Biking
Camping
Fishing
Hiking
Horseback Riding
Seasonal Hunting
Myakka State Forest was purchased in 1995 as part of the Myakka Estuary Conservation and Recreation Lands (CARL) project. The purchase was made using Preservation 2000 and Save Our Rivers funds.
The Florida Forest Service manages the forest for multiple uses, including timber, outdoor recreation, wildlife, and ecological and hydrological restoration. The Southwest Water Management District provided funding to purchase half of the State Forest and is an important cooperator in the management of the property, especially regarding hydrological management.
Myakka State Forest is made up primarily of mesic flatwoods with a mixture of longleaf pine and slash pine overstory with a palmetto understory. Numerous depression marshes are scattered throughout the flatwoods, providing many opportunities for viewing wading birds and other wildlife. The forest includes approximately 2.5 miles of frontage on the Myakka River, which is designated as an Outstanding Florida Water and a Wild and Scenic River. The Myakkahatchee Creek flows through the forest for 1.5 miles and provides an additional water resource.
Recreational opportunities on Myakka State Forest include camping, hiking, off-road bicycling, horseback riding, wildlife viewing and small-game hunting.
The forest contains a primitive campground and hike-in or paddle-in primitive campsites dispersed around the waterways. Spend the night and experience Florida’s natural beauty and amazing night skies.
Myakka State Forest contains over 40 miles of trails that are open to hiking, trail biking and equestrian activities. The forest trails are included in the Florida Forest Service's Trailwalker and Trailtrotter programs. While riding our trails, please note that proof of current negative Coggins test is required for all horses in all Florida State Forests.
The Myakka River passes through the forest, and hiking trails provide access to riverfront camping, fishing, boating, canoeing and kayaking.
In keeping with its mission to protect and manage Florida's forest resources, the Florida Forest Service has developed rules that apply to all State Forest visitors. Find out more about State Forest fees and rules.
Myakka State Forest is managed for hunting and fishing as the Myakka Public Small Game Hunting Area (PSGHA) through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
Day use is from sunrise to sunset.
Florida Forest Service Office:
2555 South River Road
Englewood, FL 34223
Mailing Address:
Myakka State Forest
P.O. Box 491
Englewood, FL 34295
(941) 398-3410
Email Myakka State Forest
Passes are no longer available at the State Forest office. To purchase a pass or make a reservation, visit ReserveAmerica or call 1-877-879-3859.
Camping for organized groups is available by State Forest Use Permit, which can be obtained from Myakka State Forest Office.
Myakka State Forest is located in southern Sarasota County approximately 10 miles southeast of Venice and 7 miles west of Port Charlotte. The majority of the forest falls within the city limits of North Port. Access is available off of River Road, about 11 miles south of I-75.
Total Acreage: 8,593
Counties: Sarasota
Smart device mapping is possible and encouraged in the State Forests. Before visiting a forest, search for “PDF Maps” in the app store to find an app that works for you and download our State Forest map, which is georeferenced.
461.9 kB
]
1.2 MB
]
Contact:
Eric Strickland
Eric.Strickland@FDACS.gov
