Camp Manatee - Riverfront Cabin, Stunning Views, Pet-Friendly, Hot tub + Kayaks!
Welcome to Camp Manatee! This gorgeous estate sits on approximately 3 acres along the scenic Santa Fe River. With over 600 feet of river access on the property, you will enjoy the beautiful river views on the private dock or the wraparound porch.
We offer kayaks and paddles for guests to use on the river during their stay. Guests visiting in the winter months may catch a glimpse of our favorite manatee visitors!
Camp Manatee is a stilt home with all the major indoor living areas upstairs (please note that you will need to climb up a flight of stairs to enter the home.) There are three (3) spacious bedrooms and two (2) bathrooms, as well as a fully-equipped kitchen and dining table. The living area has comfortable leather couches and faces the river. You are sure to catch some lovely river views along the wraparound porch off the back of the home. There are four (4) Smart Roku TVs, all equipped with streaming services for you to stream your favorite shows during your stay.
Our property also features an additional 25 acres of vacant land adjacent to the property, just across the Santa Fe River. If you are looking to relax and get back in touch with nature, this is a must-visit spot for you!
There is wildlife all around you at Camp Manatee – on land and in the river. You may see deer, wild hogs, turkeys, squirrels, snakes, and rabbits during your visit. Some of the wildlife may be dangerous, and we advise all guests to be aware of their surroundings while on the property. Please note that our home is in a camp-like setting and guests may encounter bugs including ticks or fleas. We do have a pest control company that regularly services the property.
The Santa Fe River is fed by 36 named major springs. Countless other unnamed minor and micro springs dot the river just waiting to be found and explored!
Ichetucknee Springs: 10 minutes away via car, also accessible via kayak Poe Springs: 20 minutes away O'Leno State Park and River Rise: 20 minutes away High Springs: 20 minutes away Ginnie Springs and Devil Springs: 25 minutes away Bob's River Place: 25 minutes away Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park: 30 minutes away Gainesville/University of Florida: 45 minutes away
PLEASE NOTE: Access to the Three Rivers Community (TREPO) amenities are not provided with your reservation. These amenities including a private boat ramp (very close to Camp Manatee), parks and private access to the Ichetucknee River by land (Hodor Park) may be something we would be amendable to provide you access to under specific conditions. If you have interest in these access to these additional amenities that are not currently provided with your reservation, please reach out to us. We also have a boat available for rent. If you have any questions on pricing and availability, ask us.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
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Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
Pre-approval required + event fee.
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Pets
Pets allowed: dogs less than 50 lbs per pet (limit 2 pets total)
Pet fee is $50 per pet per stay; 2 pet maximum.
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Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Liability Waiver - Acceptance of this reservation is an agreement to the liability waiver, which is included in the rental agreement section.
No smoking inside or near entryways; if smell of smoke is noticed upon departure and/or cigarette butts are found on property there is a $500 fine.
Additional fees apply if there’s more than 2 dogs. If dog urine and/or excess fur is on furniture; guests are held responsible for incurred costs.
Important information
You need to know
Property # 3629971
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site; maximum attendees: 15
Note from host: Pre-approval required + event fee.
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
About the neighborhood
Fort White
Located in Fort White, this cabin is in a rural area and on the waterfront. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Ginnie Spring and Fort White Wildlife and Environmental Area. Kayaking and scuba diving offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hunting and ecotours nearby.
Fort White Wildlife and Environmental Area - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
Ichetucknee River - 18 min walk - 1.5 km
Ichetucknee Conservation Area - 2 min drive - 1.4 km
Ginnie Spring - 33 min drive - 32.1 km
Restaurants
The Package Shack - 11 min drive
Hungry Howies Pizza - 11 min drive
Subway - 11 min drive
Farm Stand - 11 min drive
The Collective - 12 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Camp Manatee - Riverfront Cabin, Stunning Views, Pet-Friendly, Hot tub + Kayaks! pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 50 lbs per pet.
How much does it cost to stay at Camp Manatee - Riverfront Cabin, Stunning Views, Pet-Friendly, Hot tub + Kayaks!?
As of Jun 4, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Camp Manatee - Riverfront Cabin, Stunning Views, Pet-Friendly, Hot tub + Kayaks! on Jun 21, 2026 start from $534, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking?
Onsite parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Camp Manatee - Riverfront Cabin, Stunning Views, Pet-Friendly, Hot tub + Kayaks!?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Camp Manatee - Riverfront Cabin, Stunning Views, Pet-Friendly, Hot tub + Kayaks!?
Check-out is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Camp Manatee - Riverfront Cabin, Stunning Views, Pet-Friendly, Hot tub + Kayaks! located?
Situated on the waterfront, this cabin is steps from Santa Fe River and Fort White Wildlife and Environmental Area. Ichetucknee River and Ichetucknee Springs State Park are also within 2 mi (3 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
We had a wonderful stay. This place was so beautiful and peaceful. I loved that it was right on the river and they had kayaks to explore it with. The house was a great layout, well decorated and amazing wrap around porch. My husband woke up early the first morning and saw deer, wild turkey, hogs, ducks, bass and mullet jumping in the river! We would absolutely stay here again!
Great location, beautiful property. House was better than the pictures. I would stay at this property again. Saw manatees at the dock, location was very close to the local springs.
Camp Manatee exceeded my expectations. I must say it is one of the best VRBO’s that I’ve ever booked. The house is beautiful. My guests and I had a most relaxing stay. I cannot wait to return for my next “Get Away”!
