Region: Northeast

MANATEE SPRINGS STATE PARK
Chiefland, Florida


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Contact Information
(Suwannee Basin GEOpark) 11650 N.W. 115th St.
Chiefland, 32626
(352) 493-6072

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

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

Park Fees
The entrance fee is $3.25 per vehicle (up to 8 people). Children five years and younger are admitted free with paid adult.

Pet Information
Pets are allowed in certain areas of the park. They do have to be on a 6 foot handheld leash and well behaved at all times. They are not allowed in the swimming area or concessions area. Service dogs are welcome in all areas of the park.

Located on the bank of the historic Suwannee River, Manatee Springs State Park is one of Florida's premier parks. Manatee Spring is a first magnitude spring pumping as much as 117 million gallons of crystal clear water into the Suwannee River daily.

Park Activities

Bicycling, Full Camping, Youth Camping, Canoeing, Concessions, Interpretive Center, Nature Trails, Picnicking, Scuba Diving, Snorkling, Swimming, and Wildlife Viewing

Full Facility Camping
Manatee Springs State Park has a 94-site campground with electricity and water in each site. These sites are available for tenters or RV’ers. There are comfort stations centrally located in each of the loops. Comfort stations provide hot showers, toilets and sink facilities.

Pets are now allowed to camp in the Magnolia loops of the campground. The Hickory loop is pet free. Pets need current vaccination records to register.

Youth Camping
Organized groups of six or more can camp in the Primitive Youth Camp Area. These facilities offer drinking water and an outdoor shower. These areas are reserved for non-profit, organized groups.

Concessions
The park concession offers food, drinks, gifts, camper supplies and canoe rentals.

Scuba Diving
Scuba divers must present their certification upon registration. Open water, cavern and cave diving is available in Manatee Spring or Catfish Hotel Sink. Dive instructors are required to purchase a Commercial Dive Permit.