Experiences & Amenities
Experiences
Bicycles are welcome on all the park's roads. Mountain bikers can enjoy 8 miles of wooded off-road trails within the park.
- Helmets are highly recommended for all cyclists and Florida law requires helmets for cyclists age 16 and under. Bicycles are not allowed on the boardwalk or any sidewalks.
The park features 80 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 in Magnolia 2 or Hickory but a dump station is provided.
- Sites 2, 15, 18, 20, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 31, 32, 35 and 40 located in the Magnolia 1 camping area are for tent camping only.
- Sites 7, 20, 32 and 37 are paved. Sites 5, 6, 9, 21, 22, 24, 25, 29, 35 and 39 are all gravel.
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. ADA accessible restrooms and showers are located in the Magnolia 1 and Hickory Loop campground and an ADA accessible restroom is also at the waterfront.
- Maximum RV length = 40 feet on Sites, 5, 7 and 37.
- Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance. For reservations, visit the Florida State Parks reservations website or call 800-326-3521 or TDD 888-433-0287.
- In order to protect the trees you love, we ask that you do not bring your own firewood into the park. The emerald ash borer infestation has been confirmed in North Georgia and is spread by moving infested wood to a non-infested area. Wood is available at the park for a donation.
Glamping
Enjoy the excitement and adventure of camping without sacrificing the luxuries and comforts of home.
Glampsites offer all the excitement and adventure of camping, without sacrificing the little luxuries of home. Sites are nestled in the Hickory Loop of the family campground, just a short walk from the main spring. Thoughtful touches, attention to detail and a creative flair are the foundation for memories of a lifetime!
Each tent Includes a queen beds with linens, bath towels, coffee maker and more.
Contact our concessionaire for reservations.
The park provides two group camping areas for youth outdoor recreation-oriented groups. The group 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 reservations, call the park at 352-493-6072.
In order to protect the trees you love, we ask that you do not bring your own firewood into the park. The emerald ash borer infestation has been confirmed in North Georgia and is spread by moving infested wood to a non-infested area. Wood is available at the park for a donation.
Freshwater fishing from the park's boardwalk along the spring run and in the Suwannee River is always popular. Largemouth bass, catfish, mullet and a variety of panfish will delight the lucky angler. All fishing within the park must conform to regulations concerning size, number, method of capture and season.
- A fishing license may be required. More information is available at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Fishing in Florida website.
Diving is available only on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations or holding spots are not allowed. All parties must be present at the time of registration.
- Open water diving is allowed in Manatee Springs main spring and the Catfish Hotel.
- Cavern diving is allowed in Catfish Hotel.
- Cave divers are allowed to enter at the Main Spring and Catfish Hotel. Friedman Sink entrance requires full cave certification.
- All persons participating in scuba diving do so at their own risk and must dive within the limits of their certification.
The Florida Park Service recognizes the inherent personal danger involved in this activity and therefore strictly regulates it. When visitors are granted permission to dive in any spring within Florida State Parks, the following minimum rules and regulations must be strictly adhered to:
- In parks with a ranger station, each diver must register and present his/her diver’s certification card, which will be shown on the vehicle dashboard until completion of the dive.
- All student divers must register under instructor’s certification.
- Each diver must dive within the limits of their certification.
- Dives must be conducted only in those areas designated.
- Open water divers are prohibited from carrying lights.
- In certain areas, only cave diving will be authorized.
- A dive party must consist of at least two divers.
- Each state park where spring diving is allowed has the authority to set maximum number of persons that can dive in the spring at any given time.
- Fossils and artifacts shall not be disturbed or removed. Aquatic plants shall not be trampled or disturbed.
- Minimum distance of 50 feet between divers and manatees must be maintained at all times.
- Dives must be completed one hour before sundown.
- Divers must be registered three hours before sundown.
- Free diving and swimming is allowed in the main spring only, both are prohibited in Catfish Hotel.
Diving Capacity at Manatee Springs
- Open water and cavern divers: 18 divers at one time, 36 per day total for main spring and Catfish Hotel.
- Cave divers: Eight at Catfish and four at Friedman at one time, 24 per day.
Amenities
Manatee Springs State Park is committed to providing a variety of amenities accessible to all of our visitors. These amenities include:
- Amphitheater.
- Concession.
- Several campsites with concrete pad, picnic table, ground grill and nearby restrooms.
- Picnic facilities with tables and grills.
Service animals are welcome in all areas of Florida State Parks.
Well-behaved dogs are welcome at Manatee Springs State Park. They must be kept on a 6-foot leash at all times and cannot 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 all boardwalks. Pets on a leash and controlled by owners can wade into the spring run at the canoe launch.
- See our Pet Policy.
Pavilions in the picnic area near the spring are available for rent for $35 per day plus tax. There are six picnic tables at each pavilion. Water and electricity are available at each pavilion and are included in the rental fee.
- Call the ranger station at 352-493-6072 for reservations.