Park Summary for Print - Manatee Springs State Park

A white-tailed deer stares directly
at the camera as he poses in a wooded area.

Welcome to Manatee Springs State Park

A first magnitude spring, Manatee Springs discharges an average 100 million gallons of water every day. This water comes from rain that falls on lands within a 40 mile radius from the spring. Geologically the surrounding lands resemble a sponge, with sand and the underlying limestone quickly transferring rainfall into deep caverns that deliver the water to the spring from every direction, but mostly from the south and east. The spring is a source of life for many species of fish, reptiles, mammals, birds and invertebrates. From November through April, manatees use the spring's life-giving waters for warmth. During those months the Suwannee River and Gulf of Mexico waters are colder than the constant 72 degrees of the spring. Popular for swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving, the headwaters of the spring are an outstanding year-round experience for people as well. The spring run forms a sparkling stream that meanders through towering cypress, tupelo and other wetland trees to join the Suwannee River. During the summer months, huge prehistoric-looking Gulf sturgeon can be seen leaping out of the river as they have done for eons. Enjoy the spring run view by canoe/kayak or on foot along our boardwalk. Children can enjoy a playground in the picnic area, where tables, grills and pavilions are available for family fun. Hiking and biking adventures await on the north end trail system. The full-facility campground is surrounded by hardwood hammocks and upland pine habitats.

Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about Manatee Springs State Park, please call 352-493-6072.

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Hours of Operation

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

Driving Directions

Manatee Springs State Park is located at the end of S.R. 320, off U.S. 98, six miles west of Chiefland.

Park Fees

Admission Fee:

$6.00 per vehicle. Limit 2-8 people per vehicle.

$4.00 Single Occupant Vehicle.

$2.00 Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass.

$15.00 per person, plus tax, Diving: spring, open water and cave diving. All divers are required to register with the office prior to diving.

Pavilion Rental Fee:

$35.00 per day plus tax. There are six picnic tables at each pavilion. Water and electricity are available at each pavilion and is included in the rental fee.

Camping Fee:

$20.00 per night, plus tax. Includes water and electricity.

Organized Youth and Adult Group Camping:

$1.00 per youth, per night.

$5.00 per adult/chaperon, per night.

Activities at Manatee Springs State Park

	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 spring’s area.
	Campfire Circles Some Ranger programs include campfire circles that take place at the outdoor amphitheatre. Campground hosts also host scheduled breakfasts at their sites. Call the park for more information.
	Canoeing/Kayaking Canoeing and kayaking is available year round down the famous Suwannee River. The Park offers rentals and livery service via contracted Concessionaires. 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.
	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 is required. Do you need a Fishing License?
	Full Facility Camping Manatee Springs State Park has an 82-site campground with electricity and water in each site. 71 of these sites are available for tent or RV use. There are comfort stations centrally located in each of the loops. Comfort stations provide hot showers, toilets and sink facilities. Even numbered sites 14-34 are for tent camping only. Located in the Magnolia 1 camping area, these sites allow park visitors to camp in a more rustic setting. Pets are allowed in all camping areas. Any pet that is noisy, dangerous, intimidating or destructive will not be allowed to remain in the park. Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance for camping by calling Reserve America at 1-800-326-3521. ADA compliant restrooms and showers are located in the Hickory Loop campground.
	Guided 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.
	Nature Trails Manatee Springs State Park offers 8.5 miles of nature trails that wind through cypress swamps, sinkhole ponds and uplands
	Pavilions Pavilions are available for reserved rental in the picnic area near the spring. Please see our home page for rental fees
	Pet Camping Pet camping is available in our campground. Florida law requires that pets be vaccinated against rabies. Pets must be confined, leashed, or otherwise under the physical control of a person at all times. Leashes must be hand-held and may not exceed six feet in length. Pets must be well-behaved at all times and must be confined in the owner's camping unit during designated quiet hours (11:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.). Unconfined pets must be leashed and cannot be left unattended for more than thirty minutes. Pet owners are required to pick up after their pets and properly dispose of all pet droppings in trash receptacles. Pets considered a nuisance are not allowed to remain in the park.
	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 Areas Picnic tables are available for your use.
	Playground The playground is located near the waterfront.
	RV Manatee Springs State Park has a 82-site campground with electricity and water in each site. 71 of these sites are available for tent or RV use. There are comfort stations centrally located in each of the loops. Comfort stations provide hot showers, toilets and sink facilities. Even numbered sites 14-34 are for tent camping only. Located in the Magnolia 1 camping area, these sites allow park visitors to camp in a more rustic setting. Pets are allowed in all camping areas. Any pet that is noisy, dangerous, intimidating or destructive will not be allowed to remain in the park. Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance for camping by calling Reserve America at 1-800-326-3521.
	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.
	Snorkeling Snorkeling can be enjoyed in the natural feature of this beautiful first magnitude spring. Use caution, the current is swift.
	Swimming Swimimg activities can be enjoyed in the natural feature of this beautiful first magnitude spring. Use caution, the current is swift.
	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.
	Youth Camping Organized groups of six or more can camp in the Primitive Youth Camp Area. These facilities offer drinking water and an outdoor shower. These areas are reserved for non-profit, organized groups.

