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.