See the interior of a cabin, learn what to bring, and get tips for enjoying this wonderful state park.

1. Your Stay in a
Cabin at
Myakka River
State Park in
Florida
by Jean Reynolds

2. Myakka River State
Park was part of an
ambitious project
begun by President
Franklin Roosevelt in
the 1930s: the
Civilian Conservation
Corps.

3. The CCC created
Myakka River State
Park.

4. They built the cabins
that you can still
enjoy today.

5. The wildlife is
amazing!
Go to
www.FloridaStateParks.
org
to learn more and to
make a cabin
reservation.
Plan ahead! The
cabins are popular.

6. They combine rustic
charm with modern
conveniences.
(Can you see the
wooden spool that
was used as a
doorknob?)

7.  a draining rack
 dish detergent
 dishes and silverware
 a convertible sofa
 air-conditioning and
heating
 two double beds and
linen
 a porch
 your own picnic area
where you can cook
outdoors
Features include:
 a modern bathroom
 towels and
washcloths
 toilet paper
 an electric kitchen
 a microwave,
coffeepot, and
toaster
 pots and pans
 kitchen utensils
 a working fireplace

8. “I wish I’d known!”

9. There are five
cabins.
Request Cabin #1 if
someone in your
group has mobility
issues.
Note: No pets and no
alcohol.

10. Here’s the floor plan.
Note:
 the AC/heater is in
a different place
now.
 A bureau and a
small closet have
been added.

11. There’s no Wi-Fi in
the cabins.
But the café in the
park has free Wi-Fi.
Hours are 9:00 AM to
5:30 PM.

12. You’ll walk into a
small eating area.

13. Both this eating
area and great
room have ceiling
fans.

14. Notice the sabal logs
used to build the
cabins.
The sabal palm (also
called a cabbage
palm) is Florida’s
state tree.

15. Here’s the
bathroom. Advice:
bring an extra towel
or two with you!

16. And be sure to bring
soap!
You might also want
to bring an old bath
towel to use as a
floor mat for drying
off after a shower.

17. The kitchen includes
an electric stove, a
coffeemaker, and a
toaster.
There are coffee
filters in the drawer.

18. The kitchen has
detergent, a sponge,
a drying rack, and a
drain board (stored
on top of the
refrigerator).

22. Plan to bring:
paper towels
salt and pepper
other condiments
dish towels
Also recommended:
a pitcher

23. The convertible sofa
sleeps two people.

24. The table seats six.
The ceiling light is
bright.

26. The air conditioner
will probably be on a
timer when you
arrive.
The remote is up
high on the wall (on
the left).
Turn on the power.

27. The switch for the
ceiling fan (not shown
here) is above the
bureau.
We gently used a
broom handle to get
the fan going.

28. If you have a
reservation for two
people, you’ll be given
bedding for one bed:
two flat sheets, two
pillowcases, and a
thermal blanket.

29. Here’s a glimpse of
the other bed.
If you want to use both
beds, bring an extra
set of sheets and an
extra blanket.

30. The bedside lamp
gives very dim light.

31. Bring your own
hangers!

32. There are three electrical outlets in the great
room. You might want to bring an electrical strip.

34. Let’s review what to bring:
bathroom soap
a thick towel for
each additional
person
salt and pepper
dish towels
paper towels
hangers

35. And consider bringing:
an old towel for the
bathroom floor
a hair dryer
a razor
a pitcher
an electrical strip
extra sheets and a
blanket for the second
bed
a flashlight
binoculars
materials to build a
fire
charcoal for the
outdoor grill

36. Other thoughts:
We rented a canoe
and took a pontoon
ride during our stay –
enjoyed both
You can rent bicycles
(including a tandem
bike)
The rangers are
friendly, informative,
and helpful

37. The café serves:
 breakfast
 sandwiches
 entrees
 alcohol coffee
 soft drinks
 ice cream

38. You’ll see many deer
and alligators at
Myakka River State
Park.

39.  The veggie burgers
are delicious
 We didn’t see
groceries or camping
equipment for sale
 You can buy toiletries
 The café is up a flight
of stairs
 There are plenty of
picnic tables

40. If you drive straight,
eventually you’ll
come to a fork in the
road. Bear to the left
for the concession
area.

41. Please drive slowly!
People are hiking
and biking, and you
often seen deer,
birds, and other
wildlife.

42. If you bear to the
right at the fork,
you’ll come to the
bird walk.
Bring quarters if you
want to use the
distance viewer
there.

43. Remember that
there’s a wildlife
exhibit at the Visitor
Center near the
entrance.

44. I hope you’ll enjoy
your Myakka stay as
much as we did!
Have fun!