Driving Directions
Little Manatee River State Recreation Area is located four miles south of Sun City, off U.S. 301 on Lightfoot Road.

From Tampa: I-75 South to Exit 240A, East to U.S. 301, Then South 4 miles, Turn Right onto Lightfoot Road, Park is on the Right

From Sarasota/Bradenton: I-75 North to Exit 240A, East to U.S. 301, Then North 6 miles, Turn Left onto Lightfoot Road, Park is on the Right

From Pinellas County: Cross the Skyway Bridge, I-275 South to I-75 North, Exit 240A, East to U.S. 301, Then North 6 miles, Turn Left onto Lightfoot Road, Park is on the Right

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

Park Fees
Day Use Fees

Entrance fee per vehicle, up to 8 persons $3.25
Pedestrians and bicyclists (per person) $1.00
Equestrian (per horse) $5.00
Group Equestrian rate (up to 4 horses in one trailer) $12.00

Full Facility Camping

Camping rates are as follows:

Year Round $13.00, seasonal length of stay limits apply. 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
Pet Fee (per pet and per night) $2.00
Proof of current rabies vaccination required

Named for the river that flows through it, Little Manatee River State Park was acquired in 1974 to provide outdoor recreational opportunities in the Tampa Bay area. Since it opened in 1987, the river has been designated as an Outstanding Florida Water and is included in the Cockroach Bay Aquatic Preserve. The park comprises 2,416.40 acres on U.S. 301 along the Little Manatee River. Beginning in a swampy area east of Fort Lonesome in southeaster Hillsborough County, the river flows about 40 miles before emptying into Tampa Bay. The river's channel is generally well defined, and steep, sandy banks are observed throughout the park. Little Manatee rises and falls with the tide and meanders through the park approximately 4.5 miles. Because the water begins in and flows through swampy areas, decaying vegetation stains the water. Water-level fluctuations are considerable, as this portion of the river is influenced both by tides and rainfall. The rising and falling water has swept away much of the natural debris and left the Little Manatee's banks with a scoured look.

Resources
The recreation area comprises 2433 acres on U.S. 301 along the Little Manatee River. Beginning in a swampy area east of Fort Lonesome in southeastern Hillsborough County, the river flows about 40 miles before emptying into Tampa Bay. The river's channel is generally well-defined and steep, sandy banks are observed throughout its length. In its lower reaches, which include the portion that flows five miles through the park, Little Manatee River rises and falls with the tide.

Park activities

RV and Tent Camping, Youth Camping, Horse Camping, Primitive Camping, Picnicking, Horse Trails, Hiking Trails, Fishing, Canoeing, and Wildlife Viewing

Plant and animal life in Little Manatee River State Park

Little Manatee River State Park has become one of the few significant natural areas remaining in Hillsborough County. The park is preserving many different natural communities that are examples of original Florida. Owing to the diversity of its natural communities, 28 designated plant species and 8 designated animal species occur in the park.

Park Activities

RV and Tent Camping, Youth Camping, Horse Camping, Primitive Camping, Picnicking, Horse Trails, Hiking Trails, Fishing, Canoeing, and Wildlife Viewing

Primitive Camping
A primitive camp, located along the trail, is available by reservation only.

Canoeing
Visitors can explore the river by canoe and observe the area's scenic beauty and wildlife. Canoes are available for rent at the Ranger Station on a first come first serve basis for $5.00 an hour.

Fishing
Freshwater fishing opportunities include bass, bream and catfish. A Florida freshwater fishing license is required for persons 16 years of age or older. Go to the Favorite Links page for more information on licensing.

Horse Trails
Several miles of trails are open for horseback riding. Riders must furnish their own horses and confine riding to designated established trails. Proof of a recent negative Coggins test is required. Horse camping sites are available.

Nature Trails
A 6.5-mile hiking trail that meanders through a diversity of habitats is available in the park's northern wilderness area. A primitive camp, located along the trail, is available by reservation only. All hikers must register at the park's ranger station.

Picnicking
Picnic tables and shelters are available in the picnic area along the river. Picnic shelters are also available for reservation.