Park Summary for Print - Lake Manatee State Park

Welcome to Lake Manatee State Park

This park extends along three miles of the south shore of Lake Manatee, which serves as a water reservoir for Manatee and Sarasota counties. The rest of the park is primarily pine flatwoods and sand pine scrub with some depression marshes and hardwood forests. A boat ramp provides easy access to the lake; boat motors must be less than 20 horsepower. Canoeing and kayaking are also popular activities. The lake offers excellent freshwater fishing, and anglers can fish from their boats or from the park's fishing dock. Swimming is permitted in a designated area of Lake Manatee; a facility with showers is located nearby. A large picnic area is nestled in a sand pine scrub area near the lake. A picnic pavilion may be reserved for a fee. Campers can enjoy full-facility camping, just a short walk from the lake. Located 15 miles east of Bradenton on State Road 64.

Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about Lake Manatee State Park, please call 941-741-3028.

Book Your Vacation Spot Now!

Get more information on making a reservation.

Hours of Operation

Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.

Driving Directions

Take exit 220 off of I-75. Lake Manatee State Park is located 9 miles east of I-75 on State Road 64 in Bradenton, Florida.

Park Fees

Admission Fees - $4.00 per vehicle for up to 8 people.

Camping Fee
All Year: $18.00 plus tax
Pavilion Fee
Seating capacity of 75 for $50.00

Activities at Lake Manatee State Park

	Boat Ramp A boat ramp and fishing dock are available for visitors to use.
	Boating A Manatee County ordinance restricts boat motors to 20 horsepower or less. The ordinance also prohibits water-skiing.
	Canoeing/Kayaking Bring your own canoe or kayak and travel the shores of our 2,400 acres Lake Manatee. Scenic Lake Manatee serves as a wonderful wildlife viewing area which is easy to tour by canoe or kayak.
	Facilities ADA accessible restroom facilities are available in the park.
	Fishing Lake Manatee offers excellent fishing. A variety of species are frequently caught, such as largemouth and sunshine bass, speckled perch, bluegill, shellcracker and catfish. A Florida freshwater fishing license is required for all persons over 16 years of age. Lake Manatee Fishing Info Do you need a Fishing License?
	Full Facility Camping A 60-site camping area located within walking distance from the swimming and fishing areas. Water and electric is available on every site. A dump station is located at the entrance of the campground. Camping fee- $18 plus tax, rates are the same throughout the year round. Rates are per night, per site for up to 8 people.
	Hiking/Nature Trails There are several trails located throughout the park. Stop by our ranger station to obtain the maps of our in-park trails or our multi-use Gopher Trail.
	Pet Camping Pets must be confined, leashed (not to exceed six feet in length) or otherwise under the physical control of a person at all times. Tethered pets must not be left unattended for more than 30 minutes. Quiet hours must be observed from 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Pet owners must pick up after their pets and properly dispose of all pet droppings in trash receptacles. Pets are not permitted in park buildings, swimming, or fishing areas. Florida law requires that pets be vaccinated against rabies. Any pet that is noisy, dangerous, intimidating or destructive will not be allowed to remain in the park. Non-furbearing pets, such as reptiles, birds, or fish must be confined or under the physical control of the owner.
	Picnicking Picnic tables and grills nestled in a mesic flatwood habitat just a short walk from the lake. A pavilion is also available and may be reserved for a $50 fee per day. Seating capacity for up to 75 people.
	Playground Swing set, teeter totters, slides, and climbing gym. Also available are horseshoe pits and a sand volleyball court. Visitors may bring their own equipment or rent our horseshoes and volleyballs for a nominal fee.
	Showers There are two shower facilities, with hot water, located in the campground. A rinse station is located at the restroom near the swimming area.
	Swimming Available in the designated area in Lake Manatee with changing facilities.
	Wildlife Viewing The natural beauty of Lake Manatee State Park brings in several different species of wildlife. Some of the viewings have been bobcat, deer, quail, and gopher tortoises. See our birding list for a record of possible sightings.Lake Manatee SP Animal List Lake Manatee Gopher Trails

