Swim, Snorkel, SCUBA, Paddle, Camp, Play at Florida’s Manatee Springs State Park

Posted on by Tommy Thompson
Manatee Springs State Park is more than just a "swimmin' hole"!
Manatee Springs State Park is more than just a “swimmin’ hole”!

The first-magnitude spring at Manatee Springs State Park produces an average of 100 million gallons of clear, cool water daily. In winter, West Indian manatees swim upriver to the warmer waters of the springs. Popular for snorkeling and scuba diving, the headwaters of the spring are also a great spot for swimming. The spring run forms a sparkling stream that meanders through hardwood wetlands to the Suwannee River. Canoe and kayaking is available all year round through a concessionaire, Anderson’s Outdoor Adventures, LLC   Children enjoy the playground in the picnic area. Hiking and bicycling are available on the north end trail system. The full-facility campground is surrounded by red oak woods.

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manateeSP-6Located just 6 miles west of Chiefland on CR320, Manatee Springs State Park offers camping, canoeing, kayaking, swimming and SCUBA diving.  One of the largest springs in Florida, it feeds a quarter-mile-long spring run that feeds crystal clear water into the Suwannee River, just downstream from US19/98.

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Campers, whether in RVs or tents, are welcome at Manatee Springs State Park.
Facilities include picnic pavilions and playgrounds, as well as canoe and kayak rentals.
Facilities include picnic pavilions and playgrounds, as well as canoe and kayak rentals.

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The boardwalk along the spring run at Manatee Springs State Park offers exceptional views.
The boardwalk along the spring run at Manatee Springs State Park offers exceptional views.
Power boats are not permitted to enter the spring run, but there's good dockage (and fishing) at the confluence of the run and the Suwannee River.
Power boats are not permitted to enter the spring run, but there’s good dockage (and fishing) at the confluence of the run and the Suwannee River.

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