Park Summary for Print - Oleta River State Park

Two kayaks on the river surrounded by mangrove forest.

Welcome to Oleta River State Park

Florida's largest urban park, Oleta River is located on Biscayne Bay in the busy Miami metropolitan area. Although it offers a variety of recreational opportunities, the park is best known for miles of off-road bicycling trails, ranging from novice trails to challenging trails for experienced bicyclists. Along the Oleta River, at the north end of the park, a large stand of beautiful mangrove forest preserves native South Florida plants and wildlife. Canoeists and kayakers can paddle the river to explore this amazing natural area. Swimming from a 1,200-foot sandy beach and saltwater fishing are also popular activities. Picnic tables and grills are available. Nine pavilions can be rented for a fee. All have water, and the largest one has electricity. Visitors can rent kayaks, canoes, and bicycles. The park has a loaner system for bicycle helmets. For overnight visits, the park has rustic, air-conditioned cabins and a youth campground for organized groups. Located at 3400 NE 163rd Street, off I-95 in North Miami.

Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about Oleta River State Park, please call 305-919-1844.

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Hours of Operation

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

Driving Directions

Oleta River State Park is located at 3400 N.E. 163rd St, off I–95 in Miami.

Park Fees

Please call the Park for information at 305-919-1844.

Activities at Oleta River State Park

	Beaches Come relax or play on our beach
	Bicycling Oleta River State Park currently has over 10 miles of challenging, intermediate mountain bike trails. For the beginner, there are over 4 miles of novice trails and 3 miles of paved trail. The paved trail also offers great conditions for roller blading. The park is very conscious about safety on the trails and provides a bicycle helmet loaner system for those who forget their bicycle helmets. Florida Bicycle Trails - A Guide to Florida's Top Paved and Off-Road Trails
	Cabins The park has 14 primitive cabins that are available to rent. Most of the cabins are equipped with one double bed, a bunk bed and air conditioning. Cabin #1 is handicapped accessible. Cabin #2 has one double bed only. Cabin #3 has 2 sets of bunk beds. While there are no kitchens or bathrooms in the cabins, a bathhouse, with hot showers, is centrally located. Linens are not provided. The cabins rent for $50.85 per night, tax included. For availability and reservations, please contact ReserveAmerica at www.ReserveAmerica.com or 1-800-326-3521.
	Canoeing Canoeing is available
	Concessions The Blue Moon Outdoor Center is open from 9AM until 1-1/2 hours before sunset. The concession rents canoes, kayaks and bicycles. Snack items are also available.
	Facilities
	Fishing The fishing pier is always a popular site for fishing as well as the shores of the park along the Intracoastal Waterway that borders the east shores of the park. Do you need a Fishing License?
	Nature Trails Hiking trails are available
	Picnicking Nine covered picnic pavilions are available on a first-come, first-served basis or may be rented by reservation. The largest pavilion, "White Ibis," houses 24 picnic tables and includes electric and water. The rental rate is $160.50 per day, including tax. The remaining six pavilions each house 10 picnic tables and include only water. The rental rate for these pavilions is $107.00 per day, including tax. There is a $50.00 refundable cleanup deposit on all pavilion rentals. Contact the park office for availability and reservations.
	Playground
	Showers Public showers are provided
	Wildlife Viewing Wildlife viewing is possible at this park
	Youth Camping Youth Group camping is available

Special Events for Oleta River State Park

There are no events listed at this time. Please call our park for more details on possible future events.

Oleta River State Park Ranger Programs

NIGHT HIKE
First Saturday of the Month - 7:15 PM
Please join the members of the Oleta River Adventure Association for a night hike through our vast trail system. The night hike will take place on the first Saturday of each month and will last about 1.5 hours. After the hike, please feel free to bring a snack or beverage and join us for a campfire.

Please call (305) 919-1846 to register and get procedures to access the park after-hours. We will meet at the Ranger Station at 7:15 p.m. and the hike will begin promptly at 7:30 p.m.

For your safety, we require sneakers or hiking shoes and a headlamp or flashlight. We suggest you bring insect repellent and water. Some people find walking sticks helpful.

Please call with any questions. We look forward to seeing you there.
Call (305) 919-1846 for more details.
CAMPFIRE PROGRAM
First Saturday of the Month - 6:00 PM
Come join us the first Saturday of each month for an old-fashioned campfire program. The program is open to campers and non-campers as well. The only prerequisite is that you like roasted marshmallows! Each week we will present an educational program or an arts & crafts activity.

Bring something to sit on, something to drink, spooky stories, jokes and maybe a musical instrument, if you have one. We supply the rest.

The program is free to registered campers and members of the Oleta River Adventure Association. A $1.00 donation is suggested for all others.

Please contact the ranger station, at (305) 919-1846, for specifics on entering the park after hours.

Call for more details.
WALKING CLUB
Monday, Wednesday and Friday - 6:00 - 7:00 PM
Join a Park Ranger, get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, and walk through various scenic trails experiencing the sights and sounds of nature. Let us get motivated and healthy together! The only cost is the park admission: $3.00 for a single person or $5:00 per car up to eight people. Individual Annual Passes are available for $42.80 at the Ranger Station.

Comfortable walking shoes and water are suggested. To sign up, please call Laura Kruger at (305) 919-1844 or email laura.kruger@dep.state.fl.us.
Call for more details.
GUIDED NATURE WALK
June - August, Wednesdays - 10:00 AM
Join a trained naturalist for a guided nature walk of the Oleta River / Biscayne Bay. On the tour, you will have the opportunity to learn about South Florida's coastal flora and fauna as well as the history of the park. Tours last approximately 1.5 hours. The will begin in Parking Lot # 9.

Don't forget to bring sunscreen, hat and water. For further information, please contact Laura Kruger at (305)919-1946 or laura.kruger@dep.state.fl.us.
Call for more details.

Frequently Asked Questions about Oleta River State Park

Question: What are the Trail distances?
Answer: Over 10 miles of Intermediate, 4 miles of novice, and 3 miles of paved.

Question: Can you see manatee?
Answer: Occasionally in the winter months.

Question: What kinds of fish are in the water?
Answer: Snapper, barracuda, tropical fish, etc.

Question: What is your weather like?
Answer: Typical south Florida weather, mostly sunny and warm with occasional afternoon showers in the summer months.

Oleta River State Park History

The beauty of the river has drawn man to its banks for centuries. As early as 500 BC, the river was home to the Tequesta Indians who camped along the river’s shore. The estuary provided them with a rich and varied diet. When Spaniards first visited the area they encountered bear, deer, panthers, bobcats, wolves, alligators, manatees and numerous birds and small animals.

In 1841, the river was named Big Snake Creek and was part of the route used by Federal troops in the Second Seminole War to travel south from Loxahatchee.

In 1891, Captain William Hawkins Fulford explored the river and settled further inland in the area known today as North Miami Beach.

Once "discovered", other settlers ventured north from Miami and by the 1890s, pineapple and vegetable farms had sprung up along the river in the newly formed town of Ojus. The river linked the Everglades with Biscayne Bay. An Indian trading post was established at what is now Greynolds Park. In 1922, Big Snake Creek was renamed the Oleta River by developers.