State: Florida
Address 1: 13207 State Road 72
City: Sarasota
Zip: 34241
Phone: 941-361-6511
Open all Year: Yes
Electric Water: 76
Camp URL: http://www.floridastateparks.org/myakkariver/default.cfm
Full Hook: Yes
Free: No
About: One of the oldest and largest state parks, Myakka protects one of the state´s most diverse natural areas. The Myakka River, designated as a Florida Wild and Scenic River, flows through 58 square miles of wetlands, prairies, hammocks, and pinelands. Visitors can enjoy wildlife viewing from a boardwalk that stretches out over the Upper Myakka Lake, then take to the treetops with a stroll along the canopy walkway. The park´s river and two lakes provide ample opportunities for boating, freshwater fishing, canoeing, and kayaking; a boat ramp provides access to Upper Myakka Lake. Hikers can explore trails that cross large expanses of rare Florida dry prairie. Scenic lake tours are offered daily on the world´s two largest airboats. Safari tram tours of the park´s backcountry are offered from mid-December through May. Full-facility campgrounds and primitive campsites are available. Five palm log cabins, built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, have been modernized for comfortable lodging. Located nine miles east of Sarasota on State Road 72.
The park features two campgrounds with 76 campsites. Each site is equipped with 50 amp electrical service, water, a fire ring and picnic table. A dump station is located near Old Prairie campground and laundry facilities are available to all campers in this same campground. All campsites are located within 40 yards of restroom facilities with hot showers. All sites are dirt based and they do not have vegetation buffers. The Big Flats campground is located near the dock where tours are available on the worlds largest airboats. The Tram Station, a fishing deck and a concession are also nearby. Well behaved pets are welcome in the campground.
Maximum RV length = 34 ft.
Reservations: Reservations may be made up to 11 months in advance through ReserveAmerica.
Six primitive campgrounds each have three campsites. Set in an oak hammock, the campground offers 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.
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.
