Camping near Manatee Springs State Park

96% (12 reviews)

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Manatee Springs State Park adventure.

Enjoy a wealth of recreation at one of Florida’s largest springs.

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Community favorites near Manatee Springs State Park

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Manatee Springs State Park

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Manatee Springs Campground

70 sites · RVs, Tents In Manatee Springs State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Manatee Springs State Park

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Happy Campers Rescue Ranch

11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Dunnellon, FL

Welcome! 🌿 We're thrilled to have you join us for an unforgettable experience surrounded by nature and animals. 🐾 At our ranch, we're dedicated to providing a sanctuary for rescued animals and offering our guests a unique opportunity to connect with nature and support our mission of animal welfare and conservation – it's a haven where you can relax, unwind, and make memories that will last a lifetime. 🌟 During your stay, you'll have the chance to meet our furry friends, including rescued farm animals and adorable companions who call Happy Campers Rescue Ranch home. Whether you're feeding the goats, cuddling with the kittens, or exploring the beautiful surroundings, there's something for everyone to enjoy. 🐷🐱🌳 But that's not all – we also offer a range of exciting extras to enhance your experience. Rent a Kayak or Paddle Boat to explore the area and crystal-clear waters of Rainbow Springs, or choose our cooler with built-in air conditioning ❄️ to stay comfortable during hot summer days inside your tent. As a guest, you'll not only have the opportunity to relax and unwind, but you'll also be supporting our mission of animal rescue and rehabilitation. A portion of your stay goes directly towards caring for our rescued animals and maintaining our sanctuary, allowing us to continue our important work. 🤲 We can't wait to welcome you to out ranch and share our love for animals and nature with you. Whether you're looking for a weekend getaway, a family vacation, or a unique retreat, we're here to make your stay unforgettable. 🌈 ***We kindly request bookings for a maximum duration of up to 7 days. This allows us to maintain the integrity of our sanctuary and ensures that our animals receive consistent care and attention while also offering our guests the opportunity to enjoy a refreshing and rejuvenating getaway. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in this matter. Thank you for choosing our ranch – we look forward to hosting you soon! 🎉

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Cabin At Little River Springs

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · O'brien, FL

Rustic cabin located just outside of Little River Springs. This off-grid property features over an acre of privacy and is perfect for small to medium sized recreational vehicles. Campers, enjoy this open cabin with A/C during the summer months where there is a small generator on-site available for use, included with rental. Property is a short five minute walk to Little River Springs, with several more springs in the surrounding area. This area is great for swimming, diving, and enjoying Florida. Boaters can launch at the private boat ramp at the end of the street. Popular ATV area with rural dirt roads.

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Wildflower Pond and Woodlands

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents4 acres · Alachua, FL

Welcome to a sweet and soulful little piece of the woodlands. Tucked in on 4.5 acres, this spot is a secluded, enchanting piece of old Florida. Stay in one of our three designated camping sites, tie up a hammock, gaze at the pond inhabitants, and check out what's growing in the seasonal garden. Also enjoy the many flowering plants and other special trees. Florida's gem-colored, healing spring waters are just a 20 minutes up the way and local retreat centers and yoga studios dot the area. Gator fans? Head into Gainesville for a game and to visit the University of Florida. Mostly, enjoy. We look forward to hosting you! To note for all guests: We suggest arriving before dark so as to make set up easy and comfortable. We do not require a formal check-in and encourage being self-reliable in set up of primitive campsites. (For something with more structure and a space already set up, check out our Aframe cabin.) We do have water, a composting toilet, sink, and groundtemp shower for your use and ease. ***PLEASE NOTE FARM TOURS AND ANIMAL EXPERIENCES ARE CURRENTLY PAUSED***

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Rainbow River "Peek" Vans & Tents

