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Manatee Springs State Park
Nearby Parks:
Fanning Springs State Park
Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge
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| State Park Contact Information: |
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Manatee Springs State Park
11650 N.W. 115th Street
Chiefland, Florida 32626
Phone: 352-493-6072
Reservations: 800-326-3521
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Area Accommodations
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| Adopt-A-Park Contacts: |
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Photography: add your photos
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| State Park Reservations: |
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Reservations: 
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| State Park Overview: |
| A first magnitude spring, Manatee Springs discharges an average 100 million gallons of water every day. This water comes from rain that falls on lands within a 40 mile radius from the spring. Geologically the surrounding lands resemble a sponge, with sand and the underlying limestone quickly transferring rainfall into deep caverns that deliver the water to the spring from every direction, but mostly from the south and east. The spring is a source of life for many species of fish, reptiles, mammals, birds and invertebrates. From November through April, manatees use the spring's life-giving waters for warmth. During those months the Suwannee River and Gulf of Mexico waters are colder than the constant 72 degrees of the spring. Popular for swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving, the headwaters of the spring are an outstanding year-round experience for people as well. The spring run forms a sparkling stream that meanders through towering cypress, tupelo and other wetland trees to join the Suwannee River. During the summer months, huge prehistoric-looking Gulf sturgeon can be seen leaping out of the river as they have done for eons. Enjoy the spring run view by canoe/kayak or on foot along our boardwalk. Children can enjoy a playground in the picnic area, where tables, grills and pavilions are available for family fun. Hiking and biking adventures await on the north end trail system. The full-facility campground is surrounded by hardwood hammocks and upland pine habitats.
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| Nature of the Area: |
| Excellent wildlife viewing is available along the boardwalk that winds through the cypress swamp from the spring to the river as well as along the hiking trails. |
| Reviews By Park Visitors: |
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Good for wildlife and cooling off.
I have been to this park in the summer when it is crowded and full of people looking to cool off in the springs and in the winter when mostly it is left to the vultures, manatees, and the braver swimmers. Nice playground for kids. Cypress stands add to beauty. Boardwalk to river is great. I will always stop here when around this part of the state.
Written by SMP
7-Jan-2010
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| Camping: |
| Manatee Springs State Park has an 82-site campground with electricity and water in each site. 71 of these sites are available for tent or RV use. There are comfort stations centrally located in each of the loops. Comfort stations provide hot showers, toilets and sink facilities. Even numbered sites 14-34 are for tent camping only. Located in the Magnolia 1 camping area, these sites allow park visitors to camp in a more rustic setting. Pets are allowed in all camping areas. Any pet that is noisy, dangerous, intimidating or destructive will not be allowed to remain in the park.
RV Camping
Manatee Springs State Park has a 82-site campground with electricity and water in each site. 71 of these sites are available for tent or RV use. There are comfort stations centrally located in each of the loops. Comfort stations provide hot showers, toilets and sink facilities. Even numbered sites 14-34 are for tent camping only. Located in the Magnolia 1 camping area, these sites allow park visitors to camp in a more rustic setting. Pets are allowed in all camping areas. Any pet that is noisy, dangerous, intimidating or destructive will not be allowed to remain in the park.
Youth Camping
Organized groups of six or more can camp in the Primitive Youth Camp Area. These facilities offer drinking water and an outdoor shower. These areas are reserved for non-profit, organized groups. |
| Trails: |
| Manatee Springs State Park offers 8.5 miles of nature trails that wind through cypress swamps, sinkhole ponds and uplands. |
| Boating: |
| Motor boats can tie off at our floating dock located on the river. The park can be accessed by the 300 yard boardwalk into the spring?s area. |
| Swimming: |
| Swimimg activities can be enjoyed in the natural feature of this beautiful first magnitude spring. Use caution, the current is swift. |
| Fishing and Hunting: |
| Freshwater fishing from the park's boardwalk along the spring run and in the Suwannee River is always popular. Largemouth bass, catfish and a variety of panfish will delight the lucky angler. |
| History of the Area: |
| Humans have been coming to Manatee Springs for thousands of years. Once a major Timucuan Indian village stood at the springs. The Seminoles hunted the forests and fished the rivers.
Europeans and Americans are the newest visitors to Manatee Springs. All cultures came for the same reason: the natural resources.
In 1949 the State of Florida began buying the springs and the adjacent land to forever preserve it. Manatee Springs opened as a state park in 1955 for the enjoyment of Florida residents and visitors. |
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| Area Accommodations |
| B&Bs / Inns | | Cedar Key Bed and Breakfast - This lovely inn built in 1880 is located 125 miles north of Tampa. Discover Old Florida. 7 wonderful guest rooms w/private baths plus (2) awesome suite! Enjoy the Gulf view from the Veranda and our la | | Campgrounds | |  | Wynnhaven Riverside RV Park - Bushnell, FL
Wynnhaven Riverside is located on County Road 48 in the small town of Bushnell, Florida. Whether you are visiting Florida and want sun or prefer to camp in the shade of Florida's grand oak trees, we have units available for both.
Web Site: http://www.wynnhavenriverside.com |
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| Related Links: |
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| Nature Programs: |
| Guided Tours
Rangers present guided tours along Sink Trail, the waterfront boardwalk, and an occasional night walk. Conestoga Wagon rides are offered seasonally (fall and spring) along the north trail system. Ranger led paddling programs are scheduled throughout the year. Most ranger led programs are free with paid park admission. Call the park at 352-493-6072 for more information. |
| Directions: |
| Manatee Springs State Park is located at the end of S.R. 320, off U.S. 98, six miles west of Chiefland. |
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