Park Summary for Print - Little Manatee River State Park

Welcome to Little Manatee River State Park

The Little Manatee River begins in a swampy area near Fort Lonesome and flows almost 40 miles before emptying into Tampa Bay. The river has been designated an Outstanding Florida Water and is part of the Cockroach Bay Aquatic Preserve. Visitors can fish along the banks of the river. Wildlife enthusiasts can enjoy hiking a six-and-a-half mile trail through the park's northern wilderness area. For those who prefer their hikes on horseback, the park has 12 miles of equestrian trails and four equestrian campsites. Campers can spend the night in a full-facility campground or hike out to a primitive campsite along the trail. A youth/group campground accommodates up to 20 people. The scenic picnic area along the river has tables, grills, and pavilions. Pavilions can be reserved for a fee. Unreserved pavilions are available on a first-come-first-served basis. Located five miles south of Sun City, off U.S. 301 on Lightfoot Road.

Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about Little Manatee River State Park, please call 813-671-5005.

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Hours of Operation

Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.

Driving Directions

Little Manatee River State Park is located four miles south of Sun City Center, off U.S. 301 on Lightfoot Road. From Tampa: I–75 South to Exit 240A, East to U.S. 301, Then South 4 miles, Turn Right onto Lightfoot Road, Park is on the Right From Sarasota/Bradenton: I-75 North to Exit 229, East to U.S. 301, Then North 6 miles, Turn Left onto Lightfoot Road, Park is on the Right From Pinellas County: I-275 South, cross the Skyway Bridge to I-75 North, Exit 229, East to U.S. 301, Then North 6 miles, Turn Left onto Lightfoot Road, Park is on the Right

Park Fees

Admission Fees - $4.00 for up to 8 people per vehicle.

Activities at Little Manatee River State Park

	Campfire Circle Join our camping community around the fire circle
	Camping Camping is available. Please call the park for more information. There are two ADA accessible campsites in the campground.
	Canoeing & Kayaking Visitors can explore the river by canoe and observe the area's scenic beauty and wildlife. At this time Little Manatee River State Park is no longer renting canoes. The canoe launch area is not ADA accessible.
	Facilities Restroom facilities are available in the park. All restroom facilities are ADA accessible.
	Fishing Freshwater fishing opportunities include bass, bream and catfish. A Florida freshwater fishing license is required for persons 16 years of age or older. Go to the Favorite Links page for more information on licensing. Do you need a Fishing License?
	Horse Trails The park has an 8 mile equestrian trail and four equestrian campsites.
	Nature Trails A 6.5-mile hiking trail that meanders through a diversity of habitats is available in the park's northern wilderness area. A primitive camp, located along the trail, is available by reservation only. All hikers must register at the park's ranger station. Little Manatee River State Park's nature trails have been designated as the area's best hiking trails.
	Pets Pets must be confined, leashed (not to exceed six feet in length) or otherwise under the physical control of a person at all times. Tethered pets must not be left unattended for more than 30 minutes. Quiet hours must be observed from 11:00 p.m. - 8:00 a.m. Pet owners must pick up after their pets and properly dispose of all pet droppings in trash receptacles. Florida law requires that pets be vaccinated against rabies. Any pet that is noisy, dangerous, intimidating or destructive will not be allowed to remain in the park. Non-furbearing pets, such as reptiles, birds, or fish must be confined or under the physical control of the owner. Some animals may be prohibited on park property. Failure to abide by these rules may result in the camper being asked to board the pet outside the park or to leave the campground.
	Picnicking Picnic tables and pavillions are available in the picnic area along the river. Pavilions can be reserved for a fee. Unreserved pavilions are available on a first come basis. Reservation Fees: Large Pavilion - $40.00 + tax Small Pavilions - $20.00 + tax The pavilions are ADA accessible, but access to the pavilions is not ADA.
	Playground For added enjoyment, the park has a children's playground. Please monitor the website for more information on what is available at the playground.
	Primitive Camping A primitive camp, located along the trail, is available by reservation only. For more information on camping in our park simply click on the Reserve America link. Clicking on the park map or selecting one of the camping area links just below the park map will allow you to see a map of the individual campsite locations. Select any campsite icon to see a detailed description of the individual campsite and what it has to offer.
	RV's Full RV camping is provided in 34 campsites with full hook-up, four of which are specifically designed for horse camping. (Negative Coggins required for all of our horse camping guests). Each site is equipped with electricity, water, a fire ring and picnic table. Pets are allowed with restrictions. Shopping is available at the Sun City Center which is located 5 miles from the park. Exhibits are located throughout the park and there are many planned activities year-round.
	Wildlife Viewing Wildlife viewing is possible at this park
	Wildlife Viewing The Little Manatee River runs through the park and it is an excellent location to observe bird life and other animals.
	Youth Camping Youth Camping area is available at Little Manatee and can accommodate up to 20 people at one time. Reservations can be made by contacting the Ranger Station at (813)671-5005

Special Events for Little Manatee River State Park

There are no events listed at this time. Please call our park for more details on possible future events.

Frequently Asked Questions about Little Manatee River State Park

Question: What area of the park is my pet allowed?
Answer: Pets are permitted in the campground and throughout the picnic area on a 6ft hand held leash. Pets are prohibited on nature trails.

Question: Do you sell firewood at the park?
Answer: Do you sell firewood at the park? Firewood can be purchased at the Ranger Station for $5.00 a bundle or $12.00 for 3 bundles.

Question: Are there bike trails at Little Manatee River State Park?
Answer: Off-road bicycle trails are not available however, bicycle riding is allowed on the main park drive.

Question: Do you allow swimming at Little Manatee River State Park?
Answer: No, swimming is not allowed in the park.

Question: Are pets allowed in the campground?
Answer: Yes, pets are allowed in the campground. Owners must provide proof of rabies vaccination. Additional rules apply.

Question: Do you have any campsites on the water?
Answer: No, none of our family campsites are on the river.

Question: Where is the nearest grocery store?
Answer: The nearest grocery store is 5 miles north of the park at the corner of U.S. 301 and S.R. 674.

Question: Does the park have a boat ramp?
Answer: The park does not have a boat ramp. A canoe launch is available in the park where small Jon boats, canoes, and kayaks can be launched. Motors greater than 5-horse power are prohibited and idle wake is observed on the river within park boundaries.

Question: Is fishing permitted in the park?
Answer: Yes, fishing is allowed in the park. A Florida freshwater fishing license is required. Please visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website for more information on licensing. FWCC

Question: How big is Little Manatee River State Park?
Answer: The park is 2,400 acres and the Little Manatee River runs through for approximately 4.5 miles.

Question: Where can we rent canoes?
Answer: You can register to rent canoes at the Ranger Station. Equipment and key to canoe will be given to you at time of registration and you will be directed to the canoe launch where the canoes are located.

Little Manatee River State Park History

Named for the river that runs through it, the first parcel of land that makes up Little Manatee River State Park was purchased on August 2, 1974. The park was then opened to the public in 1987, and since the river has been designated as an Outstanding Florida Waterway and is included in the Cockroach Bay Aquatic Preserve. Since the first purchase of land in 1974, the park has acquired several additional parcels and added these plots to the park since its' establishment. As a result, the park presently comprises over 2,400 acres.