OLETA RIVER STATE PARK
Florida's largest urban park, Oleta River is located on Biscayne Bay in the busy Miami metropolitan area. Although it offers a variety of recreational opportunities, the park is best known for miles of off-road bicycling trails, ranging from novice trails to challenging trails for experienced bicyclists. Along the Oleta River, at the north end of the park, a large stand of beautiful mangrove forest preserves native South Florida plants and wildlife. Canoeists and kayakers can paddle the river to explore this amazing natural area. Swimming from a 1,200-foot sandy beach and saltwater fishing are also popular activities. Picnic tables and grills are available. Nine pavilions can be rented for a fee. All have water, and the largest one has electricity. Visitors can rent kayaks, canoes, and bicycles. The park has a loaner system for bicycle helmets. For overnight visits, the park has rustic, air-conditioned cabins and a youth campground for organized groups. Located at 3400 NE 163rd Street, off I-95 in North Miami.
The beauty of the river has drawn man to its banks for centuries. As early as 500 BC, the river was home to the Tequesta Indians who camped along the river?s shore. The estuary provided them with a rich and varied diet. When Spaniards first visited the area they encountered bear, deer, panthers, bobcats, wolves, alligators, manatees and numerous birds and small animals.
In 1841, the river was named Big Snake Creek and was part of the route used by Federal troops in the Second Seminole War to travel south from Loxahatchee.
In 1891, Captain William Hawkins Fulford explored the river and settled further inland in the area known today as North Miami Beach.
Once "discovered", other settlers ventured north from Miami and by the 1890s, pineapple and vegetable farms had sprung up along the river in the newly formed town of Ojus. The river linked the Everglades with Biscayne Bay. An Indian trading post was established at what is now Greynolds Park. In 1922, Big Snake Creek was renamed the Oleta River by developers.
Annual Entrance Passes can be purchased at all park ranger stations and museums. If you require immediate use of your pass, this is the best option. Passes can be purchased during regular business hours 365 days a year. Please call the park in advance to ensure availability. Those who are eligible for discounted or free passes may use this method to receive their pass. Annual Entrance Passes may be purchased online by visiting the
FLORIDA STATE PARKS ANNUALENTRANCE PASSES web page.
Day-UseFishingyes
Hiking Trailyes
Swimming Beachyes
Bike Trailsyes
BoatingLaunch Rampsyes
CampingPrimitiveyes
WinterActivitiesyes
The park has 14 primitive cabins that are available to rent. Most of the cabins are equipped with one double bed, a bunk bed and air conditioning. Cabin #1 is handicapped accessible. Cabin #2 has one double bed only. Cabin #3 has 2 sets of bunk beds. While there are no kitchens or bathrooms in the cabins, a bathhouse, with hot showers, is centrally located. Linens are not provided. For availability and reservations, please contact ReserveAmerica at www.ReserveAmerica.com or 1-800-326-3521.
- Primitive Camping: Oleta River State Park offers 14 primitive campsites for a rustic camping experience.
- Youth Group Campsite: A special campsite is available exclusively for youth groups.
- Cabins Rentals: The park features 13 cabins with air conditioning, but no kitchens or bathrooms.
- Picnic Pavilion Rental: Large picnic pavilions are also available to rent within the park grounds.
The Blue Moon Outdoor Center is open from 9AM until 1-1/2 hours before sunset. The concession rents canoes, kayaks and bicycles. Snack items are also available.
1. Oleta River State Park offers a 1200-foot sandy beach for swimming.
2. Lifeguards are on duty during park operating hours, ensuring safety while swimming.
3. The calm waters of Biscayne Bay provide ideal conditions for swimmers of all levels.
4. Swimming is not allowed in the river due to strong currents and marine life presence.
5. There's also an option to swim from your rented cabin located along the waterfronts within the park area.
The park offers a variety of boating options for visitors. Kayaking and canoeing are popular activities with rentals available on-site. The calm waters make it ideal even for beginners to navigate through the mangrove forests. Paddle boarding is another option that allows you to explore the Oleta River's diverse ecosystem at your own pace. Motorized boats aren't allowed within certain areas due to environmental protection efforts but there are designated spots where they can be used.
The fishing pier is always a popular site for fishing as well as the shores of the park along the Intracoastal Waterway that borders the east shores of the park.