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Lake Manatee at Sunset

Lake Manatee State Park

Camping, fishing, picnicking, hiking, bird watching…there’s a little something for everyone

Hours

8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year

Fees

$5 per vehicle

See all fees

Location

20007 State Road 64 East
Bradenton FL 34212

Get directions

Contact Info

941-741-3028

Park Menu

  • Hours & Fees
  • Experiences & Amenities
  • History
Make a Reservation Download Park Map

Welcome to Lake Manatee State Park

Lake Manatee State Park is located 15 miles east of Bradenton, Florida on State Road 64. It extends three miles along the south shore of beautiful Lake Manatee, our namesake.

The lake was created when a dam was built across the Manatee River in the mid-1960s. Despite the park’s name, visitors cannot actually see manatees at this park because the dam blocks their access to the lake. The lake offers excellent freshwater fishing and anglers can fish from their boats or from the park's fishing docks. A boat ramp provides easy access to the lake for boating, canoeing and kayaking; boat motors must be less than 20 horsepower.

A swimming beach is located in our day-use area for those who want to cool off on those hot summer days or just soak in the rays. Please swim at your own risk, as lifeguards are not provided. A restroom facility with showers is located near the beach. A large picnic area is nestled in oaks next to the lake. A picnic pavilion is available on a first-come, first-serve basis or may be reserved for a fee.

Campers can enjoy full-facility camping, just a short walk from the lake. The park’s natural habitats consists primarily of pine flatwoods and sand pine scrub with some depression marshes and hardwood forest. A hike down one of our trails is like taking a step back in time, providing a glimpse of the Real Florida.

Plan Your Visit

Manager's Message Lake Manatee State Park
Learn

Manager's Message

It’s always a great time of year to visit Lake Manatee State Park. Our day visitors can enjoy the use of the playground, pavilion, picnic area, and swimming beach.
Geocaching
Learn

Geocaching

The Operation Recreation GeoTour hosted by Geocaching.com, stretches from Pensacola to Key West and includes 71 of the First Three Time National Gold Medal Award Winning Florida State Parks and Trails. Visit 20 caches and win the Official Operation Recreation Geocoin.
Explore Florida State Parks
Initiative

Every Stamp Is A Story

We invite you to visit any one of our amazing state parks, and to save your adventures with the Special Edition Real Florida Passport. This travel-sized journal is the perfect place to collect your memories and discover new places to explore! Each Florida State Park has a unique stamp and story.

Experiences

Bicycling
Bicycling
Boating
Boating
Camping
Camping
Fishing
Fishing
Geo-Seeking
Geo-Seeking
Hiking
Hiking
Mountain Biking
Mountain Biking
Paddling
Paddling
Picnicking
Picnicking
Swimming
Swimming

Amenities

Boat Ramp
Boat Ramp
Campgrounds
Campgrounds
Canoe Kayak Launch
Canoe Kayak Launch
Interpretive Exhibit
Interpretive Exhibit
Nature Trail
Nature Trail
Parking
Parking
Pets
Pets
Picnic Pavilion
Picnic Pavilion
Playground
Playground
Restroom Facilities
Restroom Facilities
RV
RV
Shower Station
Shower Station

Lake Manatee Bird Viewing
Lake Manatee State Park
Sunrise at Lake Manatee
RV Camping at Lake Manatee State Park
Playground at Lake Manatee State Park
Lake Manatee State Park
Rivers and Lakes
Learn

Rivers & Lakes at Florida State Parks

Florida is truly a place where land and water interweaves to form a diverse and dynamic natural fabric. Numerous rivers course through the landscape, and lakes of varying sizes can be found in all regions.
Big Lagoon State Park Trail
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Trails at Florida State Parks

Whether by bicycle, horse, wheelchair, kayak or on your own two feet, trails both within and outside our state parks can lead to a wide variety of adventure and opportunity throughout Florida.

People Make the Parks

Park Staff

Join the Team

Are you active, enthusiastic and enjoy serving others? Come join the Florida State Parks’ team where we help visitors and residents experience the wonder of Florida’s best loved places.
Volunteer

Volunteer with us!

Help fulfill the Florida State Parks' mission. Assist park employees to preserve, interpret and restore ...the Real Florida.
Florida State Parks Foundation

Florida State Parks Foundation

The statewide nonprofit partner meeting critical funding needs for universal access, conservation, education and preservation.

Park Map

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Florida State Parks

Main Menu

  • Plan your visit
    • Accessibility
    • FAQs
    • Fees
    • Rules & Regulations
    • Camping & Lodging
    • Outdoor Florida
  • Find a Park
  • Learn
    • Newsletter
  • Resources
  • Experiences & Amenities
    • Educational Opportunities
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  • Events
  • Get Involved
    • Doing Business with Parks
    • Work for Us
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(850) 245-2157

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FSP.Feedback@FloridaDEP.gov

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