Region: Southwest
LAKE MANATEE STATE PARK
Bradenton, Florida
Contact Information
20007 Hwy 64 East
Bradenton, 34202
(941) 741-3028
Driving Directions
Take exit 220 off of I-75. Lake Manatee State
Park is located 9 miles east of I-75 on State
Road 64 in Bradenton, Florida.
Hours of Operation
Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until
sundown 365 days a year.
Lake Manatee State Recreation
Area is a perfect example of the quiet and relaxed
atmosphere that some of Florida's natural areas
have to offer. Extending along three miles of the
south shore of Lake Manatee, these 556 acres were
once used for farming, cattle grazing, turpentining
and timbering.
Today, the 2,400 acre reservoir that makes up
Lake Manatee supplies drinking water to Manatee
and Sarasota Counties.
Park Activities
Boating, Boat Ramp, Camping, Canoeing, Fishing,
Picnicking, Swimming, and Wildlife Viewing
Boating
A Manatee County ordinance restricts boat motors
to 20 horsepower or less. The ordinance also prohibits
water-skiing.
Boat Ramp
A boat ramp and fishing dock are available for
visitors to use.
Full Facility Camping
A 60-site camping area located within walking
distance from the swimming and fishing areas.
Lake Manatee State Recreation Area is a Seasonal
Camping Park.
Seasonal Rates Apply As Follows:
June 1st through October 31st $8.00
November 1st through May 31st $10.00
Rates are per night, per site for up to 4 persons.
Additional Camping Related Fees
Extra person fee (over 4 people) $2.00
Extra car (non-towed vehicle)$3.00
Electricity (per night) $2.00
Fishing
Lake Manatee offers excellent fishing. A variety
of species are frequently caught, such as largemouth
and sunshine bass, speckled perch, bluegill, shellcracker
and catfish. A Florida freshwater fishing license
is required for all persons over 16 years of age.
Picnicking
A large picnic area is nestled in a sandpine scrub
area just a short walk from the lake. A picnic
pavilion is also available and may be reserved
for a fee.
Swimming
Swimming is available in the designated area in
Lake Manatee with a bathhouse and shower facility
located close by.
