Lake Manatee State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Lake Manatee State Park is a hidden gem in the state of Florida. The park's location offers easy access to the pristine beaches and charming coastal towns of the Gulf Coast. With its lush forests, shimmering lakeshores, and abundant wildlife, the park is a haven for hikers, anglers, and nature enthusiasts. Throughout the year, you can enjoy plenty of ranger-led programs that give you an opportunity to uncover Florida's rich history. While you are there, you will be enchanted by Lake Manatee State Park's natural wonders, cultural heritage, and adventurous spirit.
Nearby Cities:
Parris, FL
The Meadows, FL
Ellenton, FL
Desoto Lakes, FL
Spring 55-87 F
Summer 71-91 F
Fall 57-89 F
Winter 49-74 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Lake Manatee State Park
Campground Accommodations
Lake Manatee Campground
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Max RV length: 65 feet
Other amenities: Showers
Winter Quarters Manatee RV Resort
This resort is located in Bradenton, close to Anna Maria Island and Siesta Key beaches. Winter Quarters Manatee RV Resort is not only a great place to park your RV for the night, but it's also a spot where you can relax or join in a range of activities. Amenities include sightseeing tours, dancing lessons and a computer club.
• Water hookup: Yes
• Electrical hookup: Yes
• Sewer hookup: Yes
• Wi-Fi: Yes
• Pet-friendly: Yes
• Other amenities: Swimming pool, RV storage, boat ramp and hot tub
Pleasant Lake RV Resort
Pleasant Lake RV Resort is a gated property with controlled access for RV safety. You can choose from dirt, grassy, gravel, or paved RV sites. All sites have a picnic table and are near restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities. There's also a swimming pool, horseshoe pits, a game room, and much more.
• Water hookup: Yes
• Electrical hookup: Yes
• Sewer hookup: Yes
• Wi-Fi: Yes
• Pet-friendly: Yes
• Other amenities: Cable TV, fitness center, game room and clubhouse
Horseshoe Cove RV Resort
Horseshoe Cove RV Resort is the place where you can kick back and relax in the hot tub or swimming pool. There's access to the lake, where you can enjoy watersports, kayaking, and fishing. The resort even provides planned activities where campers are invited to participate.
• Water hookup: Yes
• Electrical hookup: Yes
• Sewer hookup: Yes
• Wi-Fi: Yes
• Pet-friendly: Yes
• Other amenities: Restrooms and shower facility, library, covered pavilion and boat dock
What to Do at
Lake Manatee State Park
Lake Manatee State Park invites outdoor enthusiasts to explore a world of adventure. Boating and fishing on pristine Lake Manatee are popular activities. The park's hiking trail is the perfect place to get a scenic vista of Florida's natural beauty. There are picnic areas for al fresco dining, and the park's abundant wildlife offers opportunities for bird-watching and observing animals. Whether you're seeking water-based fun or a peaceful day in nature, Lake Manatee State Park has something for everyone to enjoy.
Inside Lake Manatee State Park
Lake Manatee State Park is the ideal place to go freshwater fishing, boating, kayaking, and canoeing. There are 2.34 miles of off-road cycling available with different levels of terrain for dedicated bicyclists. Hike all 4.5 miles of trails as you view the wildlife that calls this state park home. On hot summer days, cool off at the beach, where you can swim, go snorkeling or relax on the sand.
Fishing
Lake Manatee is home to various freshwater fish. Some commonly found fish species in the lake include largemouth bass, bluegill, red-ear sunfish, catfish, and crappie. Anglers visit the lake for the chance to reel in these sought-after fish. This is a popular spot for both seasoned and novice anglers.
Geocaching
Lake Manatee State Park features strategically placed caches throughout. Adventurers can explore the park's lush woodlands or follow a GPS trail to uncover geocaches hidden near centuries-old trees or the park's lake. Each geocache is carefully placed to provide a thrilling quest around the park's natural and historical wonders.
