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. Manatee Springs State Park is located at 11650 N.W. 115 Street in Chiefland Florida. For more information, click here.
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 is open 8 am to sundown, 365 days a year!
The park features 80 campsites in three loops, each with its own hot shower restroom and all within easy walking distance of the spring. There is electricity and water at each site. There is no sewer hook-up in Magnolia 2 or Hickory but a dump station is provided.
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!
Whether it’s sitting next to the campfire at one of the 80 campsites, canoeing or kayaking down the Suwannee River, or hiking the many trails, Manatee Springs has you covered. A wide variety of wildlife and wildflowers inhabit the park.
For more of Florida’s best parks and amazing locations, click here. For nearby lodging and campgrounds, click here. For the best family activities in the area, click here.
