How much does camping cost at Lake Manatee State Park Loop 2?

Camping fees at Lake Manatee State Park Loop 2 are $5/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Lake Manatee State Park Loop 2 first-come first-served or reservation?

Lake Manatee State Park Loop 2 accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

What is the best time to visit Lake Manatee State Park Loop 2?

Lake Manatee State Park Loop 2 is open Open year‑round (8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year).. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Lake Manatee State Park Loop 2?

Yes, Lake Manatee State Park Loop 2 has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Lake Manatee State Park Loop 2 have?

Lake Manatee State Park Loop 2 has 60 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Lake Manatee State Park Loop 2?

Yes, pets are allowed at Lake Manatee State Park Loop 2. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Lake Manatee State Park Loop 2?

Lake Manatee State Park Loop 2 offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Lake Manatee State Park Loop 2?

Popular activities at Lake Manatee State Park Loop 2 include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Lake Manatee State Park Loop 2

4.38

270 reviews

20007 State Road 64 East, Bradenton FL 34212

Top 24% in FLSpring

Seasonal ranking by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Summer Destination

Featured in:Family-Friendly Campgrounds Florida

Quick Facts

Price

$5/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

60 campsites

Season

Open year‑round (8 a...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Pets Allowed

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on Florida State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

Price

$5/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

60 campsites

Season

Open year‑round (8 a...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Pets Allowed

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on Florida State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Lake Manatee State Park Loop 2

$5.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Day‑use vehicle fee: $5 per vehicle. Camping fees are not listed on the park page. Picnic pavilion and some day‑use services may be reserved for a...

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Florida State Parks

Provider

941-741-3028

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

20007 State Road 64 East, Bradenton FL 34212

Lake Manatee State Park Loop 2

20007 State Road 64 East, Bradenton FL 34212

Nearby places

Bradenton — 15 miles

Weather at Lake Manatee State Park Loop 2

Best Time to Camp at Lake Manatee State Park Loop 2

The park welcomes visitors every single day of the year from 8 a.m. until sundown, making it an ideal destination whether you're chasing summer lake days, enjoying mild winter camping, or seeking a peaceful spring retreat. With Florida's generally temperate climate, each season offers its own rewards for outdoor enthusiasts ready to explore.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.5 / 5

Top 24% in FL

Pleasant spring weather ideal for boating, fishing and hiking; park open daily year‑round.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open year‑round (8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year).

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

About Lake Manatee State Park Loop 2

Escape to Lake Manatee State Park's welcoming 60-site campground, where your basecamp sits just a short stroll from sandy shores, peaceful fishing docks, and direct lake access. Every site comes equipped with water and 30-amp electric hookups, while a convenient dump station at the entrance makes your stay comfortable and hassle-free.

Lake Manatee has a 60-site developed campground in two loops with water and 30-amp electrical hookups at every site, a dump station, and a mix of wooded sites close to the lake and day‑use area. Maximum RV length is listed as 65 feet and reservations are accepted through the Florida State Parks reservation system.

Historical Significance

Lake Manatee was created in the mid‑1960s when a dam was built across the Manatee River; the dam blocks manatee access to the reservoir. The park protects habitat for rare and imperiled species such as the Florida golden aster and gopher tortoises.

Weather and SeasonsThe park welcomes visitors every single day of the year from 8 a.m. until sundown, making it an ideal destination whether you're chasing summer lake days, enjoying mild winter camping, or seeking a peaceful spring retreat. With Florida's generally temperate climate, each season offers its own rewards for outdoor enthusiasts ready to explore.

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in authentic Old Florida as you explore diverse ecosystems ranging from sun-dappled pine flatwoods to resilient sand pine scrub. Along the southern shoreline of Lake Manatee, hardwood forests create shady pockets while scattered depression marshes add unexpected beauty to the landscape. Whether you're walking the nature trails or simply driving through the campground, you'll be surrounded by the quintessential scenery that makes central Florida's natural communities so captivating—think twisted sand pines, palmetto understory, and the occasional glimpse of wildlife moving through these protected habitats.

Geological RegionPine flatwoods and sand pine scrub with some depression marshes and hardwood forest along Lake Manatee

Scenic ViewsMost campsites are set among trees and scrub near the lake shore; open lake views and the day‑use beach are a short walk or drive from the campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsFlorida State Parks reservations website; call 800-326-3521 or TDD 888-433-0287. Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance for Florida residents and up to 10 months in advance for others.