Special Events for Manatee Springs State Park

ALLIGATORS AND MORE!
Date: Saturday, November 14, 2009 at 5:30 p.m. Meet at the Suwannee River Pavilion.
Description: Learn All About Alligators
Join Ranger Hoover in an adventure to find the Florida alligator. Walk out to the Suwannee River and learn about alligator habitat, eating habits and more. Keep your eyes open, you may actually get to see one or better yet, take one home! Please bring drinking water and bug repellant. Visitors can safely participate with little or no assistance required.

Fees: This event is free with regular park admission.
Contact: For more information, call 352-493-6072.

Participation Requirements
EVENING WALK
Date: Saturday, November 21, 2009 at 5:00 p.m. Meet at the Waterfront Boardwalk.
Description: Join Ranger Jones on an early evening walk on the boardwalk through Florida’s natural wetland. Listen for bird songs and look for turtles lounging and more. Please bring drinking water and bug repellant. Events are set up for every visitor to safely participate with little or no assistance required.

Fees: This event is free with regular park admission.
Contact: For more information, call 352-493-6072.

Participation Requirements

Manatee Springs State Park Ranger Programs

RANGER PROGRAMS
Saturdays and some weekdays. Programs vary weekly and may include nature walks, moonlight walks, interpretive programs about Manatee Springs' cultural and natural resources, invasive non-native plants, guided canoe tours and even the occasional Covered Wagon ride! Activity level, time and duration will vary with each program. Please, contact the Ranger Station for exact time and location. Free with park admission.
Call the park for information on available ranger programs.

Call (352) 493-6072 for more details.
SPECIAL YOUTH PROGRAM
Ongoing. Wanted: Junior Rangers!
Junior Rangers are kids ages 6-12 who help Florida State Parks by learning special secrets of the environment. They do this by visiting the parks and completing the fun activities in the Florida Junior Ranger newspaper. Manatee Springs State Park invites you and your family to experience the Real Florida. Come and enjoy this unique area and learn what you can do to help protect Florida's environmental treasures for future generations.

Call 352-493-6072 for more details.

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.

Manatee Springs State Park History

Humans have been coming to Manatee Springs for thousands of years. Once a major Timucuan Indian village stood at the springs. The Seminoles hunted the forests and fished the rivers.

Europeans and Americans are the newest visitors to Manatee Springs. All cultures came for the same reason: the natural resources.

In 1949 the State of Florida began buying the springs and the adjacent land to forever preserve it. Manatee Springs opened as a state park in 1955 for the enjoyment of Florida residents and visitors.

Manatee Springs State Park Volunteer Information

Volunteers can do many things -- greet visitors, conduct tours, help rangers remove exotic plants or maintain the natural beauty of a beach, waterway or trail.Volunteers are very valuable to Manatee Springs State Park. Without the volunteers many of the services offered by the park would be lost. Volunteers help with construction and maintenance projects, resource management projects, operating the Ranger Station, special events, and much, much more. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer at Manatee Springs simply contact the volunteer coordinator.