Paddleboarder approaching the launch dock at Oscar Scherer State Park.

How to Paddle Oscar Scherer State Park

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Oscar Scherer State Park is a surprisingly quiet place to paddle, especially considering it’s surrounded by neighborhoods. South Creek flows right through the park and eventually connects to the bay, giving you options for short shaded paddles or longer sun-filled routes. South Creek is calm, easy to access, and usually doesn’t draw big paddling crowds, but connects to more challenging areas in and around Dryman Bay and Blackburn Bay for those looking for a bit more excitement.

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Table of Contents

Paddleboarder exploring a section of South Creek lined with mangroves and pine trees.
Such a peaceful paddle.

Where is Oscar Scherer State Park?

Oscar Scherer State Park is completely surrounded by subdivisions, a 1,400 acre reprieve. It sits just 30 minutes south of Sarasota, just over 2.5 hours southwest of Orlando and 1 hour south of Tampa.

The main entrance is located at 1843 S. Tamiami Trail Osprey FL 34229.

Is Oscar Scherer State Park Good for Paddleboarders?

Yes! It’s a beautiful place to paddle with plenty of space and seems pretty quiet. We visited over a holiday weekend and were practically the only people on the water. 

The route is easy to follow, so it’s great for beginners and not stressful to navigate. It’s brackish water (salt and fresh) so you can see wildlife such as alligators and wading birds, but you might also see some marine life the closer you get to salt water. 

Unlike rivers and springs, there is not much of a current to affect your paddle. 

Potential Cons

  • Motors: The further away you get from the state park and closer to the bay, the more likely you are to come actress motorized boats.
  • Alligators: Seeing them is part of the Florida experience—and kind of awesome—but it can feel a little intimidating if you’re not used to it. Especially when you see big ones. 
  • No swimming allowed: The park does allow swimming on one of their lakes, but it’s not one that you can paddle. So you can’t get off the board, at least within the park. 
  • Tidal and Creek Depends on Rainfall – Depending on the time of day and whether there is a drought or the rainy season will affect the water levels. 
A man on a paddleboard approaches a dense tangle of branches and overgrowth blocking the creek at Oscar Scherer State Park.
This is as far as we were able to paddle on South Creek due to this debris.

Can You Rent Paddleboards at Oscar Scherer State Park?

Yes! Paddleboards and kayaks (single and tandem) are available to rent right at the park. You can rent for 1 hour, 2 hours, or a full day, depending on how long you want to be out on the water. You just scan a QR code to pay and select your vessel, grab a life jacket and away you go. If the process seems a bit overwhelming or confusing they do have a phone number to text or call for assistance. Pricing is fairly inexpensive. 

I haven’t rented there myself—I always bring my own board, and that’s totally allowed if you prefer to use your own gear.

Paddleboard and kayak rental kiosk at Oscar Scherer State Park with instructions on how to rent gear using the Whenever Watersports app.

Oscar Scherer Launch Details

Launch at South Creek Picnic Area

The paddle craft launch is located in the South Creek Picnic Area. The lot is very small and unpaved and in full sun. It will be very easy to find the launch point from the parking lot. The walk is short. There is a floating dock with an accessible kayak launch with hand rails and steps.  

If you’re renting, because there is no attendant, you have to set up your own gear. Everything is very close to the launch point and you can see it from where the rental area is. 

Pros

  • Bathrooms, water fountain/water bottle refill station, and trash cans nearby
  • Launch is designated for paddleboards, kayaks, and canoes only
  • The dock is accessible

Cons

  • State park entrance fee
Accessible launch dock at Oscar Scherer State Park on a sunny day.

Launch at Park Entrance

There is also a primitive launch near the park entrance. It is a sandy launch area in a clearing between mangroves. That’s all that’s there. 

Pros

  • Launch is designated for paddleboards, kayaks, and canoes only
  • Less onlookers since no frills launch

Cons

  • No facilities
  • State park entrance fee

Easy and Beginner Paddling Route

I have two route suggestions for those looking for a calm and beginner-friendly paddle. Both stay within the boundaries of Oscar Scherer State Park, which means you’re in a no-motor zone the entire time, no need to worry about boat traffic. 

