Park Summary for Print - Myakka River State Park

Welcome to Myakka River State Park

One of the oldest and largest state parks, Myakka protects one of the state´s most diverse natural areas. The Myakka River, designated as a Florida Wild and Scenic River, flows through 58 square miles of wetlands, prairies, hammocks, and pinelands. Visitors can enjoy wildlife viewing from a boardwalk that stretches out over the Upper Myakka Lake, then take to the treetops with a stroll along the canopy walkway. The park´s river and two lakes provide ample opportunities for boating, freshwater fishing, canoeing, and kayaking; a boat ramp provides access to Upper Myakka Lake. Hikers can explore trails that cross large expanses of rare Florida dry prairie. Scenic lake tours are offered daily on the world´s two largest airboats. Safari tram tours of the park´s backcountry are offered from mid-December through May. Full-facility campgrounds and primitive campsites are available. Five palm log cabins, built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, have been modernized for comfortable lodging. Located nine miles east of Sarasota on State Road 72.

Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about Myakka River State Park, please call 941-361-6511.

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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 Fees

Admission Fees $5.00 per vehicle for up to 8 people. Economically Disadvantaged Fee (Up to 8 people)is $2.50

Bus Tour Fee (40+ people) $40.00
Bus Tour Fee (less than 40 people; per person) $1.00

Permits
Annual Family Entrance (Up to 8 People) $80.00
Annual Individual Entrance $40.00

Camping Fees
Campsites all year $22.00
Cabins all year $60.00
Senior/Disabled Citizen camping (must be Florida resident, over 65 years or 100% disabled) $11.00
Primitive camping - $4.00 per person
Youth camping $1.00 per youth, $2.00 per adult
Dump station, per unit, non-registered camper $6.00
RV water filling station / per unit, non-registered camper $5.00

Pavilions
Lake and Clay Gully per day (holds 40 people) $30.00
South (holds 111 people) and Log (holds 60 people) per day $60.00

Daily Equestrian Fees (must provide own horse and proof of negative Coggins)
Individual $6.00
Family / per vehicle (4 person maximum) $14.00

Daily Concession Tours
Airboat & Tram Tours Adult $10.00
Children 6 thru 12 $5.00 (Children 5 & under free in adult´s lap)

Daily Concession Rental Fees
Canoe & Kayak rental: $20.00 For the first hour, $5.00 each additional hour.
Bicycle rental: 0-2hrs $15.00; 4hrs $25.00; 5 hrs-close $40.00
A deposit of $ 50.00 cash or a Visa, Master Card or Discover card is required.

Activities at Myakka River State Park

	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. Choose "Ranger Programs" from the menu on the right side of this page for a schedule of Beginning Birding Classes.
	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 & Kayaking 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.
	Facilities Restroom facilities are located throughought the park. All of Myakka River's restrooms are ADA accessible except for the CCC log cabin rest room.
	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. Do you need a Fishing License?
	Full Facility Camping 76 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.
	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 Choose "Ranger Programs" on the menu at the right side of this page for information on Park Programs and events for this month."
	Junior Ranger Program Stop 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.
	Nature Trail Walk through the treetops and then climb a 74-foot tower for an eagle’s-eye view of hammocks and wetlands.
	Pavilion Four picnic pavilions are available for reservations. Unreserved pavilions are available on a first-come basis
	Pets Pets 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.
	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 South pavilion (seats 111 people)$60 + tax Clay gully pavilion (40 people)$30 + tax Lake pavilion (40 people) $30 + tax
	Playgrounds Playground 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.
	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

Special Events for Myakka River State Park

MOON OVER MYAKKA OWL PROWLS
Date: Wednesday November12, 2008 7pm-10pm
Wednesday December 10, 2008 7pm-10pm
Wednesday January7, 2009 7pm-10pm
Wednesday February11, 2009 7pm-10pm
Wednesday March 11, 2009 7pm-10pm

Description: Come and meet up close those most mysterious creatures of the night. Join Park Ranger Lisa Rhodin, for a discussion of the natural history of owls; meet some owls she has personally rehabbed and hear their stories. Then prepare to prowl as we attempt to locate wild owls in the park. Limited space, reservations required.
Fees: Park entrance fee waived. Price: $25.00 per person/ ($ 20.00 for Friends Members)
Contact: Lisa Rhodin at 941- 924-0273/tlclisafl@verizon.net
MOON OVER MYAKKA - BIKE RIDE
Date: Thursday, November 13, 2008. Meet at 6: 30pm roll out at 7:00pm
Friday, December 12, 2008. Meet at 6: 30pm roll out at 7:00pm
Thursday January 8, 2009. Meet at 6: 30pm roll out at 7:00pm
Sunday February 8, 2009. Meet at 6: 30pm roll out at 7:00pm
Sunday March 8, 2009. Meet at 6: 30pm roll out at 7:00pm
Description: Want to take a ride on the wild side under the full moon? Bring your bike and join a guide for a leisurely 10 mile round trip bike ride on the park drive. Helmets recommended and lights are required. Limited space, reservations required, call: 941-373-7839
Fees: Park entrance fee waived. Price- $6.00 per person/ (Friends members $5.00).
Contact: Call the Ranger Station 941-361-651/941-373-7839
MOON OVER MYAKKA - CONCERT AND EVENT SERIES
Date: Friday January 9th, 2009 7:00pm
Description: Ben Prestage
Ben will make you live and breathe steamy and wild black water bayou Mississippi Blues. This is the experience you have been waiting for. Tickets sold day of event.
Fees: Price- $8.00 per person, (Friends members $6.00 per person). Children under 12 are free. Park entrance fee is waived for all events.
Contact: Call the Ranger Station 941-361-651/941-373-7839
MOON OVER MYAKKA - CONCERT AND EVENT SERIES
Date: Friday, February 6th 2009 - 7:00pm
Description: Callie Chappell
Callie creates music that ranges far in versatility, combining smoky rock, blues and folk into an overall original and irresistible sound. Tickets sold day of event.
Fees: $8.00 per person, (Friends members $6.00 per person). Children under 12 are free. Park entrance fee is waived for all events.
Contact: Call the Ranger Station 941-361-651/941-373-7839
MOON OVER MYAKKA - CONCERT AND EVENT SERIES
Date: Friday, March 6th 2009 - 7:00pm
Description: Wine and Alchemy
This is a unique and diverse experience in world music, providing a delicious fusion of Gypsy, Flamenco, and Greek, Celtic and Middle Eastern music and dance.
Fees: $8.00 per person, (Friends members $6.00 per person). Children under 12 are free. Park entrance fee is waived for all events.
Contact: Call the Ranger Station 941-361-651/941-373-7839

