Oscar Scherer State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Established in 1955, this park is named after Oscar Scherer, a prominent Florida biologist and environmentalist known for his contributions to wildlife conservation. As you cross the park's well-maintained trails, you can discover the remnants of the past, including the Scherer homestead. If you want to reconnect with nature, watch for birds along the trails where several species flit and chirp between the towering pine flatwoods. Along with that, the calm waters are the ideal spot to partake in canoeing or kayaking. Oscar Scherer State Park is an excellent location to enjoy history and Florida's natural splendor.
Nearby Cities
Osprey, FL
Vamo, FL
Laurel, FL
Nokomis, FL
Spring 62-82 F
Summer 72-91 F
Fall 70-90 F
Winter 76-55 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Oscar Scherer State Park
Campground Accommodations
Oscar Scherer State Park Campground
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: Yes
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other features: Ocean views, numerous park activities, and laundry
Oscar Scherer State Park Campground
Oscar Scherer State Park offers many camping spots with full hookups. You can reserve spots here up to 11 months in advance. You will want to reserve your spot as far ahead as possible to take advantage of everything this park offers, including snorkeling, swimming, and guided paddling adventures. Rates start at $26 a night.
• Water hookup: Yes
• Electrical hookup: Yes
• Sewer hookup: Yes
• Wi-Fi: No
• Pet-friendly: Yes
• Other features: Ocean views, numerous park activities, laundry
Turtle Beach Campground
You can stay under the palm trees at Turtle Beach Campground, which also has crushed-shell camping pads. Enjoy taking the open-air trolley into Siesta Village or stay in the campground and take in stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico.
• Water hookup: Yes
• Electrical hookup: Yes
• Sewer hookup: Yes
• Wi-Fi: Yes
• Pet-friendly: Yes
• Other features: Direct access to Siesta Beach, open-air trolley
Sarasota Sunny South
Sarasota Sunny South is an ideal spot for seniors who want to relax. You can take your dog to play in the pet area before swimming in the pool with its own Tiki bar at this 55+ campground in Sarasota, Florida. Rates start at about $69 per night, and many weekly and monthly spots are available.
• Water hookup: Yes
• Electrical hookup: Yes
• Sewer hookup: Yes
• Wi-Fi: Yes
• Pet-friendly: Yes
• Other features: Cable TV, pool, dog area
Sun N Fun RV Resort
Here, you can swim in the heated Olympic-size swimming pool, do art projects in the craft center, fish, or let your children participate in the special summer camps. You can stay for about $66 per night at the Sun N Fun RV Resort.
• Water hookup: Yes
• Electrical hookup: Yes
• Sewer hookup: Yes
• Wi-Fi: Yes
• Pet-friendly: Yes
• Other features: Craft room, fitness center, pool, community activities
What to Do at
Oscar Scherer State Park
Oscar Scherer State Park is a well-known Florida habitat and species management area. While there, join the ranger-led paddling adventures, swim in crystal-clear waters, enjoy the sandy shores, or have a relaxing picnic. The Legacy Trail is a must-visit, offering an excellent route for a scenic bike ride. Keep an eye out for the numerous birds. This park has over 200 different species fluttering throughout the woodlands and skies.
From scenic bike rides to paddling on the open waters, you will find something to pique your interest at Oscar Scherer State Park.
Inside Oscar Scherer State Park
Oscar Scherer State Park is a unique habitat/species management area that's home to over 200 species of birds. When you visit, you can go on a ranger-led paddling adventure, swim, play on sandy shores, rollerblade, cool off by scuba diving, or enjoy a picnic. Legacy Trail runs right through this park, making it a great place for a bike ride. Look at the park’s calendar for organized events and activities happening throughout the year. Couples often choose this location as a wedding venue.
Fishing
Oscar Scherer State Park offers an unparalleled fishing experience that will leave you in awe. You can catch various fish, such as largemouth bass, bluegill, black crappie, catfish, and tilapia. Some of the best fishing spots in the park include Lake Osprey, South Creek, Lake Louise, and Shady Haven.
