Bicycling

Bicycles are welcome on all the park's roads. Mountain bikers can enjoy over eight miles of wooded off road trails within the park.

Boating

Motor boats can tie off at our floating dock located on the river. The park can be accessed by the 300 yard boardwalk into the springs area.

Campfire Circles

Some Ranger programs include campfire circles that take place at the outdoor amphitheatre.  Call the park for more information.

Camping, Full Facility

The park features 78 earth-floored campsites in three loops, each with its own hot shower restroom, and all within easy walking distance of the spring. There is electricity and water at each site. There is no sewer hook up, but a dump station is provided. Even numbered sites 14-34, located in the Magnolia 1 camping area, are for tent camping only. Pets are allowed and must remain on a six-foot leash at all times and under control of their owners. During the cooler months, park rangers offer various interpretive programs. Accessible restrooms and showers are located in the Hickory Loop campground.

Maximum RV length = 40 ft.

Reservations: Reservations may be made up to 11 months in advance through ReserveAmerica. Book Online or call (800) 326-3521 (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.) or TDD (888) 433-0287.

Camping, Youth

The park provides one youth camp for youth outdoor recreation-oriented groups. The youth camp accommodates up to 35 people. Chaperones, 18 years of age or older, are required for each 12 youths. Pets are not allowed in the youth area. Drinking water, an outdoor shower, a portable toilet and fire circle are available at the site.

For Youth Camping only reservations call (352) 493-6738.  For all other camping, please call the Ranger station (352-493-6072) or Reserve America. Book Online or call (800) 326-3521 (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.) or TDD (888) 433-0287.

Canoeing & Kayaking

Canoeing and kayaking is available year round down the famous Suwannee River. There are local canoe/kayak outfitters located outside the park. There is a canoe launch into the spring run; portage of canoe or kayak over a distance of about 200 feet from vehicle drop off area to the launch is required. Between December 1 and March 30 each year, the spring run launch site is closed for the protection of manatees. During this four month period canoes/kayaks can be launched from a floating dock on the river by portage of canoe along a 1200 foot boardwalk. Canoes/kayaks can also launch from two boat ramps on the river, one located on the north end of the park and one on the south end, each is about 1 mile from the park's main entrance. Both of these are accessible by driving outside the park. Ask for directions at Ranger Station.

Concession & Restaurant

Concession opening May 1^st, 2013.  Canoe & kayak rental are available.  

Anderson’s Outdoor Adventures

4060 SW County Road 232

Bell, FL  32691

352-949-6751 or 540-450-6444

Open daily 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

http://www.andersonsoutdooradventures.com/

Fishing

Freshwater fishing from the park's boardwalk along the spring run and in the Suwannee River is always popular. Largemouth bass, catfish and a variety of panfish will delight the lucky angler.

A Florida freshwater fishing license may be required.

Hiking/Nature Trail

Manatee Springs State Park offers 8.5 miles of nature trails that wind through cypress swamps, sinkhole ponds and uplands

Pets

Well-behaved dogs are welcome at Manatee Springs State Park. They must be kept on a 6-foot leash at all times and can not be left unattended for more than a half-hour. Dogs are not permitted in buildings or swimming area.

Because the close proximity can lead to problems between dogs meeting on the boardwalk, pets are restricted from boardwalks. Pets on a leash and controlled by owners can wade into the spring run at the canoe launch facility.

Picnic Pavilion

Pavilions are available for reserved rental in the picnic area near the spring. Please see our home page for rental fees

Picnicking

Picnic tables are available for your use.  Soda vending machines are located in the waterfront picnic area.

Playground

The playground is located near the waterfront.

Scuba Diving

Scuba divers must present their certification upon registration. Open water, cavern and cave diving is available in Manatee Spring or Catfish Hotel Sink. Dive instructors are required to purchase a Commercial Dive Permit. All divers are required to register with the office prior to diving and must have a dive buddy.  All divers must be registered by 3:00 pm and out of the water, with their c-cards returned, by 5:00 p.m. 

Divers must dive within their certification limits.

Snorkeling

Snorkeling can be enjoyed in the natural feature of this beautiful first magnitude spring. Use caution, the current is swift.

Swimming

Swimming activities can be enjoyed in the natural feature of this beautiful first magnitude spring. Use caution, the current is swift.

Tours

Rangers present guided tours along Sink Trail, the waterfront boardwalk, and an occasional night walk. Conestoga Wagon rides are offered seasonally (fall and spring) along the north trail system. Ranger led paddling programs are scheduled throughout the year. Most ranger led programs are free with paid park admission. Call the park at 352-493-6072 for more information.

Wildlife Viewing

Excellent wildlife viewing is available along the boardwalk that winds through the cypress swamp from the spring to the river as well as along the hiking trails.