My wife and I, along with a few others, booked our campsites online. The cost was $30 per night, but there are discounts for senior citizens and those with disabilities. Our campsite had running water and electric hookups, but the space was relatively small, accommodating two decent-sized tents, a trailer, and a vehicle. We weren't sure about overflow parking, but they didn't mind when I parked my truck near an unmarked site. There was a dump station on the other side for RVs. The bathhouse was centrally located and clean, stocked with hand soap and toilet paper, although it lacked shampoo in the showers. We observed a variety of wildlife, including deer, otters, turtles, a snake, and squirrels. A raccoon, which I affectionately named "Gangster," rummaged through our belongings at night, even opening a cooler without a latch - amusing yet slightly concerning. A nice walking path leads to the boat dock, and there's a boat ramp for kayaks and canoes, but remember it's a walking path, not accessible by vehicle. The spring itself was spacious and not overly crowded, much better than Ginnie Springs, though there was a noticeable amount of algae on the surface. The store nearby offered snacks, food, and ice cream at reasonable prices, which the kids loved. We saw many dog owners, and it seemed dogs were prohibited only in or near the spring, although some were swimming near the boat ramp. Overall, it's a pleasant campsite, but there are a few drawbacks: numerous ticks and horseflies were present, and the area is very dark at night. There are no trash cans at the sites, so you'll need to bring your own container and take your trash to the dumpster. Lastly, the check-in process was slow due to limited staff. read more

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I am so sick of places saying they are dog friendly when they aren't. We came here specifically because they said this park was dog friendly and we don't want to have to leave our dog behind ever. It cost us $6 to drive in and find that, while you can take your dog on the grassy "park" area, dogs are not allowed on any of the boardwalk walkways or in or even near the water. I can take my dog to much nicer parks for free. My husband and I tried taking turns sitting with the dog while the other went looking for manatees or wildlife. All we saw was dirty water crowded with people. We did not see a single animal besides a squirrel. Then, while I was waiting for my husband to do one of the longer boardwalks, my dog started yelping and jolting from side to side. I looked does to see she was being absolutely swarmed by mosquitoes. I took her back to the car immediately and she had at least 8 visible bites and was shaken. I noticed later that I had three bites on my legs as well and I had made sure to put on sunscreen and bug spray. A majority of the people I personally encountered were definitely tourists, and those that seemed like locals were mostly sitting on their phones while their kids were swimming. We did not have a good experience here and I wouldn't recommend it unless you fall into one of those two groups and think you'll enjoy it. There are so many other great ways to spend a day in this area. read more

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BEAUTIFUL. What a gorgeous and wonderfully maintained park. The springs feel AMAZING. Must visit. read more

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The views are great, just off the Suwanee River, with a long boardwalk from the spring out to the river. We saw several adult and about 12 baby manatees. There are canoes and kayaks for rent as well. The wildlife is plentiful and easy to capture on camera. It is a fairly large park, and free with the state park pass. Take several hours here. read more

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This park is clean and well-staffed. Most of the time, the concession is serving an assortment of kid-loving snacks. There is enough room for everyone, The water is warm (lmao). It's great for birthdays, anniversary, whatever party you want to have. I think you can reserve a table or two, Have fun!!! read more

Off the beaten path, this park offers quiet campsites with access to clean springs that serve as home to manatees. Some beautiful walking areas on Treelined paths make for a relaxing break from the road. Observation areas at the springs including a dock allow for quiet reflection and peaceful manatee watching. Kayak rentals available. I just love this park! Highly recommend for campers, looking for a real getaway. read more

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I'm updating my review since my first one is now over ten years old. Some things have changed! Manatee Springs offers a lot people seek in Florida State Parks: the beautiful clear springs, for one, but also camping, plenty of nature trails for hiking or biking, and a boardwalk where you're very likely to see wildlife such as turtles, harmless brown water snakes, birds, and often alligators (safely in the water, not on the boardwalk!). Things to know: there's a lot to do here and a concession vendor who rents canoes, kayaks, paddle boards, and sells some food as well. They keep kind of strange hours, however, and are in the same small building as the bathrooms near the spring. The bathrooms are small: one fault of the Florida State Parks honestly is they did not build large enough restrooms and few have changing areas or showers, despite being at the springs. The Ocala National Forest (a USDA property) has done far better in that regard. The spring is pretty good for freediving which is my personal main attraction here. However, there is not that much to really see and the water can be a bit murky at times. There are fewer fish normally than at in example Ichetucknee's headsprings or Fanning Springs but if you come on a quiet (weekday) afternoon, you may see some mullet. Sightings of water birds and especially brown water snakes (non-venomous) and alligators along the spring-run to the Suwannee River are common so it's a good spot for wildlife photography. Manatees are far more common in the winter but sometimes will wander in during summer months, too. The park gets busy on weekends but rarely has the party atmosphere of Fanning or Ichetucknee and seems to get more people serious about viewing nature, which is nice. read more

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We enjoyed the people & the clear water. I wish we were scuba certified. That looks like fun..

