Palmetto Ridge Campground — Myakka River State Park
Dale G.
Reviewed Nov. 19, 2020

Ecologically diverse and full of opportunities to see nature. Loved Myakka!

Perhaps the most ecologically diverse state park in Florida, Myakka River State Park has lots of nature viewing opportunities. Located just east of Sarasota you’ll find lots to do without having to leave the park. However, because of the age and condition of the campsites, for an exceptional camping experience, you'll want to choose your campsie carefully.

There are 3 separate and distinct campgrounds at Myakka River State Park. Depending on whether your tent camping or have an RV, you really want to pay attention here. Old Prairie Campground(sites 27– 48) and Big Flats Campground(sites 1– 26) are the oldest. These sites were not necessarily built for large RV’s although you can get into some of them with an RV up to 30 feet. Palmetto Ridge Campground(sites 49– 90) is the newest and will accommodate RV’s of any size and has sewer hookups. The other 2 campgrounds do not. 

We can’t imagine going to another Florida State Park and seeing more of nature than we did here. While riding our bikes along Park and North Drive, and taking a drive early one morning to the Outpost to get some cell service, it was a Florida safari! I’ve never seen so many alligators in the wild. From babies to big daddies, they lined the river and the edge of the lake. We saw black vultures by the dozens, turkey vultures, turkeys, and deer. There was a family of raccoons that visited each night to see what we might have left out for them. They had no luck. And the variety of birds in and around the lake was amazing. There were several that we hadn’t seen before.

To read our complete review visit https://lifestyleover50.com/myakka-river-state-park-campground-review/

Site#39 in the Old Prairie Campground
Month of VisitDecember
  • Review photo of Palmetto Ridge Campground — Myakka River State Park by Dale G., November 19, 2020
  • Review photo of Palmetto Ridge Campground — Myakka River State Park by Dale G., November 19, 2020
  • Review photo of Palmetto Ridge Campground — Myakka River State Park by Dale G., November 19, 2020
  • Review photo of Palmetto Ridge Campground — Myakka River State Park by Dale G., November 19, 2020
  • Review photo of Palmetto Ridge Campground — Myakka River State Park by Dale G., November 19, 2020
  • Review photo of Palmetto Ridge Campground — Myakka River State Park by Dale G., November 19, 2020