Manatee Springs State Park
Chiefland, FL
A spring run flowing through cypress swamp into the Suwannee River, with a boardwalk to the river and a popular campground. Manatees come in during winter.
Manatee Springs State Park is in Levy County in northern Florida, about 10 km (6 miles) west of Chiefland on SR 320. The first-magnitude spring flows through a short run into the Suwannee River and is described as the longest spring run feeding the Suwannee. While the tannin-stained river is dark, the spring stays clear, at about 23 °C (72 °F) all year. A boardwalk leads to the water.
From November to April, manatees gather in the warm spring water; Wikipedia counts roughly 100 sightings a year. In winter, swimming in the headspring is prohibited and the spring run is closed to boats. The rest of the year the spring is good for swimming, snorkeling and diving; cave diving requires cave certification. There are about 14 km (8.5 miles) of hiking trails and about 13 km (8 miles) of bike trails, plus 80 campsites with electric and water hookups. William Bartram visited the spring in 1774 and named it after a dead manatee he found.
- Nearest town
- Chiefland, FL
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 29.4893, -82.9770
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually October–April. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and September. Hot in June–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
© Tupelo the typo fixer · CC BY-SA 4.0Manatees and springs on Florida’s Nature Coast
© 12019 · Pixabay Content LicenseBlackwater, cypresses and crystal-clear springs – by camper from the Okefenokee Swamp down the Suwannee River to the springs of North Florida
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Hickory Camping AreaCampsite0 mi from Manatee Springs State Park
- Magnolia 2 Camping AreaCampsite0 mi from Manatee Springs State Park
- Magnolia 1 Camping AreaCampsite0 mi from Manatee Springs State Park
- Southern Leisure RV ResortMotorhome stopover7 mi from Manatee Springs State Park · 218 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityWi-Fi
- Strawberry Fields For RV'ersMotorhome stopover7 mi from Manatee Springs State Park · 72 pitchesMotorhomesWi-Fi
- Shady Oaks CampgroundCampsite17 mi from Manatee Springs State Park
All campsites in Florida · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Manatee Springs State Park?
Manatee Springs State Park is in Chiefland, FL, at GPS 29.4893, -82.9770. It is about 24 mi from Cedar Key.
Can you camp near Manatee Springs State Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Hickory Camping Area, about 0 mi away; within 25 mi there are 33 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Manatee Springs State Park?
Manatee Springs State Park is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Manatees and springs on Florida’s Nature Coast and Blackwater, cypresses and crystal-clear springs – by camper from the Okefenokee Swamp down the Suwannee River to the springs of North Florida.
What is there to see near Manatee Springs State Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Cedar Key (24 mi), Ichetucknee Springs State Park (37 mi), Rainbow Springs State Park (42 mi) and Three Sisters Springs (48 mi).
When is the best time to visit Manatee Springs State Park?
The most pleasant months are usually October–April. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)