Oscar Scherer State Park Campground

Great location between beaches, trails, and place to stay.   Restrooms/showers were clean and staff were very helpful.

Had a very nice time with my family this past weekend. I was very pleased with everything about this place, the bathrooms were clean and plenty of them throughout the campground. The location of this campground is right in the middle of at least 4 different beaches. Our site didn’t have much shade and it was really close to the creek. All in all we were all happy campers 😉

Unfortunately, red tide has killed many of the fish in the creek and the smell was terrible. No mention of this was made when we checked in. Our site (17) backed up to the creek and it was littered with dozens of dead fish.

Was a great trip. People was super friendly. Good restaurant near by. Am planning a return visit.

An old school typical Florida state park. It is located in the middle of an urban area, yet feels really remote. It is older, but the bath houses are immaculate, the showers are hot and have great water pressure and it’s apparent the volunteers and camp hosts take great pride in keeping it that way. There are daily activities (which we did not do), and several trails right from the campground that we hiked. The beaches, stores and crowds are all nearby if you want that stuff.

….in with other campers. People! Get on the FL State Park site & be creative! Go to Highlands Hammock! Try Collier Seminole! Look up the Nat’l Park in the Everglades! Anywhere but here. So many people make it awful.

We live very close to Oscar Scherer enjoy camping getaways. The sites are private fairly big, and well kept. There are no full hookups but there are 5 pull through sites. The hiking, biking, and kayaking is great. If you are visiting the area, it's a perfect location in Central Sarasota. Venice is 15 minutes south, Sarasota is 20 minutes north, the beach is 10 minutes away. There are great restaurants in the area. So if you want to getaway and never leave, there's plenty to do without leaving the park. If you want to see Sarasota County, then this a great place to.use as home base.

Private site. Clean amenities. Nice place

My husband and I camped here during Sukkot and enjoyed every minute of our stay! We were greeted with professionalism and courteously upon arrival and not hassled during our stay. The sites are snug but provides lots of privacy. They have an amazing bike trail that links to other parks!

Beautiful park campground on waterfront. Great trails, there is a swimming pond. We saw signs on gators, never noticed any though. Well maintained, clean bathrooms and lots of privacy on sites. The only problem is we had our tent flooded and had to sleep in a car as rain was really heavy. Also lots of bugs, be prepared as it’s waterfront.

Spent 2 nights here on our way further south. Hoped to do some biking on the trails, but it was just too hot…summertime in FL, I knew better. Stayed in site 104, thought a pull through would be quick and easy. Site maddeningly un level for our 32 ft class C. Finally just gave up. Also, lots of sun on this site if that’s what you are looking for. Would go back, but I’ll pick a different site.

Stayed here for 5 days in the heat of summer. Located just outside of Sarasota and on the edge of Nokomis. Very “old Florida” with lots of palm hammocks and scrub oaks. Cant say. Much about the creek running behind out site as you really couldn’t see it. Most of the sites are decent size. Gotta dodge the trees at some sites. Very quiet. Only has one dump station… needs 2 for a campground this size. RV’s were lined up early morning. Great hiking and a paved bike trail which was really nice. Takes about 20” to get to down town Sarasota. Close enough to Myakka State Park for a day trip.

Pros Nice staff, clean baths, wooded sites, several walking/hiking trails, great biking on the park and Legacy Trail.

Cons

1. Dump Station Location (blocks exit)
2. Camp map hard to read
3. Waterfront site if they cut all the bushes down. Only a few sites could see the water.

Need To Know

1. Swampy, so bring bug spray
2. Lots of Poison Ivy

Stayed at Oscar Scherer on a weekday in June. Very quiet. Short, easy hikes. Lush foliage makes each site private. Nice long pull through site #104. Quite narrow and crumbly macadam. Bathhouse dated, needs renovation but clean enough! Enjoyed a day of peace and quiet under the live oaks and sabal palms. Plenty of trails for two small dogs.

Have waited six months into our RV life to start reviews for fair comparisons. Stayed 2 nights in 35 foot RV+tow car in 2 different sites,$36/night. The sites are tight width wise, not even able to set up our usual outdoor patio space, and very close to the next site on either site. But the vegetation is thick giving it incredible privacy for the space. So much to do within the park(hike, bike, watch bald eagles nesting, birding, gopher tortoises) and from the park (direct access to the Legacy Trail). Loved it here. Wish we had stayed longer.

We stayed at site 6 for two nights in early February. The park is beautiful and has a great selection of trails. We saw (from a distance) a bald eagle’s nest, as well as two juvenile eagles fighting in flight - both from the trails. My husband also stepped on a snake on the South Creek Nature Trail, so keep your eyes open! The site was nice and private with a little leveling needed. The electric hookup is in its normal spot, but be aware that the water is in the woods on the opposite side (one pedestal feeding two sites). Make sure to bring a longer hose, or park closer to the water than electric. There were armadillos foraging behind the site at night, and a very brave raccoon that didn’t seem to care I was shining my flashlight at him or telling him to get leave (and as anyone knows, where there’s one raccoon...). We had to keep our dog inside after sunset to avoid issues with these site visitors. I’d also recommend to be very careful with leaving food out (this is a good recommendation no matter where you are). We also loved that fellow campers pointed out a pair of screech owls just above our site. We really liked this campground, especially for the trails.

