Message from the Manager

The boat ramp and boat ramp road at the Manatee Spring run has been removed. This was a restoration project and it came out beautifully! Come see this improvement to protect Manatee Springs.

Attention campers! We are privileged to have funding to repair our worn out bathhouses. However this forces closure of some camping loops. When planning your camping trip to Manatee Springs, be aware that the Hickory camping loop, sites 76 - 100, is closed through May 3, 2004. Magnolia 2 Loop, sites 56 - 75, will be closed from April 14 through August 18, 2004. We are sorry for these inconveniences but you will enjoy the improvements!

OL' FASHIONED RIVER PARTY Saturday & Sunday, April 3rd & 4th 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. A fun day of music, storytelling, and Florida Cracker lore and activities next to beautiful Manatee Springs. Come for the day and expect a variety of exciting entertainment. Call the park for more information (352) 493-6072. Free with park admission.

Located on the bank of the historic Suwannee River, Manatee Springs State Park is one of Florida's premier parks. Manatee Spring is a first magnitude spring pumping as much as 117 million gallons of crystal clear water into the Suwannee River daily.

Nestled into the bank of the beautiful Suwannee River, Manatee Springs State Park provides an intimate look at the natural wonders found along a river carved in time and glorified in song. Manatee Springs is a 2,444 acre park offering excellent swimming and diving. The spring run is a perfect place to begin and end a canoeing or kayaking trip. Hiking trails wonder through hardwood hammocks past ponds, cypress swamps and sinkholes.

Hours of Operation

Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.

Driving Directions

Manatee Springs State Park is located at the end of S.R. 320, off U.S. 98, six miles west of Chiefland.

Park Fees

Admission Fee - $4.00 per vehicle (up to 8 people). Children five years and younger are admitted free with paid adult.

Single Car Occupant - $3.00
Motorcycle Fee (one or two persons) - $3.00

Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicles with a holder of an Annual Individual Entrance permit, members of organized groups – Admission Fee $1.00

Picnic Pavilion Rental Fees - $32.10 for all pavilions

Manatee Springs State Park 11650 N.W. 115th St. Chiefland, Florida 32626 Phone: 352-493-6072 Park Manager: Sally Lieb