One-Mile Paddle Route

Launch from the South Creek Picnic Area and head northeast, following the creek upstream. You’ll reach a low bridge that connects the main park road to the campground, you won’t miss it. If you’re standing on your paddleboard, you may need to duck or sit to pass under. Once you reach the bridge, turn around and head back to your launch point. The full roundtrip is about one mile. 

Map showing a 1-mile paddle route on South Creek at Oscar Scherer State Park.

Paddle South Creek

This option starts at either launch within the park (the South Creek Picnic Area or the launch near the entrance). Paddle northeast, staying upstream and within park boundaries. When we went, we reached a spot that was completely blocked off. We could’ve portaged and tried to keep going, but we decided to turn around instead.

As you approach the Tamiami Trail bridge, the creek widens and you’ll lose some of that nice shade. Deeper into the park, though, there’s plenty of tree cover and cooler stretches.

The Route

From either launch, paddle northeast. The creek narrows as you go, but there’s only one small turnoff and it’s easy to spot and easy to correct if you go the wrong way. Once you reach the farthest navigable point upstream, turn around and pass your original launch. Continue past it until you reach the Tamiami bridge, then head back to where you started.

This route is approximately 2.5 miles roundtrip.

Map showing the full paddle route along South Creek at Oscar Scherer State Park.

Intermediate Paddle Route

Paddle South Creek + Explore Beyond the Park

For a longer, more adventurous paddle, start by paddling South Creek (see the Easy and Beginner Paddling Route section). But instead of turning around at the Tamiami Trail bridge, keep going west until you reach the bay then turn around and return to your launch.

The stretch between the bridge and the bay is lined with homes and boat docks, so expect to encounter motorboats. There’s no tree cover here, so you’ll be exposed to full sun and wind, and tides will play a bigger role in how the water feels. The creek narrows again just before it opens up into the bay. 

Route Details

Launch from either the South Creek Picnic Area or the park entrance. Head northeast and paddle as far upstream as you can. Once you reach the end of the creek, turn around and pass your launch point. Continue paddling under the Tamiami bridge and into the mangrove-lined section of South Creek. Keep going until the water opens up into the bay, then turn around and head back.

The full out-and-back route, from South Creek to the bay, is about 4.25 miles roundtrip. The stretch between the Tamiami bridge and the bay is roughly 1.75 miles.

Map showing paddle route from Tamiami Bridge through the estuary to the bay.

Expert Paddle Route

You might’ve noticed a bit of a pattern with these paddle routes, they all start inside Oscar Scherer State Park and then head west, gradually extending farther from the park itself. 

South Creek, Estuary, and Bay

Launch from either the South Creek Picnic Area or the park entrance and paddle upstream on South Creek until you reach a spot that’s no longer navigable. Once you hit that point, turn around and paddle past your launch area and continue west, under the Tamiami Trail bridge, and out beyond the state park boundaries.

This next stretch takes you through a mangrove-lined estuary bordered by homes and boat docks. Eventually, the creek opens up into the bay. From there, you can explore north into Dryman Bay or south into Blackburn Bay. Just stay close to shore because this area can get busy with speed boats and other traffic.

The full route is about 6.25 miles roundtrip, including a 2-mile stretch exploring the two bays. You can always extend your time out there if you want to log more miles or challenge yourself with open water paddling. 

Map showing bay paddling route beyond Oscar Scherer State Park

Best Times to Visit Oscar Scherer State Park

Before You Go

  • Check the Oscar Scherer State Park  for any closures, weather alerts, or updates.
  • If you’re unsure about anything, give them a call. It’s always better to ask before you arrive.

Weather

Oscar Scherer is usually a great paddle, unless it’s windy, stormy, or extremely hot or cold. Avoiding rough weather is a good general rule when you’re on the water.

Time of Day

Earlier is better. You’ll get more wildlife activity and plenty of daylight for your paddle. And of course, early in the day is usually cooler which is especially important if you plan to paddle the sunnier areas of South Creek or in and around the bay. 

Tides

Because South Creek connects to Dryman Bay and Blackburn Bay, it is affected by low and high tide. When we went, we did not check the tide charts at all. We just showed up and hoped for the best. Not the best, but if the tide was out, we would have just waited in the park and explored the trails and nature center. 

