4.27160 reviewsSelect a month, then check for open campsites
Price
$5/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
30 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Has Service
Pets
Pets Allowed
Select a month, then check for open campsites
Price
$5/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
30 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Has Service
Pets
Pets Allowed
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Learn more about alerts →Little Manatee River State Park Campground
27.6632, -82.3737
Paddlers and trail riders within an hour of Tampa get the most out of this place. The Little Manatee River is right there for kayaking, the Oxbow Trail earns its reputation, and sites 1, 3, and 5 have paved pads that make setup easy. Spring mornings on the water are hard to beat.
Heavy RVs will fight the deep sugar sand on most sites trying to level out. Summer is genuinely brutal here: shade is sparse, heat pushes past 90°F, bugs are thick, and afternoon storms can flood trails. The campground also sits inland, not on the river.
Context for the broader area surrounding Little Manatee River State Park Campground, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.
<A HREF="http://www.usbr.gov/projects/Facility.jsp?fac_Name=San+Justo+Dam">San Justo Dam</a> and Reservoir are features of the <A HREF="http://www.usbr.gov/projects/Project.jsp?proj_Name=San Felipe Division Project">San Felipe Project</a>. The reservoir is approximately 3 miles southwest of Hollister, California . Facilities open for use Wednesday through Sunday. Operation hours: sunrise to sunset. Good access roads. The park offers recreation to anglers, boaters, windsurfers, picnickers, and mountain bikers. Boat size restricted to 16 feet. Gas engines prohibited. Ideal for small sailboats and windsurfers in the beginning to intermediate range. Experienced surfers can enjoy a more relaxed sail. The California Department of Fish and Game regularly stocks the lake with trout. San Justo Bait and Tackle periodically stock tagged and trophy-size fish for contests and derbies. Available species include trout, bass, catfish, crappie, and bluegill. Entrance fee, $4.
Nearest main highway, California 156. Nearest community, Hollister.
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Spring offers the best balance of pleasant temperatures (typical highs 75–85°F, lows 55–65°F), lower humidity, and fewer afternoon storms. Wildflowers and fresh green growth appear in sandhills and hammocks, bird activity peaks, and river paddling is excellent on calm mornings. Summer brings heat regularly above 90°F, bugs, and afternoon thunderstorms that can flood trails. Reviewers specifically criticize June's brutal heat and lack of shade. Late fall through early spring remains the most comfortable window for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Heavy rains occasionally transform trails quickly, so check conditions before heading out.
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.
Campsites include water and electrical pedestals, a fire ring, and a picnic table; the campground also has a modern bathhouse and a dump station.
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