Travel Tips

Get lost in nature’s beauty floating down the Little Manatee River

Enjoy a fun afternoon canoeing down the Little Manatee River and a night under the stars and the open sky at Little Manatee River State Park, just south of St. Petersburg. Named as one of Florida State Park’s outstanding Florida waterways and as part of the aquatic preserve, the Little Manatee River is a refreshing and well conserved place to cool off in the hot summer months of southwestern Florida. Bring a fishing pole and unwind down the beautiful river surrounded by native Florida wildlife. There are always plenty of canoes available at the ranger station if you didn’t think to bring your own.

The park also offers a six and a half mile hiking trail for those adventurers who love to get lost in the wilderness and work up a good exercise. Little Manatee River is pet friendly, so feel free to bring your dogs for an afternoon of sniffing around the trails. This is sure to help them sleep well at night! If you aren’t up for hiking or don’t have a dog, bring your horse along and enjoy a weekend of horseback riding in the 12 miles of equestraian trails and stay at one of the 4 equestrian campsites at Little Manatee River State Park.

Primitive camping is the best way to enjoy Little Manatee River State Park, but if you don’t want to get too lost in the wilderness there are also full-facility campsites and tent campsites with water and picnic pavilions available. If you only plan on staying for the afternoon, there are plenty of these picnic pavilions throughout the park, lining the river area that can be reserved for free or on a first come first serve basis if another party does not have them reserved already.

To find Little Manatee River State Park take I-75 North from Venice to exit 229, then east to US 301, then continue north for 5-6 miles and turn left onto Lightfoot Road and the park will be on the right.