Lake Manatee was created in 1966 when a dam was built on the Manatee River. There are no manatees here because the dam blocks their entry to the lake. You can fish, boat, swim and camp at this small state park off of State Road 64, 15 miles east from downtown Bradenton.

A sign at the park says the lake also provides drinking water to Manatee and Sarasota counties. Another sign notes that Lake Manatee is a Fish Management Area, stocked with fish by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The lake has speckled perch, largemouth bass, sunshine bass, blue gill, shellcracker and channel catfish.

We see some people out on the dock fishing and enjoying this secluded park.

A sea plane seems to be practicing landing and taking off. A few boats are also out on the lake as well. The day is picture perfect. Although there seems to be a large fire in the distance!

A nice bathroom building in a shaded picnic area includes a volleyball sand court and playground.

The campsite is full with mostly RVs. Quiet and peaceful compared to when you leave and head West on State Road 64! This place will be an oasis in a couple of years with all the development going on.

We are visiting to do a hike. A trail of sorts takes us through a scrub area spotted with tall trees and many dead trees, typical for this area of Florida. Bobcat and deer must be around as well as birds although we don’t see any.

Definitely a nice place to spend a day picnicking, fishing and relaxing.