Canoe Outpost-Little Manatee River

We went kayaking (not camping) through Canoe Outpost so I’m only reviewing about our kayaking experience. The local county park wasn’t able to accommodate us as they were still waiting for new kayaks since they lost a bunch in last year’s hurricane, so we called Canoe Outpost and they were able to set us up with less than 15 minutes notice! I was happy that they were able to save the day since we were really looking forward to kayaking. The kayaks are reasonably priced and in excellent condition. They have a little store too with snacks, drinks, and supplies for kayaking, camping, & fishing. Trust me that you’ll appreciate those drinks and snacks once you’re out on the river! The staff are super friendly and helped us into the kayak and we were on our way. We had a lot of fun, and the river was extremely quiet. Some bad planning on my part was the heat in August, and since we had tried the county park first it was approaching midday, so if you’re set on going in the dead of summer, set out very early!! We saw birds, fish, turtles, and a couple of alligators. Because of the gators, I personally wouldn’t bring pets or very young children or swim around in the water unless it was a designated roped off area (we passed one area with a short metal pier and kids paddling in the water.) Canoe Outpost is great regarding your return time, you get at least 4 hours and they have regular pickups on the hour at the end of the route. Since we were the only ones out that day (a weekday in Aug) we were able to just call them when we finished and they sent the air conditioned van to get us (and the kayak) So overall a great place and we had a blast but I’ll probably try again when it’s not so hot and it would probably be better.

Booked online for a canoe last Saturday, starters at about 1pm and got the last pick up on their bus at 5pm back. Was super smooth checking in, and finding our way down the river. Absolutely loved the ride on the water, extremely beautiful and actually did see a couple manatees too:) Thank you to the staff for being friendly to us.

Our church group had a great time kayaking here. Everything was organized and signs were clear for us to get to the pick up spot. We will definitely do this again!

My friend and I were looking for something different to do, so we decided to drive over from Saint Petersburg. The journey took us about three hours along the river, and the canopy over the water was beautiful. We even spotted a few gators! This place is very underrated—it was truly amazing.

We purchased the 2 night Kayak special and stayed in the 1 bedroom apartment. We had a great time. The unit was newly remodeled, well equipped, comfortable and charming. It felt like we were in a treehouse! The owners and staff were accommodating, efficient and friendly. Things were quiet while we were there but it was mid-week and we were the only people boating that day. Keep in mind that this is a kayak rental/campground and looks it when you drive in, so...not fancy, but we would do it again!

We rented a tandem kayak for a 6-mile trip down the Little Manatee River in mid-June. It was a lovely, quiet float. We saw manatees, turtles, and birds. The staff were friendly and helpful, and the whole trip went smoothly. The river was high, so we were in the water 2 1/2 hours with no stops and occasional paddling.

I have rented a campsite for several months now, The service is amazing the staff is awesome, respectfully, kind, and they keep the grounds very clean and beautiful I've been canoeing and kayaking down the little manatee river several times since I've been here its so beautiful and peaceful lots of wildlife to see if you are looking for a campsite for a tent or RV the rates are very reasonable they also offer cabins I highly recommend this place

Kayaked the little manatee at the end of January on a beautiful day. The staff at the outpost were very friendly and helpful. The $ to rent out a kayak was very reasonable. They explained in detail about certain landmarks,and where the pickup point is. The river itself is slow moving,shallow in a lot of areas, with a lot of trees down in the water. Found it challenging in some spots to navigate. However the river was very tranquil and peaceful. Saw plenty of turtles and alligators. The alligators were no threat at all. They were just laying in the sun. I definitely recommend this river.

I was a customer for 10 years, then I started working here in March 2024. I loved the old school Florida vibes as a customer and I'm even more impressed as a staff member. The owners are truly kind people, balancing accessibility with profit. When the rest of Florida is going to the highest bidder, you can bring your family here without going bankrupt. The river is calm, the staff is friendly, the owners are kind. Come on down and enjoy a day on the Little Manatee River.

