Notable Campgrounds
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
- Like at other Florida state parks, all campsites at Myakka River State Park can be reserved online or over the phone up to 11 months in advance.
- Same-day reservations are also available online or by phone up to 1pm ET. After that, any remaining open sites are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
- If in doubt about walk-in availability, it’s best to call the park.
When to Go
Myakka River State Park is accessible year-round, but the summer heat, humidity, and rain can be tough for tent campers unaccustomed to South Florida’s tropical weather. Winters are more mild and pleasant, but bug spray and good hydration are necessary year-round.
Know Before You Go
- This scenic river park is set about 20 miles east of Sarasota.
- Boat tours run daily on the Upper Myakka Lake. Canoe and kayak rentals are also available on-site.
- To hike or paddle to the Deep Hole, a popular gator hangout, arrive at the ranger station early—it opens at 8am and only 30 permits are issued daily.
- The park café and camp store sell groceries and camping equipment.
Myakka River State Park
You're almost guaranteed to see some alligators in this wild ecosystem.
Myakka River State Park shelters its namesake river with 58 square miles of hammocks, pine forests, and wildlife-filled wetlands. Campers flock here to spot rare creatures like the roseate spoonbill, the West Indian manatee, and the Florida panther, but the park’s most notorious inhabitants are its American alligators. Kayaking, canoeing, and guided airboat rides are popular ways to explore, as are the birdwalk boardwalks and the mountain biking and hiking trails deep in the backcountry. If you prefer more space between you and the gators, try the canopy walkway and treetop lookout tower. All Myakka River campsites feature 50-amp full hookups, picnic tables, and a fire ring.
Myakka River State Park shelters its namesake river with 58 square miles of hammocks, pine forests, and wildlife-filled wetlands. Campers flock here to spot rare creatures like the roseate spoonbill, the West Indian manatee, and the Florida panther, but the park’s most notorious inhabitants are its American alligators. Kayaking, canoeing, and guided airboat rides are popular ways to explore, as are the birdwalk boardwalks and the mountain biking and hiking trails deep in the backcountry. If you prefer more space between you and the gators, try the canopy walkway and treetop lookout tower. All Myakka River campsites feature 50-amp full hookups, picnic tables, and a fire ring.
Activities in the park
4 campgrounds in Myakka River State Park
At Myakka River State Park, all sites come with 50-amp/water hook-ups, a fire ring, and picnic table. So, what makes Old Prairie Campground special? Campsites are near the dump station, laundry facilities, and steamy, hot showers. Like Big Flats Campground, Old Prairie is also dirt-based, and like all other sites in the park, your furry friend is Read more...
At Myakka River State Park, all sites come with 50-amp/water hook-ups, a fire ring, and picnic table. So, what makes Palmetto Ridge Campground special? At this camp, you have access to laundry facilities, and each site is just 40 yards from a restroom or steamy, hot shower! Sites are near a campfire circle, small playground, and if your furry frie Read more...
Combine Mother Nature’s wonders with history by staying in a palm tree cabin! Built between 1934 and 1941 by Civilian Conservation Corps, these palm penthouses come with a fireplace that will keep you especially cozy in the winter months. Don’t expect WiFi, telephones or a television in this lil’ vacation home. House activities include drinking in Read more...
At Myakka River State Park, all sites come with 50-amp/water hook-ups, a fire ring, and picnic table. So, what makes Big Flats Campground special? World’s. Largest. Airboats. Need we say more? Big Flats is located near the Upper Myakka Lake where you can take a tour on big azz boats, cast from a fishing deck, or connect with the outside world with Read more...
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Notable Campgrounds
Notable Campgrounds
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
When to Go
Myakka River State Park is accessible year-round, but the summer heat, humidity, and rain can be tough for tent campers unaccustomed to South Florida’s tropical weather. Winters are more mild and pleasant, but bug spray and good hydration are necessary year-round.
Know Before You Go
Public campgrounds (book externally) —