Main Page - Manatee Springs State Park

A white-tailed deer stares directly
at the camera as he poses in a wooded area.

Manager's Message

Winter is here and with that sightings of manatees will increase as the days grow shorter. For active folks, take a refreshing swim in 72 degrees of crystal clear spring water. We have a group of "mermaids" who swim every single morning year round. Join them on one of their 8:30 am swims!

Quiet relaxation and active bird watching are golden opportunities to be found in this beautiful park on the Suwannee River.

Check out all the diverse recreational activities available in this park. This is a great time to hike our 8 mile trail system through upland pine communities and bottomland cypress swamps. If you are a SCUBA diver, proof of certification is required and you must have a buddy.

High water events can impact recreational activities so call the park to check conditions if you have heard of recent heavy rains.

Be prepared in order to maximize the comfort of your outdoor adventure. Have plenty of drinking water, protective clothing, insect repellent and sunscreen.

Manatee Springs is a place to escape from technology! Cell phones and satellite dishes have limited to no use here in this river bottomland area. Take advantage of this opportunity to reduce stress and experience nature. Relax..Renew...Re-create yourself.

- Sally Lieb, Park Manager

Welcome to Manatee Springs State Park

A first magnitude spring, Manatee Springs discharges an average 100 million gallons of water every day. This water comes from rain that falls on lands within a 40 mile radius from the spring. Geologically the surrounding lands resemble a sponge, with sand and the underlying limestone quickly transferring rainfall into deep caverns that deliver the water to the spring from every direction, but mostly from the South and East. The spring is a source of life for many species of fish, reptiles, mammals, birds and invertebrates. From November through April, manatees use the spring's life-giving waters for warmth. During those months the Suwannee River and Gulf of Mexico waters are colder than the constant 72 degrees of the spring. Popular for swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving, the headwaters of the spring are an outstanding year-round experience for people as well. The spring run forms a sparkling stream that meanders through towering cypress, tupelo and other wetland trees to join the Suwannee River. During the summer months, huge prehistoric-looking Gulf Sturgeon can be seen leaping out of the river as they have done for eons. Enjoy the spring run view by canoe/kayak or on foot along our boardwalk. Children can enjoy a playground in the picnic area, where tables, grills and pavilions are available for family fun. Hiking and biking adventures await on the north end trail system. The full-facility campground is surrounded by hardwood hammocks and upland pine habitats.

Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about Manatee Springs State Park, please call 352-493-6072.

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Hours of Operation

Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.

Driving Directions

Manatee Springs State Park is located at the end of S.R. 320, off U.S. 98, six miles west of Chiefland.

Park Fees

Admission Fee - $4.00 per vehicle (up to 8 people). Children five years and younger are admitted free with paid adult.

Single Car Occupant - $3.00

Motorcycle Fee (one or two persons) - $3.00

Diving Fee - The fee for spring diving, open water, and cave diving is $10.00 plus tax. All divers are required to register with the office prior to diving.

Pavilion Rental Fee - $30.00 per day plus tax. There are 6 picnic tables at each pavilion. Water and electricity are available at each pavilion and is included in the rental fee.

Organized Youth and Adult Group Camping - $1.00 per youth. $2.00 per adult/chaperon.