Myakka River State Park Ranger Programs

Frequently Asked Questions about Myakka River State Park

Question: What is the Myakka Canopy Walkway?
Answer: The structure is an elevated walkway 25’ high and 85’ long, suspended between two towers with winding stairways. One of the towers is 35’ tall and the other is 74’.

Question: What is provided in the log cabins?
Answer: Cabins sleep up to six persons via two double beds and a fold-out sofa-bed. The kitchen has an electric stove, refrigerator, coffee pot, and microwave oven. Linens and kitchen utensils are furnished. There is a small AC/heater window unit, but during cold weather you may want to bring firewood for the fire place and blankets.

Question: Can I bring my pet to the park?
Answer: Pets are permitted during the day on a 6’ lease on dirt roads and throughout the main use area of the park (such as picnic areas and the park drive). They are also allowed overnight in family campgrounds. They are not permitted on the Myakka Wildlife tours, in the Outpost canoes, primitive campgrounds, cabins or any other buildings.

Question: Can I fish at Myakka River State Park?
Answer: You can fish with a FL freshwater fishing license. Fishermen fish for bass and panfish like bluegill and crappie from the Upper and Lower Lakes in Myakka River State Park. For more information See: Fishing Information

Question: What size motor or boat can I use in the park?
Answer: There is no limit on boat or motor size. However, the Wild and Scenic River law limits speed to slow/minimum wake. Since the river and lakes are both quite shallow, large craft will not be able to navigate, especially during the drier months of the year.

Question: What is there to do in the park?
Answer: Myakka River SP is popular for hiking, fishing, camping, and wildlife observation. Myakka Wildlife Tours offers airboat tours daily and tram tours seasonaly. For more information See: Things To Do

Question: What are the park entrance fees?
Answer: Entrance fees are $3 for one vehicle with 1 person, $5 for one vehicle 2 to 8 persons.

Question: Are off-road vehicles allowed in the park?
Answer: Bicycles and street-legal vehicles are permitted on the paved park roads. Motor vehicles are not permitted "offroad." Most backroads are open to bicyclists.

Myakka River State Park History

The Seminoles called the river, 'Myakka,' translation unknown. From the 1850's to the early 1900's cattle grazed freely on the dry prairie. This vast land of grasses and low shrubs was dotted with thousands of wetlands.

In the early 1900's, most of what is now state park was a cattle ranch. The first parcel of land for the park was purchased from the Palmer family who owned the ranch. Today, visitors can walk the road where the ranch foreman's house once stood.

Between 1934 and 1941, the Civilian Conservation Corps, with help from the National Park Service and Florida Park Service, constructed facilities and developed the park. Myakka River State Park was opened in 1942. Many of the original buildings are still in use today.

Historically, lightning ignited fires across the prairie and wetlands. Plants and animals depended on this natural burning for their survival. Then people suppressed fire. Much of the prairie grew into shrub or treed areas.

Many endangered plants and animals such as the Florida grasshopper sparrow need the prairie to survive. People also benefit from the stores of fresh water that the prairie provides.

Myakka River State Park is dedicated to restoring the prairie. Methods include prescribed burns and mechanical treatment. The prairie is emerging once again.

Myakka River State Park Volunteer Information

Myakka River State Park in Sarasota Florida has the camp volunteer positions listed below open for the 2004-2005 season. Volunteers are provided with a campsite with electricity and water. Some sites also have dump stations. Camp volunteers work at least 20 hours per week. Most of our camp volunteers work 4 hour days, four days a week but some of the positions are more flexible with time. If you have difficulty replying to this message, you may reply to biology@MyakkaRiver.org If you are not familiar with the park, you may want to check out the two websites: www.MyakkaRiver.org and www.FloridaStateParks.org/MyakkaRiver Note: Volunteer applications are accepted up to 11 months in advance. Position descriptions are posted for the following season in the month of February. Applications are kept on file for 12 months. Old Prairie Camp Host - Jan, March, April, May, June Big Flats Camp Host - Dec, March, April, May, June Ranger Station Attendant - April & May Tractor Operator - April, May, June Cabin Maintenance Volunteer - April, May, June Maintenance Mechanic assistant - March, April, May, June (Structural) / April, May, June (Mechanical) Resource Management/Maintenance volunteer - March, Apr, May, June