Snorkel with the manatees in Little Mantee River State Park in Mantee County, Florida.
Inland freshwater lakes and coastal saltwater areas make Manatee County, Florida a great place to enjoy a variety of outdoor recreation. You can canoe or kayak, hike, fish and bird watch in the area. Several primitive camping opportunities offer tent campers a place to spend the night.
About the Area
Located on the Gulf Coast on the east side of Florida, Manatee County lies just south of Tampa Bay and north of Sarasota. Interstate Highway 75 takes you through the east side of the county. The county includes the cities and communities of Bradenton, Anna Marie Island, Longhead Key, Bayshore Gardens and Cortez, where you can buy groceries and camping supplies.
What to Bring
If you plan to fish in Manatee County, you need a Florida state fishing license. You'll need to purchase either a saltwater or freshwater license or both depending on where you plan to fish. Buy the license at any sporting good store or bait and tackle shop in the county. Bring plenty of bug repellent since many of the wetlands at the preserves harbor mosquitoes.
Preserve Camping
Two wildlife preserves offer primitive camping, including Duette and Rye Preserves. The parks allow primitive camping on weekends only. Both preserves boast a number of boardwalks and trails that offer minimal impact on the land, but offer a good workout and potential wildlife sightings for hikers and walkers. Rye Preserve also offers fishing access along the shores of the Manatee River.
State Park Camping
You'll find primitive camping at two local state parks, including Manatee Lake State Park. The park offers fishing, canoeing, hiking and swimming. Campsites feature picnic tables and fire rings with restrooms and showers available in the campground.
Little Manatee River State Park offers primitive tent sites with picnic tables, fire rings and grills. The park offers swimming, snorkeling and river floating on the slow-moving Little Manatee River. You may get lucky enough to snorkel with the slow-moving manatees that swim in the river.
Activities
Emerson Point Preserve offers a launch site for canoes and kayaks. The 365-acre preserve lies at the tip of Snead Island in western Palmetto. You can paddle around the tidal canals and Terra Ceia Bay. Take a hike on the preserve's trails and boardwalks that take you to both prehistoric burial mounds and historic sites. Try the Terra Ceia Trail that takes you to Terra Ceia Bay for ocean views. You can also bike on most of the trails in the preserve.
Tags: Manatee County, State Park, County Florida, Manatee River, primitive camping, River State