Spacious sites Wooded wildlife snakes alligators Manatees kayaking and diving raised boardwalk along the spring run for viewing read more

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We had so much fun. We kayaked, hiked, and biked our way around the park. We did leave the dog in the camper while we kayaked, but we would have done that anyway. Take your dog on the trails; there are so many cool things to see. :-) read more

This is where you want to visit to see manatees! In winter the manatees will migrate up river and into this area. You can walk on a board walk mostly just above the springs tributary and see them. However, you should really consider renting a canoe or kayak! They're totally worth the price and you'll see so much more. Hiking trails are available but the water features are the best. The day use area has a code but campgrounds have restrooms with showers and no code. read more

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Bugs. Bugs. Bugs. Lotsa bugs EVERYWHERE!!! Visiting Florida to scuba dive in some of the springs. This one was quiet. We saw very few visitors during the afternoon dive. A gift shop with souvenirs, ice cream, and restrooms was nice to have. My only complaint was the buzzing gnats? They kept buzzing around my ears. I finally stuck my fingers in my ears to keep from swatting at them. I loved the long boardwalk. It was closed for a short time for cleaning, but I was able to access it after the crew was finished. Worth a visit. Bring bug spray, netting, zappers, all the things! read more

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Great state park that offers camping as well as day visits. Short boardwalk trail down to the Swanee through the mangroves - we saw one manatee, a baby alligator, turtles and snakes. Great swimming in the spring - flotation devices are allowed Rent a kayak or paddle board Nice bathrooms available read more

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We stopped in during Covid, so the walking trail near the springs was not open. We wandered around the springs and stepped in, but it was chilly! The springs stay at 72 degrees year-round. It had rained, so it was too cool for us to get in at that time. It didn't stop a group of children, though. They seemed to be having a great time. I am told that the manatees swim up through a cave to get to warmer waters in January and February. I want to go back then to see if I'm brave enough to swim with them. The water is very clear, so you could see several turtles and fish in the springs when we were there. read more

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My boyfriend and I went (tent) camping here last weekend and we were super impressed. This has to be the cleanest campground and park I have ever stayed at. The site was impeccable with plenty of room, a clean fire pit and sturdy picnic table. The bathrooms were sparkling for a camp bathroom. I was amazed. The showers were really nice, warm water and plenty of room to place your things so they don't get wet. We brought our kayaks and explored the Suwannee River. The kayak launch was really close to the parking drop off area. I love that they have canoes to rent too. We hiked through the park and saw plenty of wildlife like deer, turtles and an armadillo or two. You can purchase firewood from the ranger station at the park entrance. It's $8 cash, and you have to have the exact amount as the park employees do not handle the cash at all. It would be nice if they also sold ice. Great place to camp! I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a nice weekend getaway. Also really close to Cedar Key if you need a day trip. read more

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I camped here for a total of 4 days and it was a great experience! As for the park, This is a beautiful park. You can see the deers walking through the park and in the campsites. We saw a raccoon that kept visiting the camp site trying to take some food. Many many squirrels And brown water snakes! The spring is beautiful! Very cold but it's a wonderful experience. The food outpost is ok. Very cheap prices but the food isn't all that great. You can rent canoes for about $26 for 4 hours. Now for the employees, they were all very nice and kind! read more

Manatee Springs State Park - Parks Near Me - Chiefland, Florida

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So cool. I haven't swam in fresh water since moving to Florida and it was glorious. Also actually cool--the water is, I am told, a constant 72 degrees. The cold, clear water makes alligators less happy and therefore a good place to swim. For about six bucks Americans and guests of all stripes van enjoy this peaceful and well-managed spot. Come early--apparently if the park gets too crowded the front gate will not permit more admissions. The concession stand it well managed - get a half rack of ribs - if paper plate basic. They also run the kayak/canoe/paddleboard rental which is decent, but not as compelling as swimming in the spring. read more

What's a great spot to go camping. There isn't much to do in the area but the park has a few nature trails and natural springs. You can rent kayaks and go around the park. We stayed over night in tents on the grounds, camping was so fun and it didn't feel too crowded. The water is so blue you can see right through and it is cool! read more

Manatee Springs State Park - Water - Parks Near Me - Chiefland, Florida

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Old Florida charm. Nice cold springs for swimming, ramp to launch your canoe or kayaks, snack bar, on site kayak and canoe rentals, campground with hook ups, hiking trails, No cell service in the park area. read more

