Little Manatee River State Park is nearly 40 miles (63 kilometers) long and covers more than 2,600 acres (1,052 hectares), providing endless outdoor recreation opportunities. You could spend half the day walking or biking the 3-mile (4.8-kilometer) Sand Pine Trail and picnicking at the pavilions. Feel free to hike the longer, 6.5-mile (10.5-kilometer) stacked loop trail, keeping your eye out for alligators, otters, bobcats, deer, gopher tortoises, and other endemic wildlife.
Don’t feel like you need to leave when the park closes at sundown. Overnight camping is available, with the park offering 30 tent and RV campsites, four equestion campsites, and primitive camping for backpackers. Paddling and fishing are two of the most popular activities in Little Manatee River State Park, and there are designated areas for both. Keep in mind that these spots are often protected and have limited vehicle access—plan extra time for short hikes to and from the parking area.