02 Mar Activities at Myakka River State Park in Florida

Everyone in the family can find one or more activities to enjoy at Myakka River State Park in Florida. However, the main attraction of the park is (of course) the alligators. They might be swimming around in the lake as well as sunbathing on the shore. As we drove along the main road, we saw a couple here and there as we crossed a few small bridges. Additionally, we saw even more alligators around the boat dock and on the boat tour. Interested in more? Keep reading below to find out about all of the activities the park has to offer.

Contents:

1) Location, Opening Hours, and Tickets

2) Boat and Tram Tours 

3) Hiking

4) Bird Watching

5) Camping 

6) Kayaking and Canoeing

7) Biking

8) Fishing

9) Nature Trail

10) Horseback Riding 

1) Location, Opening Hours, and Tickets

Myakka River State Park is located in Sarasota, Florida. For reference, it is approximately 35 minutes east of Siesta Key and one hour 10 minutes south from Tampa. Moreover, the park is fairly large as it covers 37,000 acres.

Looking for some other ideas on what to do in the Sarasota Area? Check out this one day in Sarasota itinerary. Hint – it includes a stop at the Ringling Museum where you can learn all about the circus.

Parking

There is parking available all throughout the park. For example, there is a parking lot where the boat tours depart as well as where the nature trail begins. 

Nearby Lodging

For lodging accommodations, check out options in the nearby towns of Englewood and Sarasota. Otherwise, you can stay at a campground within the park. 

Hours of Operation

The park is open from 8am to sunset. Trust me, you do not want to be walking around a park full of alligators in the dark. Additionally, it is open every single day of the year. While we visited for only one day, there are multiple camping options to extend your visit. 

Tickets

There is a small entrance fee for the state park. It costs $6 for a private vehicle, carrying two to eight passengers, to enter. Additionally, one person in a private vehicle costs $4. Buses have their own ticket prices. For more details on all of the prices, check out their website. 

Furthermore, Myakka includes a variety of other activities within its park borders, many of which have an associated fee. See more information about prices for individual activities in the following sections.

Alligator hiding among the weeds in the water

2) Boat and Tram Tours – Myakka River, Florida

First on the list of activities at Myakka River State Park in Florida is boat and tram tours. Tours occur throughout the day at various times; check their site for more information. No reservations are accepted, and thus visitors must purchase tickets upon arrival. For groups of more than 25, call 941-923-0220 for information about group rates and availability. 

You can also book a combination tour if you want to experience Myakka from both a boat as well as a tram. The combination tour costs $32 + tax per adult.

If you are looking for a swamp tour, then you need to head to Caddo Lake State Park in Texas.

Boat Tour

For those who do not want to kayak around the lake with the alligators, the boat tour is the way to go. It offers scenic views of the park, a ride around the lake, and the chance to see alligators swimming in the water or sunning themselves on land. The tour guide will also talk about the park and dive into some pretty interesting alligator facts.

Moreover, the tour lasts approximately 45 minutes to one hour. It costs $22 + tax per adult. The boat has a covering on the top but not on the sides. Prepare to thus feel some sun and wind during the ride. 

Tram Tour

Not a fan of boat rides? No problem. Myakka also offers a tram tour that circles three miles (~4.8 kilometers) around the park. Additionally, alligators are not the only wildlife to be seen on this tour. Passengers might see turkeys, deer, birds, and more. The tour lasts approximately 45 minutes to one hour. It costs $22 + tax per adult. 

While Myakka does not offer the opportunity to see manatees, the Manatee Viewing Center is the perfect place to spot the gentle giants. Moreover, it is located only one hour north of Myakka.

Getting ready to head out on the boat tour at Myakka

3) Hiking

Second, visitors can stay multiple days if hiking at Myakka River State Park in Florida. The Myakka Trail is an approximately 39 mile (~63 kilometer) loop within the park. Check out the hiking trail on the state park’s website. 

