Photo: Ebyabe, licensed CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Pasco County has more public land than most people who live here realise, and
four parks in particular are worth putting on a list. Between them they cover
close to 9,000 acres, and only one charges admission.
Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park
Starkey covers more than 8,300 acres off Wilderness Park Boulevard in New
Port Richey, run jointly by the Southwest Florida Water Management District and
Pasco County Parks and Recreation.
The trail network is the reason to go. There are 13 miles of hiking trails,
10 miles of equestrian trail, and a 7.3-mile paved multi-purpose path that
connects to the Suncoast Trail — 42 miles running along the west side of
the Suncoast Parkway through Hillsborough, Pasco and Hernando counties.
The Audubon Society designated a birding trail here, and 177 species have
been recorded on it. Beyond the trails there are playgrounds, horseshoe and
volleyball courts, a horse corral, tent camping and cabins. Dogs are allowed in
the day-use area and on the hiking and paved trails on a six-foot leash.
10500 Wilderness Park Blvd, New Port Richey, FL 34655
(727) 942-7439 · open seven days a week, dawn to dusk
Withlacoochee River Park
406 acres in Dade City with the Withlacoochee River running through it. There
is an observation tower, and 13 miles of trails in total — a 3.5-mile
perimeter nature trail, a 1.7-mile paved all-purpose trail, and the rest
unpaved. A GPS orienteering course runs on the property for anyone who would
rather navigate by coordinates than by signage.
A canoe and kayak dock sits on the river, with a fishing pier alongside it.
Tent and RV camping are both available. Dogs are allowed on a six-foot leash in
designated areas.
12449 Withlacoochee Blvd, Dade City, FL 33525
(352) 567-0264 · open seven days a week, dawn to dusk
Crews Lake Wilderness Park
At 113 acres this is the smallest of the four, and it has the most unusual
thing on the list: the Central Pasco and Gulf Railroad, Inc. runs a scaled-down
train on the property the second Saturday of every month, 10 a.m. to
3 p.m., and the rides are free.
The rest of the park holds an observation tower, a paved bike path, nature
trails, a botanical garden, an outdoor amphitheatre, a fishing pier, canoe
access and primitive camping. Dogs are allowed on a six-foot leash in
designated areas.
16739 Crews Lake Dr, Spring Hill, FL 34610
(727) 861-3038 · open seven days a week, dawn to dusk
Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park
The odd one out — this is a Florida state park rather than a county
park, and it is the only one of the four with an entrance fee.
The main entrance on U.S. 19 in Port Richey has boardwalks, hiking trails, a
kayak and canoe launch, a picnic area and restrooms.
8737 U.S. Highway 19 North, Port Richey, FL 34668
open 8 a.m. to sunset · $4 per vehicle (up to eight
people), $2 per bicycle or pedestrian
Hours, fees and amenities were confirmed against the Florida State Parks
and Pasco County Parks and Recreation websites on August 9, 2026. Call ahead
before making the drive.