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River with forested bluffs

Little Manatee River State Park

With sandy shores around every bend and a canopy of trees overhead, Little Manatee River State Park provides a place for a pretty paddling trip for families.

Wimauma      ( 27.657607,-82.37414 )      

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With sandy shores around every bend and a canopy of trees overhead, Little Manatee River State Park provides a place for a pretty paddling trip, with an outfitter located near the US 301 bridge.

A spacious campground and meandering nature trails offer gentle destinations for family fun.


Resources

Resources for exploring the area

50 Hikes in Central Florida Central Florida Orlando Explorers Guide book cover Hikers Guide to the Sunshine State book cover

Disclosure: As authors and affiliates, we receive earnings when you buy these through our links. This helps us provide public information on this website.


Overview

Location: Wimauma
Trailhead: 27.657607,-82.37414
Fees: $4-5 per vehicle
Land Manager: Florida State Parks
Phone: 813-671-5005

Open 8 AM until sunset daily. Leashed pets welcome.


Directions

 
From Interstate 75 south of Tampa, take exit 240A, Sun City Center/Ruskin. Drive east on SR 674 through Sun City Center 3 miles to US 301. Head south on US 301, passing the Little Manatee River Trail trailhead after 2.7 miles and crossing the Little Manatee River after 3 miles. You’ll see the Canoe Outpost entrance on the right after you cross the bridge. Continue another couple of miles to the park entrance on the right. It’s a long drive back along the park road to the canoe launch / picnic area and campground.

About the Park

The hustle and bustle of horse trailers and folks in search of a put-in for kayaking is pretty busy on a weekend, not surprising given this park’s proximity to downtown Tampa and Brandon.

What’s particularly nice are the picnic pavilions within view of the river, and the campground within walking distance of the day use area.

Equestrians win, too, with over 12 miles of riding trails on the south side of the park, with four equestrian campsites along the way.

Little Manatee River State Park
Main playground and picnic area on the south shore of the river

Hiking

On the north shore, the Little Manatee River Trail has two loops – 3 miles and 6 miles – that introduce you to at least seven distinct Florida habitats along the way.

A couple of the miles of the trail trace the river’s passage. The primitive campsite is an easy walk for families trying out backpacking with youngsters.

There are also two short nature trails on the south shore of the river not far from the playground.

View of the Little Manatee River from the trail

Little Manatee River Trail

Scenery, rugged landscape, and botanical diversity are all important factors for a great Florida hike. You’ll find that on the 6.5-mile Little Manatee River Hiking Trail, one of our long-time favorites.


Paddling

Canoe Outpost has its own separate entrance along US 301 right by the bridge over the Little Manatee River.

Stop in for canoe and kayak rentals and shuttles or to check into the funky selection of accommodations they have on site.

Little Manatee River State Park
Canoes for rent at the Canoe Outpost

Trail Map

Little Manatee River State Park trail map


Explore More

Slideshow

See our photos of Little Manatee River State Park


Nearby Adventures

More worth exploring while you’re in this area.

Tannic river in a forest

Alderman’s Ford Conservation Park

Straddling the confluence of the North and South Prong of the Alafia River, Alderman’s Ford Conservation Park provides immersion into lush riverine forests.

Aldermans Ford Preserve

Alderman’s Ford Preserve

Alderman’s Ford Preserve offers a surprising treat for a Central Florida hike: whitewater, showcasing the Alafia River churning as it winds through a deeply eroded channel

Alafia River State Park

Alafia River State Park lets you launch on a Florida downhill while mountain biking the rugged terrain of a reforested open pit mine.

Apollo Beach Nature Preserve

Apollo Beach Nature Preserve

With its natural waterfront on Tampa Bay, Apollo Beach Nature Preserve is a perfect place for birders, not beachgoers, a place to launch a kayak and scan the skies for osprey.


Reserve a campsite Official Website

Category: Backpacking, Camping, Canoe & Kayak Rentals, Central Florida, Day Hikes, Equestrian, Florida State Parks, Hikes, Loop Hikes, Nature Trails, Paddling, Parks, TrailsTag: Best Paddling, Bradenton, Brandon, Car Camping, Developed Camping, Dog-friendly, Family-Friendly, Fishing, Florida State Parks, Little Manatee River, Opt Outside, Picnic, Playgrounds, Primitive Camping, Rivers, Ruskin, Tampa, Wildlife Viewing, Wimauma

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