This was our first visit to Oscar Scherer State Park, why I’m not sure as we only live a few miles away. I literally drive by it whenever I go to the grocery store or ride my bike on the Legacy Trail. I’ve boated past on the Intercoastal Waterway, paddled past on South Creek and flown over in an airplane countless times. 

I guess being Sarasota residents I felt I already knew everything about it. I WAS WAY WRONG. This is a fantastic Florida State Park. I can understand now why it is so popular. The facilities are very good considering how many people visit. And it’s not too polished that it doesn’t have that camping or state park vibe. No Disney here. 

The campground is very large even for State Park Standards, over 100 sites. Many are along South Creek with water views although they are no pet sites as maybe there are gator issues. 

We camped in site#69, the last pet site before the restricted sites along the creek#70- 90. The sites are quite large and private as the campground is mature with lots of native Florida foliage. We didn’t see any evidence of Raccoons or other campground mooches. 

Lots of hiking in this park, if you cycle the Legacy Trail built on an old railway doesn’t offer much contour as it is pretty much a strait shot but runs from Sarasota to Venice and from Venice you can take the Venetian Waterway even further. Soon the Legacy Trail will go all the way to downtown Sarasota. 

Finally the best part for visitors to the Sarasota area. You will probably not find a State Park as close to the US#1 Rated Beach Siesta Key, just a few miles or Sarasota and all her arts and culture(15 minutes) including The Ringling Museum, Van Wezel Performing Arts Center, St. Armands Circle, Lido Beach, award-winning restaurants, tiki bars, dinner cruises, and more. 

In fact as I write this the US Olympic Rowing Trials are going on at Benderson Park about 15 minutes away, next door to the Apple Store. This is no joke the premier rowing facility in the world. And did I mention if you forgot anything there is a Publix about 1/2 mile front the front gate of the park? 

OF NOTE: Of all the state parks we have visited, this had the most unfriendly group of campers we have ever encountered. Surly in fact. It was difficult to extract a return greeting of any type. 

Perhaps it’s because this isn’t your normal group of happy wanderers, and those who truly enjoy the outdoors. More like COVID refugees or visitors doing“Florida on the Cheep” who have the time and resources to escape those areas of lockdown. 

Our first clue was the amount of “resort wear” being donned in lieu of the normal camping duds and the overall lack of activity inside the park for the amount of campsites during the day. Well the park is smack in the middle of a major resort destination and it is high season. This all left the park less crowded for us. 

Whatever the reason I hope the park guests can find some joy after all in the blessings that nature gives us no matter what the situation. Life is short. As the late, great Warren Zevon once said“enjoy every sandwich”.

This campground has more to offer then just a few sites. It has so many bikes trails and hikes that kept us occupied all day! Clean bathhouse and a community sink! We stayed at Site 20 which in my opinion was the best site out of all of them... secluded with lots of privacy and a view of the creek that runs through the campground!

The park has great trails for hiking and bike riding. The campsites are nice, decently spaced. Some pull through, some back in, water and electric vary by site. Bathhouses are clean, well ventilated.

Note, gate closed at dusk, call ahead to get the gate code or there is a mile plus hike to find some one with the code. Don’t ask me why I know that.

Great Florida State park. We stayed in site #22. Sites have water and electric and are dirt. Most sites are on the smaller side being shallow and narrow. Our site was great. Shaded most of day and wider. Site #21 looked good too. There are a few pull through sites and some non pet sites on the creek. Most sites are surrounded by greenery so you are buffered from your neighbor. Park has nice screened in area for wifi. There is a small beach/swimming area which was great cause it's hot!! Park has mostly paved roads, a nice picnic area, trails, and some fishing spots. Park is located about half way on 10 mile paved multi use trail-Legacy trail. This was a great trail for biking. Multiple stops along the way but mostly in full sun. You can launch kayaks from park and kayak south creek. There are several hiking trails but we did not use due to weather being too hot.

Place is very clean and organized. We were at lot#6 right in front of the bathroom. Overall we like the place. We did only stay one night , so we didn’t get to know much about it.

I camp alot, all over Florida. I have been hesitant about heading to Oscar Sherer. I took a last minute spot in #17. Anyone who camps often in the winter of Florida months knows....spots are almost impossible to get at state parks. I have ended up in the least desirable locals to many times to count. Having said that, I would happily go back to this park again! There are tons of spaces, but lots of dense vegetation between them...so you don't get that "I am setting up in the middle of someone else's campfire" feeling.

