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

See all Fees

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

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

Amenities

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

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.

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

More Places You Might Like

See all parks
Suspension Bridge at Hillsborough River State Park

Hillsborough River State Park

Class II rapids are a rarity in Florida, but you can find them at beautiful Hillsborough River State Park. Just minutes from downtown Tampa, this diverse park offers a refuge from city life with its seven miles of nature trails and ample places to cool off in the water.

15402 US 301 N.
Thonotosassa FL 33592

Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park

Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park

The largest state park in Florida and is home to a variety of plant and animal species that can be found nowhere else in the continental United States. 

137 Coastline Drive
Copeland FL 34137

Collier-Seminole State Park

Collier-Seminole State Park

Collier-Seminole State Park lies within one of the largest mangrove swamps in the world. A wide variety of wildlife, including several imperiled species, inhabits this unusual blend of temperate and tropical native plant communities. 

20200 Tamiami Trail E.
Naples FL 34114