Little Manatee River State Park
About Little Manatee River State Park
A NOTE FROM THE MANAGER
Christy Burch
Spring is in the air at Little Manatee River State Park. Our annual nesters, a pair of Swallow Tail Kite and Sandhill Crane, have arrived earlier than the year's before but none the less they are here and ready to be parents once more. Many of the spring wildflowers such as coreopsis, prickly pear cactus, meadow beauty and bachelors buttons are also in bloom with vibrant colors of pink and yellow. Now is a beatiful time of the year to canoe or kayak the Little Manatee River. Visitors are likely to see alligators, wading birds, a variety of freshwater and brackish water fish and the ocassional manatee. Anglers are welcome to fish on the river but a Florida freshwater fishing license is required and all bag and size limits must be adhered to.
The park also has three pavilions located on the river and our largest pavilion can hold up to 80 people. The pavilion is screened in for protection from mosquitos, has electric, fans and a large grill for cooking. To make reservations please call the ranger station at 813-671-5005 between the hours of 8am to 5pm. Located behind pavilion #3 is our nature trail named Oxbow Trail. Visitors can take a leisurely 15 minute stroll through 4 different natural communities and information about the park's flora and fauna are available through interpretive trail signs along the way. The staff at Little Manatee Rivers State Park invite you to come camp, hike, canoe or picnic at our beautiful park and we hope to see you soon.
Come visit the "Real Florida"
Christy Burch, Park Manager
DESIGNATIONS
GETTING HERE
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
GET INVOLVED
- For forms, information and benefits of volunteering visit Get Involved.
- Friends of Little Manatee River
- 116 Hickory Creek Drive
Brandon, FL 33511
CONCESSIONAIRES
PET POLICY
- Florida State Parks Pet Policy
- Pets are permitted in the campground and throughout the picnic area on a six-foot handheld leash. Pets are prohibited on all nature trails. There is a $2.00 fee per night for pet camping and owners must provide proof of rabies vaccination.
