Loop PR. Officially Palmetto Ridge. Is Myakka River State Park's newest RV campground, with 42 full-hookup sites (numbers 49–90) spread across flat terrain a short bike ride from the Upper Myakka Lake overlook and the park's canopy walkway. Sites run $6 per night and accommodate big rigs, though privacy is limited. Expect alligators, wading birds, and wild turkeys in camp, plus excellent stargazing after dark.
Palmetto Ridge (Loop PR) is described in secondary sources as the park’s developed RV loop with full hookups; the park also contains primitive campsites, group primitive sites, cabins, and multiple campground loops system-wide.
Historical Significance
Myakka River State Park is one of Florida's oldest state parks and contains structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The Myakka River holds the distinction of being Florida's first state-designated Wild and Scenic River.Weather and SeasonsWinter is the best time to visit. Daytime temperatures hover between 65 and 75°F, nights drop to 45–55°F, and mosquitoes largely disappear. Trails stay dry, the river runs calm for paddling, and migratory waterbirds join the resident alligators and turkeys. Reserve early. Snowbird season and weekends fill quickly. Summer brings afternoon thunderstorms, high water levels that can limit gator viewing, and aggressive mosquitoes near the wetlands. Trails may flood. If you camp in the warm months, bring strong repellent and expect steamy, subtropical intensity.
Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits within a patchwork of dry prairie, palmetto clusters, and scattered live oaks draped in Spanish moss. The Myakka River. Florida's first Wild and Scenic River. Runs dark with tannin a short distance away, winding past wetland edges where white ibis and herons feed in the shallows. Open prairie stretches beyond the treeline, punctuated by hammocks of oak and cabbage palm. Wildlife is constant: alligators sun on distant banks, wild turkeys wander through campsites, and deer appear at dawn. The park's observation tower and canopy walkway, both a short drive from Palmetto Ridge, offer elevated views over the treetops and surrounding floodplain. Sites themselves are level and mostly sunny, with limited shade compared to the park's older loops.
Geological RegionDry prairie, hammocks, pinelands and wetlands within the Myakka River watershed
Scenic ViewsShort bike or drive from the loop to views of Upper Myakka Lake and river; the park's canopy walkway and observation tower provide elevated prairie and treetop views for sunrise/sunset and wildlife observation.