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Palm leaning over River

Myakka River State Park

Savor wildflower covered prairies, wild wetlands and gorgeous pinelands

Burn ban in effect

Effective April 1, 2025: Sarasota County has issued a recreational burn ban. All fires are prohibited with the exception of devices that solely burn liquefied petroleum gas, such as grills and camp stoves.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Effective Nov. 15, 2024: Due to Hurricane Milton, some park facilities are undergoing repair. The Birdwalk area is closed for structural repairs. Drinking water is temporarily unavailable. Please contact the Park Ranger station for the most current information.  

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Boat tours are currently unavailable due to low water levels. Please call the ranger station for details.

Hours

8 a.m. until sunset, 365 days a year

The North Gate is only open on Saturday, Sunday and State Holidays from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Fees

$6 per vehicle

See all fees

Location

13208 State Road 72
Sarasota FL 34241

Get directions

Contact Info

941-361-6511

Park Menu

  • Hours & Fees
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Make a Reservation Download Park Map

Welcome to Myakka River State Park

The majestic Myakka River flows through 58 square miles of one of Florida’s oldest and largest parks.


Pay Online, Single-Use Day Pass

In a scene reminiscent of what early Native Americans and Spanish explorers witnessed, arching palm trees and live oaks are reflected on a winding tea-colored stream. The cries of limpkins and osprey pierce the air while alligators and turtles sun lazily on logs and riverbanks.

This is the Myakka River, Florida’s first state-designated wild and scenic river, and it flows through a vast expanse of unspoiled wetlands, prairies, hammocks, and pinelands that make up Myakka River State Park. Boating, fishing, canoeing and kayaking are popular activities on the water while hikers and bicyclists explore miles of trails and backroads.

Plan Your Visit

Park Manager posed in front of a river
Learn

Manager's Message

Myakka River is an amazing park to enjoy an immersive experience into a diverse and dynamic natural area that is the Real Florida. The park is over 37,000 acres and is part of a larger area of conservation referred to as the “Myakka Island,” totaling more than 80,000 acres of conservation lands within Sarasota and Manatee counties. 
Image of the ramp to the ticket booth
Service

Wildlife Tours

Experience Myakka by boat and tram! Tours last about 45 to 60 minutes and are ADA-friendly/wheelchair accessible.
A view of the Canopy Walkway
Learn

Canopy Walkway at Myakka

Enjoy a walk on the Canopy Walkway to see expansive views of the prairie.
A top down view of Myakka River State Park
Learn

Explore the Waterways at Myakka

Myakka's waterways at Myakka provide water for the plants and animals in the park, as well as plenty of recreational opportunities for visitors.
Myakka Outpost
Service

Myakka Outpost, Rentals and Café

Locally owned and operated by our family since 1982, we welcome you to the Myakka Outpost in beautiful Myakka River State Park. Here you'll find bike/canoe rentals, a café, souvenirs, camping supplies and more.
Panoramic view on the Birdwalk
Learn

The Birdwalk at Myakka

The Birdwalk is a phenomenal place to view wildlife -- birds, alligators and more! Be sure to pack your binoculars and camera for an eye-opening experience!

Experiences

Bicycling
Bicycling
Birding
Birding
Boat Tours
Boat Tours
Camping
Camping
Camping Primitive
Camping Primitive
Camping, Primitive Group
Camping, Primitive Group
Fishing
Fishing
Geo-Seeking
Geo-Seeking
Hiking
Hiking
Horseback Riding
Horseback Riding
Paddling
Paddling
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife Viewing

Amenities

Accessible Amenities
Accessible Amenities
Amphitheater
Amphitheater
Boat Ramp
Boat Ramp
Cabins
Cabins
Campfire Circles
Campfire Circles
Campgrounds
Campgrounds
Canoe Kayak Launch
Canoe Kayak Launch
Concession and Restaurant
Concession and Restaurant
Equestrian Trail
Equestrian Trail
Historic Site
Historic Site
Interpretive Exhibit
Interpretive Exhibit
Laundry
Laundry
Nature Trail
Nature Trail
Parking
Parking
Pets
Pets
Picnic Pavilion
Picnic Pavilion
Restroom Facilities
Restroom Facilities
RV
RV
Shower Station
Shower Station
Visitor Center
Visitor Center

Myakka River State Park Photo Gallery

Myakka River
Landscape with Palms
Alligator on River Bank
Spoonbills in River
Children on the bridge
Standing in a field
Dry Prairie in Bloom
Prairie during sunset
Dry Prairie in Bloom
Learn

Myakka's Vast Dry Prairie

Myakka River State Park is one of the largest remaining protected areas of dry prairie and is home to an immense array of biodiversity and wonder.
The Log Pavilion in the shade of a Live Oak
Learn

Legacy of the CCC at Myakka

The legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps is alive at Myakka River State Park. Originally a cattle and swine ranch, the intractable lands of the Myakka Valley were turned into an accessible and beloved state park by the CCC.

People Make the Parks

Mike Stanfield

Staff Spotlight

Mike Stanfield, “the Plant Dude,” grew up near Bahia Vista and the future Legacy Trail extension.
Volunteer Banner

Volunteer Awards

This group is the recipient of the 2023 Volunteer Award for a Citizen Support Organization in Natural Resources.
Friends of Myakka River Turtle Logo

Friends of Myakka River

Friends groups meet the critical needs of individual parks and the system of state parks. They share one thing in common – passion for parks.

Park Map

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Florida State Parks

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(850) 245-2157

Or send an email to:

FSP.Feedback@FloridaDEP.gov

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