Flowing 40 miles before emptying into Tampa
Bay, the Little Manatee River winds through five miles of Little Manatee River State
Park on its journey to the sea. The river's steep, sandy banks lead to pristine
sand pine scrub and oak hammocks, which provide habitat for a wide variety of wildlife.
Fishing and canoeing are favorite activities along the river banks, and a picnic
area is located along the river allowing visitors to enjoy the area's scenic beauty.
In addition to the area along the river, the park offers over 2,433 acres of wilderness
to be enjoyed in a variety of ways. A 34-site campground is located in a woodland
setting, complete with electric and water hook-ups. Several miles of trails are
open for horseback riding, with a limited number of primitive campsites available
to equestrians along the trail system. Riders must furnish their own horses with
proof of a recent negative Coggins test. A 6-1/2 mile hiking trail meanders through
a diversity of habitats, which also provides access to primitive tent camping areas.
Camping in these areas is by reservation only.