Special Events for Lake Manatee State Park

JUST READ, FLORIDA!
Date: Friday, September 12 at 9 a.m. and 10 a.m.
Description: Lake Manatee State Park will be hosting 'Read with a Ranger', and a book exchange at the picnic area pavilion. Read with a Ranger will be at 9 a.m. and 10 a.m., and a Junior Ranger program will be held at 11 a.m. on September 12th to celebrate International Literacy Day, which is actually on the 8th.
Fees: All month we are offering reservations of the pavilion to library and other reading groups free of charge for their special reading events. This year, free entry into state parks with a library book, library card or book donation will occur from Sunday, September 7 through Saturday, September 13.
Contact: Call the park at 941-741-3028

Frequently Asked Questions about Lake Manatee State Park

Question: What is the charge to use the dump station (when not a camper) and to fill up with water?
Answer: It is $6.00 for the dump station and $5.00 to fill up with water, this includes sales tax. Campers are permitted to use either at any time for no extra charge.

Question: Is there firewood available to purchase and how much is the firewood?
Answer: Yes, it can be purchased at the ranger station for $5.00 a bundle, when available. All proceeds go to the Help Our State Parks fund.

Question: Are there manatees in Lake Manatee?
Answer: No, in 1966, Manatee County Utilities constructed a 5,000 ft. dam across the Manatee River to form Lake Manatee. Lake Manatee is a reservoir that serves as the drinking water to Manatee and Sarasota Counties. With this dam in place to create the reservoir, manatees are unable to reach the lake.

Question: Swimming with alligators, is it safe?
Answer: Alligators are naturally more afraid of humans than we are of them. Alligators that attack have been fed by humans or have attacked when humans are swimming with pets. We do not allow feeding of any animals in State Parks and pets are prohibited in the swimming and fishing areas.

Question: Can I bring in a jet ski?
Answer: The maximum horsepower for Lake Manatee is 20. This is a county ordinance. The ordinance also prohibits jet skis and water skiing.

Question: Are there any discounts on the day use entry fee?
Answer: No. However, we offer discounts for camping if you are a Florida resident, 65 or older, or a person with a disability, the discounted rate is 50% off.

Question: What amperage is in the campground?
Answer: 30 watts

Question: Do you have any pull through sites? What about sites with sewer?
Answer: No, there are no pull through sites at the park. There are no sewer hook-ups either. There is a dump station located at the entrance of the campground for your convenience.

Question: What size motor home can you accommodate? Are the sites separated by a buffer zone?
Answer: All of our sites can accommodate up to 40 foot RV’s. The sites are separated by shrubby buffer zones.

Lake Manatee State Park History

Lake Manatee State Park Volunteer Information

The following Volunteer positions are open at Lake Manatee State Park:

Campground Host
Work Location: Park Campground
Project Duration: Ongoing
Minimum Hours: 20 Hours a week
Description of Duties: Volunteer will be working with visitors and will be representing the Florida Park Service. A high level of professionalism is required when speaking with the public. Volunteer is responsible for maintaining clean restrooms and campsites. Volunteer will assist visitors with directions and program information, interpret exhibits, and monitor safety of visitors, and check with supervisor and ranger station staff for updates and any special assignments. Volunteers will inform employees about daily status of park and alert them of any maintenance issues. Volunteers are encouraged to make suggestions for improvements in operation through their immediate supervisor. Volunteer is responsible for always having the proper personal protection equipment and practicing safe work habits at all times.
Benefits to Volunteer:
• Personal enrichment and experience working for the Florida Park Service
• Experience in communicating with people in diverse cultures
• Meeting and making new relationships with other volunteers, staff and visitors

Goal/Outcome of job:
• Create a welcoming experience to park visitors

Knowledge/Skills/Experience Desired:
• Enjoy talking with people
• Enjoy being out of doors
• Knowledge of Florida native animals and plants helpful

Ground Maintenance and Field Assistant
Work Location: Park Grounds
Project Duration: Ongoing

Description of Duties: Volunteer will be responsible for assisting park rangers or may be asked to perform tasks without supervision. Examples of work projects include the following: maintaining trails, fence lines and fire breaks, clean and maintain equipment, picking up debris from road shoulders, mowing and trimming park grounds and fence lines. Training on all park equipment is required before use. Volunteer should be able to answer visitor questions or direct them to someone who can. Volunteer is encouraged to take the initiative to get involved in projects in which their talents and interests would be best suited. Work collectively to support all areas of the park. Volunteer is responsible for always having the proper personal protection equipment and practicing safe work habits at all times.

