Bicycling

Myakka River offers cyclers diverse opportunities to explore the variety of landscapes for which the area is noted. More on Biking

Participation Requirements

Birding

The park is famous for birding opportunities. Shallow lakes, thousands of wetlands and the diversity of habitats account for the nearly 100 species of birds listed as common or abundant on the park bird list. See 'Ranger Programs' for information about Beginner Birding Classes.

Participation Requirements

Boat Ramp

A boat ramp provides access to Upper Myakka Lake.

Cabins

Stay the night in a log cabin at one of Florida's oldest and largest state parks. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps between 1934 and 1941, each of the historic palm log cabins includes a bathroom with shower, fully equipped kitchen and a large common room that sleeps up to six guests. A porch and fireplace add to the charm of these historic cabins. Linens, light thermal blankets, kitchen utensils, coffee pot and microwave oven are provided.

For the guest's relaxation, televisions and phones are not provided.

Reservations may be made up to 11 months in advance through ReserveAmerica. Book Online or call (800) 326-3521 (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.) or TDD (888) 433-0287. Pets are not permitted in cabins.

There is a minimum two nights stay in cabins on weekends and holidays, either Friday and Saturday night, or Saturday and Sunday nights. A single Friday or Saturday night may be reserved only if the following Saturday or Sunday night is already reserved.

Cabin Rental: $ 70.00 per night.

View the photo gallery.

Camping, Full Facility

The park features three campgrounds with 90 campsites. Each site is equipped with 50 amp electrical service, water, a fire ring and picnic table. The sites in Palmetto Ridge also have sewer hook ups.  A dump station is located near Old Prairie campground. Laundry facilities are available to all campers in Old Prairie and Palmetto Ridge campgrounds. All campsites are located within 40 yards of restroom facilities with hot showers. Sites in Old Prairie and Big Flats are dirt based. The sites in Palmetto Ridge are gravel-based, except for four ADA paved sites adjoining rest rooms. Old Prairie and Big Flats do not have vegetation buffers. The Big Flats campground is located near the Upper Myakka Lake where tours are available on the world’s largest airboats. Myakka Outpost, a fishing deck and WiFi are also nearby. Old Prairie and Palmetto Ridge Campgrounds are located near the S.R. 72 park entrance, the Myakka River, the Campfire Circle, a small playground, and Myakka Friends Gallery & Gifts. Well behaved pets are welcome in these three campgrounds.

Reservations: Reservations may be made up to 11 months in advance through ReserveAmerica. Book Online or call (800) 326-3521 (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.) or TDD (888) 433-0287.

Camping, Primitive

Six primitive campgrounds each have three campsites. Set in an oak hammock, the campgrounds offer shade as well as beauty. A map of the hiking trails, dirt roads and primitive campsites are available at the park office. Water is seldom available in the back country, so plan your water needs and bring it with you. Call the park for reservations at (941) 361-6511. More information.

Camping, Youth

Three tent camping areas each accommodate up to 20 people, with a minimum requirement of six. Organizations must be under the sponsorship of a recognized entity for a particular outing. Adult supervision is required. All three sites are shaded and have water, picnic tables, grill, a fire circle and restrooms with hot showers. Pets are not allowed. There is no electricity. Reservations can be made for youth groups up to six months in advance. Adult groups may use this camp when it is not being used by a youth group. Call the park for reservations at (941) 361-6511. More information about Myakka River Youth Camping

Canoeing & Kayaking

Fourteen miles of the Myakka Wild and Scenic River flow through the park. Bring your own canoe or kayak, or rent from Myakka River Outpost. A boat ramp on the Upper Myakka Lake provides access to the river and both lakes. Additional canoe launch locations are at picnic areas along the main drive. During periods of low water (winter and spring) it is necessary to portage around the weir at the south end of the Upper Myakka Lake. It may also be necessary to portage along shallow portions of the river or when blockages of water hyacinths occur. More on Canoeing

Participation Requirements

Concession & Restaurant

Myakka Outpost sells camping and fishing supplies, t-shirts and hats, field guides and nature books, souvenirs, and good things to eat such as gator stew, gator jerky, gator sandwiches, ice cream and snacks. They also rent bicycles, canoes and kayaks.

