Situated inland from the city of Sarasota, Myakka River State Park is one of the biggest and oldest state parks in Florida. It encompasses 57 square miles of woodlands, wetlands and prairies. In addition to providing guests with fishing, hiking and wildlife observation opportunities, Myakka State Park also offers affordable camping. The primitive sites, which include water from a pump, are $5 per night. Camping sites with water and electric are $26 per night. Fully equipped cabins that sleep up to six people are $70 each day. The fee for a group campground for tents only is also $5. Restrooms and showers are available in a park with 39 miles of hiking trails, lakes and the Myakka River for canoeing and fishing, a horse trail and picnic areas with pavilions for rent. The park has bicycles, kayaks and canoes for rent and a store that sells snacks, sandwiches and souvenirs.
Myakka River State Park
13208 State Road 72
Sarasota, FL 34241
941-361-6511
myakkariver.org
The Oscar Scherer State Park in Sarasota County has a fully equipped campground as well as a campground for youth groups. The fee for the campground that has water and electricity is $26 per day. The purpose of the electricity is to provide power to your RV when the engine is not running. Seniors over 65 or disabled people receive a 50 percent discount. Located in an excellent area for wildlife viewing, the park has showers, a dump station, fire pits, restrooms and picnic areas with grills. A dump station is where you drain urine, feces, toilet paper, mucous tissue and other items such as tampons from the storage sanitation tank of an RV. Fisherman can take advantage of a boat ramp and fishing dock. Both salt and freshwater fishing are available. The park also has bike, hiking and nature trails, amphitheaters for special programs and a swimming beach with its own shower house.
Oscar Scherer State Park
1843 S. Tamiami Trail
Osprey, FL 34229
941-483-5956
floridastateparks.org
Lake Manatee State Park encompasses three miles along the south shore of Lake Manatee, which supplies water to Manatee and Sarasota counties in west central Florida. The park mostly consists of marshes and hardwood forests along with the lake. A campground with 60 sites gives visitors easy access to the park's swimming and fishing areas as well as boat ramp on the lake. Water and electricity are available at every site. Camping costs $22 per night and comes with water and electricity. A dump station is located at the entrance of the campground. The park also has picnic areas and a picnic pavilion that may be reserved for a fee. Situated 15 miles east of Bradenton, Lake Manatee State Park has restrooms, showers, a playground and numerous hiking and nature trails. Showers for rinsing off after swimming are located next to Lake Manatee.
Lake Manatee State Park
20007 State Road 64
Bradenton, FL 34212
941-741-3028
floridastateparks.org
