Myakka River State Park is one of Florida’s oldest and largest state parks. Located east of Sarasota, the park spreads across approximately 38,000 acres. It was designated a state park in 1941. During the 1930’s land for the park was purchased by the state of Florida, and turned over to the Civil Conservation Corps for development.
The Myakka River flowing through the park is designated a Wild and Scenic River, and forms two lakes within the park. The Upper Lake is the largest, and closest to the campgrounds, hiking trails, and the park concessions. The Lower Lake is pretty much wilderness area, and requires a permit to explore. The two lakes are connected by the river, which is home to a huge population of alligators, something that can be a little unnerving as you paddle your kayak or canoe.
Much of the park is wild prairie, and was a cattle and swine ranch before becoming a park. There is a Bird Walk (boardwalk) that takes you out over the lake and prairie for great views of wildlife and birds. Over 200 species of birds can be seen at the park, particularly in the winter. The Bird Walk used to let you walk over soggy marsh land to the lake. Because of a drought the area is mostly dry at this time (late 2023).
Small herds of deer can be seen in the wilderness area of the park. Raccoons are known to wander into the campground, so pack your garbage in the dumpster, and keep your food and coolers in your car when not needed.
I had a personal raccoon experience one evening when walking back to camp from the Outpost.
Two raccoons came out of the underbrush in front of me, and as I followed along behind them, I could hear them chattering with each other. I don’t speak raccoon, but they were obviously talking about which campsites they were going to pillage food from that night.
There are plenty of hiking trails in the park, some short, some long. The longest is the Prairie Trail, which runs over 14 miles. The shortest, the Mossy Hammock Trail, is 2.2 miles and the location of a tree canopy catwalk that lets you stroll about 40 yards through the tree tops, about 30 feet off the ground. The trails are maintained by the Florida Trail Association.
The backcountry on the east side of the park has longer trails that are used by backpackers, mountain bikers, and equestrians
You can rent canoes at the Myakka Outpost. I didn’t see any kayaks when I was there. During dry seasons paddling in the lake and river may require portages.
There are three campgrounds, with about 90 sites, all with water and electricity. The sites have large gravel pads, to accommodate RV’s. Tent campers will want to look for a site with some open ground to pitch a tent. There are six designated primitive camp sites along the trails on the east side of the park, each site accommodates up to three tents. There are also three group campgrounds for scouts and non-profit groups.
There are also palm log cabins, built in the 1930’s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. They have been modernized inside to include a fully equipped kitchen and a shower. These book up well in advance.
*NOTE- In 2023 the park was in the grips of a severe two-year drought. Lake levels are low, and the river is impassable in some areas. Boat tours from the Outpost are canceled until water levels get back to normal.
*ALSO NOTE- the park’s drinking water system is not functioning (2023) due to a failure of a new osmosis filter, and the inaccessibility of parts to make repairs. Visitors have to pack in their own water, or get free 2-gallon water jugs at the entrance station or the Outpost. This started in May of 2023, and was still in effect at the end of the year.
There are restrooms in the three campground loops. They are immaculately maintained and have plenty of hot water for the showers. They are the cleanest park restrooms I’ve ever seen.
RATING- Overall, the Myakka experience is one of Florida’s best parks. They could try to make the campgrounds more friendly to tent campers. Those gravel pads can easily tear the flooring out of a tent. I’ve been there several times and would rate Myakka an “A”, but due to the drought and water problems, I’d give it a temporary “B” until things get back to normal.