This is a MUST SEE!! A beautiful gem tucked away from the hustle and bustle of every day life! Please trust me when I say that you've probably never have seen such crystal clear water! The spring water, which you can see rising up from the ground, is beautifully clear and the PERFECT temperature!! Besides swimming, the Park offers visitors trails to hike, canoe rental, and/or camping sites. Plus, there are certain areas where you are allowed to bring your furry friend :) Plus, the Rangers are very friendly and helpful. But be aware of your surroundings - there are snakes and alligators in the area. And, during the winter months, Manatees have been known to gather in the area. read more

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Loved this park! The turtles, birds and alligators from the boardwalk and kayaks were entertaining but the manatee were the stars of the show. Fell in love with manatees! As adults we kayaked, walked/hiked and bicycled. Available for your kids; snack shop, natural swim area, play areas and trails-- I'm sure even more than we saw. read more

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This place is a gem to find! We stumbled upon this little area on our way through Florida! It's so beautiful, we even had our swimsuits and went for a dip in the spring. It only cost us $6 to enter the park. Will definitely visit again. read more

Manatee Springs State Park - Spring - Parks Near Me - Chiefland, Florida

This Florida State Park is a little slice of heaven. What a great day to spend a day, taking in many varieties of animal and plant life! Enjoyed renting a kayak from the kind couple around Anderson Adventures. Their baked beans and cole slaw were very delicious. Beautiful sites and sounds abound this nature lovers paradise. Wasn't over crowded and easy to get in and out. read more

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We visited on a week day and were virtually the only people there. We walked the boardwalk to where it ends at the river. The spring head is a gorgeous turquoise color. We didn't camp, kayak, or take advantage of anything else the park had to offer, except a quick stop to the restrooms before heading out. I imagine this like any park can get quite crowded and noisy during peak times of the year. Especially at the end of the boardwalk there were a lot of Turkey Vultures. Not sure why, but don't be afraid. They are harmless and fly off the boardwalk into the trees. read more

This is a beautiful park, even with the tourist attraction associated with the Spring Head ... this spring is less crowded than say Wekiwa Springs in Apopka, but it still draws a crowd. We spent the night here in our Winnebago Navion at site 65 ... a large level site with 30/50 AMP and H2O service. This is a large, level site ... and private. The bathrooms were average in terms of cleanliness ... There are some solid hiking trails, both long and short ... and an outstanding boardwalk that goes from the Spring Head to the Suwannee River ... FYSA, dogs are not allowed on the boardwalk. A really good and short hiking loop is the Sink Loop Trail ... maybe a mile at best and a good calorie burn after dinner. This is the only park I've ever picked up a tick in the last 11 years, and we spend a lot of time outdoors ... most likely due to the deer in the area that almost seem domesticated ... as they will walk through your camp site and get within several feet of you ... You can see a video of our overnight visit on YouTube here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OUumsnSBbLE read more

Had a Family campout on 8-16-19 to 8-18-19 had a good time, but it rained all weekend, The weather was really crappy. We would like to go back when the weather is better. We did get to go down to the spring on Sunday and they are beautiful. The bathroom are vary clean. The deer would come right up to you, with there babies. I really like it because the campsites are private, they are not on top of each other with a lot of trees all around you. read more

Manatee Springs is a beautiful park, perfect camping site, grills, picnic table, and charging station included. The bathrooms were gross, they need some remodeling and cleaning, but useable anyway. The water was so nice, freezing, so be prepared for that. This is more of a family state park due to the fact that we had music on and were a big group of adults that just wanted to have fun and enjoy our camping trip. Apparently they complained of our music being "too loud" which it wasn't, but we just put it down, mind you, we asked until what time we could have music/noise, they said 11 pm, around 8-9 pm the male ranger that works there came saying he had told us multiple times already to turn it down because people "complained" and he ended up calling the cops on us (which they didn't tell us anything). We had our music low and were not being noisy, and our neighbors were nice and we even told them to let us know if we get too loud etc. but they didn't even care and we didn't have anyone else near us besides them two. So to be honest that was all just unfair, we felt attacked, and they were for sure RACIST. We paid money to stay all weekend and got kicked out, and no money back. Never going back to this state park, and it's such a shame because it was such a nice spring, visited it for the first time. By all means, do not go if you wanna have fun, and have music and go with your group of friends, go to Ginnie Springs! P.S. the deers were so cute, they would come up to you, and at night the raccoons come out so be careful with your food! OH and we saw no Manatees at the so called "Manatee Springs State Park". #calochasprings read more

This park is absolutely fantastic and beautiful. This gem of a state park is a must see! We went on a sunny August day and the water was cool and refreshing. Springs beat the beach hands down because you can see the bottom and the water is super clean. During our picnic lunch five deer came right up to us while we ate along with some curious squirrels. They have food cafe on site along with adequate parking. Going to return to do some tent camping soon. Oh and did I mention no bugs either what a perfect day! read more

