Manager's Message
If you enjoy hard work and satisfying results, volunteer for a day, a week, or more as you participate in natural resource management and special events at Oscar Scherer State Park.
Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to enjoy the park's quiet,relaxing atmosphere. So why not stop in and enjoy Oscar Scherer State Park's trails? They offer a view of the park few venture out to see.
Wildlife viewing is great during the cooler hours. If you are looking for animals, then early and late in the day are the best times to be here.
The mosaic of colors, the diversity of plants and animal species, these are what makes nature (and the park) so spectacular, and it's due to the use of prescribed fire; a necessary tool for land managers. You can see the many changes in the landscape after the burn season.
We are actively involved in another burn season. Please accept it that this is vital to the environment and when out in the park be careful with fire. Ask at the Ranger Station about resource management activities that are in progress.
How about a real adventure? Wednesday mornings you can accompany a ranger on a guided canoe trip on South Creek. Or just enjoy the sunshine on the beach at Lake Osprey.
Our Citizen Support Organization has put together a wonderful annual overview of life in the park. Please select the following link to see A Year in the Life of a Park.
There's always something to do at Oscar Scherer State Park. We look forward to seeing you soon.
Please visit the Park Information page for important changes to our overnight accommodation policy.
- John J. Roche, Park Manager
Welcome to Oscar Scherer State Park
A large acreage of scrubby flatwoods makes this park one of the best places to see Florida scrub-jays, a threatened species found only in Florida. The park protects scrubby and pine flatwoods that were once widespread throughout Sarasota County. Fifteen miles of trails through these beautiful natural areas provide opportunities for hiking, bicycling, and wildlife viewing. Canoeists and kayakers can paddle along South Creek, a blackwater stream that flows to the Gulf of Mexico. Canoe and kayak rentals are available, but motorized boats are not permitted in the park boundaries. Freshwater and saltwater fishing are available along the creek. Anglers can fish along the shores of Lake Osprey, which is also the park´s swimming destination. Picnic areas along South Creek are equipped with grills; pavilions can be reserved for a fee. The park has full-facility campsites and a youth/group campground. The park nature center has exhibits and videos about the park´s natural communities. Located on U.S. 41, two miles south of Osprey.
Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about Oscar Scherer State Park, please call 941-483-5956.
Get more information on making a reservation.
Hours of Operation
Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.
Driving Directions
Oscar Scherer State Park is located on U.S.41, six miles south of Sarasota. Heading south on I-75 take exit 200. Heading north on I-75 take exit 195.
Park Fees
Park Entrance: $4.00 per vehicle for up to 8 people.
Family Entrance Pass: $85.60.Individual Entrance Pass: $42.80.
Dump Station: $6.42 + entrance fees of $4.00.
Sunset Entrance: $3.00.
Overnight Parking/Overflow: $12.10, only when campground is full.
Camping Fee: $24.42 per night
Small Pavilion: $32.10
Large Pavilion: $64.20
Youth Area: $2.00 per person.
Oscar Scherer State Park
1843 S. Tamiami Trail
Osprey, Florida 34229
Phone: 941-483-5956
Fax: 941-480-3007
Citizen Support Organization
Friends of Oscar Scherer Park,Inc.
1843 S. Tamiami Trail
Osprey, FL 34229
CSO News Letter