Fishing

the fishing pier is ADA accessible, this partly roofed platform enhances fishing opportunities where the Myakka River joins with Upper Myakka Lake. The pier is accessible to wheelchairs. You’ll also find an interactive alligator display with sounds of pigfrogs and alligators.

Participation Requirements

Hiking/Nature Trail

Walk through the treetops and then climb a 74-foot tower for an eagle’s-eye view of hammocks and wetlands.

Hikers can explore 39 miles of the Florida National Scenic Trail that crosses large expanses of rare Florida dry prairie. This trail is maintained by Florida Trail Association volunteers.

Participation Requirements

Horse/Equestrian Trail

Bring your own horse and register to ride the 14-mile, multi-looped trail. Proof of negative Coggins test is required. There’s an additional fee for use of the horse trail. The trail passes through hammock, prairie, and wetlands and is extremely wet and buggy during the summer. More on Horse Trails

Interpretive Exhibit

Test your Gator IQ and learn to identify the sounds of alligators and pig frogs at the Fishing Pier at the Upper Myakka Lake.

Pets

Pets must be kept on a six-foot, hand-held leash and well-behaved at all times. They are not allowed in concession areas or cabins. Pets must not be left unattended, nor taken into restroom facilities or onto playground equipment. Due to the presence of alligators in all waters of the park, pet owners are urged to use caution. Service animals are welcome in all areas and buildings of the park, as required by law.

Picnic Pavilion

Four picnic pavilions are available for reservations. Unreserved pavilions are available on a first-come basis

Picnicking

Picnic areas with tables and grills are designated on the park brochure and on the park map (download from right column of this page). Pavilions can be reserved for a fee. Unreserved pavilions are available on a first come basis.

Playground

Playground equipment is located in the South Picnic area, the Lakefront Picnic area and the Clay Gulley Picnic area. All playgrounds are within walking distance of both campgrounds.

Restroom Facilities

Restroom facilities are located throughought the park. All of Myakka River's restrooms are ADA accessible except for the CCC log cabin rest room.

Tours

Hop aboard one of the world's two largest airboats, the " Myakka Maiden," or the "Gator Gal" for a scenic cruise on the Upper Myakka Lake. Discover what makes the Myakka unique among America's freshwater lakes. Hear intriguing stories about the alligator, anhinga and sandhill crane as you become acquainted with the variety of creatures that make their home here. These air-powered vessels venture into the shallow, grassy areas where traditional crafts of such size wouldn't dare to go. The leisurely ride is so safe and smooth you'll have no problem taking photographs to bring home. Tour schedule & prices

You don't have to " rough it" to take Myakka Wildlife Tours' special " Tram Safari" into the backcountry of Myakka River State Park. Discover what life in old Florida was like as you see it through the eyes of the early settlers. Learn to detect clues of the presence of resident wildlife as you pass through shady hammocks, majestic pine flatwoods, fertile marshes and sunny prairies. If you want to gain an understanding of the intricate workings of a natural ecosystem in progress, you have to experience it for yourself. Tour schedule & prices Scenic Drive: A 7- mile drive winds through shady hammocks, grassy marshes and along the Upper Lake.

Visitor Center

Includes displays of wildlife and their habitats, frog calls; also features the Myakka Movies.

Wildlife Viewing

Deer, raccoons, opossums, red-shouldered hawks, turkeys, barred owls, and vultures are commonly seen along the park drive. The river, lakes and wetlands attract huge alligators, ducks, wading birds, woodstorks, sandhill cranes, roseate spoonbills, eagles, ospreys, and shorebirds. Hiking trails lead to the prairies and pinelands that harbor caracaras, Bachman’s sparrows, bobcats, bobwhite quail, and meadowlarks.