We had such a great time today paddling the little manatee river. You can book online but I called yesterday because I wasn't sure which one we should get and he said no need to reserve just show up anytime (it's December). We took trip 1 which is between 4 and 5 miles. Saw lots of turtles, birds, gators, even a raccoon. Staff (owner maybe?) was sooooo friendly and helpful. He gave us a tutorial on the route with pictures which was super helpful. Plus they have signs towards the end of the route. Can't go wrong with Canoe Outpost and can't wait to go again next time we are visiting.

We had a great winter paddle. The Little Manatee River is a welcome natural respite from the sprawl. Staff was very welcoming. They gave very clear direction about the route, picnic and restroom stop options and more. Our daughter and niece (both nearly 5) loved the trip! Only thing I would do different next time is to pack a full picnic lunch.

This spot offers a great, affordable east weekend paddle. They hooked us up quickly and sent us and the dog on our way in our canoe with a map that looks like it was drawn by a 5 year old but that's OK since the route is basically foolproof. We saw gators (eek!), tons of birds and turtles of all sizes. Pro tip: bring a cooler with booze for the paddle and lunch for the picnic table rest stop!

Great day for a trip down the Little Manatee River. The staff at the Canoe Outpost were friendly and funny. we had everything we needed for a relaxing trip down the river.

This place is awesome. Staff is friendly and funny! You get in the water at the Canoe Outpost and float down river. They picked us up in a bus at the pick up spot and drove us back too, so no shuttling your own cars. The entire trip took 3 hrs! We had a large group (18 people total). We had a great time. They also have a camp ground. The restrooms were easy to find and clean.

Very friendly staff. Nice trip for couple hours. Brought my own kayaks, staff still helped me to launch them. Will definitely be back

Great location for some local river water access and getting one with nature. This family biz with Brian Sr. , Brian Jr. and Anita is well ran and has always been a pleasure to deal with. Your safety is ALWAYS number one with them. We will be returning here for Many Many years to come.

Had a great day kayaking down the Little Manatee River. The 5 miles took less than 3 hours of paddling. It was completely silent and peaceful for most of the way. Just a great day to be on the water. We saw lots of turtles and manatees--including a big mama and her calf--and one sleepy gator. There were several other kayaks and a canoe out at the same time. We've definitely gotta do this again--though it appears we're buying our own kayaks soon. It's a pretty professional operation and the folks are mostly nice. The gal at the counter isn't people-friendly but the others were very cool. They said they'd be at the pickup place on the hour and they were right on time. It cost us $75 for two people, everything included. Insurance for equipment loss or damage is only $1 extra.

Loved it! This was my second time at the Outpost and it did not disappoint. I went during a low tide but was able to purchase swim shoes for an affordable price and managed to only get stuck once. It took us about 2.5 hours to complete and we saw 4 alligators.

What a great experience! Brian and Anita were super nice and gave us great information and instructions. Their kayaks were very nice, clean and comfortable. It is a 6 mile run to the place where you get out. We were getting tired at the end, but it was a beautiful trip filled with natural beauty. Highly recommend this canoe adventure!

Great kayak!!! Seen 3 manatees, many turtles, fish and birds. Shuttle service was professional, Courteous, and prompt. Will be back to do again.

Had a great time on the Little Manatee River. It was my son's first canoe trip and we loved it. Saw a few alligators and tons of beautiful turtles! We will definitely visit again when we are in the area

The pictures do not do this place any justice. CAMP HERE! The sign by the road is small, and it's an immediate turn in, park on the camping side is easy and plenty of space. We stayed at the studio cabin, it's secluded from the other areas. Cabin was clean, smelled good, fully furnished - you won't have to pack your entire home. Park is clean and well maintained. John and Jordan did an amazing job during our kayak adventure, Super helpful, available for any questions, also polite and respectful, amazing team. Absolutely an amazing little Gem.

What a great little getaway for the family! Dog friendly is a plus!! We stayed in the 2 bedroom cabin and we were living like kings!! Tons of space and a lot of amenities! #GlamingDoneRight Brian the camp host was great!! We will definitely be back soon!!

We really enjoyed kayaking here. They have a picnic spot with bathrooms about half way down the river, about an hr and a half in, which is great if you plan on bringing a lunch. Staff were friendly and knowledgeable. With the YELP check-in, we were able to rent a free dry bag which came in handy for our water bottles, sunscreen, bug spray, phones and keys. Tide is low around this year, so be sure to wear water shoes as you may need to get out and adjust your kayak off of some sand beds. We spotted a gator sunbathing, probably over 5 feet long, a few interesting birds and over 30 turtles. Overall we had a great time and we'll be back!

Trips are booked by the trip, not by the hour. This is great because you get to take a leisurely ride down the river without watching the clock! I parked at the campground near the start point, paid there and got a dry bag. They helped me launch the rented kayak and gave me a little paper map to take with me. This was a great solo kayak. This also isn't a fancy touristy spot. I saw lots of turtles and 2 alligators! (Other kayakers who I rode in the shuttle with said they saw a third and fourth gator, and 2 deer!)

Great trip with everything being as promised. Driver was super nice and the people we encountered were all super pleasant. Tubes and equipment was just as described to us.

Reservations not required, but easy enough to make. We called the day before and reserved two Kayaks. Option to request sit-on vs sit-in were allowed. Payment due the day off, not at time of reservation. Reservations were for the day, so you do not have to commit to a time, which is nice. Staff was friendly and provided instructions and map prior to setting off the approximately 6-mile course (about 2.5 hrs). Pickup at the end of the 6 miles was on the hour, every hour. The river is a black water river (think of it like a dark tea. Still able to see a few feet, but not all the way down).

Was at wawa's this morning getting ready to go to the outpist just to see a bus. My children got all happy. Then as the bus was leaving the employee opened a beer and started to drive!!! Unless this guy is gone don't trust the driver!!!

We drove over an hour to this place for Trip 2 and when we arrived they said the last trip was at 2pm. I said your website said the last trip was at 3pm, which is when we arrived. They then said that about 2 weeks ago something happened with the steps area at the state park and they had to end that trip or something. Again, the website still had that trip advertised and we drove down based on that. In the day and age it's really unprofessional to not have an up to date website with your services. 2 weeks is plenty of time to update your website.

I've been going to the Canoe Outpost on the Little Manatee for years. I've brought many friends to share the wonderful experience that Canoe Outpost provides. If you want choice in a variety of available canoes and kayaks, affordable rates and reliable shuttle service, go here! Brian Sr. and Brian Jr. know the river like the back of their hands, and really know what they're doing. You'll love your experience and will be sure to return again!

We loved our trip down the Little Manatee River thanks to Canoe Outpost. The staff was super friendly, they explained the best path down the river , and made my son (6) so excited to kayak down the river with us. We had a blast. Highly recommend Canoe Outpost.

My wife and I stayed at Canoe Outpost Nov 14-21/2018 in our RV. Brian was just the perfect host, and the grounds were very clean and spacious. Had a chance to put our kayaks in the river, and this is not to be missed. Beautiful and quiet with wildlife everywhere.

Wonderful business! Kind, helpful staff, equipment in excellent shape, absolutely beautiful location. Highly recommend!

We just completed the standard trip, a 5.5 mile trip. the Manatee river slowly makes it's way through the countryside. Much of the way is under a canopy of trees and vines. The water was quite deep as hurricane Debbie had dumped a bunch of water the week before. Regardless your experience this is a great trip. I had not canoed in years and never where there was a current to negotiate. It took me a little while to get the hang of it and it was a good learning experience. We put my daughter and her friend (both 13) and no experience. They spent a lot of time in the brush but to no harm or foul and still had a good time. Take plenty of water. You can take a longer trip but the standard trip is about 2 to 2.5 hours. That was plenty for us. The office has lots of extras like dry bags and boat seats to but or rent for really very little money. They have beach shoes for $8.

