Swimming at Manatee Springs State Park in Chiefland

Manatee Springs State Park in Chiefland is a prime destination for swimming in crystal-clear spring waters. The first-magnitude freshwater spring produces an average of 100 million gallons daily, offering swimmers a cool, refreshing spot year-round. The water maintains a consistent 72-degree temperature, making it an ideal escape from Florida’s heat. The park is also home to diverse wildlife, including the iconic West Indian manatees, which visit during cooler months.

Adventure Guide to Swimming at Manatee Springs State Park

Main Spring Swimming Area

Location: Near the park’s main entrance, easily accessible via boardwalks.
Why It's Special: The spring basin features clear turquoise waters with excellent visibility, welcoming both swimmers and snorkelers. Depths vary, so it’s suitable for all skill levels.
Amenities: Steps lead into the water for easy entry, and there are nearby picnic tables, restrooms, and a concession stand for visitors.

Spring Run Swimming

Location: Extends from the main spring to the Suwannee River.
Why It's Special: The gentle current offers a unique swimming experience where visitors can float downstream surrounded by ancient cypress trees and limestone formations.
Amenities: Features a wooden boardwalk for observing the water and accessing different swimming points.

Winter Swimming with Manatees

Location: Viewable in the main spring and spring run during cooler months.
Why It's Special: Manatees migrate into the warm spring waters between November and March, providing a rare opportunity to swim near these gentle giants.
Amenities: The park enforces no-touch rules to protect wildlife but allows for unforgettable underwater sightings.

Local Insights

History: Used by indigenous tribes for centuries, Manatee Springs was documented by William Bartram in 1774.
Wildlife: Besides manatees, expect to see turtles, fish, and occasional river otters.

Visitor Tips

Best Time to Visit: Early morning or weekdays avoid crowds.
What to Bring: Swimsuit, water shoes, snorkel gear, and eco-friendly sunscreen to protect marine life.
Directions: Located six miles west of Chiefland via State Road 320, about a 10-minute drive.

Adventure Map

Reviews

Veronica Miglavs2 months ago

Beautiful waters, lovely rangers to talk about the area and a variety of wildlife. The swimming waters are warm and clear, perfect to hangout and watch the manatees migrate upriver on the colder days. The boardwalk is perfect to see all the birds and river animals. Other than the boardwalk and swimming holes dogs are allowed and have plenty of space to walk on trails and hangout by the pavilions. The pavilions themselves have water spouts and electrical outlets as well as overhead lights.

Besa Schweitzerin the last week

Nice private campsites. We walked the boardwalk several times and always saw new things. Always manatees and alligators. Nice biking trails.

Lisa Morrison2 weeks ago

I absolutely LOVED this place. Book a site very early, as in months ahead, it was beautiful, great to swim in. We rented a canoe and saw alligators, manatee, ibis, cormorants, buzzards, white herons, and so many more things. It was totally worth a stop for the day. We didn't know how to book ahead so we just stayed in the parking lot for the day. I'm so glad that we went there!!!

Cheryl Stewarta week ago

Beautiful Florida State Park! Short walk from campground to springs ànd boardwalk that goes out to the river. We saw many birds-several different species, alligator, turtles, an armadillo and manatees. Ranger was very informative. People were swimming in the spring the first day, but it was closed for swimming the next day due to the presence of an alligator.

Joe Kocanowski2 weeks ago

We spent 4 days camping here in the RV park and it was great. Short walk to the spring where we saw 4 manatees hanging out. Sometimes hard to see from the boardwalk because of reflections, but could ofter find them from kayaks. Easy kayak launch and paddle to where the spring meets the river. The river was not a bad paddle either. Also saw hundreds of turkey vultures. RV park was nice, but I wish they had removed more of the downed trees instead of pushing them off to the side. Road in the campsites could use some work as well.