Lake Manatee State Park RV & Campground Guide
Florida
- Home
- State Parks
- Florida
- Lake Manatee State Park
Located just east of Bradenton, Lake Manatee State Park extends for three miles along the south shoreline. The lake was created by humans when a dam was built across the Manatee River. The beautiful waters, wildlife habitat, and seasonal wildflowers are what bring this state park to life. However, visitors also appreciate that Lake Manatee State Park is conveniently close to various other attractions in the Tampa Bay region. The lake is 13 miles northeast of Sarasota and 15 miles from Lakewood Ranch. When you vacation at the park, you'll surely appreciate the year-round mild temperatures.
Spring 55-87 F
Summer 71-91 F
Fall 57-89 F
Winter 49-74 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Lake Manatee State Park
The area in and around Lake Manatee State Park has a solid selection of camping opportunities for RVers. If you don't own a recreational vehicle, consider renting from RVshare.com. You can choose from various sizes and models that suit your personal needs, including your budget and family size. All rentals come with nationwide insurance, 24/7 roadside assistance and a dedicated team member who' ready and willing to help with your RV needs.
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
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.
Outside Lake Manatee State Park
Thanks to its location on State Road 64 just 59 miles from Tampa, there's no lack of activities to explore or take pleasure in outside of the Lake Manatee State Park. From sightseeing and shopping to restaurants, there's something for everyone in the area. Bradenton is just 15 miles to the west.
Restaurants
Wolves Head Pizza & Wings
Wolves Head Pizza & Wings is the ideal place to enjoy a delicious slice or two of pizza. They also serve salads, burgers, soups, and chicken wings with 13 different flavors. During the restaurant's happy hour between the hours of 3:00 to 6:00 pm, you can get draft beers for $1 and house wines at half price.
Type: American
Location: 1837 Lakewood Ranch Blvd, Bradenton, FL 34211
Waffle House
Swing into Waffle House for breakfast and enjoy the delicious taste of waffles, eggs, steak, and more. During lunch and dinner, try their Angus burgers, grilled chicken, or BLT.
Type: Diner
Location: 603 67th St Circle East, Bradenton, FL 34208
Atypical Kitchen
The Atypical Kitchen cooks high-quality food from scratch with fresh ingredients, all made strictly for delivery. They do all they can to make certain that your meal stays hot and fresh to your door.
Type: BBQ
Location: 2539 Lakewood Ranch Blvd, Bradenton, FL 34211
Sonny's BBQ
Try the mouthwatering taste of slow-smoked baby back ribs, pork, beef brisket, and chicken topped with their signature Sonny's BBQ sauce. They also serve a variety of sides, salads, and desserts. Sonny's even offers catering services for large gatherings.
Type: BBQ
Location: 631 67th St Circle East, Bradenton, FL 34208
The Granary Restaurant
All-day breakfast and lunch are offered at The Granary Restaurant. They serve traditional dishes like pancakes, sandwiches, and wraps, all with a modern twist and a wide variety of homemade bread. Gluten-free items are available for those who have dietary restrictions.
Type: American
Location: 2547 Lakewood Ranch Blvd, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34211
Shopping
Twelve Oak Plaza
Twelve Oak Plaza is the place to pick up some groceries to restock your RV's refrigerator. The plaza offers several services, including a pharmacy for refilling any prescriptions.
Location: 7290 55th Ave East, Bradenton, FL 34203
The Mall at University Town Center
If you're looking for a shopping center that has it all while you're on vacation, The Mall at University Town Center hosts restaurants, clothing stores, sports stores, and a wine store. They're open to the public from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm, Monday through Saturday; their Sunday hours are 11:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Location: 140 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota, FL 34243
Creekwood Crossing
Right off of route 70 is Creekwood Crossing shopping center. There are over 13 retail stores available, as well as vehicle services and a number of places to eat.
Location: 7395 52nd PI East, Bradenton, FL 34203
Lakewood Ranch Plaza
Lakewood Ranch Plaza has a little bit of everything for the whole family, including a gas station. There's also a hair salon, retail stores, and a grocery store. If you get famished while shopping, you can eat at one of the many restaurants located within the plaza.
Location: 1755 Lakewood Ranch Blvd, Bradenton, FL 34211
Tara Twelve Oaks Shopping Plaza
The grocery store at this shopping plaza is packed with fresh fruits, vegetables, and tasty deli foods. Tara Twelve Oaks Shopping Plaza also features personal care businesses, restaurants, and more.
Location: 7290 55th Ave East, Bradenton, FL 34203
Sightseeing
Florida Boat Tours
Take a cruise with Florida Boat Tours and learn about the wildlife that lives along the Brandon River. They offer several reservoir tours, a sunset cruise and a bird Island tour. There's also a boat trip to Linger Lodge. If you take a visit during roosting season, you may have the chance to see one of the many bird species being born from afar.
Location: 6106 63rd St East, Bradenton, FL 34203
Tree Umph Adventure Course
Tree Umph Adventure Course has over 11 acres of challenging terrain and hundreds of aerial adventure games. They'll have you flying through a dense forest in aerial challenges of all skill levels, from zip-lining to movable ladders and more. The highly trained staff of climbers will be with you every step of the way.
Location: 21805 East State Rd 70, Bradenton, FL 34202
Manatee Village Historical Park
Learn about the heritage of Manatee County's founding period and its history, including details about Old Florida long before electricity or paved roads existed. Manatee Village Historical Park offers 14 points of interest and is free to enter unless you visit during a special event.
Location: 1404 Manatee Ave East (SR 64), Bradenton, FL 34208
Around the Bend Nature & Discovery Tours
On the second Saturday of the month, Around the Bend Nature & Discovery Tours hosts an Audubon adventure. You can learn from environmental educators and naturalists as they teach about Florida's animals, plants, and habitats. Other adventures are also available for exploring.
Location: 8429 Lorraine Rd, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202
Big Cat Habitat & Gulf Coast Sanctuary
The Big Cat Habitat & Gulf Coast Sanctuary is in eastern Sarasota County. They have a variety of exotic animals, including lions, foxes, camels, zebras, tigers and more. The sanctuary is a non-profit organization that provides placement for any animal that may be in need.
Location: 7101 Palmer Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34232
How to Get to
Lake Manatee State Park
From downtown Bradenton, take 15th street west through town. Drive along FL Highway 64 for about 15 miles, and then follow signs to the state park.
Entering Lake Manatee State Park
Lake Manatee State Park's operating hours are from 8 a.m. until sundown.
Lake Manatee State Park Title: Per vehicle (1-4 adults) : $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.