Oscar Scherer

Osprey, Florida
(View other Osprey area campgrounds)

Campground contact:

Ownership: State Government
Official website: floridastateparks.org
Posted by: Mongoose on August 21, 2009

Description

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. Picnic areas along South Creek are equipped with grills; pavilions can be reserved for a fee. 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. Located on U.S. 41, two miles south of Osprey.

Click for directions

Directions

Oscar Scherer State 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.

Activities

Beaches, Swimming, Snorkeling, Fishing, canoeing & Kayaking, Boating, Bicycling, Camping, Hiking and Nature Trails

Guidebooks

Services

Camping:

Oscar Scherer State Park Full Facility Camping Oscar Scherer State Park is a Seasonal Camping Park. Nightly rate is $26.00 including tax, per night, per site for up to 4 persons. Campsites are available for tent or RV camping with complete hook-ups for electric and water. Reservations may be made up to eleven months in advance. One night's camping fee deposit will be required (credit card only – must be canceled within 24 hours of check-in time for refund). For more information on camping in our park simply click on the Reserve America link. Clicking on the park map or selecting one of the camping area links just below the park map will allow you to see a map of the individual campsite locations. Select any campsite icon to see a detailed description of the individual campsite and what it has to offer.

Bicycling:

Bicycling

The park offers several marked trails with a combined length of approximately 15 miles. Both hikers and bicyclists share these trails. Since much of the trails consist of fine loose " sugar sand" , a mountain bike is recommended. The trails meander through two distinct plant communities and are a great way for visitors to get a closer look at the " Oscar Scherer Outback" . Due to the specific use of and width of the trails, please refrain from riding bikes on the Lester Finley Trail and the South Creek Nature Trail. Both trails are marked to show foot traffic only.

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