Myakka River State Park

Reviews

• Michelle Trippi

  Nov, 21 2018
  ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
  My family and I are avid campers and have visited many campgrounds in Florida and beyond. I have never encountered a campground host quite like the one in the old prairie loop. NO welcoming words or introductions only shouting at my kids for playing basketball on an empty campsite and to move my vehicle. This encounter only moments after arriving. They even called the poor ranger out that had spent all day fighting a brush fire. All for nothing, the empty campsite remained empty for another full 24hrs. Just completely unnecessary and aggravating to say the very least. Also, not this hosts only bad review.
• Derek Green

  Aug, 02 2018
  ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
  We love this place and spend lots of time here every year when we spend a month in Florida. Depending on when you go you are able to walk for hours and never see another person which is what we like. This is real wilderness with real animals like alligators, snakes, etc. that can hurt or kill you so don't be dumb. If you leave them alone they will leave you alone. Florida has few areas like this left so be respectful. Let the plants and animals live and take your trash with you so we all have this to enjoy for many years to come. The park has much more to offer with boat tours, canopy walk which is really cool, camping, fishing, among other things.
• Lisa Cruikshank

  Mar, 30 2018
  ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
  This place is a real gem!! We started by touring the Nature Center and being educated about the local nature and wildlife. The short films were very educational, as was the volunteer, who generously shared her knowledge and fun stories. She also gave us tips to make the most of our visit to this 40,000 acre park We hiked along the Myakka River in the cool shade of the tall palms. As we hiked, we enjoyed the tropical birds and the sleeping alligators, sunning safely on the other side of the river, no less exciting!! As we continued through the park, we ventured to the canopy walk (up 74'), which was so special in the flat state of Florida. We had so much fun, that we decided to take a daring canoe paddle. We paddled in the shallow, brown Myakka River, which was terrifying!! Alligators were swimming around us and fish were jumping!! The wind was blowing. I just kept thinking, if we get stuck on a sand bar, or tip due to the powerful wind, it's over!! I was grateful I was an experienced paddler, with an experienced paddler, or we wouldn't have made it back, unaided. After our safe return, we shared stories and enjoyed a delicious sweet treat of ice cream. Next time, I would like to bring bikes and ride throughout this expansive and amazing gem!!

Photos and maps

Nearest companies

• Myakka Canopy bridge/hiking trail parking lot and trail head

  Establishment, Park

  Sarasota, Sarasota, FL 34241

  floridastateparks.org
• Myakka Wildlife Tours

  Establishment

  13208 State Road 72, Sarasota, FL 34241

  +1 941-365-0100

  myakkawildlifetours.com
• Myakka River State Park Campfire Circle

  Establishment, Park, Lodging, Campground

  ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

  1 reviews

  14 Myakka State Park Road, Sarasota, FL 34241

  +1 941-361-6511

  floridastateparks.org
• Pool Specialist Inc

  Establishment, General contractor

  6830 Old Ranch Road, Sarasota, FL 34241

  +1 941-922-0473
• Myakka Canopy Walkway and Observation Tower

  Establishment

  Sarasota, Sarasota, FL 34241
• Lamb Of God Metal Land

  Establishment

  13208 State Road 72, Sarasota, FL 34241