Manatee Springs State Park

By William E. Males

Located near Chiefland, is one of Florida’s thirty three first magnitude springs. This pristine crystal clear spring discharges an average 100 million gallons of water every day. This water comes from rainfall within a 40 mile radius from the spring where the surrounding lands resemble a sponge, quickly transferring rainfall into deep caverns that deliver the water to the spring from every direction.

The spring is a source of life for many species of wildlife and from November through April is visited by manatees for the spring's waters for warmth when the Suwannee River and Gulf of Mexico waters get colder than the spring’s constant 72 degrees. During this time look closely into the waters because Manatees look and move like big logs, which frequently surface for air.

Manatee Springs State Park has a 92-site campground with electricity and water in each site. These sites are available for tent or RV use with comfort stations centrally located providing hot showers, toilets and sink facilities. The park concession offers food, drinks, gifts, camper supplies and canoe rentals.

The headwaters of the spring are popular for swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving year-round for experienced people as well. The spring run forms a sparkling stream that meanders through towering cypress, tupelo and other wetland trees to join the Suwannee River.

There is a boardwalk along the Spring Run down to the large slow-moving Suwannee River and through a swamp of cypress, gum, ash and maple. When you reach the river, you will come to a shaded seating area and a boat dock. Here you will see a powerboats, canoes and kayakers up or down the water. Both the spring and the river are full of bass, bream, pickerel, catfish and speckled perch. During the summer months huge Gulf sturgeon can be seen leaping out of the river.

Whether you enjoy the spring run view by canoe/kayak or on foot along our boardwalk you will be amazed by its natural beauty. There’s a playground in the picnic area for the children, along with tables, grills and pavilions available for the entire family outing. There is hiking and biking adventures on the north end trail system where the deer are cautious, but plentiful, and frequently seen.

Scuba divers must present their certification upon registration. Open water, cavern and cave diving is available in Manatee Spring or Catfish Hotel Sink. Dive instructors are required to purchase a Commercial Dive Permit.