A Fun Filled Weekend at Myakka River State Park

We had a fun filled weekend at Florida’s Myakka River State Park, located just south of Tampa. It was a great way to spend quality family time before the busy Christmas season starts.

About Myakka River State Park

Myakka River State Park officially opened to the public in 1941. It was one of the first state parks in Florida to be created as part of the New Deal program, the Civilian Conservation Corp. You will see several of their projects while exploring the park.

The Myakka River area is abundant with wildlife. Several species of birds make it their home, making this a bird watchers paradise. But for us it was all about the alligators. We were far away from this one below!

The state park offers many activities that will keep you busy all weekend long. Hiking, biking, kayaking, boat tours and Geocaching to name a few. Be prepared for a weekend of non stop fun!

Camping

Myakka River State Park has three campgrounds to choose from. Old Prairie, which we stayed at, Big Flats and Palmetto Ridge. All campsites do have water and electric hookups. Only Palmetto Ridge has full hookups with sewer included. Lucky you if you can score a campsite there! Otherwise note that the dump station is located near Old Prairie Campground. All campgrounds do have restrooms with showers available.

I highly recommend a camping rug to help keep the mud and dirt out of your camper or tent. If it rains during your trip or beforehand your campsite may be a little muddy and wet.

Hiking and Biking

There are many hiking and biking trials throughout the park. Bikes are a popular way to get around in the park, so don’t forget to pack yours and also be careful of the all the bike riders in the park.

We hiked to Deep Hole on our camping trip, hoping to find the sink hole famous for alligator sightings. We did get up early to score a special pass to be able to hike there. The park only allows thirty passes a day, so get to the ranger’s station by 8:00 am to get yours.

 

We enjoyed the quiet walk through the prairie grass, spotting deer as we walked along the path.

Beware of the Valley of the Vultures, not a real place just what we called it, as you walk along the trail. I have never seen so many vultures in one place before and they were not afraid to swoop down in front of you.

Unfortunately the trail that leads to Deep Hole was flooded but we didn’t know that until we made it to the lake. We were so close! It is over two miles to Deep Hole, so if you go wear comfortable shoes and bring water. Hopefully you will have better luck than us!

Boat Tour

Plan on taking an informative tour on the Myakka River Queen. This is a great way to spot alligators close up in the safety of a boat. The cost of a tour during our stay was $20 for adults and $10 for children 3-12 years old. There is a discount for military and first responders.

You will experience beautiful views of the river and wildlife.

There is a small restaurant and gift shop, the Myakka Outpost, in the state park near the boat tours. This is a great spot to grab a quick meal if you get tired of camp food. My husband loved the gator bites!

Canopy Walk

The Canopy Walk at Myakka River State Park is a must. My kids loved it. It is a short walk to the canopy so you won’t be tired out when it comes to climbing the towers.

We climbed clear to the top of the second tower. The views are amazing from the top and are worth the effort.

Check out my other blog posts on O’Leno State Park and Ravine Gardens State Park if you love swinging bridges as much as my kids do.

Geocaching

My youngest son and I really got into geocaching on this camping trip. They were everywhere. We had so much fun finding them. If you have never heard of geocaching read my post here. It will give you a brief explanation of this fun outdoor activity.

We both wanted to start on the Owl, but knew we didn’t have the time. Whoever came up with this has a great imagination and mapping skills.

Before You Go

Don’t forget the bug spray on your camping trip. The mosquitoes are terrible. It is a swamp.

Bring your bike and good pair of walking/hiking shoes to explore the many trails throughout the park.

Also my husband, a firewood connoisseur, did not like the wood sold in the park. He said it was expensive and not dry enough. It did smoke a lot, sorry Old Prairie Campground neighbors. Florida State Parks do have strict firewood rules, read up on them before bringing any wood into the park.

We absolutely had a fun filled weekend at Myakka State Park. It was a beautiful park to explore and relax in. Definitely put this park on your Florida camping bucket list!

Happy Camping!

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