Myakka River State Park is one of Florida's largest and most diverse natural areas. The "Florida Wild and Scenic" Myakka River flows through 58 square miles of wetlands, prairies, hammocks and pinelands. The river and its two shallow lakes attract a myriad of wetland creatures making birding, canoeing, fishing and wildlife observation popular activities.

A 7-mile scenic drive winds through shady oak-palm hammocks and along the shore of the Upper Myakka Lake. Over 39 miles of hiking trails and many miles of dirt roads provide access to the remote interior.

Large expanses of rare Florida dry prairie thrive here thanks to intense restoration efforts. This globally-imperiled community suffered many decades of fire exclusion before people realized how dependent these grasslands were on frequent fire.

Myakka River is one of the state's oldest parks. It was developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1934 and many of the original, historic buildings are still in use today, including five log rental cabins.

You'll find many opportunities to discover the uniqueness of Myakka. Brochures and information about park programs and tours are available at the Ranger Station. Try out CyberRanger at Myakka Friends Gallery and Gifts for native plant and wildlife facts. Stop by the Visitor Center for videos and exhibits of wildlife and their habitats, then discover how plants and animals adapt to survive flood, drought and shade at the nature trail. You can even explore the treetops on Myakka's canopy walkway, and climb the 70-foot tower for an awesome view of wetlands, forest, and prairie.

Hours of Operation

Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.

Driving Directions

Myakka River State Park is located 9 miles east of I-75 in Sarasota on S.R. 72.

Park Fees

Admission Fees - $5.00 per vehicle for up to 8 people Pedestrians, Bicyclists, Extra Passengers, Passengers In Vehicles With Holder of Annual Individual Entrance Permit, Members of Organized Groups - Admission Fee $1.00

Economically Disadvantaged Fee (Up to 8 people) - $2.50
Bus Tour Fee (40+ people) - $40.00
Bus Tour Fee (less than 40 people; per person) - $1.00

Permits
Annual Family Entrance (Up to 8 People) - $80.00
Annual Individual Entrance - $40.00

Camping Fees
Campsites all year - $22.00
Cabins all year - $60.00
Senior/Disabled Citizen camping (must be Florida resident, over 65 years or 100% disabled) - $11.00
Primitive and youth camping / per person - $4.00
Overnight parking fee (self-contained camping rigs only) limited to 1 night only when no campsite vacancies - $8.00
Dump station, per unit, non-registered camper - $6.00
Shower fee / per person, primitive camper - $6.00
RV water filling station / per unit, non-registered camper - $5.00

Commercial Photography Fees
Still photography during park hours - $50.00 After park hours - $80.00 Annual Permit (Includes after-hours use) - $400.00 Motion Pictures & TV Production: 1-10 hours - $500.00 Over 10 hours - $1000.00

Pavilions
Lake and Clay Gully per day (holds 40 people) - $30.00 South (holds 111 people) and Log (holds 60 people) per day - $60.00

Daily Equestrian Fees (must provide own horse and proof of negative Coggins)
Individual - $6.00
Family / per vehicle (4 person maximum) - $14.00

Daily Concession Tours
Airboat & Tram Tours - Adult - $8.00
Children 6 thru12 - $4.00 (Children 5 & under free in adult’s lap)

Daily Concession Rental Fees
Canoe rental: 0-2 hrs - $15.00; 2-4 hrs - $25.00; 4hrs-close - $40.00
Kayak rental: ½ day - $25.00; Full day - $45.00
Bicycle rental: 0-2hrs - $10.00; 2-4hrs - $20.00; 4hrs-close - $25.00

Myakka River State Park 13207 S.R. 72 Sarasota, Florida 34241 Phone: 941-361-6511 Fax: Contact Park for Number Park Manager: Jon Robinson