Manatee Springs State Park
Fee required
Parking available
Wheelchair accessible
A sprawling state park in Northwest Florida featuring a first-magnitude spring, an 800-foot boardwalk, and a warm water refuge for manatees during winter.

Manatee Springs State Park is a Florida State Park near Chiefland. It features a first-magnitude spring, releasing 100 million gallons of water daily, attracting manatees in winter.

Why Go

🌊 Swim in the 72ºF spring waters year-round
🤿 Enjoy scuba diving, cave diving, kayaking, and canoeing
🚶‍♀️ Explore an 800-foot boardwalk through a cypress forest
🐢 Spot manatees, especially during cooler months
🚴‍♀️ Hike or cycle over 8.5 miles of nature trails

Why Avoid

🚫 Spring run closed to boat traffic in winter to protect manatees
🚫 Swimming in the head spring is forbidden in winter
⚠️ Catfish Hotel sinkhole is not suitable for swimming due to duckweed

Tips

🦟 Bring plenty of bug repellent
🪵 No outside firewood allowed; it can be purchased at the park
🤿 Divers must register by 3 p.m. and check out one hour before sunset

Cost

💰 Vehicle $6 (2-8 people), single-occupant vehicle $4, pedestrians/cyclists $2.
⛺ Tent camping $20/night, RV camping $20/night + $7 utility fee.
🤿 Diving fees apply.

Hours

🕒 Daily, 8 a.m. until sundown, year-round.

Other

🅿️ Parking available.
🚻 Restroom facilities available.
🐕 Pets allowed.

Last updated 4 days ago

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