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 Fee:

$6.00 per vehicle. Limit 2-8 people per vehicle.

$4.00 Single Occupant Vehicle.

$2.00 Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass.

$60.00 Bus Tour Fee (30+ people).

$2.00 per person, Bus Tour Fee (less than 30 people).

Camping Fees:

$26.00 per night, plus tax. Includes water and electricity.

$5.00 per person, primitive camping.

$1.00 per youth, youth camping.

$5.00 per adult/chaperone, youth camping.

Cabin Fees:

$70.00 per night.

Pavilion Rentals:

$40.00 per day, Lake and Clay Gully (holds 40 people).

$80.00 per day, South (holds 111 people) and Log (holds 60 people).

Daily Equestrian Fees:(must provide own horse and proof of negative Coggins)

$8.00 per day, per equestrian.

$15.00 per day, family equestrians (4 person maximum).

Daily Concession Tours:

$12.00 per adult, Airboat & Tram Tours.

$6.00 per child, ages 6-12, Airboat & Tram Tours.

Daily Concession Rental Fees:

$20.00 Canoe & Kayak rental, first hour.

$5.00 Canoe & Kayak rental, each additional hour.

$15.00 bicycle rental, 1-2 hours.

$25.00 bicycle rental, 4 hours.

$40.00 bicycle rental, 5 hours to close.

A deposit of $50.00 cash or a Visa, Master Card or Discover card is required.

Other Fees:

$10.00 Dump station, per unit, non-registered camper.

$7.00 RV water filling station / per unit, non-registered camper.

$10.00 electrical adapter fee / refundable deposit: tent campers can pick up the adapter from the ranger station.

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. Tent campers can pick up an adapter for a fee 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.
	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

TEA WITH BERTHA HONORE PALMER
Date: January 21st - February 17th - March 16th. 2:00 to 4:00 pm.
Description: The year is 1912. You have an invitation to tea with Mrs. Potter Palmer, a woman as comfortable hiking her skirt up to tread on the Myakka prairie as she was rubbing shoulders with kings. This wealthy socialite and women’s-rights advocate changed Sarasota forever with her shrewd business sense and innovative ideas. Her progressive Meadowsweet Pastures Ranch was destined to become one of Florida’s largest state parks. Celebrate the Bertha Palmer Centennial and Florida State Parks' 75th Anniversary. Tea and refreshments will be served at the Myakka State Park Log Pavilion.
Fees: $15.00 per person - $10.00 for Friends Members
Contact: To RSVP and for more information call 941-316-8139

Participation Requirements
MOON OVER MYAKKA CONCERTS AND EVENTS
Date: All concerts are at 7:00 p.m. at the South Pavilion.
Description: The Moon Over Myakka Concert Series at Myakka River State Park offers a natural and cultural experience that can be found nowhere else. Tickets sold day of event. For more information: Moon Over Myakka Concert Series
Fees: Full Moon Concerts are $8.00 per person or $6.00 for Friends Members.
Contact: For information call 941-361-6511 or 941-373-7839.

Participation Requirements

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: 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