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Nearby Parks:
Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge
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| State Park Overview: |
 | A first magnitude spring, over 100 million gallons of water gush forth daily at Manatee Springs. In winter, manatees swim upriver to spend the night in the warm waters of the headspring. Popular for snorkeling and scuba diving, the headwaters of the spring are also a great spot for swimming. The spring run forms a sparkling stream that meanders through hardwood wetlands to the Suwannee River. A concession provides beverages, snacks and canoe/kayak rentals. Children can enjoy a playground in the picnic area. Hiking and biking are available on the north end trail system. The full-facility campground is surrounded by hardwood trees and sandhills. Reserve a canoe or kayak by calling Suwannee River Tours at (352) 490-9797. Located at the end of State Road 320, off U.S. 98, six miles west of Chiefland. |
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| Camping: |
| Full Facility Camping
Manatee Springs State Park has a 92-site campground with electricity and water in each site. 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. Sites 26-39 and site number 48 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. Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance for camping by calling Reserve America at 1-800-326-3521.
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.
RV
Manatee Springs State Park has a 92-site campground with electricity and water in each site. 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. Sites 26-39 and site number 48 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. Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance for camping by calling Reserve America at 1-800-326-3521. |
| 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.
Canoeing & Kayaking
Our Visitor Service Provider offers weekend river trips at several camp sites. Reservations for rental items can be made by contacting Suwannee River Tours at 352-490-9797 or 1-877-362-3213 or email Chris Brown.
Ranger led paddling trips on the Suwannee River are scheduled once a month during the summer and fall months. Weekly Manatee paddling trips are scheduled every Wednesday at noon from December 1st through the last week of March. Reservations required for ranger led paddles. Call the park at 352-493-6072 for details. |
| 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: |
| Fishing
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 |
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| Related Links: |
| Manatee Springs - Manatee Springs State Park Chiefland, Florida Manatee Springs Saved ! Home News Activities Cave Diving Directions Photos Links ... public in 1955, Manatee Springs State Park offers an array of ... | | Manatee Springs State Park Florida State Parks - Pictures info and live weather radar for Manatee Springs Florida ... Central SouthWest SouthEast Alphabetical Region: Northeast MANATEE SPRINGS STATE PARK Chiefland, Florida Click on photo for larger ... | | Manatee Springs State Park - Florida information. Online hotel reservations, attractions and events. Florida State parks and Florida campgrounds info ... SouthEast Alphabetical Region: Northeast MANATEE SPRINGS STATE PARK 11650 N.W. 115th St ... | | Manatee Springs State Park - Central Florida Kayak Trips - Kayak trips in Central Florida. The Manatee Springs State Park is one of Florida's largest state parks at over 28,000 acres of ... Manatee Springs State Park Difficulty: Basic Scenery: Good ... | | Manatee Springs State Park - Manatee Springs State Park | | Manatee Springs State Park - COEP Class 2001-2002 - Miami Country Day School - Manatee Springs State Park Click here to read journal entries from this trip. Click on a thumbnail image below to see a zoomed ... Where we hiked in Manatee Springs State Park (notice that some ... | | Manatee Springs State Park - May 2001 - Manatee Springs State Park May 2001 ?1999, 2000 by Kim Johnson. All rights reserved. Do not duplicate in any form without permission of Kim Johnson. | | Manatee Springs State Park - MANATEE SPRINGS STATE PARK MANATEE SPRINGS STATE PARK 11650 N.W. 115th St. Chiefland, FL 32626 (352) 493-6072 LOCATION: Manatee Springs State Park is located in north central Florida, at the end ... |
| 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. |
| Area Attractions: |
| Scuba Diving
Scuba divers must present their certification upon registration. Open water, cavern and cave diving is available in Manatee Spring or Catfish Hotel Sink. Dive instructors are required to purchase a Commercial Dive Permit. The fee for spring diving, open water, and cave diving is $10.00 plus tax. All divers are required to register with the office prior to diving.
Snorkeling
Snorkeling can be enjoyed in the natural feature of this beautiful first magnitude spring. Use caution, the current is swift. |
| 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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