Camping in Manatee Springs State Park

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.

1. Reservations for may be made on the Florida State Parks website or by phoning 800-326-3521.
2. Florida residents can make campsite reservations 11 months in advance, while non-residents can make reservations 10 months in advance.
3. Advanced reservations are recommended for weekends and holidays.
4. Most sites have water and electric hookups, with select sites offering full hookups.
5. A dump station is available.
6. 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.

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.

• 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.