Flatlander - How was Myakka?

“Did you end up going on your trip to Myakka State Park? I plan on going on the 12th or 19th with some family members and wanted to get your thoughts on the primitive camsites. We are thinking about the Honore site?”

“Not going until this weekend. Not going to be able to get off work early so I am going early Saturday morning. I only live about 2 hours away. I called and made reservations on Monday. They only had spots left at Oak Grove (?)Not sure if that the exact name, left map at work. It's about 8 miles in. I think Honore is supposed to be one of the nicer campsites. I am going to try to cover some ground and see as much as I can on Saturday and Sunday. The weather should be great, nice and cool.
I will put up a trip report first of the week.”

“Went to Myakka River State Park this weekend. Drove there on Sat. morning. Got started early. My son that was supposed to go, got a cold, so another solo trip. Myakka is really a nice diverse state park. It borders the river so it has canoe rentals, tram ride etc. Stuff for the tourist to do. It also has about 40 miles of backpacking trails. The front of the park is very crowded, but few venture more than a mile from the paved road.
The trail was well maintained. I was in Oak Grove designated campsites which is about 9 or 10 miles depending on which way you go. You travel through many different types of land. Some pine forest, some hard wood stands. What really surprised me was the amount of open land. A large part of the park is open Florida prairie. There are a couple of places where you travel in the open for 3 miles or so. Long flat trail, no shade. It was neat this time of year since the temps were in the 70’s and a nice breeze. I saw nearly every Florida Eco-system in the 10 mile hike to camp. Pines, Oak hammocks, Cypress swamps, Palmetto, Grass prairie, Flag Ponds, cabbage palm hammocks. Really diverse. Good place to hike during the winter.
Oak Grove campsites were very nice. In a stand of large old oak trees, still had some grass and leaf matter on the ground. Didn’t have that over used appearance that most designated campsites have so often. If you come to this state park get to the back as quick as you can. It is nice and peaceful in the back. So very few people and this was supposed to be one of the busiest weekends of the year. Reservations were supposedly full. All in all a great place.
Saw lots of wild life:
7 deer
3 coons
3 armadillo
6 gators
3 hogs
1 fox
Lots of birds, large population of Buzzards for some reason. They are everywhere.
Now for some observations on the Park Service. It is kind of strange how they stress reservations at the park. All the literature and websites say make reservations. When I called they said they were probably full, but they would check. She came back on the phone and said that Oak Grove was the only spot left. So I took it. When I got to the front gate on Sat. I told them I was there to backpack. The ranger said I hope you have reservations. So I checked in. Kind of figured it would be a crowed trail. During the first 5 miles I saw one family of day hikers. When I got to the first campsite, I saw two tents, one person with each. I did not see another person for the next 5 miles. When I got to my campsite there were only two other people there. Actually they did not even have reservations. They were English and the guy had too much sun the day before and decided to lay over at this campsite for another day. I really doubt that these campsites in the back are used that much. I wonder if a lot of people cancel or what? Maybe this was just an off week. Coming out the next day I saw lots of day hikers close to the road, but only a couple of backpackers.
Another funny thing. When I checked in I asked if Oak Grove had water and shade. The ranger said yes there is a pump. She asked if I knew how to work it. I said yes. She then told me there was shade you camp under a nice stand of pines. She unfolded the map. Then started looking for Oak Grove. I pointed it out to her. Then I asked why do you think they call it Oak Grove? She just smiled and shrugged. I would guarantee that she has never been to the back of the park or possible even on the trails. She also told me the trail would have orange blazes from the trail head to the campsite. She failed to mention that you take a blue blaze approach trail to get to the main loops. Would have been fun to see a first time backpacker figure that one out.”

“Thanks for the report. Looking forward to the trip and all the wildlife. When reserving our spot I have spoken with three separate folks at the park. Two were volunteers and mush less knowledgable about the trail than the full-timer. I wonder if the holiday schedule included a few more volunteers.

I was originally going to Honore, but now I think we'll camp closer in.”

“I saw Cypress Hammock (?) the one that is 2 miles from the trailhead not sure if that is correct name. It was overused mostly dirt ground. The pump water had lots of silt, but did not taste as bad. Bring coffee filters it will stop up your filter. It has lots of shade it is in the middle of a Palm Hammock. I also saw Bee Island about 5 miles in. Nice walk, nice part of trail. The campsite is more open, nice level grassy spots. The water is clear, but stronger tasting. Either one would be fine this time of year. I am planning on going back in the next couple of weeks. Need to take my son, since he missed the first trip.”