OSCAR SCHERER STATE PARKOscar Scherer State Park was named for the father of the woman who donated her 462 acre ranch to the State for this park. This writeup is from the home page created by the Florida State Park Service. I can't improve on it, so here it is. A large acreage of scrubby flatwoods makes this park one of the best places to see Florida scrub-jays, a threatened species found only in Florida. The park protects scrubby and pine flatwoods that were once widespread throughout Sarasota County. Fifteen miles of trails through these beautiful natural areas provide opportunities for hiking, bicycling, and wildlife viewing. Canoeists and kayakers can paddle along South Creek, a blackwater stream that flows to the Gulf of Mexico. Canoe and kayak rentals are available, but motorized boats are not permitted in the park boundaries. Freshwater and saltwater fishing are available along the creek. Anglers can fish along the shores of Lake Osprey, which is also the park´s swimming destination.
The park has full-facility campsites and a youth/group campground. The park nature center has exhibits and videos about the park´s natural communities. For general information about Oscar Scherer State Park, please call 941-483-5956. Campsite reservations can be made through ReserveAmerica.com. HOURS OF OPERATION Park is open 8:00 AM to sunset 365 days a year. PARK FEES Admission Fee: $5.00 per vehicle. Limit 2-8 people per vehicle. $4.00 Single Occupant Vehicle. $2.00 Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass. $4.00 Sunset Entrance. Picnic Pavilion Rental Fees: $30.00 per day, plus tax: small pavilion. $60.00 per day, plus tax: large pavilion. Youth Area: $2.00 per person. Camping Fee: $26.00 per night, plus tax. Includes water and electricity. $2.00 per person, per night, plus tax: youth area. Other Fees: $10.00 Dump Station, non-registered campers. Does not include park entrance fee. $10.00 Overnight Parking/Overflow: $10.00, only when campground is full. $5.00 per hour or $25.00 per day Canoe Rental
NEARBY TOWNS AND PLACES Bradenton, Nokomis,Osprey, Sarasota, Venice For more information about other places see Florida Towns. HOW TO FIND OSCAR SCHERER STATE PARK The park is located on U.S.41, six miles south of Sarasota. Heading south on I-75 take exit 200. Heading north on I-75 take exit 195. View Larger Map Return From Oscar Scherer State Park |
Picnic areas along South Creek are equipped with grills; pavilions can be reserved for a fee.
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