Florida Scrub Jay

Oscar Scherer State Park

A hidden nature preserve for imperiled species, surrounded by urban sprawl

Campground Closure

The campground will be closed May 1, 2019 - November 22, 2019 while campground bridge is replaced. Bridge work may be completed early, so check Reserve America periodically for reservation opportunities.

Hours

8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year

Fees

$5 per vehicle

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Location

1843 South Tamiami Tr.
Osprey FL 34229

Get directions

Contact Info

941-483-5956

Welcome to Oscar Scherer State Park

Surrounded by urban sprawl, Oscar Scherer State Park is an unexpected oasis providing visitors with a refreshing escape into natural Florida.

Oscar Scherer is a hidden gem surrounded by housing developments and major highways, and the park plays an invaluable role in the preservation of Florida scrub-jay habitat. Bald eagles nest here in the winter and in the summer Lake Osprey attracts anglers, swimmers, and kayakers. Fifteen miles of trails provide solitude, beauty, challenge and a healthy adventure for everyone. The park is a popular stopover for bicyclists and walkers on the Legacy Trail, making Oscar Scherer an important place for the surrounding community and a worthwhile stop for travelers.

Plan Your Visit

Tony Clements, Park Manager
Learn

Manager's Message

Welcome to Oscar Scherer State Park, we look forward to your visit with us. If you’re looking for an adventure or just a place to recharge your batteries we’ve got it all
Operation Recreation Geotour
Program

Operation Recreation Geotour

The Operation Recreation GeoTour hosted by Geocaching.com, stretches from Pensacola to Key West and includes 71 of the First Three Time National Gold Medal Award Winning Florida State Parks and Trails. Visit 20 caches and win the Official Operation Recreation Geocoin.
Explore Florida State Parks
Initiative

Every Stamp Is A Story

We invite you to visit any one of our amazing state parks, and to save your adventures with the Special Edition Real Florida Passport. This travel-sized journal is the perfect place to collect your memories and discover new places to explore! Each Florida State Park has a unique stamp and story.

Experiences

Bicycling
Bicycling
Birding
Birding
Camping
Camping
Camping, Primitive Group
Camping, Primitive Group
Fishing
Fishing
Geo-Seeking
Geo-Seeking
Hiking
Hiking
Paddling
Paddling
Picnicking
Picnicking
Roller Blading
Roller Blading
Snorkeling
Snorkeling
Swimming
Swimming
Tours
Tours
Walking and Running
Walking and Running
Walking and Running
Walking and Running
Weddings
Weddings
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife Viewing

Amenities

Accessible Amenities
Accessible Amenities
Beach
Beach
Campfire Circles
Campfire Circles
Campgrounds
Campgrounds
Canoe Kayak Launch
Canoe Kayak Launch
Interpretive Exhibit
Interpretive Exhibit
Laundry
Laundry
Parking
Parking
Pets
Pets
Picnic Pavilion
Picnic Pavilion
Playground
Playground
Restroom Facilities
Restroom Facilities
RV
RV
Shower Station
Shower Station
Visitor Center
Visitor Center

Oscar Scherer State Park

Kayakers at Oscar Scherer State Park
Boardwalk at Oscar Scherer State Park
Big Lake Restoration Project

Big Lake Restoration Project

Close
Information
Haunted Trails

Come and get a little spooky with the Haunted Trails during the month of October.

Close
Information
Scrub Jay Run

Help support the endangered Florida Scrub Jay and participate in the 5-k run.

Close
Information
Oscar Scherer Perspective
South Creek Nature Trail
Florida Scrub Jay
Learn

Florida Scrub Jay

It’s the state’s only endemic bird, which means the Florida scrub-jay is found nowhere else, and its need for a specific habitat is one reason why scrub-jay numbers are declining. The only bird species that requires a sandy, scrubby habitat to survive is the Florida scrub-jay.
Annual Pass
Learn

Florida State Parks Annual Pass

A Florida State Parks Annual Pass allows frequent visitors to enjoy parks for pennies a day! Annual Passes can be purchased a variety of ways and are available for individuals or families.

Upcoming Events

See More Events
Event

Guided Scrub Jay Walk

Sun, Dec 9, 2018 8:30 am - 10:00 am EST

Learn about this true native, the Florida Scrub Jay and its unique habitat. A guided trail walk through Florida's scrubby flatwoods.
Oscar Scherer

Osprey, FL

Event

Oscar Scherer Eagle Viewing

Sun, Dec 9, 2018 9:00 am - 11:00 am EST

View a pair of American Bald Eagles through a high powered spotting scope as they incubate eggs and raise their young.
Oscar Scherer

Osprey, FL

Event

Coffee Social

Tue, Dec 11, 2018 8:00 am - 10:00 am EST

Start your day with volunteers, fellow campers and other park visitors for a morning of coffee, tea, pastries and socializing.
Oscar Scherer

Osprey, FL

People Make the Parks

Park Staff

Join the Team

Join the Florida State Parks’ team where we help visitors and residents experience the wonder of Florida’s best loved places.
Volunteer

Volunteer with us!

Help fulfill the Florida State Parks' mission. Assist park employees to preserve, interpret and restore ...the Real Florida.
Friends of Oscar Scherer State Park

Friends of Oscar Scherer State Park

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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