1 site · Tent1 acre · Dunnellon, FL

An elevated camp site next to a pole barn that overlooks a Florida hammock and a peek at the Rainbow River. This is not a commercial campground.Sorry, no dogs due to wildlife.No RVs (Tents, Truck Tents and Vans Only)Located in the heart of Dunnellon near the Rainbow River Site: 25ft long by 14ft Wide. Water, Sewer, 30amp; Electric. Not on the water but walking distance. This property is shared with the owner. campsite is separated from owner's house with a pole barn. This is not a waterfront site. You are not camping on the water, however, Rainbow River Peek is named because you can get a peek of the river from the site. You can bike to the river in about two minutes. This is a small, narrow (14ft wide) but quiet area, a few hundred feet from The Rainbow River. Located on a dead-end street. It is partially surrounded by Florida foliage next to a pole barn. 30 amp plug, Sewer, Water and 110 electric outlet and outdoor sink is on the site. The Rainbow River is a gorgeous river that is walking distance from the site. There is a beach, free boat launch, free kayak launch, tiki bars with live entertainment, antique shops, restaurants and a Publix/Aldi/Discount Grocery all within biking and walking distance. EXTRAS: Just like most campgrounds, check-in is after 3 and checkout, before 1 for cleanup between reservations. However, those times are negotiable if no arrival or departures those days. I am not a campground with multiple sites. When you cancel last minute you're hurting my biz as well as those that could've booked. No last minute cancellations! LOCAL STUFF TO LOOK UP Suggested Restaurants: (Hipcamp doesn't allow websites on here) Gruff's Grill and Bar, River Run, Swampy's (water front), Blue Gator (waterfront), Go For Donuts, Baskin Robbins, Dunkin' Donuts, Sonic, Burger King, Mc Donald's, Taco Bell and more. Shops: Antique shops nearby and Grumble House is a must visit! Grocery: Publix, Save A Lot, Winn Dixie, Aldi Laundromat: A few blocks from campsite Tours: Singing River Tours. $20 per person for a 1.5 hour ride on the river in a large, covered pontoon barge. Walking distance to board boat. Captain Bob's Airboat Tours, $50 per person. Walking distance to board boat. Boat Rentals - Rent a jon boat with a motor up to a pontoon boat at Blue Gator Tiki Bar & Grill. Walking distance from the RV site. Biking: This little town offers many sidewalks to bicycle on as well as a beautiful park along the Rainbow River called Blue Run Park Beach: Dunnellon City Beach (Chaplain A. Dinkins, III Memorial Park) is less than half a mile from the RV site. It offers picnic tables, restroom, a pier and beach for swimming on the Rainbow River. Pets are not allowed.

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Camp Gilchrist

1 site · Tent10 acres · Spring Ridge, FL

Camp Gilchrist is located in heart of Springs Country in North Florida. Ginnie Springs and several other local springs are just minutes away. Come visit and explore nature with us! Pitch your tent and relax. You can enjoy beautiful sunrises, sunsets, and star gazing in an open field. Enjoy wildflowers throughout the Florida blooming seasons. Find blackberries, mushrooms, and other edible foraged goods. For optimum peace and privacy, there is currently 1 campsite on our 10 acres. There are several recreational activities in the area including hiking, swimming in natural springs, fishing, kayaking, wildlife watching, and more!

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Paradise Lake Rousseau ,Fl

7 sites · Lodging, Tents3 acres · Crystal River, FL

3 acres on beautiful Lake Rousseau. Fishing , camping , kayaking , cabin rentals. 10 miles from ThreeSisters Springs, Hunter Springs and Crystal River. Abundant wildlife. Beatiful sunrirses and sunsets. Very peaceful!

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Glenn Farm

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents125 acres · Fort White, FL

The farm you’re camping on is one of the last family farms remaining in Columbia County and is named Glenn Farm after DV Glenn who married Hettie Lou Niblack in the 1930’s. Over the last 150 years it has been farmed by some of the county’s oldest families such as the Niblack and Ellis families. When DV Glenn came to Florida from his farm in Cairo, GA he took over the portion of the Niblack farm that was inherited by his wife Hettie Lou. At that time he was running native Florida cattle on over 6000 acres. Unfortunately, In 1951 he was killed in a hunting accident leaving his wife with the farm and 4 children (ages 4-11). In order to survive, Hettie Lou Niblack Glenn was forced to sell 5000 acres at $25 an acre. Holding a bachelors degree from Florida State College for Women, she was able to secure a job at the University of Florida as a secretary and with the money from the land sale she was able to raise her four children. Of the original farm, 600 acres remain intact and the Glenn family is trying to keep the farm as an agricultural operation. Your campsite is 1 of three spots (Arrowhead Sink, Dunagan’s Meadow or Magnolia Sink). Dunagan’s meadow is a pasture behind the old farmhouse (built in 1844), Magnolia sink is also on the main farm while Arrowhead Sink is on the edge of a hayfield about a mile down a dirt road. Glenn Farm is a place to come relax and experience a world that is rapidly disappearing. It is not a commercial campground.

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Bowman's Landing

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents13 acres · Fort White, FL

We are a 12.5 acre campground on the Sante Fe River. We have cabins as well as primitive car campsites directly on the river as well. See the following distances: Ginnie Springs - 6 miles Blue Springs - 9 miles Ichetucknee Springs - 4 miles Gainesville - 38 miles Rum 138 - 8 miles Lake City - 27 miles White Springs - 38 miles Branford - 13 miles High Springs - 12 miles Dollar General - 3 miles Publix - 15 miles Bobs River Place - 20 miles

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Cristal camping 🏕️

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Crystal River, FL

You just came across a very unique piece of land very close to all the springs that there is to enjoy and a beautiful small town of Inglis located in Crystal River Florida. Please come and enjoy this cold water from this beautiful springs. And don’t forget to bring the floaty’s, snorkels and goggles because you’re going to need it in order to see all the beautiful underwater scenes on this Cristal water, rivers. Come enjoy our beautiful tent space nestled in a wooded lot located at the beautiful Rainbow River, one of the largest spring fed rivers in the world , you will have a parking area. Kayak rentals available. It is a short walk to the 40-mile Withlacoochee biking/walking trail which has a large variety of birds and wildlife for your viewing pleasure. Rainbow River State park and head springs is located 4.6 miles away, a great place for swimming and snorkeling with an admission fee of $2. There is a laundromat, grocery stores, and a large selection of restaurants nearby for your dining pleasure. See you soon! PEACE

