Contact Information
13207 S.R. 72
Sarasota, 34241
(941) 361-6511
Florida State Campgrounds
Reservations 1-800-326-3521
Myakka River State Park is one of Florida's largest and most diverse natural areas. The "Florida Wild and Scenic" Myakka River flows through 45 square miles of wetlands, prairies, hammocks and pinelands. The river and its two shallow lakes attract a myriad of wetland creatures making birding, canoeing, fishing and wildlife observation popular activities.A 7-mile scenic drive winds through shady oak-palm hammocks and along the shore of the Upper Myakka Lake. Over 39 miles of hiking trails and many miles of dirt roads provide access to the remote interior.
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Large expanses of rare Florida dry prairie thrive here thanks to intense restoration efforts. This globally-imperiled community suffered many decades of fire exclusion before people realized how dependent these grasslands were on frequent fire. The park also manages and is restoring the "Myakka Prairie," an 8,249-acre property adjacent to the park, owned by SW Florida Water Management District. You'll find many opportunities to discover the uniquity of Myakka. Brochures and information about park programs and tours are available at the Ranger Station. Stop by the Visitor Center for videos and exhibits of wildlife and their habitats, then discover how plants and animals adapt to survive flood, drought and shade at the nature trail. You can even explore the treetops on Myakka's canopy walkway, and climb the 70-foot tower for an awesome view of wetlands, forest, and prairie.
Hours of Operation
Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.
Driving Directions
Myakka River State Park is located 9 miles east of I-75 in Sarasota on S.R. 72.
Park Activities
Bicycling
Myakka River offers cyclers diverse opportunities
to explore the variety of landscapes for which the
area is noted. More on Biking
Birding
The park is famous for birding opportunities. Shallow
lakes, thousands of wetlands and the diversity of
habitats account for the nearly 100 species of birds
listed as common or abundant on the park bird list.
Beginning Birding classes are offered Sunday mornings,
Thanksgiving through Easter.
Boat Ramp
A boat ramp provides access to Upper Myakka Lake.
Cabins
There are 5 historic log cabins that accommodate
up to 6 people Myakka River Log Cabins
Canoeing
Fourteen miles of the Myakka Wild and Scenic River
flow through the park. Bring your own canoe or kayak,
or rent from Myakka River Outpost. A boat ramp on
the Upper Myakka Lake provides access to the river
and both lakes. Additional canoe launch locations
are at picnic areas along the main drive. During
periods of low water (winter and spring) it is necessary
to portage around the weir at the south end of the
Upper Myakka Lake. It may also be necessary to portage
along shallow portions of the river or when blockages
of water hyacinths occur. More on Canoeing
Concessions
Myakka Outpost sells camping and fishing supplies,
t-shirts and hats, field guides and nature books,
souvenirs, and good things to eat such as gator
stew, gator jerky, gator sandwiches, ice cream and
snacks. They also rent bicycles, canoes and kayaks.
Fishing
The Myakka River and Upper and Lower Myakka Lakes
provide ample opportunity for freshwater fishing.
More on Fishing
Full Facility Camping
76 campsites. All have water and electirc. Most sites
have 30 amp service. A wastewater dump station is
located near Old Prairie campground. All campsites
are located within 40 yards of restroom facilities
with hot showers. All sites are dirt base; few sites
have vegetation buffers. Pets are prohibited overnight
in the park.
Horse Trails
Bring your own horse and register to ride the 14-mile,
multi-looped trail. Proof of negative Coggins test
is required. There’s an additional fee for use
of the horse trail. The trail passes through hammock,
prairie, and wetlands and is extremely wet and buggy
during the summer. More on Horse Trails
Interpretive Programs
Nature Walk--Saturdays at 9:00 a.m. Join a park
ranger for a walk in the park to discover the many
secrets of nature. Terrain is moderately rough.
Wear comfortable walking shoes. Park entrance fee.
Campfire Programs (Thanksgiving through Easter) Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. Sit back and enjoy intriguing stories about the “Real Florida” by the light of a flickering fire. Programs last approximately 30 minutes and are usually illustrated with color slides. Park entrance fee.
Beginning Birding (Thanksgiving through Easter)
Sundays at 9;00 a.m. Want a fascinating new hobby?
Learn the basic skills of birding and discover one
of Florida’s premiere birding hot spots. Binoculars
and field guides are provided. Easy terrain. Park
entrance fee.
Nature Trails
The Boylston Nature Trail is a 45-minute walk through
a shady, oak/palm hammock. A spur trail takes you
to the Myakka Canopy Walkway and 74-foot high tower.
Also, see information on Hiking Trails. More on
Hiking
Picnicking
Picnic areas with tables and grills are designated
on the park brochure and on the park map (download
from right column of this page). Pavilions can be
reserved for a fee. Unreserved pavilions are available
on a first come basis.
Primitive Camping
Six primitive campsites are located along 37 miles
of trails. Myakka River Primitive Campsites
RV's
RV's up to 35' are allowed in the park. A dump station
is available.
Tours
Hop aboard one of the world's two largest airboats,
the "Myakka Maiden," or the "Gator
Gal" for a scenic cruise on the Upper Myakka
Lake. Discover what makes the Myakka unique among
America's freshwater lakes. Hear intriguing stories
about the alligator, anhinga, and sandhill crane
as you become acquainted with the variety of creatures
that make their home here.
These air-powered vessels venture into the shallow, grassy areas where traditional crafts of such size wouldn't dare to go. The leisurely ride is so safe and smooth you'll have no problem taking photographs to bring home. Tour schedule & prices
You don't have to "rough it" to take Myakka Wildlife Tours' special "Tram Safari" into the backcountry of Myakka River State Park.
Discover what life in old Florida was like as you see it through the eyes of the early settlers. Learn to detect clues of the presence of resident wildlife as you pass through shady hammocks, majestic pine flatwoods, fertile marshes and sunny prairies. If you want to gain an understanding of the intricate workings of a natural ecosystem in progress, you have to experience it for yourself. Tour schedule & prices
Scenic Drive: A 7- mile drive winds through shady
hammocks, grassy marshes and along the Upper Lake.
Visitor Center
Includes displays of wildlife and their habitats,
frog calls; also features the Myakka Movies.
Wildlife Viewing
Deer, raccoons, opossums, red-shouldered hawks,
turkeys, barred owls, and vultures are commonly
seen along the park drive. The river, lakes and
wetlands attract huge alligators, ducks, wading
birds, woodstorks, sandhill cranes, roseate spoonbills,
eagles, ospreys, and shorebirds. Hiking trails lead
to the prairies and pinelands that harbor caracaras,
Bachman’s sparrows, bobcats, bobwhite quail,
and meadowlarks.
Youth Camping
Three group camping areas accommodate up to 20 people
each. Preference for reservations is given to groups
with more than 50% of campers under 18 years of
age. Myakka River Youth Camping