little manatee river state park

We camped here two years ago and loved it. Came back this year to find the kayak launch was closed (we were told for safety reasons, didn't see any reason for it). The alternate kayak launch is an 880 foot trek through soft sand down to a steep,rutty, root filled area of the river. We have launched many places and our opinion was it was not worth the effort. There was no notice of this anywhere. The hiking trails were nice, but we came to kayak. There is a place to launch a bit farther up the river, they charge $5 per boat.

I was very pleased to find this piece of Florida pine forest preserved in a park and available for public use and nature study. I went to the park to see this habitat type, to hike, to bird watch and to photograph. I stayed in a hotel on the coast of Tampa Bay and drove to the park. The park has excellent camping facilities, which appear to be full most of the winter months. The park provided everything that I wanted, excellent ecological management, good facilities, reasonable entrance fee, and low visitor numbers.

Had a brilliant first experience kayaking down the river...so tranquil and peaceful 3 hours....would highly recommend. We saw bunches of turtles, an alligator and lovely birds...

This is a nice facility 8 miles off I-75 between Sun City and Ellenton. Good alternative to more popular Myaka River SP. 30-miles further south. Sites are level and private with dump-station, bathroom showers and laundry adjacent. Like all Florida campgrounds, a secure gate requires code at night. Grocery and restaurants 5 miles away. Kayaking here is good.

Little Manatee state park offers camping and hiking. The hiking trail is, 6 miles long and offers views of the Manatee River flowing by. The trails have ak somewhat uneven terrain with many exposed roots. The trail can be muddy in the rainy season.The hiking offers a great opportunity to enjoy nature and get some exercise.

Took our two dogs and walked all over the place. It was a coolish day, but I think even during a hot day, most of the walking paths seemed to go through shade. The river was very low, but we saw several canoes and kayaks go by, and we'd like to return to rent our own. You can also rent bikes there.

Very happy with campsite fairly large, private, beautiful,quiet a way from road little or no noise. would highly recommend this park. we had electric and water hookups couldn't be happier. we rented an RV and Tampa at Cruise America and its a easy drive yet very secluded. Bicycle trails you can rent a bike for $5 dollars for 2 hours for $10 all day canoes and kayaks are available for rent from 8 a.m. To 1 p.m. Half day $15 full day $30. lots of equestrian trails 15 miles of equestrian trails. wish I had a horse! We are out of state residents cost was $29 dollars a night. Weather is chilly at night down two fifties forties but very pleasant during day sixties just light jacket weather no bugs that we've seen not one yet on our first night. Bath house clean restrooms clean really nice place.

Several friends and I camped here with our horses a couple of years ago on a whim and have been back several times since! We love this place from camping to kayaking to trails and wildlife. This is a little known treasure in Florida and the park is pristine and the river like glass, we try to visit as often as possible.

My wife and I along with many friends make an annual camping trip to the park in December. This park offers an equestrian only camping area which is second no other. The park and sites are clean and perfect. The river is gorgeous and there is much to do. We hike, fish, kayak, ride horses and enjoy the clean air. Any camper would love what this park has to offer. There are many extras at the park as well regarding kayak rentals and the like. A Walmart and Publix grocery store are very close by.

We stayed at Little Manatee for several nights on a whim. The campsites are surprisingly large enough to accommodate our big rig. We hiked several trails, but due to some flooding we did not get to explore the entire park. Nice quiet park. Would return again.

Started by hiking the blue horse trail. It runs on the border of the property. Even with a glimpse of civilization it still beautiful. Saw some beautiful wild life. Followed up with Ox bow trail along the river. There was plenty of shade keeping the hike cool during the heat of the summer. Looking forward to future hikes.

The park is beautiful but the sites aren't as big as the other full facility campgrounds we have been to. We are traveling in a 36 foot motorhome so we are very lucky when we find a state park with accommodations. This state park is definitely the old Florida with peace and solitude..

One of the best parks I have been too I only stayed a hour or two I walk the trail by the river and the one to the lake walk both of those I going to go primative camping son there say some good spots can't wait to go a must go

Very wide, well-maintained roads, private campsites, small size, friendly staff, a chance to canoe or kayak, extremely clean and bright. We liked everything about this park. Daily activites are limited to a Saturday night ranger talk, but that's ok.

I love this hike. I've done it many times. It's a great, varied 5-mile trek. The trailhead is not accessed from the main entrance, but down the road. I felt for that poor guy who muddled around inside the main entrance searching for it. I did not have this problem my first time out because the ranger nicely explained to me exactly where to drive. You know, I really can't wait to go back!