Little Manatee River State Park Campground provides tent, RV, and cabin options for visitors about 20 miles from Parrish, Florida. The campground features sites with natural tree spacing that creates privacy between camping areas. Beyond the equestrian facilities mentioned elsewhere, the park contains multiple walking trails, access to the Manatee River, and opportunities for wildlife viewing. Temperatures range from 50s in winter to 90s during summer months, with highest humidity occurring June through September.
What to do
Paddling opportunities: Little Manatee River offers calm waters ideal for beginners. "We love it here because we can hike, bike or just relax," notes Linda M. in her review of Little Manatee River State Park Campground. The river provides a gentle paddling experience for canoes and kayaks.
Mountain biking trails: Alafia River State Park features some of central Florida's best off-road biking paths. "This park is close to home for me, I come here often for the Mountain Biking and the awesome humans. The facilities are clean and the MTB trails are constantly changing so we are never bored here," writes Jennifer T. about Alafia River State Park Campground.
Fossil hunting: Peace River Campground offers a unique opportunity for visitors to search for prehistoric shark teeth. "Peace River is the place to go in SWFL if you have toys! Trails, mud holes, beaches," reports Jackie L., adding that campers can spend the day "sifting through the sediment looking for fossils from all different time periods."
What campers like
Wildlife viewing: Myakka River State Park provides exceptional opportunities to observe native Florida animals. "I've never seen so many alligators in the wild. From babies to big daddies, they lined the river and the edge of the lake. We saw black vultures by the dozens, turkey vultures, turkeys, and deer," writes Dale G. about Myakka River State Park.
Natural separation between sites: Campsites at many parks near Parrish feature vegetation that creates privacy. "Great little campground, clean with good natural foliage dividers between campsites. Nice walking trails, & a gentle river for an easy paddle," says Nicole D. about Little Manatee River State Park.
Lake access for fishing: Hardee Lakes Park provides direct access to four fishing lakes with shoreline camping options. "We stayed at a non-electric site right on the lake. Fire pit is great and camp hosts even recommended a local small biz that will bring you firewood," explains Joshua W. about Hardee Lakes Park.
What you should know
Weather considerations: Summer brings high humidity and afternoon thunderstorms from June through September. "In the summer... there is lots of shade even while hiking due to the canopy trees and this kept things cooler during the summer," reports Travyl Couple about Myakka River State Park.
Noise levels vary: Some campgrounds have more activity than others. "If you're looking for some peace and quiet out in nature - as I was - this may not be your jam," notes Shaun C. about Little Manatee River, explaining that sites are close together and "In the wee hours of the morning, I was woken up by a few drunk folks going on about 'Qanon' conspiracies, and a giant family with very loud children."
Alternative equestrian campgrounds: Beyond Little Manatee, other horse camping options exist. "Very nice facilities. Miles of horseback trails to ride. Very nice horse stalls to put horses in overnight. Perfect place for equine vacation!" writes Donna H. about Alafia River State Park Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Cabin options: For families new to camping, cabins provide comfort while still enjoying nature. "Cabins were at 50% occupancy as it was mid-week. Quiet neighbors except the group behind me who was gone by 9pm. Many trails," explains Rodd S. about Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park.
Wildlife education: Make alligator safety a priority with children. "Went to drain the tanks yesterday morning and a large sounding gator started to growl territorially at me. So heads up with your pets please," warns Jenelle J. at Palmetto Ridge Campground.
Insect preparation: Mosquitoes can be severe at certain times. "Sites and facilities are nice and clean. Sites were decent size. Good for RVs and tents. However, sites are not shaded at all and because of the quarry and stagnant water the mosquitoes were RIDICULOUS! Probably worst mosquitoes in 30 years of camping," cautions AJ G.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Choose sites away from bathhouses for more privacy. "The bathrooms and showers are under construction and are located at spots 1 thru 4 so if wanting more privacy 6 and up are for me much better. Our spot was 10 and we loved the privacy of the nature between every campsite along those areas for bigger rigs," recommends Ronald H.
Park access considerations: Some parks have challenging entry roads. "It's a long dirt road to get to the campsite and I didn't think my car would make it through some of the big puddles after rain. Chevy Malibu isn't really known for off-roading," notes Dan M. about Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve.
Utilities and hookups: Water pressure varies between parks. "Low water pressure," reports Bryan about Alafia River State Park, while Patti D. notes about Little Manatee River that sites have "electric, water, picnic table and fire ring. Clean dump station."
Legend
