How much does camping cost at Myakka River State Park Loop Bf?

Camping fees at Myakka River State Park Loop Bf range from $6/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Myakka River State Park Loop Bf first-come first-served or reservation?

Myakka River State Park Loop Bf accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

What is the best time to visit Myakka River State Park Loop Bf?

Myakka River State Park Loop Bf is open Open daily 8 a.m. until sunset, 365 days a year. North Gate open only on Saturday, Sunday and State Holidays from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Myakka River State Park Loop Bf?

Yes, Myakka River State Park Loop Bf has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at Myakka River State Park Loop Bf?

Fire policies at Myakka River State Park Loop Bf: Due to drought conditions (effective Oct. 13, 2025) Sarasota County burn ban: no open flames including campfires permitted until further notice. Barbecue grills and pits that do not exceed three feet in diameter may be used for cooking only. (Visitors should check current park notices for updates.). Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Are dogs allowed at Myakka River State Park Loop Bf?

Yes, pets are allowed at Myakka River State Park Loop Bf. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Myakka River State Park Loop Bf?

Myakka River State Park Loop Bf offers: Showers, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Myakka River State Park Loop Bf?

Popular activities at Myakka River State Park Loop Bf include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Myakka River State Park Loop Bf

4.47

256 reviews

13207 State Road 72, Sarasota FL 34241

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

Price

$6/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Open daily 8 a.m. un...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Pets Allowed

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on Florida State Parks Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

Myakka River State Park Loop Bf is a popular campground. Set up a free alert to catch cancellations.

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

Price

$6/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Open daily 8 a.m. un...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Pets Allowed

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on Florida State Parks Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

Myakka River State Park Loop Bf

from $6.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Park entrance fee: $6 per vehicle. Additional camping and facility fees apply; see the park fees page for detailed camping rates.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Florida State Parks

Provider

941-361-6511

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Campground Map

13207 State Road 72, Sarasota FL 34241

No map location available

Nearby supplies

Myakka Outpost (on-site concession) offers bike/canoe rentals, a café, souvenirs and basic camping supplies.

Best Time to Camp at Myakka River State Park Loop Bf

Late fall through early spring brings mid-70s days, cool mornings, and far fewer mosquitoes. Water levels are typically moderate after summer rains, making boating and fishing productive. Winter is the busiest season; Thanksgiving and holiday weekends book up early. Summer is swampy: expect high heat, humidity, afternoon thunderstorms, and heavy mosquito populations at dawn and dusk. The upside is solitude and prime waterbird viewing during the wet season. Water levels can swing enough to limit boat tours or trail access after droughts or storms.

Best

Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open daily 8 a.m. until sunset, 365 days a year. North Gate open only on Saturday, Sunday and State Holidays from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Current Alerts: Effective Oct. 13, 2025: Due to drought conditions, Sarasota County has issued a ‘Burn Ban’. No open flames including campfires are permitted at Myakka River State Park until further notice. Barbeque grills and pits that do not exceed three feet in diameter may be used for cooking only.

About Myakka River State Park Loop Bf

Loop BF sits in the shade of live oaks and palmettos within Myakka River State Park, one of Florida's oldest and largest state parks. The campground is a short walk from Upper Myakka Lake and the Myakka Outpost, where alligators, wading birds, and river otters are common sights. Sites run $6 per night and include showers and fire rings.

Loop BF (Big Flats) is part of the park's campground complex. The park offers primitive camping options and group primitive camping; the park complex also includes RV and cabin lodging options elsewhere in the campground area.

Historical Significance

Myakka River State Park is one of Florida's oldest state parks, developed beginning in the 1930s. It contains Florida's first state-designated Wild and Scenic River.

