Lake Manatee State Park

LAKE MANATEE S.P. extends three miles along the south shore of beautiful Lake Manatee.  The lake was created when a dam was built across the Manatee River in the mid-1960s. The park’s natural habitat consists primarily of pine flatwoods and sand pine scrub, with some depression marshes and hardwood forest.

A restroom facility with showers is located near the beach. A large picnic area is nestled in the oaks next to the lake. A picnic pavilion is available on a first-come, first-served basis or may be reserved for a fee.  There is ample parking near the picnic area as well as at the boat ramp.  Open 8 a.m. to sundown.  Admission fee of $5.

A Must-See at the Park:

The Bobcat Trail begins just past the Ranger Station.  It meanders through sandy pine scrub down towards Poley Branch.  This is a good place for Northern Bobwhite, Bachman’s Sparrow, White-eyed Vireo, and Eastern Towhee.  Then scan the trees in the picnic area for warblers, Great Horned Owl, White-winged Dove, and woodpeckers.

Longleaf Lane where you may also encounter a Tufted Titmouse, Eastern Bluebird, Brown Thrasher, Carolina Wren, and Pine Warbler.  Check the sky for Purple Martin, Bald Eagle, or Common Nighthawk.  This trail loops past the camping area and back to the parking lot.

Parking lot there is a trail that goes east toward the Floating Dock and boat ramp.  Pileated Woodpecker and Eastern Towhee can often be found in this area.

Birds you may encounter while visiting: 

eBird 143 species recorded

• Sparrows, bobwhite, and towhees.
• Wrens, owls, woodpeckers, and titmice.
• White-winged Doves
• Swallows
• Martins.
• Rarities seen in recent years have included Hairy Woodpecker, Broad-winged Hawk, Pine Sisken, and Lark Sparrow.

Accessibility:  All trails are mowed grass, sand, or hard-packed dirt and shell.