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Join The Tampa Adventure Group as we head to the beautiful Little Manatee River State Park for overnight camping in Florida's perfect outdoor January weather! T.A.G. will be providing hot dogs, brats, and chocolate smores for campers!
TAG Difficulty Rating: 2 of 10 Difficult (Outdoor tent camping, possible cold weather)
*****Please Note!: This is NOT primitive camping event. You will have access to electricity, bathrooms, showers, restaurants/snacks, cars, and transportation. The campsite will have running water and electrical outlets.
T.A.G. has reserved 2 sites 023 and 024. Each site can hold 8 campers max.
We can reserve additional sites if needed.
Proposed Camping Itinerary:
Day 1 Saturday:
3:00PM: Meet everyone at sites 021, 023 and 024
4:00PM: Setup camp
5:00PM: Have dinner, bonfire, cook brats, hot dogs and make smores (provided), night hike!
Day 2: Sunday
8:00AM: Go Canoeing or Hiking
12:00PM: Pack up camp and head home
Cost:
Florida State Park Camp Fees
Florida Taxes
Brats, Hot Dogs, and Smores
$10.13 per camper
What to bring:
Camping Gear
Stove
Food
Tent
Sleeping bag
Water
Optional Gear:
A range of clothing - The weatherman isn't always right especially in Florida. It may be sunny and warm, or may be around freezing and foggy. Key word with clothing is to be "Prepared". Dress in layers of synthetic materials when possible. Avoid *denim* and cotton, unless you want to weigh 100 pounds heavier when wet. Carry at least a lightweight water-proof jacket or poncho if there's any chance for rain.
Bug Spray/Repellant - Florida is know for is bugs, this time of the season is the lowest for bugs, but they are still out there. 100% Deet works great just don't spray it directly on your skin. Nothing drives me nuts quicker than a buzzing horsefly.
Knife or multi-purpose tool - Army knife or multi-purpose tool such as a "Gerber". You can't imagine how often you'll use one of these on the trail.
Flashlight/Headlamp - For finding your way in the dark and signaling for help. Hands-free headlamps are best.
Sunglasses/Hat/Sun block - Otherwise you can fry your skin or hurt your eyes if you're out all day in the sun. We may be hiking through the woods, but the sun can still creep through the branches.
Sanitary Items/TP - When nature calls be prepared.
Camera - Lot's of Kodak Moments
Hand Cleaner/Baby Wipes - Waterless hand wash/Towelettes. Keep your hands clean, and you'll be less likely to catch something nasty. Keep the rest of you clean, and you'll feel better, sleep better, chafe less, and smell better to your partners.
Small-diameter nylon rope - It doesn't weigh much, but is handy for all kinds of things. Hanging clothes, food away from critters, etc. and duct tape is useful for everything from blisters to tent repairs.
Extra Socks - Nothing's worse than squishy socks. From creeks or sweat. Take 3 pair. One to start out day with; one to swap out midday.
Beef Jerky/Dried Fruit - Pound for pound, the best reserves you can have. Heavy, yes, so take just enough to eat up first day or two out.
Extra Batteries - If you're taking electronic anything. Flashlight or GPS, etc. Take some extra batteries. GPS units will burn through a set of batteries in a hurry if you leave it on for very long at a time.
Plastic Trash Bags - Use to cover your pack or at least protect your sleeping bag if it starts raining. Also great to have to set your gear out on dewy mornings and then later to carry your trash out.
Fluid Enhancers - Gatorade is good on hot hikes as a continual light calorie source and helps keep muscles from cramping. Anything with caffeine is good in the morning to get you started for the day.
Frequently Asked Questions about Little Manatee River State Park
Question: What area of the park is my pet allowed?
Answer: Pets are permitted in the campground and throughout the picnic area on a 6ft hand held leash. Pets are prohibited on nature trails.
Question: Do you sell firewood at the park?
Answer: Do you sell firewood at the park? Firewood can be purchased at the Ranger Station for $5.00 a bundle.
Question: Are there bike trails at Little Manatee River State Park?
Answer: Off-road bicycle trails are not available however, bicycle riding is allowed on the main park drive.
Question: Do you allow swimming at Little Manatee River State Park?
Answer: No, swimming is not allowed in the park.
Question: Are pets allowed in the campground?
Answer: Yes, pets are allowed in the campground. Owners must provide proof of rabies vaccination. Additional rules apply.
Question: Do you have any campsites on the water?
Answer: No, none of our family campsites are on the river.
Question: Where is the nearest grocery store?
Answer: The nearest grocery store is 5 miles north of the park at the corner of U.S. 301 and S.R. 674.
Question: Does the park have a boat ramp?
Answer: The park does not have a boat ramp. A canoe launch is available in the park where small Jon boats, canoes, and kayaks can be launched. Motors greater than 5-horse power are prohibited and idle wake is observed on the river within park boundaries.
Question: Is fishing permitted in the park?
Answer: Yes, fishing is allowed in the park. A Florida freshwater fishing license is required. Please visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website for more information on licensing. FWCC
Question: How big is Little Manatee River State Park?
Answer: The park is 2,400 acres and the Little Manatee River runs through for approximately 4.5 miles.
Question: Where can we rent canoes?
Answer: You can register to rent canoes at the Ranger Station. Equipment and key to canoe will be given to you at time of registration and you will be directed to the canoe launch where the canoes are located.
Directions/Maps:
Little Manatee River State Park
215 Lightfoot Road
Wimauma, Florida 33598
Contact Tampa Adventure Group:
[masked]
1-888-3111-TAG(824)
See you at the campsite!
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