Please please please consider your physical health while hiking in the summer. The Florida heat and humidity is intense. Take breaks in the shade and drink plenty of water if hiking on a particularly hot day. For example, I always carry my Yeti with me. Consider buying a Yeti Rambler 36 oz of your own. Additionally, bring along bug spray to ward off any annoying little friends. 

Moreover, the park website recommends hikers to have water, a map, and a compass/GPS on their body at all times for safety.

While you will not find too strenuous of trails in Myakka River State Park, Zion National Park is full of trails that will push your limits. For example, the trail to Angels Landing includes iron rungs for assistance as you hike alongside the edge of the cliff.

4) Bird Watching – Myakka River, Florida

Third on the list of activities at Myakka River is bird watching. The 37,000 acres of the park provide the perfect opportunity to see a variety of birds, including cranes, ibises, the great blue heron, and so many more. No prior bird watching experience is necessary. Instead, just grab some binoculars and start looking! 

For those with more experience, check out the Wings Over Florida program. It offers certificates after the completion of bird and butterfly checklists. 

Furthermore, there is a specific birdwalk within the park. At almost any time of day there will be visitors at the end of the ramp watching for birds with binoculars. Additionally, a bird naturalist hangs out there on most days. They are happy to talk all about the birds they spotted that day. You can call 941-361-6511 to check if there is a bird naturalist on duty. 

One of the many birds within the state park

5) Camping – Myakka River, Florida

Fourth, one of the best activities at Myakka River State Park to fully experience the park is…camping! Furthermore, camping options are available for hikers completing the entire 39-mile (~63 kilometer) loop trail. There are three campsites, six campsites with no amenities, and three youth campsites with no amenities in the park. 

Did you know that Myakka River State Park is considered one of the best things to do with kids in Sarasota, Florida? Grab your camping supplies, your kids, and head out for the weekend!

Campsites with Amenities 

Myakka has three main campsites: (1) Palmetto Ridge (2) Old Prairie (3) Big Flats. All campsites have access to restrooms, showers, water, picnic tables, and fire rings. Some sites have additional amenities; check the state park website for more information. A campsite costs $25 + tax for each night, additional fees not included. 

Big Flats campsite is near Upper Myakka Lake while Old Prairie and Palmetto Ridge are near the park entrance on State Road 72. Campers can reserve their campsite online 11 months in advance. Furthermore, a couple of sites offer hammock camping. Set up the hammock, hop on in, and then enjoy the night at Myakka River State Park. 

Campsites with No Amenities

Myakka has six campsites with no amenities: (1) Mossy Hammock (2) Honore (3) Panther Point (4) Bee Island (5) Prairie (6) Oak Grove. They do not have bathrooms, showers, picnic tables, etc. Generally, hikers stop at these campsites for the night and set up their own tents.

Hikers can reserve a site by calling 941-361-6511. A site costs $5 + tax per person for each night. Please see the state park website for more information regarding location, latest arrival time, availability of water, and bicycling permission. Additionally, you can check out the trail map. 

Lastly, nonprofit groups can book one of three different campsites with no amenities. However, these sites do include access to bathrooms and water (woohoo!). The price is $1 per youth and $5 per adult chaperone. Check the state park website for more information.  

Camping Items – Myakka River, Florida

10. Amflip Pop-Up Camping Tent: This is the perfect tent if you want to prioritize an easy set up. The tent literally pops up, so you do not have to fight against tent poles. I used the tent for a week while camping in Grand Teton, Yellowstone, and Glacier National Parks. Honestly, I only have positive things to say about it. It was easy to set up and even withstood a fair amount of rain, for it rained a lot during our trip.

11. AmazonBasics Waterproof Camping Tarp: You can set up the tarp above your tent by hanging it from nearby trees for an additional layer of protection from the rain. On the other hand, you can set up the tarp beneath your tent for an additional layer of protection from the ground.

12. Elegear Double Sleeping Pad: My favorite thing about this sleeping pad is that it has a foot pump. You thus do not need to pack an extra air pump while camping. Instead, you can easily pump up the sleeping pad by pressing down on the included pump with your foot.

