Managed by the Conservations & Environmental Lands Management department
Beginning August 4, 2025 renovations will begin on the boat ramps at E.G. Simmons Conservation Park. While renovations are underway, one ramp will remain open for use as the others are repaired. This project is anticipated to conclude by October 24, 2025.
Maps, brochures, and information
- EG Simmons Park Map (PDF)
- EG Simmons Park Brochure (PDF)
- Paddling Trail Map
- Rent a Shelter
- Learn More About Camping
- Campground Brochure (PDF)
- Camping Reservations
About the park
Ever since the mid-1960s, outdoor enthusiasts have been enamored by the natural beauty of E.G. Simmons Regional Park, which is located eighteen miles south of Tampa and three miles north of Ruskin on Tampa Bay.
Developed from 258 acres of native mangroves with open land areas and intertwined with waterways, the park also includes 200 acres of mangrove swamp that has been especially reserved for a bird and wildlife sanctuary, where bird watchers can gaze at endangered species, such as the Roseate Spoonbill and the Bald Eagle.
Visitors can also take a leisurely walk along the 700 foot of beach along Tampa Bay, play a few rounds of volleyball, fish on the pier and waterbank, or rent a kayak along a waterway for a tranquil boat trip. Children can enjoy the park’s two playgrounds.
Kayaking
Kayaks can be rented on site at the park's entry station.
Rentals & Fees
- Local rental (one park) for up to four hours: $25
- Hourly fee for each additional hour: $10
(Fees include tax)
See other conservation parks where you can rent a canoe or kayak.
Camping
You can set up camp at one of the 110 sites; all of which have electricity, potable water, picnic tables, and fire pits. Campers also have access to the park’s public restrooms, hot and cold shower houses, and two RV dump stations.
RV/Trailer/Tent campsite information
- 110 campsites
- 2 primitive sites (no electricity)
- All sites offer 30 amp service
- 62 sites offer 50 amp service
- site sizes range from 35'-160' in length
Camping fees
- Regular rate - $24 per night, up to 8 people with 1 RV/trailer or 2 tents
- Adult 55+ discount rate - $18 per night if your party includes an adult 55 or older (must be present for all nights)
- Adult 65+ and resident discount rate - $12 per night if your party includes an adult 65 or older and is also a resident of Hillsborough County (must be present for all nights)
Park rules to know
- Pets must be in your control at all times, and on a 6-foot or shorter, non-retractable leash
- No alcohol
- No disruptive behavior
- Help protect our parks and environment by properly disposing of litter.
- See more rules and expectations
Park entry, boat ramp, and fishing passes
Annual park entry passes, boat ramp passes, and after-hours fishing passes can be purchased to use at EG Simmons Conservation Park.
You can purchase regularly priced park and boat ramp passes at the following administrative offices or conservation parks:
- Bell Creek Nature Preserve
- Conservation Parks Administration Office
- Edward Medard Conservation Park
- E.G. Simmons Conservation Park
- Upper Tampa Bay Conservation Park
For more information about all of our passes and to find eligibility requirements for free and discounted passes, visit our Conservation Parks and Boat Launch Passes page.