Family Camping Activities for All Ages: Games, Hiking, and Campfire Fun
Explore family camping activities that bring all ages together, from outdoor games and scenic hikes to memorable campfire fun that creates lasting memories.
Manatee Springs State Park, located at 11650 NW 115th St in Chiefland, Florida, USA, offers a beautiful natural environment with a variety of recreational activities. As part of the Campgrounds & RV Parks category, this state park provides camping and day-use facilities for outdoor enthusiasts.
Manatee Springs State Park offers the following features and services:
However, it is important to be aware of the following potential challenges:
Guests have reported highly positive experiences at Manatee Springs State Park, highlighting the beautiful waters and abundant wildlife. The clear, warm springs are perfect for swimming, and the boardwalk provides easy access for wildlife viewing. The opportunity to see manatees is a major attraction, especially during colder months. Canoeing allows visitors to explore the river and see wildlife up close. The park is dog-friendly, making it suitable for pet owners. The pavilions provide convenient amenities for picnics and gatherings. The friendly rangers and well-maintained facilities enhance the overall experience. The park is ideal for those seeking a natural setting with opportunities for swimming, wildlife viewing, and canoeing. Visitors should be prepared to book camping sites well in advance due to the park's popularity.
Manatee Springs State Park is ideal for those seeking a natural setting with opportunities for manatee viewing, swimming, wildlife viewing, and canoeing near Chiefland, FL. Visitors should book camping sites months in advance.
For inquiries, you can contact Manatee Springs State Park at:
Phone: (352) 493-6072
Mobile Phone: +1 352-493-6072
Address: 11650 NW 115th St, Chiefland, FL 32626, USA
Onsite services
Picnics
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Hiking
Barbecue grill
Picnic tables
Public restroom
Slides
Swings
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Good for kids
Good for kids birthday
Kid-friendly hikes
Playground
Dogs allowed
Beautiful waters, lovely rangers to talk about the area and a variety of wildlife. The swimming waters are warm and clear, perfect to hangout and watch the manatees migrate upriver on the colder days. The boardwalk is perfect to see all the birds and river animals. Other than the boardwalk and swimming holes dogs are allowed and have plenty of space to walk on trails and hangout by the pavilions. The pavilions themselves have water spouts and electrical outlets as well as overhead lights.
I absolutely LOVED this place. Book a site very early, as in months ahead, it was beautiful, great to swim in. We rented a canoe and saw alligators, manatee, ibis, cormorants, buzzards, white herons, and so many more things. It was totally worth a stop for the day. We didn't know how to book ahead so we just stayed in the parking lot for the day. I'm so glad that we went there!!!
I camped here with my family for two nights in late February. The campground is very well cared for but has had allot of damage to the tree canopy due to Hurricane Helene in 2024. Sites vary by size so if you need a particular site, I'd book through the State Parks call center instead of online, though that was irrelevant to us. We were in Magnolia 2 campground which has, by far, the best bathroom in the park. We saw lots of manatees at the end of the boardwalk in the Suwannee River. The kids even swam in the spring. There are ticks if you go through the woods, so make sure to check for them.
Beautiful Florida State Park! Short walk from campground to springs ànd boardwalk that goes out to the river. We saw many birds-several different species, alligator, turtles, an armadillo and manatees. Ranger was very informative. People were swimming in the spring the first day, but it was closed for swimming the next day due to the presence of an alligator.
First time visiting Manatee Springs State Park. Didn't know what to expect but we feel lucky to have seen many manatees. Great weather helps! Overnight lows in the 40's, daytime highs in the mid 70's.