Preserves

Manatee County provides some of the best opportunities to get outdoors in the region. With 12 publically-accessible preserves and more than 30,000 acres of conservation land, the is something for everybody. 

Most sites allow dogs, however, dogs are not allowed at the beaches or the following preserves: Leffis Key, Moody Branch, Neal, and Perico Preserves. 

Explore an interactive map of parks and things to do in Manatee County

Location Amenities
Duette Preserve
Camping, Fishing, Grills, Pavilion, Restrooms, Trails
Emerson Point Preserve
Beach, Fishing, Grills, 3-Pavilions, Restrooms, Trails
Headwaters at Duette Preserve Pavilion, Trails
Jiggs Landing Preserve Boat Ramp, Fishing, Grills, Open Space, Pavilion, Playground, Restrooms, Trails
Leffis Key Preserve Trails (no dogs)
Moody Branch Preserve
Pavilion, Trails (no dogs or bikes)
Neal Preserve
Pavilion, Trails (no dogs)
Perico Preserve
Trails (no dogs)
Riverview Pointe Preserve Beach, Trails
Robinson Preserve
Beach, Canoe/Kayak Launch, Fishing, Grills, Open Space, Pavilion, Playground, Restrooms, Trails
Rye Preserve
Camping, Canoe/Kayak Launch, Fishing, Grills, Pavilion, Playground, Restrooms, Trails
Ungarelli Preserve  Pavilion, Trails

Wheelchairs and Mobility Devices

Wheelchairs and Manually-Powered Mobility Aids are allowed anywhere foot traffic is allowed. Other Power-Driven Mobility Devices (OPDMD) shall be permitted only for use by people with mobility disabilities and shall typically comply with the following maximum specifications in order to be considered acceptable for use in Manatee County’s Parks and Preserves:

  1. Speed - The operating speed while in a Manatee County Park or Preserve shall be that of typical walking speed, based on the particular soil type and existing environmental conditions, not to exceed 5 miles per hour.
  2. Width - The width shall not typically exceed 34 inches. Certain pedestrian routes, trails and undeveloped areas may reduce the acceptable width as the width varies greatly for these areas due to natural features or cultural landscapes.
  3. Length - The length shall not typically exceed 62 inches. Certain pedestrian routes, trails and undeveloped areas may not support the length of certain devices due to natural features or cultural landscapes.
  4. Weight - The weight of the device shall not typically exceed 550 pounds. Certain pedestrian routes, trails and undeveloped areas may not support the weight of certain devices due to natural features or cultural landscapes.
  5. Type - The type shall not typically include any motorized off-highway vehicle designed to travel on non-highway tires and/or having a seat designed to be straddled by the operator and/or handlebars for steering control, such as all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), off-highway motorcycles (OHMs) and recreational off-highway vehicles (ROV). Note: Gas-powered vehicles, no matter the type, shall not typically be allowed in any facilities enclosed by walls and/or covered by roofs.
     

IMPORTANT NOTE

PLEASE CALL BEFORE YOU GO. It is highly recommended that you contact Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources in advance of your visit to ensure that your OPDMD is approved for use in the particular element(s) and at the particular time(s) you intend to use it.

Adopted from the Florida State Park Service policy