Got my parents a cabin rental for 2 nights a 2 bedroom cabin. The cabin itself is really nice brand new with many amenities , very spaces and can sleep 10 . Has a closed patio .A fire pit and a grill outside . We had a lots of fun grilling running outside , took a walk to the river , my parents did a two hour kayak which they loved !. There is a white board we played hangman on and kids spend hours drawing on it !! Very nice only down fall for this cabin is how close it is from the highway so we hear the traffic .

Awesome, awesome experience. Quiet but perfectly located campground!! We stayed in the Kool Bus and it was worth every penny. Much needed R & R. Super friendly, too! We will be back and will even bring the kids next time! Thank you!!

We did the one BR cabin rental with 2 boat trips package. Had friend with her 2 kids join us. The kids slept in the loft of the cabin, we had the bed room and out friend slept in the full sized bed in he living room / kitchen area. It amazing that we packed so many people into such a small space. They have it laid out really well. Like the cabin (ice maker in the freezer is a by plus) . Walmart isn't too far away (3+Mi) so you can stock up with food. They have a gas grill which we used quite a bit which was a nice touch. The canoe trip was fun. They have a dock on the river where they stage the canoe for you and you just hop in and go. You paddle with the current so it's pretty easy. We came 2 weeks after a hurricane rolled through so the water level was much higher than normal. Lots of over hanging limbs to dodge on the river but that made it more fun. Also a tree had fallen across the river about 3/4 into trip 1 that was pretty challenging to get past , but we did it! Over all have had a great time so far. It is pretty buggy at night so be sure to bring some insect repellant. Prices are really reasonable at the office / gift shop. Would definitely recommend. We will be back

Very impressed with this canoe outpost. Friendly staff, beautiful location even have small camping facilities. Seatbacks are worth the extra bit of money, they have dry bags to rent if needed. Nice rope swing towards the end of the trip. Will definitely use this outpost again!

Brian was super nice and helpful. He was the only staff person we met but he was great. The trip itself was beautiful. We went in January on a slightly overcast day but we saw some turtles and fish along the way. It was fun navigating down river and not having to fight the current on a return trip back to camp. They actually pick you up down river and drive you back to your car. Super cool! We got a good deal via groupon but the price point was not bad even without it. There is also a yelp check in offer for a dry bag which I recommend if you didn't bring ziplocks or something for your cell phone.

Great place for overnight camping even if it's just for one day. The staff here is very accommodating when we needed ice last minute they brought it right to our campsite. We went for a kayak ride and they have everything there on site you can rent a kayak in the right from the campsite. The showers and bathrooms here are very clean you can tell they take care of the grounds. The night we went they had an open mic and a band play as well as fire pits and good food for sale. They also have different types of excursions which we are going to try out next time such as night kayaking and more! The campground is very close to the state park you can kayak there and then take a walk in the park or you can drive there it's a very short drive.

We just got back from a weekend where we enjoyed a great kayak trip. Two tandem sit-in kayaks for myself, my 15 year old son, my wife and my 11 year old daughter. Most of the trip was away from buildings and people so it was calm and tranquil. We saw lots of turtles, an alligator and a manatee...kids loved it. We stayed in their studio cabin which was fairly secluded and charmingly furnished and decorated. It was a little cramped for four but we knew that going in since the bigger cabins had been booked. Only thing keeping it from getting a five star was major sag in the bed mattress...made sleeping a little tough. Staff was great; friendly and accomodating. We will be back for a longer trip next time.

Tough time with all the virus shutdowns, but was still able to rent a kayak for a couple hours. Started upstream which really wasn't bad at all. Managed to get pretty far upstream before a tree fall that required portage stopped me. Downstream more exciting. But the quiet solitude was so refreshing. No human noise at all. Trailer camped also, very quiet but maybe due to virus. Recommended.