Total Campsites60 campsites

Best CampsitesReviewers and park descriptions note the campground’s two loops; Loop 2 is often preferred for its spacious, private sites. Sites that are not directly across from one another and those backed by vegetation offer the most privacy.

Need help booking Lake Manatee State Park Loop 2?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Florida State Parks Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Facilities include campground bathhouses with showers, picnic areas and a pavilion, a boat ramp and canoe/kayak launch, a playground, parking and interpretive exhibits. Each of the park’s 60 campsites has water and 30-amp electrical service; a dump station is located at the campground entrance. Pets are permitted in the campground.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

I manage this campground

Things to do at Lake Manatee State Park Loop 2

The park supports a mix of water-based and upland recreation with trails, lake access, and family-friendly paved roads through the campground loops.

Hiking4.0/5

About 4.5 miles of trails through pine flatwoods and sand pine scrub plus a 2.5-mile paved loop.

Fishing4.0/5

Boat ramp, fishing docks and named species (largemouth, bass, bluegill) cited as a park highlight.

Biking4.0/5Top 22% in Florida

2.5-mile paved interior road and family-friendly biking called out in highlights.

Boating4.0/5

Direct lake access and a boat ramp make boating a primary activity.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Old Florida ecosystems: pine flatwoods, sand pine scrub, hardwoods and depression marshes.

Water Sports4.0/5

Lake access and boat ramp support kayaking and small‑craft paddling.

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Varied habitats, lake shoreline and marshes provide good nature and landscape photo opportunities.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSwim at your own risk; lifeguards are not provided. Boat motors are restricted to less than 20 horsepower by local ordinance. Water plants may be blown ashore. All wildlife in the park is protected; it is illegal to feed, harass or trap animals.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Good to know

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, and timing, compiled by Outdoorithm from public reviews and operator information.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.4

270 reviews

Recommended

Lake Manatee State Park Loop 2 is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviewers consistently praise the campground’s spacious, well‑spaced sites, lake access, and generally clean bathhouses and friendly staff. Common negatives include occasional bathhouse/cleanliness issues, lack of full hookups, and intermittent noise from nearby motorsports/road activity; Wi‑Fi is not available on site.

Review Summaries

Based on 270 reviews

What Campers Love

Spacious, private-feeling campsites; water and 30‑amp electric at every site; convenient dump station; family-friendly biking and hiking options; boat ramp and good freshwater fishing; pet-friendly;...

Based on 270 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Choose sites that are not directly across from one another for better privacy; bring your own canoe/kayak (rentals are not available per park notice); expect narrow paved campground roads—exercise...

Based on 270 reviews

Camper Quotes

“Sites are a good size and nicely shaded.” — “Each site has electric and water, and there is easy access to dump station.” — “Nice, clean, newer bathrooms and showers. Pet friendly and the pup loved...

Based on 270 reviews

Reviews on Outdoorithm

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Lake Manatee State Park Loop 2

$5.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Day‑use vehicle fee: $5 per vehicle. Camping fees are not listed on the park page. Picnic pavilion and some day‑use services may be reserved for a...

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Florida State Parks

Provider

941-741-3028

Go if

Freshwater anglers and families on bikes get the most out of this place, bass and bluegill from the dock or your own kayak, paved campground roads for kids, and every site comes with water and 30-amp electric hookups.

Skip if

Full hookups are a dealbreaker, there are no sewer connections at individual sites, only a dump station at the entrance. Racetrack noise reaches the campground on event days, and large rigs will find the paved campground roads tight.

Nearby Campgrounds

Frequently Visited

4.4

(270)

Lake Manatee State Park Loop 1

20007 State Road 64 East, Bradenton, FL 34212

Lake Manatee State Park's Loop 1 sits about 45 minutes inland from Sarasota, offering 60 full-hookup sites priced at $29 per night. The campground delivers large, well-spaced sites with good privacy screening, clean bathhouses, and direct access to the lake's boat ramp and fishing docks. Reviewers consistently praise the quiet, natural setting, though sites on the park's west side occasionally catch noise from a nearby speedway.

Lake Manatee State Park Loop 2

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