Camping at Manatee Springs State Park in Florida
Springtime Offers Chances to See a Manatee in its Own Habitat!
Apr 24, 2009
Even though the springs at this state park cover a small area, they are categorized as a "first magnitude spring" because of the volume produced. From 35-150 million gallons of water flow from the springs EVERY day. They are part of an aquatic/limestone cave system considered one of the longest in North America. The springs are deep — about 23-25 feet. The water in the springs maintains an amazing 72 degrees year round.
Watch for Manatees
This park is a good spot for manatee sightings, especially during winter and spring (November to April). Manatees are large, aquatic mammals, sometimes called sea cows. Florida and the Gulf of Mexico represent the northernmost range of the West Indian Manatee. They are herbivores and typically feed in shallow waters at about 3-7 foot depths. They are at great risk for boat collisions. Read more on Florida manatee (and the risks they face) plus view photos at this Suite101 article.
Award-winning Florida State Park System
The Florida State Park system has won high praise nation-wide. It holds the National Gold Medal Winner for excellence and is the only state park system in the US to have won twice!
At Manatee Springs State Park, visitors will find well-planned camping areas, handicapped accessible venues, recycling stations, and friendly rangers. The park is open year round and is 6 miles west of Chiefland, Florida, at the end of State Route 320. It first opened in 1955. Find more details at the park's website.
It's a popular destination for day-trippers, too. Day-use fees:
- $4.00 per vehicle (up to 8 people)
- $3.00 for single car occupant
- $3.00 for motorcycle (1-2 people)
- Children 5 years and younger are admitted free with paid adult
The campgrounds are nestled in shady hammock areas, allowing for some privacy at each site. The 92 sites can accommodate tents, RVs, truck campers, and popups. Each site has electricity and water; pets are allowed; comfort stations have well-maintained restrooms and showers, but no laundry facilities. Reserve camping spots online via ReserveAmerica or call 800-326-3521.
Manatee Springs State Park has a web of hiking trails. The North End Trail is a series of short sections that connect together to yield 8.5 miles. Bikes are permitted. The trails wind through bald cypress, saw palmettos, sabal palms, coonties, and sinkholes. There's also longleaf pine with needles over 10 inches long! Other appealing walking spots include the .6 mile Sink Trail and the .25 mile boardwalk to the Suwannee River. In the summer, lucky visitors may even see Gulf sturgeon leaping out of the dark waters of the Suwannee!
Watersports on the Suwannee River and at Manatee Springs
Although boaters can't launch motorboats in the park, they can use two boat launches (Usher and Clay Landing), which are short distances outside the park. No motorboats allowed in the spring or in the Suwannee River section that is immediately adjacent to the spring. Fish for bass, sunfish, catfish (Florida freshwater license needed for those over 16).
Rent kayaks and canoes at the concession stand, which is open during summer and fall months. Launch at the two boat ramps (Usher and Clay) outside the park or at the spring. Note that launching kayaks/canoes at the spring is not permitted December through March to protect the manatee; instead a dock is made available on the Suwannee River, a .25 mile portage from the spring/concession stand area.
For scuba divers, open water, cavern, and cave diving is available in Manatee Springs or Catfish Hotel Sink (just south of the springs). Fee is $10.00 plus tax. Dive instructors are required to purchase a Commercial Dive Permit. Present diving certification to the rangers at park entrance.
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