Paddling, hiking, and camping bring families to Little Manatee River State Park, a place for a pretty paddling trip just outside the Tampa metro.
A spacious campground and meandering nature trails offer gentle destinations for family fun.
For a more serious hike, take on the beautiful 6.5 mile Little Manatee River Hiking Trail on the north shore of the river.
A beach along the north shoreResources
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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.
Hiking
On the north shore, the Little Manatee River Hiking Trail has loops of 3 miles and 6.5 miles that introduce at least seven distinct Florida habitats.
A couple of the miles of the trail trace the river’s passage closely. Its primitive campsite is an easy walk for families trying out backpacking with youngsters.
Sand pine scrub along the loopThere are also nature trails on the south shore of the river not far from the playground. The Oxbow Trail makes a loop along a river oxbow.
The Sandpine Trail connects the two day use areas with the Oxbow Trail and the campground.
Little Manatee River Trail Scenery, rugged landscape, and botanical diversity are all important for a great Florida hike. You'll find that on this 6.5 mile hike, one of our all-time favorites.
Little Manatee River Nature Trails The aptly named Sandpine and Oxbow Trails interconnect to showcase sand pine scrub and winding curves alongside a blackwater river.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.
Trail Map
Explore More
Slideshow
See our photos of Little Manatee River State Park
Nearby Adventures
Bullfrog Creek WEA A hidden preserve in the Tampa metro offers a network of unmarked trails for a 5 mile hike traversing a shady creek and open flatwoods with patches of scrubby habitat.
Little Manatee River Corridor Nature Preserve In the Little Manatee River watershed, the 579 Trailhead offers access to a pair of loop trails across palmetto prairies and shady oak hammocks.
Little Manatee River Leonard Lee Trails Two connected trails along the south side of the Little Manatee River explore a variety of habitats on former ranches now protected by Hillsborough County as Little Manatee River Corridor Nature Preserve. 
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.
- Baseline Trails - November 7, 2026
- Hal Scott Yellow Trail - November 3, 2026
- Hal Scott Preserve - October 28, 2026