Little Manatee River State Park stretches across 2,433 acres along the winding Little Manatee River in Wimauma, just south of Tampa in Hillsborough County. Established in 1974, this park protects one of the most pristine blackwater rivers on Florida’s west coast — a quiet corridor of sand-bottomed waterways shaded by towering oaks and sabal palms that feels worlds away from the nearby sprawl.

The river is the main draw. Paddlers can launch canoes and kayaks for a scenic 4.5-mile run through undeveloped floodplain forest, spotting great blue herons, river otters, and the occasional gopher tortoise onshore. On land, over 6.5 miles of hiking trails wind through sandhill, flatwoods, and hardwood hammock ecosystems — the landscape shifts dramatically within a short walk. Equestrians share dedicated trails, and anglers work the river for largemouth bass and panfish.

The park’s full-facility campground sits beneath a canopy of live oaks, offering electric and water hookups along with a bathhouse. Sites book up quickly during winter weekends, so reservations are worth planning ahead. Primitive youth camping is also available for groups.

Visit between November and April for cooler temperatures, lower humidity, and fewer mosquitoes — Florida’s dry season makes trail conditions ideal and river levels comfortable for paddling. Summer brings lush green canopy but also afternoon thunderstorms and serious bug pressure.

With a 4.6-star rating across 1,620 reviews, Little Manatee delivers an authentic Old Florida river experience without the crowds of the state’s coastal parks.

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