Seasons & Hours

The park is open every day from 8 a.m. to sunset. Closures only happen for things like hurricanes or severe weather, and they’ll post that info on the website.

Paddling at Oscar Scherer is good year round. Although the area gets quite hot there is often a bit of a coastal breeze that helps keep things comfortable. Although I haven’t paddled here in the winter, I believe it would be very pleasant with temperatures in the 60s and 70s. 

What to Bring: Gear for Paddling Oscar Scherer State Park

Having the right gear can make or break your paddling experience. After paddling Oscar Scherer State Park, I’ve put together a solid list of essentials to keep you comfortable and safe.

Sun Protection

There are some shady spots along the creek, but you’ll definitely hit stretches with full sun, especially past the park boundaries. Plan like you’ll be your own shade.

  • Hat – I’ve used both a snug baseball cap and a wide-brimmed hat with a strap. If there’s a breeze, you’ll be glad it’s secure.
  • Sunglasses – Any pair helps, but polarized lenses are a game-changer when it comes to spotting submerged logs or rocks. Don’t forget a strap, especially if you’re prone to falling in (no judgment).
  • Sunscreen – Choose something waterproof and reef-safe. Apply it before you launch, not mid-creek.
  • Rash Guard – A long-sleeved one with thumb holes is my go-to for sun and wind protection without the constant need to reapply sunscreen.
Paddleboarder standing under a low metal bridge in Oscar Scherer State Park.
Almost all the gear! I didn’t have my sunglasses on this day! That yellow thing around my waist is my PFD.

Hydration

A reusable water bottle is a must—fill it up with cold water before heading out. I like adding electrolytes to mine for a little extra hydration and to help prevent muscle cramps.

Footwear

I recommend protecting feet on the way to your launch point. Some folks have tough feet and don’t wear any, but I always like to at least have flip flops. 

Since feet often get wet during launch I recommend wearing water shoes. They protect your feet from rough surfaces and are made to handle wet-dry cycles and also made to stay on your feet.

Once you’re paddling, I recommend going barefoot for better foot placement and grip.

Safety Gear

Florida has a few required items—and they’re not just for show:

  • PFD (Personal Flotation Device) – Required to have on board, and kids under 6 need to wear one. I recommend wearing one regardless of age.
  • Whistle – A cheap and simple “sound-producing device” to meet regulations. Clip it somewhere easy to reach.
  • Leash – Not required by law, but definitely smart. If you fall off, your board won’t drift away without you.

For more information on Florida’s paddleboarding safety laws, check out the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. 

Wooden overlook platform above South Creek, surrounded by mangroves and mossy trees.
Small overlook on South Creek.

Helpful Apps for a Smoother Paddle

Planning a paddle trip isn’t just about tossing your board in the water—it helps to know what you’re getting into. These apps can help you track your route, check the weather, and make smart calls before and during your trip. I’ve used some myself, and others come highly recommended by fellow paddlers.

Tracking Your Paddle

Strava – Popular with runners and cyclists, but also great for paddleboarding. Tracks distance, time, and your exact route—plus you can see what routes your friends are taking.

PaddleLogger – Made just for paddlers. It keeps things simple and does the job if all you want is a clean log of your journey.

Finding Launch Point

Go Paddling – Handy for finding launch points around the country. It’s based on user submissions, so be sure to double-check any info you find before heading out.

Weather Apps

iPhone Weather App – Quick and basic, but often all you need for a temperature check.

MyRadar – A favorite of mine for real-time radar. It helps spot pop-up storms before they sneak up on you.

WeatherBug – Some paddlers swear by it. It offers extras like:

  • Live radar
  • Lightning tracker
  • Wind speed and direction
  • Humidity levels
  • Daily highs/lows

Checking the Wind

Windy – Wind conditions can really impact your paddle. This app helps you check wind speed and direction ahead of time, which is useful if you choose to paddle the less protected areas around Oscar Scherer State Park.

Related Content:

I typically recommend other blog posts here, and I will, but I also wanted to share an amazing resource here too. The Paddlers’ Guide to the Sunshine State is a must to anyone that is looking for a state-wide guide. It includes many routes and information applicable to kayaks, paddleboards and canoes. I refer to it often when planning my paddles and also pull it out when I need clarification on information while writing my blog posts. 

Here are my related blog posts:

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