Little Manatee River State Park offers a serene and captivating experience for equine enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Located in Southwest Florida, this park is home to one of the most pristine blackwater rivers in the region, designated as an Outstanding Florida Water and part of the Cockroach Bay Aquatic Preserve. With its diverse ecosystems, including sand pine-oak scrub and oxbow wetlands, the park provides a rich and varied landscape to explore through hiking, canoeing, horseback riding, or camping.
Equestrian Adventures Await
Equestrians will find a haven at Little Manatee River State Park, with over 15 miles of well-maintained equestrian trails that wind through the park's stunning natural scenery. These trails offer riders the opportunity to immerse themselves in the park's rare ecosystems, providing a truly unique riding experience. Whether you're a seasoned rider or a beginner, the trails cater to all levels of expertise, ensuring a memorable adventure for every visitor.
Equestrian Camping Facilities
For those looking to extend their stay and fully experience the park's beauty, the equestrian campground at Little Manatee River State Park offers the perfect solution. The campground features four well-equipped equestrian campsites, each providing a picnic table, fire ring, water hook-up, and electrical hook-up with both 20 and 30-amp connections. This allows for a comfortable and convenient stay, whether you're camping for a night or an extended period.
Each campsite also includes the use of two stalls in the horse stable located directly behind the campsites, ensuring that your equine companions are well cared for during your stay. For added convenience, a composting toilet is situated behind the equestrian sites, while a full-facility bathhouse with hot water showers is located in the main campground, just one-third mile from the equestrian area. Additionally, a dump station is available at the main entrance to the campground, making it easy to manage waste and maintain a clean campsite.
Embrace the Natural Wonders
Little Manatee River State Park offers more than just equestrian trails and camping facilities. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the park's commitment to preserving its unique ecosystems, which can be explored through various activities. Whether you're hiking along the riverbanks, canoeing through the blackwater, or simply enjoying the tranquility of the surroundings, the park provides a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Experience Sunrise on Horseback
One of the highlights of staying at the equestrian campground is the opportunity to catch the sunrise on horseback. As the sun rises over the park's diverse landscapes, riders can experience the serene beauty of the morning light filtering through the trees and reflecting off the Blackwater River. It's a magical moment that epitomizes the natural splendor of Little Manatee River State Park.
Little Manatee River State Park in Florida is a must-visit destination for equestrians and nature lovers alike. With its pristine Blackwater River, diverse ecosystems, and extensive equestrian trails, the park offers a unique and captivating experience for all visitors. The well-equipped equestrian campground ensures a comfortable stay, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the park's natural beauty. Plan your visit today and discover the enchanting allure of Little Manatee River State Park.
Little Manatee River State Park offers the following facilities and amenities:
- Equestrian trails
- Picnic tables
- Fire ring
- Water and electric hookups
- Horse stalls
- Horse stables
- Bathhouse
- Toilet
- Dump station
Equestrians can enjoy riding more than 15 miles of equestrian trails. Additionally, many equestrians enjoy staying overnight in one of four equestrian campsites so they can catch the sunrise on horseback. The primary trails within this multi-trail complex are the Dude Lake Trail, the Mustang Trail, the Blue Trail, and the Yellow Trail. Firebreaks connect many of these primary trails to each other and can provide alternate routes for hiking and exploration.
Cost Details:
- $22 per night plus tax, plus a nonrefundable $6.70 reservation fee and a $7 nightly utility fee for RV, cabin, bungalow, boat, and yurt units. Utility fee includes water, electricity, and sewer. Utility fee does not apply to tent camping.
- The primitive camping fee is $5 (plus tax) per night for adults and $1 (plus tax) per night for campers under age 18.
- Admission:
- $5 per vehicle (two to eight people).
- $4 single-occupant vehicle.
- $2 pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass.
Notes:
- Each site is permitted a maximum of eight people, two horses, two vehicles, and one of the following combinations of camping units: two tents; one horse trailer, pop-up, or motorhome (30 amp maximum hook-up); or one tent and one horse trailer, pop-up or motorhome (30 amp maximum).
- Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance. For reservations, visit the Florida State Parks reservations website or call 800-326-3521 or TDD 888-433-0287.
- Pets are not permitted in the primitive camping areas.
- Vehicle access and parking is available at the site.
- Pets are not permitted in primitive camping areas.
- Collection of firewood is prohibited.
- Individuals or small groups of up to eight people can reserve the site up to two months in advance by calling the ranger station at 813-671-5005
If you want to discover and explore other campsites and horse trails, here are some of them that you may visit:
LITTLE MANATEE RIVER STATE PARK - Little Manatee River Green and Red Trails Loop
LITTLE MANATEE RIVER STATE PARK - Little Manatee River Short Loop
Little Manatee River State Park does require reservations for overnight accommodations. Please visit their page here on Top Horse Trails - Little Manatee River State Park for more information