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Beautiful nature trails and swimming hole. Crystal clear waters, has snack, beer and light food concession. Reasonably priced. We only stayed for a few hours. read more

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This park was really beautiful. The basin of the spring has a deck built around it so access to water is quite easy. The boardwalk that leads you to the river is a scenic walk through cypress trees and stumps that are huge. They have canoes and kayaks for rent. There is space for tent and RV camping. We went midday and didn't get to see any manatees, apparently they are active in the morning and in the evening. read more

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Manatee Springs State Park was a delight to visit with the crystal clear spring the surroundings of wildlife and my favorite the deer. I would highly recommend! https://www.youtube.com/embed/5Otl2Eb9N7s read more

Nice spring, big campsites. Good bathroom and showers. Roads in campsites need to be raked smooth, pot holes everywhere. My big issue is they moved the dumpsters away from the campsites. Up the road to the dump station. Too far from the camps. This will lead to trash left pin the campground and bathrooms. A big inconvenience. Not sure how they came up with this bad decision, but service to there customers wasn' t a concern. Also many deer walk through the campground. Cute. But with people feeding them, the deer have no fear of people. And defecate around the campsite. Lots of flies. read more

Stayed in Manatee Springs State Park for 5 days to see one of these elusive creature. Never see one, probably wrong season! Our walk-in site #61 is shaded and very spacious for 35' trailer/vehicle combo. Sites are uneven and sandy. For around $20/night for electric/water hookup, we liked the bargain. Bathroom was dated with strange layout but within short walk. Communication via very weak 3G cell network, and WiFi is only at rental concession stand. The Manatee SP has little bit of everything; crystal clear spring for kayaking, beautiful swimming hole completed with synthetic boardwalk, scenic hiking/biking trails close by. Yeah, everything in beautiful smallish scale. Deers walk past our campsite, squires on our table, alligators on floating vegetation and tree stumps, turtles on the road. Very nice and quiet stay, did felt like a small Florida vacation. read more

If you love wildlife, this is the state park for you! We had armadillo, squirel, deer, and wild hog in our campsite. Yes, wild hog. I woke up at 2 am with 8 of them in our site. What an adventure! The spring is beautiful, boardwalk is nice. Would definitely stay again! Only negative was that our circut breaker plug in was loose. read more

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What a beautifully clean campground! My site was spotless. The boardwalk to the river is beautiful. An abundance wildlife everywhere. Come visit! read more

Manatee Springs State Park - Springs! - Parks Near Me - Chiefland, Florida

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This place is amazing!!!!Affordable Rental paddle-boards and kayaks.Beautiful place to spend the day with the family. read more

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Wonderful place to visit and swim in the springs. On your visit expect to get up close and personal with Florida wildlife such as deer, snakes & raccoons. HOWEVER, If you plan on camping the night, be prepared to be harassed by park ranger Swardoski for having low music, conversations and grilling all within normal hours. Quiet hour is at 11pm but know if you're not willing to be in bed by sundown you will be kicked out and the sheriff will be called. Apparently no music is allowed, no laughs, no fun. Just stay home honestly or read more

Another family camping trip is in the books and this one was a great one. If you are into the real outdoorsy feel complete with woods a river and some springs, this is a park for you. The springs are apparently 72 degrees year round and manatees swim into the area during the colder months. Lots of wildlife throughout the park. Deer will walk right up to your camp site and smile at you. We stayed in the Magnolia camping area and I really liked that area because there aren't as many sites, so it's not as crowded as the other areas. Though I didn't try it I heard the bbq place near the springs is really good. They also rent scuba gear, snorkeling gear and just about anything else you could possibly need. Check out a very cool sunset at the end of the pier. Let the kids play on the entertaining playground. Plenty to do for everyone. We will definitely be back. Two thumbs up. read more

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Went snorkeling and had a blast. Concessions serve beer, wine hot dogs/burgers and snacks. They don't allow you to bring your own alcohol in the park but they aren't exactly checking coolers either. You go here for the swimming and the park...if you are coming here as a restaurant destination turn around now or take the time to get wet in the 72 degree crystal clear water. Also walk down the boardwalk to see the Suwannee River up close. read more

I've been to numerous local springs and this one is the best. The water is green / blue / crystal clear water. There are plenty of picnic tables and grills. There is plenty of shade to stay out of the sun. They offer swimming and scuba diving. There is access to the Suwannee River for boating and kayaking. They even have a restaurant on the premises that offers barbecue and beer. Overall a great place to spend the day and enjoy the wonderful Florida weather and swim in the crystal clear cold water. read more

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