Visit Myakka River State Park and Enjoy a Canopy Walkway above the Hammock Trees
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Myakka River State Park
Myakka River State Park is located in Sarasota, Florida where the Myakka River flows through the 58-acre park and is surrounded by prairie, wetlands, hammocks, pinelands and wildlife. This is one of the oldest parks in Florida and offers the opportunity to complete miles of hiking, enjoy scenic waterways for kayaking and canoeing, and birdwatching opportunities. This park is nicely kept and is a peaceful place to spend a few hours or stay a while and enjoy camping at this park against Florida’s rich natural beauty.
Cost: $6 per vehicle
Hours: 8am to sunset. 365 days a year.
Amenities: biking, fishing, boating/canoe/kayaking, hiking, horseback riding, geo caching, playground
Myakka Outpost: Rent kayaks, canoes, bikes from the outpost for a fee. You will also find a camp store, Pink Gator Café, boat tours, and gift items at the outpost.
Facilities: Restrooms, showers available to non-campers for $8, visitor center
Map: Trails and campground map (see trail map below)
Camping details below
Pets are allowed in the park except in buildings
Trails
There are several hiking trails within Myakka River State Park that consists of 38.9 miles of trails.
A popular hike is the Canopy Walkway. This small hike leads you to a wooden walkway 25-feet above ground suspended over hammock trees. You climb up to the walkway as seen above. Once you cross the walkway you can also climb up the 75-foot tower to look above the treetops at the surrounding prairie. (This walkway is closed as of July 2023 due to damages from hurricane Ian) Check the Myakka River State Park website for updates.
Pets: allowed on the trails if on a leash
Such a beautiful walkway suspended across the many highland hammock trees.
Below you will find the view from the top of the canopy walkway tower
Upper Myakka Lake
There is a lake at this park for boating, kayaking, or other water activities. There is a boat ramp where you can launch your own boat. They also have a concession stand and cafe to enjoy.
Fee: $4 per boat launch to be paid at ranger station
Boat Tours are available of the lake for a fee. Times run 9am, 11am, 1pm, 3pm, 5pm. No reservations are needed. Tour runs 45-60 minutes long.
Camping
Camping: - There are three main campgrounds with 90 sites total, you will also find primitive sites along the trails and a few cabins to rent. Reservations can be made HERE. Hammock camping available at certain sites, check their website for details. Camping is $26 per night plus reservation and utility fees.
6 primitive campsites located along the hiking trails. $5 per person per night
Cabins available. No pets allowed in the cabins. $70 per night plus reservation and utility fees.
Big Flats Campground
Amenities: dirt sites, electric, water, fire ring, picnic table, restrooms, hot showers
Palmetto Ridge Campground
Amenities: gravel sites, electric, water, hot showers, sewer, restrooms, picnic table, fire ring, laundry
Old Prairie campground
Amenities: dirt sites, dirt sites, electric, water, hot showers, restrooms, picnic table, fire ring, near dump station, laundry
What’s nearby
1 hour 6 minutes from Tampa Riverwalk
28 minutes from Siesta Beach
37 minutes from Venice Beach
1 hour 36 minutes from Clearwater Beach
1 hour 8 minutes from Fort Myers
Make a stop at this beautiful park and take time to stay the night at one of the multiple campgrounds. This park is located close to many other Florida attractions but yet far enough away to enjoy some peace and quiet. Need more Florida travel ideas? Click for more travel destinations in Florida. Sign up for my newsletter below to be updated with new Florida travel destinations.
Check out the best places to eat in Tampa, Florida
Enjoy the journey,
Meet the author: Jennifer
I am a girl who loves to travel and enjoys sharing expert family travel advice. I am a content creator and influencer on Instagram with years of travel experience and provide readers with advice, tips, and details on adventurous family travel and tips on saving money while boondocking or traveling across the US and other locations for our family of 6. Pic: FRIENDS inspired cafe in Orlando, FL.
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