Contact Information
1843 S. Tamiami Trail
Osprey, Florida 34229
Phone: 941-483-5956
Fax: 941-480-3007
Oscar Scherer State Park provides many recreational
opportunities in a natural park setting and is conveniently
located between Sarasota and Venice in the town
of Osprey.
Hours of Operation
Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown
365 days a year.
Driving 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
Bicycling
The park offers several marked trails with a combined
length of approximately 15 miles. Both hikers and
bicyclists share these trails.
Campfire Circle
Campfires are allowed in the campground but only
in the "ground grill" provided. Collecting
of firewood is not allowed, however campers can
bring in their own firewood or obtain it at the
Ranger Station for a donation to the parks' Citizen
Support Organization the Friends of Oscar Scherer
Park, Inc.
Canoeing
Canoeing South Creek is one of the more popular
recreational activities available at the park. Visitors
can launch their own canoe or kayak or rent a canoe
from the Ranger Station.
Fishing
Both freshwater and saltwater fishing opportunities
are available at the park. Lake Osprey is a 3-acre
freshwater lake providing anglers with the opportunity
to catch bream, bluegill, largemouth bass and channel
catfish. The lake is stocked with catfish as part
of the urban fisheries program sponsored by the
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
South Creek provides an opportunity to catch saltwater
species. A fishing dock located off of the Lester
Finley Trail is a great place to fish. A fishing
license is required for persons over the age of
15, and can be purchased at the Sarasota County
Tax Collectors Office in Osprey.
Full Facility Camping
Oscar Scherer State Park Full Facility Camping Oscar
Scherer State Park is a Seasonal Camping Park. 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).
Group Camping
A separate camp area is available for organized
youth and adult groups. Tents only. No pets allowed.
Amenities include pavilion, campfire circle, restroom,
and cold water shower. No electric service available.
Limited to 60 people. For reservations call the
parks Ranger Station.
Interpretive Programs
Be sure to visit the Interpretive Nature Center
located in front of scenic Lake Osprey. The Center
showcases the parks scrubby flatwoods. Home of the
Florida Scrub Jay, Gopher Tortoise, and Eastern
Indigo Snake. Dioramas, Videos, Displays and Touch
Table enlighten the senses and help visitors learn
more about the park. Open most days from 10 a.m.
– 3 p.m. To find out if the center will be
open during your visit call the Ranger Station at
(941) 483-5956. The Nature Center can be rented
for picnics, meeting, reunions, weddings, etc.
Nature Trails
Six marked hiking trails provide visitors an opportunity
to explore various remote portions of the park.
Numbered benches conveniently placed along the trails
provide resting spots and, since the numbers correspond
with numbers on the trail map, visitors can determine
their exact location on the trail. Keep in mind
that there are no restrooms or shelters on the trail.
You may want to wear good hiking shoes, bring drinking
water, wear a hat, and use sunscreen and insect
repellant.
Pavilion
There are pavilions located in the park that can
be rented for picnics, meeting, reunions, weddings,
etc.
Picnicking
The South Creek Picnic Area and Lake Osprey Picnic
Area each provide visitors with picnic tables, charcoal
grills, pavilions, and a playground. South Creek
Picnic area has a restroom, small pavilion and a
canoe launch. Lake Osprey Picnic Area has a bathhouse,
two pavilions, and a Nature Center located next
to Lake Osprey. The pavilions and Nature Center
are each available for rental.
Showers
Each of the five bathhouses in the Family Campground
are equipped with restrooms and hot water showers,
and are for registered campers only. Non-campers
may also use these showers, however they must register
at the Ranger Station and pay an additional fee.
At the Lake Osprey Picnic Area, a bathhouse with
inside coldwater showers is available to all visitors.
Pets (other than service animals) are not permitted
in any of the restroom facilities.
Swimming
Lake Osprey is a perfect place to cool off during
the hot summer days. This 3-acre freshwater lake
is located at the Lake Osprey Picnic Area. The lake
is also open for fishing, however no fishing is
permitted in the designated roped off swimming area.
The lake has a sandy beachfront and is also equipped
with a floating swim dock.
Wildlife Viewing
The Park is well known for it's population of Florida
Scrub-Jays which can be found throughout the parks
Scrubby Flatwoods Plant Community. Other Species
of wildlife including Bobcats, Bald Eagles, Gopher
Tortoises, White-tailed Deer, Eastern Cotton-tail
Rabbits, Raccoons and American Alligators can be
seen at times in different areas of the park. Be
sure to pick up an animal list and hiking trail
map upon entering the park and ask a Park Ranger
for more information on wildlife observation. Please
Remember that all animals are protected and it is
un-lawful to harm, harrass or feed them.
