Bicycling

Bicycles are welcome on all the park's roads. Mountain bikers can enjoy over eight miles of wooded off road trails within the park.

Boat Tours

Boat Tours will soon be provided by our Visitor Service Provider.

Boating

Motor boats can tie off at our floating dock located on the river. The park can be accessed by the 300 yard boardwalk into the spring’s area.

Campfire Circles

Some Ranger programs include campfire circles that take place at the outdoor amphitheatre. Campground hosts also host scheduled breakfasts at their sites. Call the park for more information.

Canoeing & Kayaking

Our Visitor Service Provider offers weekend river trips at several camp sites. Reservations for rental items can be made by contacting Suwannee River Tours at 352-490-9797 or 1-877-362-3213 or email Chris Brown.

Ranger led paddling trips are scheduled for every Friday at 8:30 am from December 1 through the last week of March. Space is limited to the first ten boats. Reservations are not required. If needed boat rentals are available by calling Suwannee River Tours at 352-490-9797 or 1-877-362-3213 before the day of the trip. For more information please call the park at 352-493-6072.

Concessions

The park concession offers food, drinks, gifts, camper supplies and canoe/kayak rentals.

Fishing

Freshwater fishing from the park's boardwalk along the spring run and in the Suwannee River is always popular. Largemouth bass, catfish and a variety of panfish will delight the lucky angler.

A Florida freshwater fishing license is required.
Do you need a Fishing License?

Full Facility Camping

Manatee Springs State Park has a 92-site campground with electricity and water in each site. These sites are available for tent or RV use. There are comfort stations centrally located in each of the loops. Comfort stations provide hot showers, toilets and sink facilities. Sites 26-39 and site number 48 are for tent camping only. Located in the Magnolia 1 camping area, these sites allow park visitors to camp in a more rustic setting. Pets are allowed in all camping areas. Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance for camping by calling Reserve America at 1-800-326-3521.

ADA compliant restrooms and showers are located in the Hickory Loop campground.

Guided Tours

Rangers present guided tours along Sink Trail, the waterfront boardwalk, and an occasional night walk. Conestoga Wagon rides are offered seasonally (fall and spring) along the north trail system. Ranger led paddling programs are scheduled throughout the year. Most ranger led programs are free with paid park admission. Call the park at 352-493-6072 for more information.

Nature Trails

Manatee Springs State Park offers 8.5 miles of nature trails that wind through cypress swamps, sinkhole ponds and uplands

Pavilions

Pavilions are available for reserved rental in the picnic area near the spring. Please see our home page for rental fees

Pet Camping

Pet camping is available in our campground. Florida law requires that pets be vaccinated against rabies. Pets must be confined, leashed, or otherwise under the physical control of a person at all times. Leashes must be hand-held and may not exceed six feet in length. Pets must be well-behaved at all times and must be confined in the owner's camping unit during designated quiet hours (11:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.). Unconfined pets must be leashed and cannot be left unattended for more than thirty minutes. Pet owners are required to pick up after their pets and properly dispose of all pet droppings in trash receptacles. Pets considered a nuisance are not allowed to remain in the park.

Pets

Well-behaved dogs are welcome at Manatee Springs State Park. They must be kept on a 6-foot leash at all times and can not be left unattended for more than a half-hour. Dogs are not permitted in buildings or swimming area.

Because the close proximity can lead to problems between dogs meeting on the boardwalk, pets are restricted from boardwalks. Pets on a leash and controlled by owners can wade into the spring run at the canoe launch facility.

Picnic Areas

Picnic tables are available for your use.

Playground

The playground is located near the waterfront.

RV

Manatee Springs State Park has a 92-site campground with electricity and water in each site. These sites are available for tent or RV use. There are comfort stations centrally located in each of the loops. Comfort stations provide hot showers, toilets and sink facilities. Sites 26-39 and site number 48 are for tent camping only. Located in the Magnolia 1 camping area, these sites allow park visitors to camp in a more rustic setting. Pets are allowed in all camping areas. Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance for camping by calling Reserve America at 1-800-326-3521.

Scuba Diving

Scuba divers must present their certification upon registration. Open water, cavern and cave diving is available in Manatee Spring or Catfish Hotel Sink. Dive instructors are required to purchase a Commercial Dive Permit. The fee for spring diving, open water, and cave diving is $10.00 plus tax. All divers are required to register with the office prior to diving.

Snorkeling

Snorkeling can be enjoyed in the natural feature of this beautiful first magnitude spring. Use caution, the current is swift.

Swimming

Swimimg activities can be enjoyed in the natural feature of this beautiful first magnitude spring. Use caution, the current is swift.

Wildlife Viewing

Excellent wildlife viewing is available along the boardwalk that winds through the cypress swamp from the spring to the river as well as along the hiking trails.

Youth Camping

Organized groups of six or more can camp in the Primitive Youth Camp Area. These facilities offer drinking water and an outdoor shower. These areas are reserved for non-profit, organized groups.