E.G. Simmons Regional Park Ruskin
A waterfront wildlife sanctuary and campground offering swimming, kayaking, fishing, and scenic picnic spots.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Escape the heat & bugs
E.G. Simmons Regional Park Ruskin
Best Time
Escape the heat & bugs
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A waterfront wildlife sanctuary and campground offering swimming, kayaking, fishing, and scenic picnic spots.
"This park deserves 5 stars if they could manage their pest problem."
🦟 Bug Spray is a MUST
No-see-ums and mosquitoes are relentless. Pack industrial-strength repellent; DEET may be necessary.
🛶 Kayak & Paddleboard Fun
Rentals available! Great for exploring the calm waters and spotting wildlife.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Manatee Watching
Waterways
Witness gentle manatees in their natural habitat; some even interact with paddleboarders!
Sunset Views
East Ruskin Pavilion
Experience breathtaking sunsets over the water, perfect for a peaceful evening.
Beach Access
Park Beach
Enjoy sandy shores for relaxation and family photos without the overwhelming crowds.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Bugs & the Heat
Wildlife Encounters & Events
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🦟 Bug Spray is a MUST
No-see-ums and mosquitoes are relentless. Pack industrial-strength repellent; DEET may be necessary.
🛶 Kayak & Paddleboard Fun
Rentals available! Great for exploring the calm waters and spotting wildlife.
🎣 Prime Fishing Spots
Shoreline fishing is popular for snook. Wade out to deeper water for better chances.
📸 Perfect Photo Ops
The beach offers beautiful, less crowded spots for family portraits.
Tips
from all over the internet
🦟 Bug Spray is a MUST
No-see-ums and mosquitoes are relentless. Pack industrial-strength repellent; DEET may be necessary.
🛶 Kayak & Paddleboard Fun
Rentals available! Great for exploring the calm waters and spotting wildlife.
🎣 Prime Fishing Spots
Shoreline fishing is popular for snook. Wade out to deeper water for better chances.
📸 Perfect Photo Ops
The beach offers beautiful, less crowded spots for family portraits.
☀️ Beat the Heat
Visit during cooler parts of the day or focus on water activities.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise E.G. Simmons Regional Park for its beautiful waterfront access, clean camping facilities, and serene beach areas, making it ideal for family photos and relaxation. However, many highlight significant issues with persistent mosquitoes and no-see-ums, as well as a problematic raccoon population that can detract from the experience.
"Beautiful Park! Great water access sites! Horrible No-see-em and mosquitoe problem; only thing worse is the Raccoon over population. You'll get eaten alive then the Racoons will eat everything you bring. Deet had no effect and a rachet strap around the camping fridge didn't either; they chew through anything. This Park deserves 5 stars if they could manage their pest problem. Paid for 3 nights but only made it for 2."
Mike R
"This is a great place to Kayak, there's also a boat ramp and plenty of good spots for some fishing. Check wind reports, if it's over 10mph, I wouldn't recommend going towards the open water area."
Kev Akatsuki
"Love, love, love this park! A beautiful spot for enjoying some sand without having to travel all the way to the Gulf. So many great spots for family photos on a beach that's not crazy busy (Calli Wickes Photography)"
Calli Wickes
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
E.G. Simmons Regional Park is located at 2401 19th Ave NW, Ruskin, FL 33570. It's accessible by car, and GPS will guide you directly to the park entrance. Parking is available within the park grounds.
Public transportation options to E.G. Simmons Regional Park are limited. It's best to drive or use a ride-sharing service for direct access to the park.
From Tampa, take I-75 South to Exit 240 for FL-674 E toward Ruskin. Turn right onto US-41 S, then left onto 19th Ave NW. The park entrance will be on your right.
Yes, E.G. Simmons Regional Park offers ample parking for visitors, including areas near the beach, pavilions, and boat ramp.
Yes, E.G. Simmons Regional Park is a short drive from Apollo Beach, making it a convenient destination for those staying in the area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While specific entrance fees can vary, many regional parks in Florida have a small per-person or per-vehicle entry fee. It's advisable to check the official Hillsborough County Parks website for the most current pricing.
Park hours typically align with daylight, often opening around sunrise and closing at sunset. However, specific hours can change, so it's best to confirm with the park directly or their official website.
For general park entry, advance booking is usually not required. However, if you plan to reserve a pavilion or campsite, booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons or weekends.
Yes, E.G. Simmons Regional Park hosts events like the Ruskin Seafood Festival. Check the park's event calendar or local listings for upcoming activities. 
The beach at E.G. Simmons Regional Park may occasionally be closed for swimming due to bacteria advisories. Always check current water quality reports before visiting for swimming.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. The park also offers camping and has pavilions for gatherings.
Yes, kayak and paddleboard rentals are typically available at E.G. Simmons Regional Park, allowing you to explore the waterways.
The park is known for its manatee sightings, as well as various bird species. Be aware of the raccoon population, which can be quite active.
Absolutely! It's a popular spot for shoreline fishing, particularly for snook. Wading out to deeper water is recommended for better success.
The park offers RV campsites. Reviews suggest it's a clean and quiet place to camp with great views and beach access.
📸 📸 Photography
The beach offers beautiful, less crowded areas perfect for family photos. Sunsets from the East Ruskin Pavilion are also stunning.
Yes, you can photograph the manatees, but always maintain a respectful distance and avoid disturbing them.
The beach is generally not as crowded as other popular Florida beaches, making it a good spot for relaxed photography sessions.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing beautiful shots. Sunsets are particularly spectacular.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or filming may require permits, so check with park management if applicable.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep an eye out for manatees, which are always a hit with kids! While the raccoons are a nuisance, teaching children about respecting wildlife and securing food will help manage interactions. The park's pavilions are perfect for family picnics, making it easy to enjoy a full day of fun without breaking the bank.
🎣 Anglers & Outdoor Enthusiasts
Beyond fishing, the park is ideal for kayakers and paddleboarders looking to explore the bay. The calm waters are perfect for a leisurely paddle, and you might even encounter some local wildlife. Birdwatchers will also find plenty to observe. Be sure to pack your binoculars and a good camera to capture the natural beauty.
📸 Photographers & Sunset Chasers
Early morning and late afternoon light are ideal for capturing the park's natural beauty. The presence of wildlife, like manatees, also presents unique photographic opportunities. Just remember to be patient and respectful of the animals and the environment while you're snapping photos.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Wildlife Encounters: Manatees & Raccoons
On the other end of the wildlife spectrum are the raccoons. While they add to the park's wild charm, they are also known for being persistent scavengers. Travelers have warned that raccoons can chew through almost anything to get to food, so securing all your belongings and food items is crucial. Keeping a clean campsite and disposing of trash properly will help minimize unwanted encounters.
Navigating the Waters: Kayaking & Fishing
For anglers, E.G. Simmons Regional Park is a known hotspot for fishing, particularly for snook. Shoreline fishing is popular, but experienced anglers suggest wading out about 200 yards to where the water color changes to a deeper hue – this is often a prime spot. Checking wind reports is also advised; if winds exceed 10 mph, heading towards open water might be less enjoyable.
Planning Your Visit: Weather & Pests
Equally notorious are the insects, particularly mosquitoes and no-see-ums. These pests can be quite bothersome, especially at dawn and dusk. Visitors strongly recommend bringing potent insect repellent, with some noting that standard DEET may not be enough. Being prepared for these biting insects will significantly enhance your comfort and enjoyment of the park.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit