Driving Directions
Myakka River State Park is located 9 miles east of I-75 in Sarasota on S.R. 72.

Hours of Operation
Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.

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.

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.

Park Activities

Bicycling, Boating, Boat Ramp, Boat Tours, Cabins, Camping, Primitive Camping, Youth Camping, Canoeing, Concessions, Fishing, Horse Trails, Interpretive Programs, Nature Trails, Picnicking, RV Camping, and Wildlife Viewing

Bicycling
Myakka River offers cyclers diverse opportunities to explore the variety of landscapes for which the area is noted.

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.

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.

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.

Scenic Drive: A 7- mile drive winds through shady hammocks, grassy marshes and along the Upper Lake.

Full Facility Camping
76 campsites: 48 with water and electric Most sites have 30 amp electrical service. For a $10.00 refundable deposit, tent campers can pick up an electrical adapter from the ranger station. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Picnicking
Picnic areas are designated on the park brochure and on the park map on the menu on the right column of this page. Pavilions are available for rent.

RVs
RV's up to 32' are allowed in the park. Dump stations are available.

Visitor Center
Includes displays of wildlife and their habitats, frog calls; also features the Myakka Movies.