No campsite fees listed on the provided source. Firewood may not be brought into the park; firewood is sold on-site at the concession stand or ranger...
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Chiefland — approximately 7 miles (nearest town with services)
Nearby supplies
Chiefland (nearest town with groceries, gas and other supplies)
Weather at Manatee Springs State Park Loop Mag1
About Manatee Springs State Park Loop Mag1
The Magnolia 1 loop is one of three camping areas at Manatee Springs State Park, offering 80 total sites with water and electric hookups throughout. Each loop features hot-shower restrooms and sits within easy walking distance of the park's crystal-clear spring and scenic boardwalk, with a convenient dump station available for those without sewer connections.
The campground consists of three family loops (Magnolia 1, Magnolia 2, Hickory) with 80 campsites total; Magnolia 1 contains tent-only sites and the loops provide a mix of site surfaces and services. The park also offers glamp-site lodging in the Hickory Loop and separate youth group camp areas.
Weather and SeasonsThe cooler months bring more than just comfortable temperatures—park rangers enhance your visit with interpretive programs that bring the park's natural and cultural history to life. Whether you're visiting during the mild winter when manatees gather in the warm spring waters or enjoying the lush greenery of other seasons, this campground offers a genuine North Florida experience.
Natural Features and SceneryNestled among towering trees near one of Florida's most beautiful first-magnitude springs, this campground puts you right in the heart of Old Florida nature. A winding boardwalk leads you from the pristine spring through a mystical cypress swamp toward the legendary Suwannee River, where paddlers can launch their boats and explorers can set out on hiking and mountain biking trails that wind through the surrounding wilderness. The spring itself serves as a winter refuge for manatees, while the diverse habitats support wildlife viewing opportunities year-round.
Scenic ViewsMostly wooded campsite views within a mixed hardwood/pine canopy; the spring, spring run and the Suwannee River with adjacent cypress-swamp boardwalk are the primary scenic highlights a short walk from the campground.
Winter visits are the move: manatees gather in the warm spring water November through March, temperatures are comfortable, and ranger interpretive programs run on weekends. Every site has water and electric hookups, the bathhouses are clean, and the boardwalk to the Suwannee is a
Skip if
Verizon is nearly dead here, with almost zero upload, so remote work or heavy streaming isn't happening. Large rigs will also find some loop roads tight. A burn ban is currently in effect as of April 2026, so campfire nights are off the table for now.
Campgrounds
Manatee Springs State Park
Manatee Springs State Park Loop Mag1
About Stampede Reservoir
Context for the broader area surrounding Manatee Springs State Park Loop Mag1, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.
Completed in 1970, <A HREF="http://www.usbr.gov/dataweb/dams/ca10192.htm">Stampede Dam</a> and Reservoir are located on the Little Truckee River immediately below the mouth of Davies Creek and approximately 8 miles above the confluence of the Little Truckee and Truckee Rivers. The dam and reservoir are features of the <A HREF="http://www.usbr.gov/dataweb/html/washoe.html">Washoe Project</a>. Open year-round (frozen during winter). A surface area of approximately 3,340 acres at full reservoir storage with 25 miles of shoreline. Fishing season is year-round, with ice fishing during the winter. Available species include kokanee salmon, rainbow, brook, brown and lake (mackinaw) trout. A California Department of Fish and Game target fishery for hatchery catchables. Access by paved road.
Directions
Site is 7 miles north of I-80 near Truckee, California.
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Current alerts(5)
Burn Ban
Effective April 8, 2026:
A burn ban is currently in effect at
Manatee Springs State Park
Best Time to Camp at Manatee Springs State Park Loop Mag1
The cooler months bring more than just comfortable temperatures—park rangers enhance your visit with interpretive programs that bring the park's natural and cultural history to life. Whether you're visiting during the mild winter when manatees gather in the warm spring waters or enjoying the lush greenery of other seasons, this campground offers a genuine North Florida experience.
Best
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.
Planning Tips
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Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive camping is not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Reservation PlatformsReservations via Florida State Parks reservations website; by phone at 800-326-3521 or TDD 888-433-0287. Group (youth) camping reservations: call the park at 352-493-6072. Glampsite reservations via the park concessionaire (contact concessionaire). Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance.
Total Campsites80 campsites
Best CampsitesMagnolia 1 is the loop with sewer hookups (Magnolia 2 and Hickory have no sewer). Tent-only sites in Magnolia 1 include sites 2, 15, 18, 20, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 31, 32, 35 and 40. Paved sites include 7, 20, 32 and 37. Gravel sites include 5, 6, 9, 21, 22, 24, 25, 29, 35 and 39. Maximum RV length of 40 feet is listed for sites 5, 7 and 37.
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Each campsite in the park has electricity and water; the campgrounds include hot-shower restrooms, ADA-accessible restrooms and showers in Magnolia 1 and Hickory, picnic facilities, a concession, a boat ramp/canoe-kayak launch, and a drive-up dump station. Firewood is sold at the concession/ranger station. Pets are allowed in the family campgrounds on a six-foot leash; pets are prohibited in the youth group area.
Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Activities you can enjoy
Manatee Springs offers a wide range of water and land activities centered on its first-magnitude spring and the Suwannee River, plus trails and boardwalk wildlife viewing. Park-run interpretive programs and a concession offering rentals add to on-site recreation.
Hiking
Approximately 8.5 miles of nature trails (North End Trail system) wind around cypress swamps, sinkhole ponds and uplands.
Fishing
Freshwater fishing is allowed from the boardwalk along the spring run and in the Suwannee River (species include largemouth bass, catfish, mullet and panfish); a fishing license may be required.
Swimming
Swimming is allowed in the main spring (use caution: swift current). Swimming is prohibited in Catfish Hotel, the spring run and at the end of the boardwalk.
Biking
Boating
Wildlife viewing
Policies & Safety
Hazards & AlertsSwimming areas have a swift current—use caution. Diving and cave/cavern diving are strictly regulated by the park (registration, certification and area/time restrictions apply); certain areas prohibit swimming and diving. Visitors on secondary sources report ticks in the campground area; bring insect/tick protection. Follow all park rules regarding wildlife and water safety.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.
Fire PolicyDo not bring your own firewood into the park due to emerald ash borer restrictions; firewood is sold on-site at the concession stand or ranger station ($11.99 each or 3 bundles for $30, plus tax). Campfire circles and grills are available at designated locations; follow park staff instructions and posted fire rules.
Emergency ServicesChiefland (nearest town with emergency services)
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Reviews
From Booking Sources
4.5
288 reviews
Top-Rated
Manatee Springs State Park Loop Mag1 is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Visitors consistently praise the clear spring, wildlife viewing (including manatees in cooler months), well-maintained bathhouses, and the park’s quiet, wooded campground setting. Common user notes include limited cell service and insects/ticks.
Review Summaries
Based on 288 reviews
What Campers Love
Crystal-clear, swimmable first-magnitude spring with good chances of seeing manatees; scenic 800-foot boardwalk and extensive hiking trails; generally clean, well-maintained bathhouses and...
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Based on 288 reviews
Pro Tips & Recommendations
When booking, confirm specific hookups for your site (sewer hookup availability varies by loop); bring mats for sandy/dirt sites and tick/insect repellant; expect limited cell service and plan...
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Based on 288 reviews
Camper Quotes
Visitors describe the park as “one of the most beautiful campgrounds in Florida” and note the spring is “crystal clear” and great for swimming; others warn connectivity is a “nightmare” and to expect...
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Based on 288 reviews
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