Geocaching
Head out to Oscar Scherer State Park and experience the excitement of geocaching. The Lester Finley Barrier-Free Trail offers many opportunities to explore the park's hidden wonders. As you follow the winding trails, you might discover hidden caches. With the help of GPS, you can find hidden gems in this Florida state park as you navigate through the pine flatwoods.
Nature Watching
You might spot the charismatic Florida scrub jay on your next vacation. This bird is native to the scrubby flatwoods, usually found in lush foliage. You might spot other inhabitants in the park, including gopher tortoise, bobcat, Eastern indigo snake, white-tailed deer, and osprey.
Stargazing
Oscar Scherer State Park offers excellent locations for stargazing, such as the South Creek Picnic Area, the Lester Finley Barrier-Free Trail, and the park's campground. These spots provide an optimal vantage point away from city lights. The park's natural setting boosts the stargazing experience and allows visitors to immerse themselves in the celestial wonders overhead.
Flora and Fauna
While you explore the scrubby flatwoods, you might see the Florida scrub jay and gopher tortoise in their habitats. The hiking trails are adorned with beautiful wildflowers, such as the delicate Florida paintbrush and the vibrant firewheel. The saw palmettos and the sabal palms add texture and beauty to the natural surroundings.
Hiking
Oscar Scherer State Park has scenic hiking trails catering to various preferences and abilities. The Lester Finley Barrier-Free Trail offers an accessible journey suitable for all visitors. This trail provides a stroll through the pine flatwoods. For those who want to know more about the plant and animal species, a few kiosks are spread out on the trail to provide information about the local flora and fauna.
Boating
There are plenty of spots to enjoy some water-based fun at Oscar Scherer State Park. However, there are some limitations since this is a designated protected area. Non-motorized boating is a popular activity at South Creek. You can paddle or canoe on the waterway that wanders through the park's heart.
Swimming
Lake Osprey is the perfect place for various water activities if you're looking for fun in the water. The lake has a designated area for swimming, which is a great way to cool off on a hot and humid summer day in Florida. The peaceful atmosphere of the lake creates an ideal environment for a relaxing and enjoyable day out during your next vacation.
Biking
If you enjoy biking through parks, you'll have plenty of opportunities to hit the trail at Oscar Scherer State Park. The Legacy Trail is a scenic multi-use trail that runs through the park's heart and offers beautiful views. Additionally, you can pedal through the pine flatwoods and oak hammocks alongside South Creek. Most of these paths are designed for casual riders and avid cyclists. You can enjoy them regardless of your skill level.
How to Get to
Oscar Scherer State Park
To get to Oscar Scherer State Park, you want to take Interstate 75 and exit at Venice/Osprey, Florida 681 South. Stay to the right at the fork to get on US 41 N. Follow this road for 1.9 miles, and you'll arrive at the park.
Entering Oscar Scherer State Park
Oscar Scherer State Park charges $5 per vehicle and $4 per person for single-occupancy vehicles.
Oscar Scherer State Park is a wonderful place to stop and play for a while before exploring the surrounding area. If you've been to this state park, then post about your adventure on your social media feed. Tag RVshare in your posts so that we can see what you have to share. You can also send your comments, stories, and photos to [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions About Oscar Scherer State Park
If you plan to visit Oscar Scherer State Park, the fall and winter months from October to April are the best time to explore the park's natural wonders. This period is perfect for outdoor activities. The cooler weather enhances the overall experience of exploring the park. Plus, you can enjoy all the outdoor offerings without the intensity of the Florida sun.
The park has preserved the natural habitat of the Florida scrub jay. The park is also home to many other species, including bald eagles in winter. Other animals that call Oscar Scherer State Park home include raccoons, squirrels, and deer.
Oscar Scherer State Park has 104 campsites with 30- or 50-amp and water hookups. Six sites are drive-through spots, while the remaining are back-ins. Additionally, the park features a convenient dump station for visitors to use during their stay.
This park can become very busy during the summer months. Reservations are recommended during peak season, but spots may be available on short notice during the fall and winter. If you want to book an RV campsite, the rates start at $26 per night.
Pets are welcome at Oscar Scherer State Park but must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet. They are also not allowed on playground equipment or in restrooms. Along with that, you must clean up all animal waste.