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Lake Tarpon is located in Tarpon Springs, Florida, about 10 miles west of Tampa. It is the largest lake in Pinellas County. Public access is widely available on the lake. Anderson Park and Chesnut Park are just two of public access points on the lake. Popular activities on the lake include fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. Bass fishing brings many anglers to Lake Tarpon’s shores. It is actually rated one of the top 10 bass lakes in the state of Florida by FWC fisheries biologists.
- Surface area (mi)
- 6.21
- Max depth (ft)
- 15.09
- Elevation (ft)
- 3.28
- Shoreline length (mi)
- 16
Ideal for
- Family friendly:
- Pet friendly:
- Romantic getaways:
Popular activities
- Hiking
- Kayaking
- Canoeing
- Fishing
- Cross-country Skiing
- Ice Skating
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Nearby lakes
Where to stay
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Lake Tarpon has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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No, it is not entirely safe to swim in Lake Tarpon. The lake has historically been plagued by invasive plant outbreaks and high chlorophyll-a levels, which can indicate poor water quality. While the lake is considered a healthy system in some aspects, these issues can affect its suitability for swimming.
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Lake Tarpon is not specifically mentioned as a popular destination in the provided sources. However, the area around Tarpon Springs is popular due to its beaches, such as Fred Howard Park, and water activities like kayaking in the bayous and rivers. These areas offer tranquil settings, clear waters, and opportunities to spot wildlife like dolphins and manatees.
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Yes, you need a fishing license to fish in Lake Tarpon, Florida. Since Lake Tarpon is a freshwater body, you must have a Florida freshwater fishing license. This license is required even if you are only catch-and-release fishing or assisting someone who is fishing.
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There is no public beach at Lake Tarpon. Lake Tarpon is a freshwater lake with public access points such as Anderson Park and Chesnut Park, but these are not beaches. These parks offer other recreational activities like fishing and boating.
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Towns near Lake Tarpon include Tarpon Springs, Palm Harbor, and Oldsmar. Lake Tarpon is located about 10 miles west of Tampa in Pinellas County, making these towns its closest neighbors. These areas are known for their recreational activities and residential communities.