My rig is fairly small, so space isn't an issue for me. I highly value privacy and enjoying my time outside. Lots of activities let you do that. Hiking, biking trails, canoeing, kayaking, swimming...all easily reachable. It is Florida, on the coast, so bring your mosquitoe nets and some spray, but it wasn't half as bad as other parks on the water I have been to.

Note, anything 17-20 is down a side path...and spot 20 is directly at the end (with a water view). Best of luck backing in to that one. Otherwise, my 10 ft would fit anywhere nicely.

If you live on the Gulf Coast of Florida and don’t want to travel too far, or are just traveling through the area, this campground is a nice stopover. It’s quiet and offers some nice hiking and biking trails. But after spending 3 nights camping at Oscar Scherer State Park, we come away with a mixed opinion.

These campsites are small. In fact, they are the smallest we’ve encountered in a Florida state park so far. We had just enough room for our popup camper which is approximately 20 x 10 feet plus another 10 x 8 feet with the awning extended. Some are wider but the only sites that seem longer are the pull-in sites in Section 5 which is closed.

Keys to Choosing to your Campsite at Oscar Scherer

Given that only sections, 1 through 3 are available currently, you may see that the Reserve America reservations page will show a water icon on some campsites that appear to be along the creek. But you will not see the creek from your campsite. The vegetation in the park is quite dense and certainly so in the campsites in sections 1– 3. The shade is always important when camping in Florida, especially in the summer. The description on the Reserve America website regarding shade isn’t accurate. Our site,#2, was described as ‘full shade’. Not so, I’m afraid. From about 10 am to 4 pm we baked in the Florida sun. However, our friends had site#3 next door and had shade though out the day. Even though that site enters from the east, as do all sites along the creek, they had trees the canopied over the entrance and eastern side of the site. However, sites 22– 28 do have a lot of shade and are located on the opposite side of the campground from South Creek. If we were to go back, we would stay on that side of the Oscar Scherer Park.

Be Prepared for Bugs
Oscar Scherer State Park camping requires being prepared for bugs. Perhaps due to the amount of lush vegetation all over this park, and the proximity to the South Creek, there were more bugs than we experienced at other Florida state parks. Even though we take precautions including a very effective bug spray we came home with a lot of bug bites. So, bring your best bug spray and citronella candles. They are especially a problem in the morning until the sun comes up over the trees.

To read our full review visit https://lifestyleover50.com/oscar-scherer-state-park-camping-review/

Like all the Florida state parks, the campground is well-maintained and clean. Lots of trails to explore, easy to launch my kayak from near my campsite. I was at Site 17, which was a bit tricky to back my 15 foot camper into. It also wasn’t level and was next to the trail path, so there was a lot of foot and bike traffic. I would go for one on the main loop next to the river if possible. Beware that the line for The dump station will impede your attempt to leave the park close to check out time (1:00). Good cell service with Verizon.

We stayed in site # 98 which was very private, we had water & electric, picnic table & fire pit. Clean restrooms, a nature center, kayak launch & kayak rentals, a small lake you can swim in and some hiking trails. There are some really nice sites #19, 17 near the lake, in our loop #86 is the biggest but you have to have 2 water hoses to reach the hook up (they just updated some things in the park they may have corrected this but not sure). There is water behind the site you can fish back there. Sites #44, 45, 50, 75, and 73 are all good. 

We kayaked, swam in the lake, went to Nokomas Beach & Venice beach, Venice Rookery, it's a nice area to visit. 

We did have some interesting neighbors who got thrown out after 6 hours of honking their horn & yelling crazy stuff but they escorted them out & they are not allowed back in. 

Restrooms near us were small but very clean.We will go back it's a great campground.

Where are the pictures of the campground? I’d like to see what kind of conditions the camping area entail!

Oscar Scherer State Park has a diverse range of things to do. Many beautiful hiking trails comprise the swampy scrub. Check out the Legacy Trail that slices it’s way through the park. Sign up for the Scrub Jay 5k that is hosted there every year. The outer camp ground loops are dog friendly, but sites on the river are not (however, beautiful!) Gators can be spotted on or in the river!! Check out both playgrounds and the butterfly nature walk.

It is located between Nokomis and Osprey, an urbanized area of Sarasota county, however when you enter the park, it feels like you are miles from civilization. The Legacy trail runs through the park. There is also kayak and canoe rentals.

We love this campground in the winter. We like to reserve 24 or 25 right across from the playground and close the hiking trails. It’s a great campground to bring the bicycles and enjoy the many many trails!

Oscar Scherer is full of wildlife, not far from lots of big cities.   The campground itself is small but nice.  Lost of sites back up to a small river but those sites right on the river are not kid or pet friendly so be careful when you make reservations.   There are a lot of trails throughout the park. Many are scrub oak communities and consequently there’s a fair population of scrub jays.   We also saw otters, bobcat, raccoon and gopher tortoise.   The park is also adjacent to the Legacy bike trail.  A linear trail that runs from Sarasota to Venice, FL.  So there’s some long bike rides opportunities.   Bathhouses are ok maybe a 7/10.