John Chesnut State Park
John Chesnut Park features over 250 acres of scenic Lake Tarpon waterfront real estate. With a strong outdoor focus, this Pinellas County Park accommodates boating, and features large picnic shelters, nature trails, wildlife, spectacular views of Lake Tarpon, a large dog park, and more. Located in NE Pinellas County, this park is conveniently located to those in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and the greater Tampa Bay area in general.
Time Stamp
We recently visited the Park on a sunny Thursday afternoon. As with most weekdays, it was very peaceful, and only mildly active, with a few kids in the playground, a small group of dogs playing in the dog park, and a few bikers cruising around the park. We also took in the boardwalk and trails, occasionally passing other nature enthusiasts along the way. There was ample parking at the boat ramp on this day. However, on weekend trips, the boat ramps have been much busier, which is also true for the picnic shelters and trails. But even on peak days, it is still possible to find solitude at this lovely Pinellas County Park.
Activities
This lakeside getaway features a generous six-lane boat ramp for water play, over a dozen large covered picnic shelters, two children's playgrounds, a large baseball field, volleyball, horseshoes, fishing, a huge dog park, lots of nature trails, and a scenic overlook tower with spectacular views of Lake Tarpon. Canoeists will also enjoy a small inland canoe trail to the interior lake.
Who's in -Who's out
For your friends and family who like the scenic outdoors, it is all good here; kid friendly, with lots of shady trees even your Grandparents will enjoy. And Fido can come along too.
Report Card
If you like nature, John Chesnut Park is a great treat for your eyes and ears. There is a lot of lush green Florida tucked away in a major metropolitan area. For walking, biking, picnic outings, and boating, there is plenty of room to spread out and enjoy yourself. This is a great park for a short lunchtime visit, a half-day of play, or a full day of fun.
Directions
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Map • Directions |
From the South, take U.S. 19 north to State Road 580 and turn right/East. Continue 1.5 miles and turn left/North on McMullen Booth Road. Up about 3 miles and McMullen Booth becomes East Lake Road. Continue another 2 miles, and about 1/2 mile passed the Tampa Road Overpass, look for the park entrance signs on left. Turn left into park entrence, and you made it!
Fair, and 81°
