park offers “cabins for rent” it is assumed that the “little things” like heat and a shower will be in it!!!!
Booked a cabin for 4 nights while taking classes at the park. No one told me that these $50/night accommodations have no heat, electricity (has one overhead bulb) no bathroom
, etc. It’s just a room with 4 bunk beds! Certainly NOT where someone wants to stay for 4 nights in the winter cold. I left and found a motel and when I returned the keys, I saw the “ NO REFUNDS” sign. There should be an online description showing exactly what these cabins are or the booking agent should make that clear. This was a total rip off and I’m sure I’m not the only one. In my experience, when a state park offers “cabins for rent” it is assumed that the “little things” like heat and a shower will be in it!!!!
Written January 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Smudgelady
Toronto49 contributions
Feb 2020
we visited the park for a one hour visit in the middle of the day, there were lots of cars in the Educational Centre parking lot. We were gone only ONE HOUR, and someone had broken into our locked car, took all the credit cards and cash. We reported to the park kiosk and they had already printed papers with the sherif office, so obviously happens a lot. Credit cards were used within the hour, so someone saw us leave. LEAVE NOTHING in your car! Great walking trail though.
Written February 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Diane B
Norfolk, VA107 contributions
Jan 2022
We were visiting family last month and found this wonderful state park. It's well maintained with plenty of parking and free to visit! My husband and I enjoyed a quiet afternoon here and plan to return when we go visit again. It would be interesting to see how the seasons change here with so many trees in the park. Go for a pleasant day trip, the air is lovely and fresh from all the vegetation!
Written February 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jodi Z
Odessa, FL3 contributions
May 2020
Great bike paths for miles. Smooth, paved paths for true riders and families. There are rest area benches with shade where you can fill up your water bottles and take a break. I haven't tried any of the hiking trails yet but easily ride the bike paths several times a week.
Written June 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mike T
Niagara Falls, NY408 contributions
Mar 2021
We went here looking for a place to hike and picnic and found it to be the right spot. Lots of options for hiking and picnicking, wish we had some bikes to ride here though.
Saw some evidence of wild pigs digging up the mud while on trail (didn't see any pigs though)
Saw some evidence of wild pigs digging up the mud while on trail (didn't see any pigs though)
Written March 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kathleen T
19 contributions
Jul 2014 • Family
It was an experience I will never forget.We rented a cabin for 2 Nights but was only there for a couple of hours. The cabin was scary no lighting.There is no protection there what so ever your locked in a gate. We were so scared we heard people talking and not a single soul was up there. We were the only ones that rented a cabin. The cabins have beds in it like a prison camp.Its haunted and scary stay away from this place!!!
Written May 20, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bluecookies
Davenport, FL2,677 contributions
Dec 2014 • Family
My family and I visited Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park for the first time since moving to the area earlier in the year.
When you enter the park, there is a $2 fee. Most other Pasco County parks have a pay station where you park first, then go to the station where you drop your money in, grab a pass and put it on your dash. This park has an electronic pay station you feed your money into upon arriving. It's not a problem, except when I fed my money in, it dispenses the pass way down closer to the ground. I was in a mini van and it was impossible, even with my seat belt off to reach through the window to grab the pass. Be sure you allow a little extra room to open your door to reach your pass!
After that there was no immediate map or signage posted. We just followed the road to see where it led us not really sure where we were going. We finally made it to the kiosk where we were able to pick up a map (and other literature) but honestly, the map was not much of a help. The quality was very poor and pretty much impossible to read.
We continued driving around just sort of exploring on our own not really sure where we were headed. Along the way we saw a couple good sized turtles crossing the road that we all got a kick out of! We finally saw some signage for a playground. With small kids in tow we pulled in to let them play. It was a very nice area with a few different play structures.
We eventually wandered into some of the trails nearby just to enjoy a nature walk. The trails were not long making it easy for little feet. The only wildlife we saw were more turtles, but I'm sure with how loud my kids are they could have easily scared away other animals!
On our way out we noticed other facilities such as cabin rentals, equestrian area (bring your own horse), biking trails, etc.
Overall it was a good visit. It would remind you of other parks up and down the gulf coast. However, this is a much larger park and of course it does not sit on the gulf, so no real water views.
If you found this review helpful, please let me know by clicking the button below! I would greatly appreciate it! Thank you!
When you enter the park, there is a $2 fee. Most other Pasco County parks have a pay station where you park first, then go to the station where you drop your money in, grab a pass and put it on your dash. This park has an electronic pay station you feed your money into upon arriving. It's not a problem, except when I fed my money in, it dispenses the pass way down closer to the ground. I was in a mini van and it was impossible, even with my seat belt off to reach through the window to grab the pass. Be sure you allow a little extra room to open your door to reach your pass!
After that there was no immediate map or signage posted. We just followed the road to see where it led us not really sure where we were going. We finally made it to the kiosk where we were able to pick up a map (and other literature) but honestly, the map was not much of a help. The quality was very poor and pretty much impossible to read.
We continued driving around just sort of exploring on our own not really sure where we were headed. Along the way we saw a couple good sized turtles crossing the road that we all got a kick out of! We finally saw some signage for a playground. With small kids in tow we pulled in to let them play. It was a very nice area with a few different play structures.
We eventually wandered into some of the trails nearby just to enjoy a nature walk. The trails were not long making it easy for little feet. The only wildlife we saw were more turtles, but I'm sure with how loud my kids are they could have easily scared away other animals!
On our way out we noticed other facilities such as cabin rentals, equestrian area (bring your own horse), biking trails, etc.
Overall it was a good visit. It would remind you of other parks up and down the gulf coast. However, this is a much larger park and of course it does not sit on the gulf, so no real water views.
If you found this review helpful, please let me know by clicking the button below! I would greatly appreciate it! Thank you!
Written December 18, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Are electric bikes allowed in the park
Written November 26, 2021
I have never seen any fishing spots there and don't believe there are any. Any water there is swamp and you're more likely to catch a gator than a fish.
Written June 4, 2019
Jana W
Tampa, Florida
Is there a map that shows the horse trails at Starkey Park?
Written December 1, 2018
yes there is,, I googled it and there is a PDF trail map available on line. I tried to copy the link here btbTA does not allow HTML or website links. Good luck.
Written December 2, 2018
Yes, you have to pay for parking.
Written June 17, 2018
Yes. There is s pay station as you enter the park. I believe the fee is only $2.00.
Written June 17, 2018
Has anyone ever seen donkeys running wild in Starkey Park?
Written January 13, 2018
No. Alligator, squirrels, racoon, snakes, lizards, spiders and so forth. Over 177 species of birds. Lots of humans. Some humans on the horse trails ~ so...horses.
Written June 17, 2018
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