Camping in Manatee Springs State Park

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Top-rated campgrounds near Manatee Springs State Park

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Happy Campers Rescue Ranch

15 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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$30
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Secluded Wooded Campsite 🏕️

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · High Springs, FL
Secluded little campsite tucked back on 10 owned acres behind all housing. Has a driveway/path all the way back to the campsite. Signs are clearly marked upon arrival. Parking is allowed on site and set up is at your discretion. Campsite is about approximately 50x50 and includes use of outdoor composting toilet, picnic table, outdoor chairs, trash can with lid, outdoor hand washing area w/ water, and a nice sized fire ring. (Wood is available for your enjoyment and ease, but please only use what you need) Hosts are on site 24/7 for ease of making your stay comfortable and we will ensure all your needs are met in a timely fashion. This is PRIMITIVE camping site and would not be suitable for RV’s. Van camping is allowed and can hold up to three vans or cars. Small walking trails available behind the campsite. This campsite is not on any water. We do have a boat launch 5 minutes away: Lots of local places listed below! Local Highlights - Ginnie Springs, Blue Springs, Rum Island, Ichetucknee Springs, Ichetucknee River, Santa Fe River, Pink Flamingo, The Great Outdoors, Steakout, and more! (If you are looking for an amazing paddle we highly recommend a visit to Ichetucknee River) We have a small convenience store right at the entry of our street which has many of your quick camping needs. We also have a grocery store (Winn Dixie) that is a short 5 minute drive from our location.
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$17.50
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Gulf Coast RV Site

2 sites · RVs1 acre · Perry, FL
This is a private/ quiet site, away from the hustle and bustle. Take some time to enjoy the salt air along with picturesque sunsets. Launch a kayak or paddleboard. Keaton Beach is 1 mile away and Adams beach is about 4 miles north. Walter "B's" store on Beach Rd. has a small restaurant inside. Bike riding from the trail head at Keaton Beach boat ramp is a good way to get in some exercise and enjoy the natural Florida. Steinhatchee is 15 miles away. Learn more about this land: Pull up your RV, View stunning gulf sunsets, 1/2 mile to Keaton Beach boat ramp. General store 1/4 mile. 20 minutes to Steinhatchee. Keaton beach pier is less than 1 mile. Golf cart friendly, great kayaking and paddling from your place and in the area. Scalloping is June through September. Airboat friendly. Visit the Steinhatchee Fiddler Crab Festival in February. Choice of 30 or 50 amp electric, sewage, and water.
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$58.50
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100%
(417)

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 4 spots (Arrowhead Sink, Dunagan’s Meadow, North Hall Pasture or Magnolia Sink). We also have a 1 bedroom Tiny home that used to be the farm office. Dunagan’s meadow is a pasture behind the old farmhouse (built in 1824), Magnolia sink and The North Hall Pasture are 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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$30
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4A River Camp

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Fort White, FL
This area was inhabited by indians many years ago and the remnants of their civilization are scattered about in the rivers and land. The Ichetucknee River was named by a tribe of Creek Indians who came down from north Georgia and Alabama, and means "place of the beavers". This area is rich in history and beautiful nature.With over 1/3 acre of dedicated riverfront property on the Santa Fe River, you’ll have all the peace and quiet you can handle in this single spot campsite. The campsite was purpose-built for friends and family who come to visit this slice of paradise we call home. Ideally located in the heart of spring country in North Central Florida, we have over 18 major springs within a 50-mile radius of this location, which allows for all the outdoor exploration and watersports you desire. With tubing, kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, swimming, boating, and fishing available within feet of the campsite, you can stay nearby or venture out to some of the best springs in the world. Boaters – Private boat ramp is 200 yards up the road on the Santa Fe, public boat ramps within 10 miles on the Santa Fe and Suwannee rivers. Tubers – Tube the private section of the crystal-clear Ichetucknee river accessible only by the homeowners via our 3 waterfront parks. Both get-out parks are within walking distance to the campsite for your convenience. Paddlers – Paddle the Santa Fe or Ichetucknee rivers from within the neighborhood, or if the time of year is right, venture up to the Ichetucknee State Park to paddle the head waters and north entrance. This is limited in season and numbers to keep the impact on the river to a minimum. Swimmers – Swim the Santa Fe or Ichetucknee rivers from within the neighborhood via our 9 waterfront parks (6 Santa Fe, 3 Ichetucknee) or venture to either entrance of the Ichetucknee River State Park just a few miles away. Nature lovers – Explore the unspoiled conservation areas within the neighborhood that can be hiked and explored. Setup a hammock and sit by the river and watch all your worries wash away, you may get to see the occasional manatee. Whatever your passion, this campsite accommodates it with electric (50/30/15), water, picnic table, concrete firepit, clothesline and plenty of room to spread out. The neighborhood is golf-cart and UTV friendly and has lots of dirt roads to explore.  The deer can be found quite easily every morning and evening while riding around and rarely run away from the vehicles. Area Springs and Recreation attractions include the following springs and state parks. Google search Florida Springs for more information on each.
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$45
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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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$29.75
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Free to Be Acres

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Fort White, FL
Welcome to Free to Be Acres. An entire private acre, nestled in the beautiful N Central Florida forest. In spring country you are free to unwind and enjoy all that nature has to offer. Be greeted by a family of deer while enjoying your morning coffee or tea, listen to the barred owls talking to one another in the evenings. You will have easy access to both the Ichetucknee and Santa Fe rivers just a short 5 minute drive from your campsite. Encounter manatees, spotted gar and a multitude of different species of turtles as you float down the crystal clear Ichetucknee river. Spend the day boating or fishing on the Santa Fe or world famous Suwannee River. Just 15 minutes from well known Ginnie Springs, Gilchrist Blue Springs, Rum Island Spring, Ichetucknee Spring State Park, Peacock, Little River, Royal and more. We offer 30/50amp electric and water on site as well as a port o let that has weekly scheduled cleanings. Dumping of black and gray tanks can be done on your way out of town (within a 1/4 mile) for a nominal fee of $15.
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$50
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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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$23
 / night

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

Tips for snagging a campsite

  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.

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.
96%
12 ratings · 3 reviews
  1. Manatee Springs State Park