Myakka River State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Myakka River State Park is an expanse of wetlands, prairies, and pinelands along the Myakka River. The area is home to palm trees and live oaks shading a winding stream, and as such, is also home to a variety of birds, alligators, turtles, and other wildlife. Go boating, fishing, or canoeing down the stream, or explore miles of trails by bike or on foot.
Weather in the park is mild, barely dipping below 50 degrees on the coldest days and staying in the low 90s on the hottest. The park’s rainiest days are during the summer.
Spring 81-91 F
Summer 92-93 F
Fall 81-91 F
Winter 75-77 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Myakka River State Park
The RV campgrounds at Mykka River State Park have electricity and dump stations and are pet-friendly. If you do choose to use an RV, consider renting one from us at RVshare.com. You’ll find the perfect motorhome for your travels, at a price that suits your budget. All rentals come with nationwide insurance, 24/7 roadside assistance, and a world-class team dedicated to helping you succeed. You can rent an RV at your home and drive it to the park, or if you’d prefer, you can fly to Florida and then rent an RV there to head to the park.
Sun & Fun RV Resort
An array of amenities at the park, including a mega-slide, an indoor fitness pool and wellness center, an Olympic-size outdoor heated pool, and two bark parks, mean there’s plenty for everyone to do.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: yes
Wifi: yes
Pet-friendly: yes
Other amenities: several pools, laundry, showers, dog parks, laundry, waterslide, mini golf, fitness center, kids’ camp
Winter Quarters Manatee RV Resort
Winter Quarters Manatee RV Resort in Bradenton is close to Anna Maria Island, Siesta Key beaches, St. Armand's Circle, Ringling Museum and Busch Gardens, as well as being near all Sarasota has to offer.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: yes
Wifi: yes
Pet-friendly: yes
Other amenities: pool, showers, laundry, fishing, fitness center, waterfront sites
What to Do at
Myakka River State Park
Inside Myakka River State Park
There’s plenty to do as you explore the wetlands and river at Myakka River State Park. Paddle the river, go fishing or birding, or hike along the trails that snake through the park. Activities in the park include:
Canopy Walkway: The Myakka Canopy Walkway allows those who use it to observe life in the treetops of an oak/palm hammock. It’s an outdoor lab for research and education, and a place for visitors to see canopy inhabitants up close. It was the first public treetop trail in North America. From the top, climbers can look down on eagles, hawks, vultures, and the tops of Live Oak and Sabal Palm trees.
Wildlife Tours: Boat and tram tours allow guests to see wildlife even closer. The tours run from 45-60 minutes and are ADA-friendly and wheelchair accessible.
Paddling: Explore Florida’s first “Wild and Scenic River” by canoe or kayak. You could see gators sunning themselves along the riverbank, or spot birds as you float along.
Hiking: See the Florida wildlife and various ecosystems of the park while walking one of the many trails that wind through its grounds.
Outside Myakka River State Park
Nearby Sarasota offers plenty to do. From visiting sites of interest to shopping to finding a good place to eat, you’re sure to find something you enjoy.
Restaurants
Try some delicious seafood or a tasty Peruvian ceviche for something off the beaten path!
Selva
This Peruvian restaurant specializes in inventive ceviches and handcrafted cocktails in a chic setting. Main entrees include fish and steak, but there are vegetarian options as well
Type: Peruvian
Location: Sarasota, FL
Owens Fish Camp
Try fish straight from the Bay, grilled up fresh the same day. Along with fresh seafood, there are Southern classics and a great selection of craft beer and wine.
Type: Seafood
Location: Sarasota, FL
Antoine’s
Antoine’s specializes in mussels...in fact, you can get them one of seven different ways, served with Belgian frites (fries). Everything is prepared in-house, including bread, pasta, dressings, and desserts.
Type: Belgian
Location: Sarasota, FL
Shopping
The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime
Learn to weave with recycled materials, try painting by learning to “acrylic pour,” or learn the tricks to chalk paint at The Bazaar. The indoor market also has hand-crafted soap, felt flowers, essential oils, vintage clothes, local foods, and handmade jewelry and other accessories.
Location: Sarasota, FL
Sightseeing
The Ringling
The Ringling preserves the legacy of John and Mable Ringling. It’s home to the State Art Museum of Florida, the Ca’ d’Zan Mansion, Bayfront Gardens, the Art Library, two Circus Museums, and the Historic Asolo Theater. Prices are $10 for entry to the Museum of Art, the Circus Museum, and a self-guided walk-through of the first floor of the Ca’d’Zan.
Location: Sarasota, FL
Siesta Key Beach
Spend a day relaxing on the sugar-fine white sand beach or splashing in the crystal blue water at Siesta Key.
Location: Sarasota, FL
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
The Children’s Rainforest Garden makes this a great family venue for everyone to enjoy! There are a variety of other gardens as well, meaning you can spend an afternoon, or a whole day, learning about the flowers and plants that thrive in Florida...and about those that grow other places as well. There is a cafe on-site, and a garden shop to browse before you leave.
Location: Sarasota, FL
How to Get to
Myakka River State Park
From Sarasota, take FL-780 E/Fruitville Rd. Merge onto I-75 S towards Naples, then take exit 205 for FL-72 toward Sarasota/Arcadia. Turn left onto FL-72 E and follow that to the park.
Entering Myakka River State Park
Like most state parks there is a fee to enter Myakka River State Park:
Myakka River State Park Entrance Fee : $6.0
Visiting Myakka River State Park is sure to be a beautiful, relaxing trip. From paddling the river to exploring the area from the canopy walkway, there’s sure to be an activity for everyone in your group! While you’re out and about, don’t forget to tag us in your social media posts or send us a photo and some details at [email protected]. We may just feature your story on our blog or social media channels. Happy camping!
Frequently Asked Questions About Myakka River State Park
Myakka River State Park and the surrounding area experience a humid subtropical climate. Summers are hot and damp, and winters are warm but somewhat drier.
The area around Myakka River State Park experiences rainy and dry seasons. The dry season, which lasts from October through May, is considered the best time to visit.
Myakka River State Park’s diverse ecosystems are home to a range of wild animals, including alligators, snapping turtles, black bears, salamanders, frogs, snakes, and many bird species.
Pets are welcome at the park but cannot be brought into the buildings, including restrooms, unless they are service animals. You can bring your well-behaved pets camping with you, too.
There are three campgrounds in Myakka River State Park, which offer a total of 90 campsites. Each site has a water hookup, a fire ring, a picnic table, and an electrical hookup. The Palmetto Ridge campground also has sewer hookups.