Weather and SeasonsLate fall through early spring brings mid-70s days, cool mornings, and far fewer mosquitoes. Water levels are typically moderate after summer rains, making boating and fishing productive. Winter is the busiest season; Thanksgiving and holiday weekends book up early. Summer is swampy: expect high heat, humidity, afternoon thunderstorms, and heavy mosquito populations at dawn and dusk. The upside is solitude and prime waterbird viewing during the wet season. Water levels can swing enough to limit boat tours or trail access after droughts or storms.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a transition zone where oak hammocks meet palmetto flats and the Myakka River floodplain. Spanish moss hangs from mature oaks overhead. Walk a few minutes toward the lake and you'll find alligators gliding past the shoreline, limpkins probing for apple snails, and roseate spoonbills wading in the shallows. Morning mist rolls off Upper Myakka Lake. The canopy walkway tower, a short drive or bike ride away, offers panoramic views over the hammock and surrounding wet prairie. Deer, wild turkey, hawks, turtles, raccoons, and occasional bobcats round out the roster. Night skies are dark enough for stargazing when clouds clear.

Geological RegionDry prairie, hammocks, pinelands and wetlands of the Myakka River floodplain; part of the larger Myakka Island conservation area.

Scenic ViewsMany Big Flats sites are a short walk from Upper Myakka Lake and the Myakka Outpost, with nearby lake shoreline and sunset viewing; park canopy walkway and observation tower offer panoramic prairie and treetop views.

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Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsFlorida State Parks reservations website (Make a Reservation link on park page).

Best CampsitesBig Flats is recommended for tents and pop-ups because it offers the most shade and spacing. Interior or corner sites under mature oaks provide better privacy. Sites closer to the lake and outpost are convenient for paddling and wildlife viewing.

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Florida State Parks Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Park amenities include a visitor center and Myakka Outpost concession (bike/canoe rentals, café, camping supplies), boat ramp/canoe-kayak launches (may be temporarily closed), cabins, campfire circles, campgrounds with restroom facilities and a shower station, laundry, picnic pavilion, parking, and accessible amenities. Service animals are welcome and pets are allowed.

Showers

Fire rings

Group Sites

Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

Myakka River State Park offers paddling and boating on the Myakka River and Upper Myakka Lake, fishing, extensive hiking and biking opportunities, birding and wildlife viewing, and a canopy walkway/observation tower for elevated views.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPark wildlife includes alligators, turtles, snakes and typical wetland animals—do not feed wildlife and maintain distance. Mosquitoes and other biting insects can be heavy at dawn/dusk and in warm/wet conditions. Current temporary advisories on the park page include a burn ban (no open flames/campfires) and a temporary unavailability of drinking water; visitors should check current conditions before arrival.

Active AlertsEffective Oct. 13, 2025: Due to drought conditions, Sarasota County has issued a ‘Burn Ban’. No open flames including campfires are permitted at Myakka River State Park until further notice. Barbeque grills and pits that do not exceed three feet in diameter may be used for cooking only.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this campground. Expect vault or pit toilets only.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Weather at Myakka River State Park Loop Bf

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Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.5

256 reviews

Recommended

Myakka River State Park Loop Bf is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Visitors praise Myakka River State Park for abundant wildlife, varied trails, dark night skies, and the Myakka Outpost convenience; Big Flats (Loop BF) is frequently recommended for its shade and wooded sites. Common complaints are heavy mosquitoes in warm months, periodic amenity or boardwalk closures, and variable cell service.

Review Summaries

Based on 256 reviews

What Campers Love

Abundant wildlife (alligators, wading birds, turtles), shady wooded campsites in Big Flats, easy access to paddling and boat rentals at the Myakka Outpost, good trail network and canopy walkway,...

Based on 256 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring insect repellent, sun protection and drinking water (drinking water may be temporarily unavailable); reserve early during peak season (fall–spring). For shade and privacy, campers often prefer...

Based on 256 reviews

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Campgrounds

Myakka River State Park

Myakka River State Park Loop Bf

About Trinity River Fish Hatchery

Context for the broader area surrounding Myakka River State Park Loop Bf, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

Operated by the California Department of Fish and Game, under agreement with the Bureau of Reclamation, Northern California Area Office, Redding, California, the Trinity River Fish Hatchery is situated immediately below Lewiston Lake on the Trinity River. Capable of hatching 40 million eggs, the hatchery compensates for the upstream salmon spawning areas rendered inaccessibly by the Lewiston and Trinity Dams. Facility is open to the public. The fish hatchery was constructed as part of the <A HREF="http://dataweb.usbr.gov/html/shasta.html">Shasta/Tinity Division of the Central Valley Project</a>.

Directions

Located northeast of Weaverville on California Highway 3.