Activities at Myakka River State Park
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BicyclingMyakka River offers cyclers diverse opportunities to explore the variety of landscapes for which the area is noted. More on Biking |
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BirdingThe 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. Choose "Ranger Programs" from the menu on the right side of this page for a schedule of Beginning Birding Classes. |
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Boat RampA boat ramp provides access to Upper Myakka Lake. |
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CabinsThere are 5 historic log cabins that accommodate up to 6 people Myakka River Log Cabins
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Canoeing & KayakingFourteen 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 |
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ConcessionsMyakka 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. |
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FacilitiesRestroom facilities are located throughought the park. All of Myakka River's restrooms are ADA accessible except for the CCC log cabin rest room.
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Fishing
the fishing pier is ADA accessible, this partly roofed platform enhances fishing opportunities where the Myakka River joins with Upper Myakka Lake. The pier is accessible to wheelchairs. You’ll also find an interactive alligator display with sounds of pigfrogs and alligators. |
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Full Facility Camping76 campsites. All have water and electirc. Most sites have 30 amp 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. More on Camping For more information on camping in our park simply click on the Reserve America link. Clicking on the park map or selecting one of the camping area links just below the park map will allow you to see a map of the individual campsite locations. Select any campsite icon to see a detailed description of the individual campsite and what it has to offer.
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Horse TrailsBring 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 |
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Interpretive ProgramsChoose "Ranger Programs" on the menu at the right side of this page for information on Park Programs and events for this month." |
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Junior Ranger ProgramStop by the Ranger Station to pick up an activity sheet for your child. When the sheet is filled out, come back for an official Junior Ranger badge. |
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Nature TrailWalk through the treetops and then climb a 74-foot tower for an eagle’s-eye view of hammocks and wetlands. |
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PavilionFour picnic pavilions are available for reservations. Unreserved pavilions are available on a first-come basis |
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PetsPets must be kept on a six-foot, hand-held leash and well-behaved at all times. They are not allowed in concession areas or cabins. Pets must not be left unattended, nor taken into restroom facilities or onto playground equipment. Due to the presence of alligators in all waters of the park, pet owners are urged to use caution. Service animals are welcome in all areas and buildings of the park, as required by law. |
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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.
Reservation Fees:
Log pavilion (seats 60 people) $60 +tax |
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PlaygroundsPlayground equipment is located in the South Picnic area, the Lakefront Picnic area and the Clay Gulley Picnic area. All playgrounds are within walking distance of both campgrounds. |
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Primitive CampingSix primitive campsites are located along 37 miles of trails. Myakka River Primitive Campsites |
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RV'sRV's up to 35' are allowed in the park. A dump station is available.
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ToursHop 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. |
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Visitor CenterIncludes displays of wildlife and their habitats, frog calls; also features the Myakka Movies. |
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Wildlife ViewingDeer, 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. |
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Youth CampingThree 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 |
