Myakka River State Park Campground

Open — The campground is currently open for reservations year-round. Due to drought conditions, Sarasota County has issued a burn ban prohibiting campfires and open flames until further notice. Barbeque grills not exceeding three feet in diameter may be used for cooking only. Drinking water is temporarily unavailable; campers must bring their own water or obtain bottled water at no cost from the ranger station during operating hours.

About

Myakka River State Park Campground provides a gateway to one of Florida's most pristine natural areas, where the 66-mile Wild and Scenic Myakka River flows through 58 square miles of wetlands, prairies, hammocks, and pinelands. The park features three established campgrounds with a total of 90 sites: Big Flats, Old Prairie, and Palmetto Ridge. Each campsite is equipped with 20/30/50-amp electrical service, water hookups, a fire ring, and a picnic table. Palmetto Ridge offers the added convenience of full sewer hookups, while a dump station near Old Prairie serves the other campgrounds. All sites are within 40 yards of restroom facilities featuring hot showers. Laundry facilities are available in both Old Prairie and Palmetto Ridge campgrounds. Sites in Old Prairie and Big Flats are dirt-based, while Palmetto Ridge features gravel sites with four ADA-accessible paved sites. Hammock camping is permitted on select sites. The park's rich history dates back to the Civilian Conservation Corps era of the 1930s, evident in historic structures throughout the property. Beyond camping, visitors enjoy 38.9 miles of hiking trails, miles of paved and unpaved biking roads, paddling on the river and Upper Myakka Lake, fishing, horseback riding on 12 miles of equestrian trails, and exceptional wildlife viewing. The famous Canopy Walkway provides a unique perspective 25 feet above the ground, while the 74-foot observation tower offers panoramic views of the diverse landscape. With over 100 bird species and abundant wildlife including alligators, bobcats, and otters, the park showcases Florida's second most biodiverse ecosystem in North America.

Directions

Located at 13207 State Road 72, Sarasota, FL 34241. Park entrance is on State Road 72. The park is open 8 a.m. until sunset, 365 days per year.

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