Little Manatee River State Park – Wimauma, FL

With 2,433-acres, Little Manatee River State Park had offered many recreational options, including the periodic chance to see a manatee. With so much square area, park facilities (i.e. restrooms, boat launch, playground, etc…) had been adequately spaced out. In all my visits to Florida State Parks, their picnic areas had been the only ones with screened in areas for avoiding bugs and other small creatures. The only compliant of this trip had been the lack of signage for getting onto the Little Manatee River State trail. For a good half hour looking for a way forward, I had walked around another trail parallel to the river. Recreational options that had attracted my attention; primitive camping, canoe rental, and a family seasonal pass. Primitive camping sites had only cost $20 but, check for availability. For a four-hour canoe rental, seating two people, this had been $15. The annual Florida State Park pass for $120 had been my favorite. My friend and I had purchased this option for the scope of covering parking fees, admission and one guest’s admission across any of the Florida State run parks. Big thank you to Linn, the park ranger that had described the above options with real enthusiasm and sincerity. Despite overcast weather and a little misdirection, I had enjoyed this excursion into Wimauma, Florida.