Nature Watching
Lake Manatee State Park is a true paradise for nature enthusiasts. From ospreys and bald eagles soaring overhead to herons and ibises flocking to the tranquil lake, bird watchers will be in awe. You might be lucky enough to see white-tailed deer, armadillos, foxes, and raccoons. This park is an ideal spot for nature watching and wildlife photography.
Stargazing
Lake Manatee State Park is perfect for stargazing due to its minimal light pollution. You can have an unobstructed view of celestial wonders like the Milky Way. The park regularly hosts astronomy events for visitors and campers to learn about the night sky. The serene and educational setting is perfect for seasoned stargazers as well as those who are new to exploring the cosmos.
Flora and Fauna
Within Lake Manatee State Park, you'll encounter towering longleaf pine forests, oak hammocks, and palmetto thickets. These areas provide habitats for gopher tortoises, Eastern indigo snakes, and numerous bird species, including the red-shouldered hawk. The park's landscape showcases native Florida flora including saw palmettos, gallberry shrubs, and wildflowers like the vibrant orange butterfly weed.
Hiking
The Sink Loop Trail, a 0.6-mile interpretive loop that tells a story, leads through longleaf pine forests and oak hammocks. The Gopher Trail is a 2.1-mile loop trail. If you want a more picturesque water view, check out the 4.7-mile route on the North End Trail System. For those who want to explore less traveled areas, the Scenic Trail has informative kiosks that explain the sights and sounds of the park.
Boating
Lake Manatee State Park is an excellent destination for boating enthusiasts. Its clear waters and tranquil surroundings make it a perfect spot for kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding. Visitors can bring their own boats or rent watercraft to enjoy a variety of activities.
Swimming
During your visit to Lake Manatee State Park, you can enjoy a lake that provides an excellent opportunity for refreshing saltwater swims. The park also features a sandy beach at Lake Manatee that has a gradual entry into the water. With that, this is a suitable area for swimmers of all levels.
Biking
The park's paved roads and multi-use trails take cyclists on a journey through towering pine forests alongside the serene Lake Manatee. One popular route travels up to the dam, where you can enjoy a beautiful lake view. This park provides a chance for cyclists to experience the natural beauty and wildlife of the area.
How to Get to
Lake Manatee State Park
Lake Manatee State Park is conveniently located in Manatee County, Florida. To reach the park, follow these directions: If you are traveling from Interstate 75 (I-75), take Exit 220 for State Road 64 (SR 64) heading west. Continue on SR 64 for approximately 12 miles. Once there, look for the Lake Manatee State Park sign on the right side of the road. Follow the entrance road into the park, where you will find parking facilities available for visitors.
Entering Lake Manatee State Park
There are plenty of spots for parking and designated areas for rigs up to 65 feet long. Lake Manatee State Park charges a $5 entrance fee.
Lake Manatee State Park Daily Pass : $5.0
The team at RVshare is overjoyed for you to be planning a vacation to one of the most fabulous state parks in Florida. You're sure to have fun both in Lake Manatee and outside of the park. When you upload your memorable vacation pictures to social media, tag RVshare or send a photograph and story to [email protected]. You may even see your story and photo shared on a blog or social media post.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lake Manatee State Park
The best time to visit Lake Manatee State Park is during the fall and spring when the weather is mild and outdoor activities are in full swing. These seasons offer pleasant temperatures for boating, hiking, and wildlife watching, making your visit enjoyable and comfortable.
Lake Manatee State Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including alligators, osprey, and bald eagles. Visitors may also encounter other species of birds along with white-tailed deer and raccoons. The park's ecosystems create opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts to observe both aquatic and land-dwelling creatures.
Yes, there are 60 RV-designated spots at Lake Manatee State Park. These sites provide access to 30-amp electricity and water. There is also a dump station at the entrance of the camping grounds.
Reservations are always recommended at Lake Manatee State Park. You can book a site up to 11 months in advance. The cost for these sites is $22, with a $7 utility fee per night and a $6.70 reservation fee.
Well-behaved pets are always welcome at Lake Manatee State Park. All pets must be kept on a leash, and owners are expected to pick up after their animals.