This is a true taste of Florida within minutes of Tampa Bay. The water is clear and shaded by canopies. The river is easy to paddle with lots of wildlife. On my last trip I came across a manatee feeding on the bank. It was amazing. Pack a lunch and enjoy.

Great spot. Awesome community camping area, beautiful river, small place that's easy to get around. Clean and cute bathrooms. Bring earplugs! The sound of the trucks on the highway kept me up all night.

One of my favorite places in the area to kayak. Gorgeous river, with canopy cover. Saw a few gators and turtles. The staff was incredibly helpful and nice. To top it off, they even allow and sell beer for your trip down the river! Makes those hot summer days so much better. :) I will definitely be returning here again soon.

We spent two nights in the cabin at the outpost was like a little piece of heaven. Nice and quite and relaxing. The cabin is fully furnished and comes with a propane grill that you can use. The staff was really friendly and knowledgeable. When we stayed the water was really really low so we didn't kayak any but still had fun.

great, natural facility. It is its own property that has a campsite( primitive camping for FREE, cabin(s) for a cost). Metal Canoes, single or double kayaks and also ;tube- when the river is high enough- i def. would not recommend it right now.. . You can rent chair backs for the boats for 3.00, insurance for 1.00 a boat and they have a snack/drink/beer/souverniers shop on site ( cash or credit) They walk you through the river stretch using pictures, so you feel comfortable on your trip. There are great stopping points to picnic ( or take a quick trail hike!). You go down the river and they pick you up at scheduled pick up times using old school buses. We saw MANY turtle, and two small gators ( no manatee). There are quite a few small clearings that are between old tree trunks and such, so be prepared to crash a few time.

My wife and I rented a canoe from Brian today, taking advantage of a $10 off Yelp promo. We had a wonderful time paddling the river. We stopped for a picnic lunch at the picnic area/playground a little beyond the mid point for a relaxing break. We actually fell in the river when we got stuck on an underwater stump, so watch out for those along the way. There are quite a few along the way. It was a warm day so even though the water was pretty cold, it was a refreshing dip. The waterproof bags offered for minimal expense at the office would have been a good idea. We were too proud to take advantage of the offer, since we've canoed often and never tipped the boat and fallen in. We noticed the river was remarkably clean and commented on it to Brian when we were picked up at the end, and he told us they make a pass through the route each day to pick up any trash. It really showed. There are many clear sandy spots along the route to take a dip, if you are so inclined. We saw no alligators and came away with all our limbs after the plunge so we think it would be worth a quick swim on a hot day. We highly recommend this outing with the Canoe Outpost.

Really good way to spend a day in the outdoors. I would recommend NOT trying to use a paddle board on this creek. There's alot of logs and stumps right below the surface and I busted my azz when the fin hit a stump. Canoe and Kayaks are the only thing you should use.

Friendly empolyees and great resource for knowledge of the river. We brought our own vessels and launched there. Everyone was very helpful and prices were fair.

We have been here a few times. Initially we came to rent kayaks and enjoy the river. Now that we own kayaks we appreciate that we can launch from here and leave our car here for $5.00 each ($10 for the two of us) if we are going out and back from the one location. If we prefer for $35 ($20 for the first and $15 for the second kayak) we can utilize their shuttle service back. The staff is always friendly and helpful. I appreciate being able to find out the condition of the river before venturing out. They have several bathrooms and I was very impressed with them. I was expecting outhouses but they have actual flushing toilets and working sinks. The bathrooms are fully stocked and clean. They provide maps of the river so you can determine where you are and about how long it will take to get to different points. They sell many items you may need at reasonable prices. We had to pick up a pair of water shoes and the cost was just under $10.

They gave away our "reserved" kayak and we had to use a different type. 2 of the younger male workers, I think we're trying to be funny, but just came off as being rude and unprofessional. Once we got going though the trip was nice, saw a couple gators, turtles, and some manatees.