Total Acreage: 8,593
Counties: Sarasota
the trail to the River Campsite
Myakka State Forest
Myakka State Forest is located in the south western portion of Sarasota County within the city limits of North Port. The forest was purchased in 1995 as part of the Myakka Estuary Conservation and Recreation Lands (CARL) project using Preservation 2000 and Save Our Rivers funds.
Using sound ecosystem management, the Florida Forest Service practices multiple-use in managing the forest resources which includes timber management, outdoor recreation, wildlife management, and both 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 in regard to hydrological management.
Location
The 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.
Natural Features
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 throughout the forest for 1.5 miles and provides an additional water resource.
PHOTO: The Myakka River Campsite is accessible by hiking or by boat.
Recreation
Recreational opportunities on Myakka State Forest include camping, hiking, off-road bicycling, horseback riding, wildlife viewing and small game hunting.
The streams on the forest provide a source for fishing, boating, canoeing and kayaking. Myakka State Forest contains 2 hiking trails (North Loop and South Loop) that are included in the Florida Forest Service's Trailwalker Hiking Program, as well as horse trails in the Trailtrotter Equestrian Program.
In keeping with its mission to protect and manage Florida's forest resources, the Florida Forest Service has developed rules which apply to all State Forest visitors.
Find out more about state forest fees and rules.
Hunting and Fishing: Myakka State Forest is managed as the Myakka Public Small Game Hunting Area (PSGHA) through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
July, 2012- June, 2013 Hunting Dates for Myakka State Forest
| Season |
Myakka Public Small Game Hunting Area |
| Archery |
Oct. 20 - Oct. 26, 2012 |
| NEW! Muzzle Loading Gun |
Nov. 03 - Nov. 09, 2012 |
| Small Game (Shotgun with buck or slug): |
Nov. 10 - Dec. 09, 2012, and
Dec. 22, 2012 - Jan. 13, 2013
|
FWC's Hunting Regulations
Developed Trails |
Campsites
|
Other
|
Hike |
Bike |
Horse |
Canoe |
Camp
sites |
with
Electric |
Leashed
Pets OK |
More Activities |
|
|
|
|
Primitive* |
none |
|
Picnicking, fishing, hunting |
* State Forest Use Authorization Required.
- Our office is located at
2000 South River Road in
Englewood.
Mailing address:
Florida Forest Service
Myakka State Forest
PO Box 491
Englewood, FL 34295-0491 - Telephone: 941/ 460-1333
- Email Myakka State Forest
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