Lake Manatee State Park

About Lake Manatee State Park

The park extends to Lake Mana, which serves as a reservoir for Lake Mana and Sarasota County. The rest of the park consists mainly of a small lake with a few small lakes and a few small ponds.

The lake offers excellent opportunities for freshwater fishing, and anglers can fish from various places in the park, such as the shore or in a small pond. Canoeing and kayaking are also popular activities, but boat engines must have less than 20 horsepower. Boat ramps provide easy access to the lake and access from the parking lot at Lake Mana.

A large picnic area is located in the pine forest near the lake, and showers are nearby. Swimming is permitted in designated areas around Lake Manatee, but swimming is not permitted in any of the lakes in the park.

Campers can enjoy a fully equipped tent, which is just a short walk from the lake, and picnic pavilions can be reserved for an additional fee.

Located on the north side of Lake Manatee State Park, this hotel is just a short walk from the park entrance. Various animal species produce a variety of food and drink for visitors, such as fish, birds, reptiles and amphibians. Visitors were at lynx, deer, quail, gopher turtles and records of possible sightings can be found in the bird watch list.

Water and electricity are available on both sides of the park, as are water and gas stations on the north and south sides of Lake Manatee State Park.

There is a landfill at the entrance of the camp, and visitors have access to a boat ramp and a fishing pier. Swimming is possible in Lake Manatee State Park, but also in the lake itself and on the park's shores.

Water skiing is also prohibited by regulations from the Florida Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation and the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, as well as by state law.

The scenic Lake Manatee serves as a wonderful wildlife viewing area, which is easily explored by canoe or kayak. Lake Mana covers 2,400 acres, so bring your own canoes and kayaks or rent them for $5 a day in the park's parking lot.

Lake Manatee offers excellent fishing opportunities and there are often different species caught, but all persons under 16 years of age require a Florida freshwater fishing license.

There are two hot showers in each campsite and a flushing station is located near the toilet in the swimming area.

There is also a horseshoe pit and a sand volleyball court, but visitors can bring their own equipment or rent it for a small fee. Picnic tables and barbecues are located near the swimming area and climbing hall, as well as a picnic area with picnic tables, picnic chairs and picnic benches.

Pavilions are also available and can be reserved for private events such as picnics, barbecues, family celebrations and other events.

There are several hiking trails in the park, but visit the ranger station before you get to the much used Gopher Trail.

Pet owners must pick up their pets and rest between 23: 00 and 07: 30, and pets must keep to this time. Pets that are tied up or left unattended for more than 30 minutes may not be kept in the park for more than one hour at a time, except during the quiet hours of the day and evening.

Florida law requires that all pets must be vaccinated against rabies and pets must not enter the park without a permit or registration with the Florida Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation.

Animals that are noisy, dangerous, intimidating or destructive must not stay in the park and must be locked up. Lake Manatee State Park is located on the west side of the Florida Turnpike, south of Lake Okeechobee and north of Fort Myers.