Manatee Springs State Park Campground

Star4.53
288 reviews
Manatee Springs State Park Campground
Scenic ViewsSwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

69 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

80 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Pets Allowed

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Florida State Parks site

Official Website
Get Directions
Manatee Springs State Park Campground
No fees available
Campsite Fees
Firewood sold at the concession stand or ranger station: $11.99 each or 3 bundles for $30, plus tax. Individual campsite fees are not specified on...
Show more
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

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

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
Florida State Parks
Provider
800-326-3521 (reservations); TDD 888-433-0287; park phone 352-493-6072
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.53

Top-Rated

Based on 288 reviews

285 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanwaterstafffriendly

Some mention

small

"Visitor reviews are generally positive: users praise the spring, cypress forest, trails and well-maintained campgrounds and bathhouses. Common criticisms include small or uneven campsite pads, occasional facility issues, reports of on-site homeless encampments by some visitors, and limited cell service in the area."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Manatee Springs State Park Campground

Manatee Springs State Park Campground

29.4866, -82.9760


Best Time to Camp at Manatee Springs State Park Campground

The campground keeps its gates open every day of the year, but the magic truly comes alive during cooler months when manatees arrive and rangers lead fascinating programs about the springs' secrets and Seminole heritage. Whether you're escaping summer heat with a refreshing spring swim or enjoying perfect fall weather on the trails, each season offers its own rewards at this natural treasure.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5
Top 17% in FL

Swimming and river access make summer attractive though heat/bugs are factors.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5
Average

Mild weather and scenic trails/boardwalk make fall a very pleasant season to visit.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
5.0 / 5
Top 1% in FL

Many reviews praise the spring ('such a stunning spring'); spring is the park's highlight.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5
Below Average

Mild winters permit camping but swimming is limited; not a winter-sports destination.

Planning Tips

    About Manatee Springs State Park Campground

    Picture yourself at one of 80 peaceful campsites tucked into three tranquil loops, where electricity, water, and hot showers await after your day's adventures. From traditional family camping under towering trees to glamping getaways in the scenic Hickory Loop, there's a perfect spot for every style of camper—including two dedicated areas for youth groups seeking their own wilderness experience.
    The park has 80 campsites in three loops, including tent-only sites in Magnolia 1, glampsites in the Hickory Loop (concessionaire-operated), and two youth group (primitive) camping areas that accommodate up to 35 people.
    Advertisement

    Best Campsites

    Curated by campers, for campers
    Reveal picks

    Reserving a campsite


    Amenities available

    Showers
    Potable water
    Electricity hookups
    Flush toilets
    Dump station
    Fire rings

    Activities you can enjoy

    Manatee Springs offers a wide range of water- and land-based activities including swimming and scuba/diving in the main spring and Catfish Hotel (with regulated limits), paddling on the Suwannee River, fishing, hiking, biking, boating, picnicking and wildlife viewing from boardwalks and trails.
    Hiking8.5 miles of nature trails on the North End Trail system winding around cypress swamps, sinkhole ponds and uplands.
    FishingFreshwater fishing from the spring run boardwalk and the Suwannee River; anglers must follow size, bag, method and season regulations and may need a fishing license.
    SwimmingSwimming is allowed in the main first-magnitude spring (use caution — current can be swift). Swimming is prohibited in Catfish Hotel, the spring run and at the end of the boardwalk.
    Biking
    Boating
    Wildlife viewing
    Advertisement

    Policies & Safety

    Hazards & AlertsSwift current in the spring—use caution when swimming. Diving and cave diving are regulated and have strict certification and registration requirements; all diving is at users' own risk. Emerald ash borer precautions: do not bring outside firewood into the park.
    No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

    Weather at Manatee Springs State Park Campground

    Reviews

    4.5
    288 reviews
    Top-Rated
    Top-Rated
    Manatee Springs State Park Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
    Visitor reviews are generally positive: users praise the spring, cypress forest, trails and well-maintained campgrounds and bathhouses. Common criticisms include small or uneven campsite pads, occasional facility issues, reports of on-site homeless encampments by some visitors, and limited cell service in the area.
    Review Summaries
    Based on 288 reviews

    What Campers Love

    Beautiful first-magnitude spring and cypress groves; easy walking access from campground to springs; clean, well-kept bathhouses and facilities; electricity and water at sites; well-marked trails and...
    Show more
    Based on 288 reviews

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    Reserve campsites well in advance (reservations open up to 11 months), buy firewood on-site (firewood sold at concession/ranger station), bring mosquito repellent and ant/tick protection, bring extra...
    Show more
    Based on 288 reviews

    Camper Quotes

    One reviewer: "This is one of the most beautiful campgrounds in the Florida." Another: "Beautiful Springs with easy swimming access... My only complaint, as a camper, is that the bathrooms really...
    Show more
    Based on 288 reviews

    0
    0 review
    1
    2
    3
    4
    5

    Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

    Been to Manatee Springs State Park Campground? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


    Last updated January 5, 2026
    Advertisement

    Nearby Campgrounds

    Campgrounds you may also like

    Popular campgrounds in Florida

    Campgrounds
    Manatee Springs State Park
    Manatee Springs State Park Campground