Lake Manatee State Park Campground
L O.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Dec. 9, 2020

A Lakeside Paradise

Arrived here in early December for a three-night tent stay. It was a last-minute choice and frankly a miracle that it was available. Arriving is easy off Highway 64 just East of Bradenton. The staff is very friendly. The spots are spaced well and divided by natural brush and vegetation. They're level and bedded in sand and some grass. Water, electric, fire pit, and picnic table. Very quiet location, save for the occasional airplane or distant siren.

The restroom facilities are very well maintained. Clean. The trails within the western side of the park are wide and comfortable for hybrid bikes, even with the occasional sugar sand trap, so to speak.

The lakeside is outstanding. There's a swimming area with benches a few feet from the lapping waters where you can contemplate the horizon and get lost in your thoughts. An occasional turtle might raise its head from within the gentle ripples. Alligators also inhabit the lake. There are restrooms with showers there, picnic tables, plenty of parking, and a beach volleyball court.

Firewood is sold in bundles of $5 at the gatehouse. They will also sell you a 50-gallon drum of firewood for $10! No country store at the park, but Publix is about six miles to the southwest.

Very quiet, peaceful, with near zero light pollution. No critters other than squirrels and rabbits. This is a rare five-star campground in my book, and I can't wait to return.

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  • Review photo of Lake Manatee State Park Campground by L O., December 9, 2020
  • Review photo of Lake Manatee State Park Campground by L O., December 9, 2020
  • Review photo of Lake Manatee State Park Campground by L O., December 9, 2020
  • Review photo of Lake Manatee State Park Campground by L O., December 9, 2020
  • Review photo of Lake Manatee State Park Campground by L O., December 9, 2020
  • Review photo of Lake Manatee State Park Campground by L O., December 9, 2020
  • Review photo of Lake Manatee State Park Campground by L O., December 9, 2020
  • Review photo of Lake Manatee State Park Campground by L O., December 9, 2020
  • Review photo of Lake Manatee State Park Campground by L O., December 9, 2020
  • Review photo of Lake Manatee State Park Campground by L O., December 9, 2020
  • Review photo of Lake Manatee State Park Campground by L O., December 9, 2020
  • Review photo of Lake Manatee State Park Campground by L O., December 9, 2020
  • Review photo of Lake Manatee State Park Campground by L O., December 9, 2020
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  • Review photo of Lake Manatee State Park Campground by L O., December 9, 2020
  • Review photo of Lake Manatee State Park Campground by L O., December 9, 2020
  • Review photo of Lake Manatee State Park Campground by L O., December 9, 2020