Lake Manatee State Park

The Lake Manatee State Park in Bradenton FL is a beautiful lakeside destination with something for everyone. It borders the south shore of the lake of the same name and is located just east of Bradenton.

The park’s natural habitats include pine flatwoods and sand pine scrub, along with depression marshes and hardwood forests. Hiking the trails here is an experience in itself, as they showcase Florida’s ecosystems in their entirety. You’ll be glad you read this!

Fishing

Lake Manatee State Park is home to an expansive lake, beautiful beaches, and tranquil campgrounds that offer the perfect getaway from Florida’s hectic cities. The 556-acre park extends along the southern shore of its namesake lake, which was created by damming the Manatee River in the mid-1960s.

Visitors can cast a line from the shoreline, boats, or the park’s fishing docks. Largemouth bass, sunshine bass, speckled perch, and bluegill are frequent catches at the lake. Catfish are also abundant in the lake’s deeper waters.

Fishing is best in fall, winter, and spring when the water is not up as high. And remember to bring a freshwater fishing license.

Camping

Located on the south shore of 2,400-acre Lake Manatee, this park has 60 campsites. Water and electric hookups are available on all sites. The campground is within walking distance of the swimming and fishing areas. The park is surrounded by pine flatwoods, sand pine scrub, and areas of denser hardwood forest.

Camping at Lake Manatee State Park is open year-round. Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance through ReserveAmerica. Pets are welcome, but must be leashed and may not go in the swimming area.

Scenic Lake Manatee is perfect for boating, canoeing, and kayaking. A boat ramp and dock are available to access the lake. The lake is a popular destination for freshwater fishing, but visitors must have a valid Florida freshwater fish license. Lake Manatee State Park also offers 6.5 miles of hiking trails that will lead you through several ecosystems.

Boating

The 556-acre lake at Lake Manatee State Park Bradenton FL offers a wealth of recreational activities, including RV camping and boating. Despite the name, you won’t see any manatees here because they can’t swim upstream past the Manatee Dam, but a day-use area with a swimming beach is an excellent way to beat the summer heat. The park’s two campground loops have 60 RV sites with full hookups, and you can also partake in kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and hiking.

The park’s trails showcase the flora and fauna of Florida and cross through sand pine scrub, pine flatwoods, and depression marshes. You can also hike along the lakeshore and observe wildlife like green turtles and herons and egrets at the shoreline. Those who want to fish will find it easy to catch striped bass, largemouth bass, shell cracker, and bluegill. However, all anglers must have a freshwater fishing license. More places to also visit by clicking here.

Swimming

When the Florida sun gets a little hot, a cool dip in the lake can do wonders. The park has a designated swimming area that’s within easy walking distance from the campground, along with a playground, showers, restrooms, and picnic areas. Swimming is at your own risk, however.

The 6.5 miles of hiking trails offer an excellent way to explore the park’s sand pine scrub, pine flatwoods, and hardwood forests. Keep an eye out for wildlife like deer and quail, as well as reptiles and birds of prey.

Pets are welcome in the campground and day-use areas as long as they’re leashed. Service animals are also permitted. Annual Entrance Passes are available at the park’s entrance 365 days a year for those who qualify.

Picnicking

The day-use area at Lake Manatee State Park is a great place to relax and soak up the Florida sun. Swimming is also available here, though it’s best to check the alligator activity and bacteria levels before jumping in.

The park’s combination of sand pine scrub, depression marshes, and hardwood forests make for a wonderful place to hike. Hikers can expect to see a variety of wildlife, including bobcats and deer.

The campground at the park offers full-facility RV camping. The 60 sites are within walking distance of the lake and public swimming area. A large picnic area is nestled in the sand pine scrub area near the lake and can be reserved for a fee. The campground has a dump station. For meals, Wolves Head Pizza & Wings is located nearby. Find out more!

 

Driving directions from Illuminate Landscape Design to Lake Manatee State Park

Driving directions from Lake Manatee State Park to Jumpin Fun Inflata Park