This place was amazing! Great views, perfect for our group of adults and teens! Something for everyone- hot tube, fishing, kayaking and close to some of Florida’s most beautiful springs.
Melissa R.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 6, 2025
Thank you Melissa. Great to have you and we'd welcome you back anytime!!
If you’re looking for peace and quiet and an abundance of nature, this place has it all. Easy to find well-maintained and a nice little dock to sit on catching catfish while watching the Osprey, some deer, raccoon and turkeys. Hot tub was great way to end the dayand watching the steam come off the river in the morning tied it all in.
A total river oasis! Was the perfect location for two best friends and our three children to disconnect from reality and reconnect with ourselves and nature!
Clean, cozy home--beautiful and spacious outdoor area with big cypress trees and views of the Santa Fe River. Plenty of seating areas, lots of privacy and nature. Host was very responsive and helpful. We had a great trip, would definitely stay again!
What an amazing time we had at Camp Manatee. Communication with host was spot on, very helpful and accommodating. The property is spectacularly peaceful and ticked every box for us.
Thank you Camp Manatee, we will be back!
Chef C.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024
Response from VrboOwner on Oct 5, 2024
Chef, thank you so much for your kind words!
Camp Manatee is ready for your return anytime!
Let us know and we will be more than happy to provide you with our returning guest discount.
All the best!
We had a great stay at Camp Manatee! The hosts responded quickly to all of our questions. The house was beautiful, looked just like the pictures on line. Beds were comfortable, plenty of extra pillows and bedding. Full kitchen with everything you need. Make sure you bring coal for the grill and wood/firestarters for the campfire. We enjoyed s’mores, brought a light up frisbee for the kids when it got dark, so much space for them to run around! We loved this house, would highly recommend!!!
What an amazing place! We thoroughly enjoyed our stay. We enjoyed canoeing down the river and visiting the springs. Place was very nice and clean. Everything we needed. Beautiful views. Got to see a lot of wildlife. Will definitely book again!
Beautiful property right on the the Santa Fe just upriver from the springs. Everything was spotless and the amenities were just what we needed.
We also rented their boat which was just icing on the cake!
We will be back :)
Barbara S.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024
Response from VrboOwner on Sep 7, 2024
Thank you so much for the wonderful review Barbara! We certainly would love to have you back to Camp Manatee anytime! When you are ready please let us know so we can extend our returning guests benefits to you!
This property was very clean and We felt right at home. The views from every direction were wonderful . Really enjoyed sitting by the fire pit on the Island. So many different areas to relax and enjoy nature at its best.
I will definitely come back !
This was a great property with phenomenal views of the river and direct access to your own private docknon the river. It is close enough where you can Kayak to Itchectugnee Springs and enjoy beautiful blue waters. There are plenty of fish in the river and the deers walk freely throughout the land. The property was clean and had lots of things to do like Kayaking and fiahing or just hanging out in the Jacuzzi. If you want to relax and be in and around nature this is the place. The property had everything you needed to make your days feel like you are living more connected to God.
Candida G.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
About the host
Hosted by The Camp Manatee Team
Our family visited the Fort White area several years ago and immediately fell in love with the springs the natural areas and all it has to offer! We came back every summer and missed it as soon as we left. So we decided to purchase a property here. Camp Manatee was established as a short-term vacation rental in 2022 so that others can share in our love for this magical place and make special memories of their very own!
Why they chose this property
Did you know that the Santa Fe River is fed by 36 named major springs? Countless other unnamed minor and micro springs dot the river, just waiting to be discovered and explored. Within walking or kayaking distance is the majestic Ichetucknee River. Tube or kayak down the crystal blue rivers and enjoy the towering hundreds of years old cypress trees that shoulder the shorelines. The Ichetucknee State Park is a five-minute drive away. Here there are multiple springs and amenities to enjoy.
Numerous other springs are located within minutes of Camp Manatee. Downtown High Springs with its quaint shops and restaurants is approximately 20 minutes away and the University of Florida and Gainesville are approximately 40 minutes from Camp Manatee.
Of course, if you visit us in the late fall, winter, and even in the early spring months you may catch a glimpse of our favorite manatee visitors!
Whether you want to adventure the abundant beautiful springs in the area kayaking, swimming, tubing, snorkeling, or scuba diving, or if you just want to kick back and relax and get back in tune with nature, Camp Manatee has everything you are looking for.
Want to hit the sights by boat? We have you covered! Ask us about our brand new Pontoon Boat Rental to learn more about taking it out to visit the springs from the river!
There is truly something for everyone!
What makes this property unique
Camp Manatee is a magical estate situated on approximately 3 acres with over 650 feet of Santa Fe River frontage. Camp Manatee is a stilt home elevated over the ground by 30+ feet. This gives you an incredible vantage point of the expansive property from the home and wrap-around porches.
Adjacent to Camp Manatee is a vacant, developed 25-acre parcel that is accessible to guests of Camp Manatee. Directly across the river is the Fort White Wildlife Environmental Area (FWWEA) which will always be untouched and never built upon. That means tons of privacy and completely surrounded by nature.
This natural area is perfect for exploring, hunting, and fishing and comprises over 1,600 acres of natural land. All of this area plays host to a wide array of wildlife and birds that enhance the experience of stays at Camp Manatee.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests