Manatee Springs State Park

Manatee Springs State Park

Majestic cypress forests, an 800-foot boardwalk and a historic river

CAMPERS: No Outside Firewood Allowed

To protect our forests, please do not bring your own firewood into the park. The emerald ash borer infestation is spread by moving infested wood to a non-infested area. Wood is available at the park for $10, including sales tax. For more information, please call the park at 352-493-6072.

Hours

8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year

Fees

$6 per vehicle

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Location

11650 N.W. 115 St.
Chiefland FL 32626

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Contact Info

352-493-6072

Welcome to Manatee Springs State Park

Manatee Springs State Park proves boardwalks aren’t only for the beach. The park's 800-foot boardwalk runs through a majestic cypress forest overlooking one of Florida’s breathtaking first-magnitude springs.


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People have enjoyed the cool waters of Manatee Springs for more than 10,000 years, from early Paleo Indians to modern park visitors. The first-magnitude spring releases an astounding 100 million gallons of water daily. This makes it a popular cooling-off spot and a great place to stroll on the park boardwalk and gaze into watery depths.

True to its namesake, manatees can be seen in the cooler months, and birds, mammals and fish are spotted year-round.

The park also offers 8.5 miles of nature trails and a safe connection to the 32-mile Nature Coast State Trail, so don’t forget to bring your bicycles!

Plan Your Visit

a park ranger in uniform in front of a blue spring
Learn

Manager's Message

Manatee Springs is a magical place that will feed your spirit and bring you some needed down time away from the stresses of life.
Bed and amenities at glamping tent
Service

Glamping at Manatee Springs

Enjoy the excitement and adventure and camping without sacrificing the luxuries and comforts of home.
A woman in ranger uniform stands next to a man and woman on a stage
Learn

Ranger Programs

Dive into learning more about the outstanding resources that earned this state park a National Natural Landmark designation.

Experiences

Bicycling
Bicycling
Boating
Boating
Camping
Camping
Camping
Camping
Camping, Primitive Group
Camping, Primitive Group
Fishing
Fishing
Hiking
Hiking
Paddling
Paddling
Picnicking
Picnicking
Scuba Diving
Scuba Diving
Swimming
Swimming
Tours
Tours
Walking and Running
Walking and Running
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife Viewing

Amenities

Accessible Amenities
Accessible Amenities
Amphitheater
Amphitheater
Boat Ramp
Boat Ramp
Campfire Circles
Campfire Circles
Campgrounds
Campgrounds
Canoe Kayak Launch
Canoe Kayak Launch
Parking
Parking
Pets
Pets
Picnic Pavilion
Picnic Pavilion
Playground
Playground
Restroom Facilities
Restroom Facilities
RV
RV
Shower Station
Shower Station

Manatee Springs State Park Photo Gallery

Swimming at Manatee Springs State Park
Boardwalk at Manatee Springs State Park
Reenactors at Manatee Springs
image of a juvenile alligator swimming through the water at manatee springs state park.
Fire Program Instructed by Ranger
Manatee Springs State Park
Manatee Springs State Park
Manatee Springs State Park
image of bright blue water at manatee springs and the surrounding cypress forest
Learn

Springs at Manatee Springs

Manatee Spring is the largest single spring flowing into the Suwannee River. One of Florida’s 33 first-magnitude springs, it averages a flow of anywhere between 50 to 150 million gallons of water per day.
image of the wooden boardwalk winding between cypress trees at manatee springs.
Learn

Trails of Manatee Springs

With a trail system consisting of over 8.5 miles, Manatee Springs State Park has a hike for everyone. Walkers and cyclists are welcome, with options ranging from a spring boardwalk to long off-road treks through the uplands.

Upcoming Events

See More Events
Event

BREAKFAST WITH A RANGER

Sun, Jan 7, 2024 9:00 am - 10:00 am

Join the concessionaire for the $6 breakfast special. Meet a park ranger and ask questions.
Manatee Springs

Chiefland, FL

Event

BREAKFAST WITH A RANGER

Sun, Jan 14, 2024 9:00 am - 10:00 am

Join the concessionaire for the $6 breakfast special. Meet a park ranger and ask questions.
Manatee Springs

Chiefland, FL

Event

BREAKFAST WITH A RANGER

Sun, Jan 21, 2024 9:00 am - 10:00 am

Join the concessionaire for the $6 breakfast special. Meet a park ranger and ask questions.
Manatee Springs

Chiefland, FL

People Make the Parks

image of bryan summerlin, park ranger at manatee springs state park, standing outside in front of a palm tree.

Staff Spotlight

Bryan says that the Florida Park Service has given him an opportunity to share his love and knowledge of the great outdoors with park visitors.
Bruce and Brenda Dobbs pose in front of the park sign

Volunteer Spotlight

Bruce and Brenda Dobbs are the recipients of the Volunteer Team of Two Award for Protection.
Friends of Manatee Springs Park

Friends of Manatee Springs State Park

Friends groups meet the critical needs of individual parks and the system of state parks. They share one thing in common – passion for parks.

This Park is Recognized by:

Suwannee River Wilderness Trail

Park Map

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