Benefits to Volunteer:
• Personal enrichment and experience working for the Florida Park Service
• Professional grade equipment experience
• Experience in communicating with people in diverse cultures
• Meeting and making new relationships with other volunteers, staff and visitors

Goal/Outcome of job:
• Maintaining resource-based recreation
Knowledge/Skills/Experience Desired:
• Experience with chainsaws, hand tools, operating tractors and heavy equipment.
• Mechanical skills are always needed
• Familiarity with Florida exotic plants is helpful
• Knowledge of local area and resources helpful

Office Assistant
Location: Ranger Station
Project Duration: Ongoing

Description of Duties: Volunteer is responsible for visitor services and office operations at the ranger station. Position involves greeting park visitors and campers, providing park information, answering telephone calls, making copies of handouts, taking admission fees, registering campers and reconciling shift reports. Volunteer will be responsible for distributing park service and local information, taking reservations for the pavilion and selling park merchandise and passes. Volunteer is responsible for always having the proper personal protection equipment and practicing safe work habits at all times.

Benefits to Volunteer:
• Personal enrichment and experience working for the Florida Park Service
• Retail and customer service job experience
• Experience in communicating with people in diverse culture
• Meeting and making new relationships with other volunteers, staff and customers
• Experience with using computer programs such as Excel, Word, Reserve America

Goal/Outcome of job:
• Provide efficient courteous service, and helpful information to park visitors

Knowledge/Skills/Experience Desired:
• Good oral communications
• Comfortable dealing with money
• Knowledge of local area and resources helpful
• Computer experience helpful
• Bi-lingual skills helpful

Picnic Area Maintenance
Location: Day use area
Project Duration: Ongoing

Description of Duties:
Volunteer will be working around visitors and will be representing the Florida Park Service. A high level of professionalism is needed when speaking with the public. Volunteer is responsible for maintaining clean restrooms and may be asked to assist campground host in preparing campsites for incoming campers. Volunteer will assist visitors with directions and program information, interpret exhibits, and monitor safety of visitors, check with supervisor and ranger station staff for updates and any special assignments. Volunteers will inform park staff about daily status of park and alert them of any maintenance issues. They are responsible for the cleanliness of the day-use areas which including the swimming area, picnic area, boat ramp and the trails leading to these areas. Volunteer is responsible for always having the proper personal protection equipment and practicing safe work habits at all times.

Benefits to Volunteer:
• Personal enrichment and experience working for the Florida Park Service
• Experience in communicating with people in diverse cultures
• Meeting and making new relationships with other volunteers, staff and visitors

Goal/Outcome of job:
• Create a welcoming experience to park visitors

Knowledge/Skills/Experience Desired:
• Enjoy talking with people
• Enjoy being out of doors
• Knowledge of Florida native animals and plants helpful

Resource Management
Location: Park Grounds
Project Duration: Ongoing

Description of Duties:
Volunteer will be responsible for assisting park rangers or may be asked to perform tasks without supervision. Examples of work projects: maintaining trails, fence lines and fire breaks, physical and chemical exotic plant removal, tracking and mapping of treated areas, wildlife observations, clean and maintain equipment. Training of all equipment is required before use. Volunteer should be able to answer visitor questions or direct them to someone who can. Volunteer is encouraged to take the initiative to get involved in projects in which their talents and interests would be best suited. Work collectively to support all areas of the park. Volunteer is responsible for always having the proper personal protection equipment and practicing safe work habits at all times.

Benefits to Volunteer:
• Personal enrichment and experience working for the Florida Park Service
• Professional grade equipment experience
• Experience in communicating with people in diverse cultures
• Meeting and making new relationships with other volunteers, staff and visitors

Goal/Outcome of job:
• Maintaining resource-based recreation by controlling exotic, and maintaining fire breaks

Knowledge/Skills/Experience Desired:
• Experience with chainsaws, hand tools, operating tractors and heavy equipment
• Familiarity with Florida exotic plants is helpful
• Knowledge of local area and resources helpful
• GPS experience helpful

Special Requirements:
• Herbicide license helpful