Frequently Asked Questions about Manatee Springs State Park

Question: Are campsites located on the river?
Answer: No. The campsites are located a short walk away from the water front area in a shaded hammock.

Question: Are there campsites for the next major holiday?
Answer: Manatee Springs has long been a favorite of Florida residents and visitors alike. Understandably campsites are often reserved many months ahead. If you are interested in camping at the park for a holiday weekend we suggest you make your reservations as early as possible. Six months ahead of time is advised. The most current campsite availability information can be found on line at Reserve America or by calling toll free at 800-326-3521.

Question: What kind of camping facilities do you have?
Answer: Manatee Springs has a 92 site campground located in a shaded hammock. All sites have electricity, water, charcoal grill and picnic table. There are comfort stations convienantly located within the campground. For RV’ers there is a dump station located on the main park drive. Unfortunately we do not have cabins.

Question: Does the park have a boat launch or dock?
Answer: Usher Boat Ramp is located south of the main park entrance. The ramp is paved, but the approach is not. There is a major boat ramp at Clay Landing just north of the park boundary. The park does have a dock located at the end of the boardwalk at the Suwannee River observation deck.

Question: What is the water temperature of the spring?
Answer: Springs are the outflows of underground rivers. The water maintains a temperature of approximately 72° F year round.

Question: Are there snakes at Manatee Springs State Park?
Answer: Yes there are snakes. You may find a rattlesnake in the forest or a cottonmouth in the water. Most of the snakes around the swimming area are banded water snakes and not poisonous. However, they will bite if provoked. Just like all the other animals within state parks, snakes are protected and should not be disturbed. Generally snakes avoid humans, but if you do see one it is best to leave it alone.

Question: How deep is the spring?
Answer: At normal water levels the spring is about 23-25 feet deep. The spring run in the swimming area is out 5-8 feet in the deepest areas.

Question: What is that animal I saw?
Answer: Unfortunately for both rangers and visitors that question usually comes too late. The animal usually leaves the area before rangers can see it. Then speculation is all that can be given as an answer. So we suggest carrying a field guide to help identify those things you see along the way. Review the field guide section of your local book store and purchase the one you would like to learn more about. If the field guide didn’t help, you can review the one’s located in the park’s library at the Ranger Station.