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Spacious Oak Hammock

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · High Springs, FL

Only a 5 Minute drive to High Springs Historic District and 20 Minutes to Gainesville. Enjoy peacefulness with a 30 amp electric/water site on this dead end road that abuts O’Leno State Park. It is common to see wildlife on this and the surrounding properties. Located only 3 miles from O'Leno State Park, this area is known for it's numerous beautiful springs along the Santa Fe, Ichetucknee and Suwannee Rivers. Kayaking, snorkeling and cave diving are popular activities here. So pitch your tent or park your RV in our oak hammock. You will have access to your own fire pit and picnic table. We also offer access to our hot outdoor showers. Learn more about this land: Located 3 miles from O'Leno State Park, this area is known for it's numerous beautiful springs along the Santa Fe, Ichetucknee and Suwannee Rivers. Kayaking, snorkeling and cave diving are popular activities here. So pitch your tent or park your RV in our oak hammock. You will have access to your own fire pit and picnic table. We also offer access to our hot outdoor showers.

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The Junction

5 sites · RVs, Tents88 acres · Fort White, FL

Discover the beauty of our property featuring longhorn cows, picturesque trails, a serene lake with a rope swing, a floating dock for relaxation, fishing opportunities, campfires, and more. Conveniently located just a mile from the North entrance of Ichetucknee State Park. Which is a natural spring fed river.

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Cabin Glamping

3 sites · Lodging2 acres · Crystal River, FL

Known as the Nature Coast and one of Florida's greatest hidden secrets, this property is private, yet just minutes from civilization and manatees! The cabin is located on private property with owners and security on site, yet plenty of privacy. During the day, paddle your way to the beautiful Three Sisters Springs for a swim. You may see some manatee on your way there. Hunter Springs is a great little park with a beach area for swimming and kayak rentals too. There are also several Diving with the manatee tours available. This is all only a short drive from camp. You can enjoy swimming, fishing, scalloping, snorkeling, kayaking, pontooning or just relaxing back at the camp. Heritage Village is in town and a great way to spend an afternoon too. Great one-of-a-kind eateries with many special events throughout the year. Conveniently located at the end of the street is a Publix, DG, a Mexican restaurant, and Beef O'Brady's. We also have brochures on all kinds of other great places you'll want to experience while staying in beautiful Crystal River! Oh, and don't forget to stop by Grandma's gift shop before you leave. We look forward to your stay!

The best camping near Manatee Springs State Park guide

Overview

About

Stroll the boardwalk in Florida’s Manatee Springs State Park to take in sights of “trees with knees” in the namesake first-magnitude spring, which pumps out as much as 150 million gallons of water a day. The clear waters of the spring run eventually join the tea-stained Suwannee River, offering scenic spots for kayaking, swimming, and fishing along the way. You might even spot cave divers–-or join them! During cool weather, manatees visit the park. Over eight miles of biking and hiking trails meander through cypress swamps and around sinkhole ponds. A camping area offers sites for tents and RVs. Glamping rentals are also available.

Notable Campgrounds

Best for glampers: Manatee Springs Campground’s glampsites offer fully furnished glamping tents, which include a bed, coffee maker, fire pit and stylish furnishings.
Best for RVers: Manatee Springs Campground’s Magnolia 1 loop has full hookups.
Best for tent camping: Manatee Springs Campground’s Hickory and Magnolia 1 loops have several designated tent-only sites.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Reservations for may be made on the Florida State Parks website or by phoning 800-326-3521.
Florida residents can make campsite reservations 11 months in advance, while non-residents can make reservations 10 months in advance.
Advanced reservations are recommended for weekends and holidays.
Most sites have water and electric hookups, with select sites offering full hookups.
A dump station is available.
Campers with RVs longer than 40 feet may be limited to select sites or may not find accessible sites. Check with the campground for full details.

When to go

The best time to visit for manatee sightings is winter, when the spring waters attract these popular sea cows. Winters are generally pleasant and good for outdoor recreation year round, with daily highs in the 60s and 70s. While lows may dip into the 30s, freezing temperatures are rare. The rest of the year offers nice weather in fall and spring, while summer is often hot and humid, with the likelihood of rain and thunderstorms.

Know before you go

Recreational opportunities include snorkeling, scuba diving, wildlife viewing, cave diving, paddling, and more.
The park’s trail system connects to the greater 32-mile Nature Coast State Trail.
Park ranger programs are free and offered seasonably.
Though swimming in the clear spring waters is generally considered safe since alligators prefer murkier waters, alligator sightings are not out of the question in the waters and in other areas of the park.
Take a kayak tour from Fanning Springs State Park to Manatee State Park along the Suwannee River to explore more of the region’s flora and fauna.
The boardwalk and swimming area may close when the Suwannee River floods.