Oscar Scherer State Park
Rate this placeNearby: Shoreland Park Spanish Point
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Oscar Scherer State Park is a popular outdoor destination located in Osprey, Florida.
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Summary
The park is known for its diverse ecosystem, including pine flatwoods, scrubby flatwoods, and wetlands. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, such as camping, hiking, kayaking, and fishing.
One of the major attractions at Oscar Scherer State Park is Lake Osprey, which offers a serene setting for fishing and kayaking. The park also features two nature trails: the Lester Finley Nature Trail and the Scrub-Jay Trail, which offer opportunities for hiking and birdwatching. Another popular attraction is the park's freshwater swimming lake, which is open from May through September.
Oscar Scherer State Park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including gopher tortoises, bobcats, and the Florida scrub-jay, which is an endangered species. Visitors can learn about the park's flora and fauna at the park's Nature Center, which features exhibits and interactive displays.
The best time of year to visit Oscar Scherer State Park is from October to May, when temperatures are milder and there is less rainfall. However, the park is open year-round and offers a variety of activities and events throughout the year.
Overall, Oscar Scherer State Park is a great destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. With its diverse ecosystem, scenic trails, and opportunities for recreation, it's no wonder why this park is a popular destination in Florida.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Oscar Scherer State Park
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Myakka River State Park
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PR81
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PR80
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PR83
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PR79
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