13. Sleepingo Double Sleeping Bag: This sleeping bag makes me feel all comfy and cozy when I snuggle up inside of my tent for the night. Moreover, it is large enough for my partner and I to share since it is a double sleeping bag.

Alligator hiding in the weeds along the shore

6) Kayaking and Canoeing 

Fifth, visitors can also spend their day at Myakka kayaking or canoeing through the Myakka River in Florida. The river is 66 miles (~106 kilometers) long and winds through a variety of landscapes. Within the park borders are 14 miles (~23 kilometers) of the river as well as two small lakes. Visitors are allowed to bring their own kayaks or canoes. I own an Intex Challenger inflatable kayak from Amazon. However, I personally would not use an inflatable kayak with alligators nearby.

Additionally, the park offers rentals for a small fee. The rentals include life jackets and oars. Kayak rentals can fit one person while canoe rental can fit three adults or two children plus two adults. The rentals generally cost around $20 for one hour and $5 for each additional hour. 

Moreover, there are some safety considerations. Be sure to check the water level before heading out. Low waters cause the kayak/canoe to get stuck. On the other hand, high waters cause potential issues in maintaining control while rowing.

The boat tour for Myakka River State Park

7) Biking – Myakka River, Florida

Sixth, Myakka River State Park in Florida offers bicycling. Visitors are welcome to bring their own bikes or rent them. The park offers single, tandem, and children’s bikes for rent. The starting price for a single bike rental is $15 for two hours. Additionally, the starting price for a tandem bike rental is $30 for two hours. More information on pricing and rental times can be found on the state park website. 

The park allows biking on the main, paved road as well as the dirt roads north of State Road 72 and the Myakka Island Trail. However, the condition of the unpaved roads varies as it is dependent on the current weather. Additionally, helmets are required for cyclists 16 years and under. Helmets are recommended for cyclists 16 years and above. 

Not sure where to start? Check out their hiking and biking map.

Taking a stroll down a boardwalk in Myakka

8) Fishing

Eighth on the list of activities at Myakka River State Park in Florida is fishing. There is no specific location set aside for fishing, but instead visitors can fish in Myakka River and around Upper Myakka Lake. If a brown hoplo, vermiculated sailfin catfish, walking catfish, or blue tilapia happen to bite the line, do not release them back into the lake or river. These species are identified as invasive, which means they do not belong in the area. 

Furthermore, all individuals fishing at Myakka must have a Florida freshwater fishing license. Visit MyFWC.com to purchase a license. Additionally, please be aware they are not sold in the park. 

One additional note – do not disturb the alligators as you are fishing!

Heading out onto the water for the boat tour

9) Nature Trail – Myakka River, Florida

Ninth on the list is a nice, short trail through the park. It is approximately 0.8 miles (~1.3 kilometers) long. Along the nature trail visitors will encounter multiple varieties of plants, trees, and wildlife. Moreover, signs are posted all throughout the trail to provide information on particular plant and tree species. 

Additionally, the Canopy Walkway, which is located along the nature trail, is an adventure through and above the trees. Walk halfway up the stairs to then cross the hanging bridge, which is 25 feet (~7.6 meters) above the ground. Continue up the rest of the stairs to reach a view above the treetops. 

Canopy Walkway along the Nature Trail

10) Horseback Riding 

Last but not least is horseback riding. Visitors are welcome to bring their horses to the park for a ride through nature. There are a total of 15 miles (~24 kilometers) of trails. To obtain riding permission, head to the ranger station. All riders must present proof of a negative Coggins test. Rangers will then allow access to the horseback riding trails. For more information, check out the horse trail brochure. 

View of Myakka River State Park from above

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Looking for more attractions in the south?: Lost Sea Adventure in Sweetwater, Tennessee.

How about a waterfall hike?: Falls of Hills Creek Trail in West Virginia.