Trip 4 - General Info

Please be aware that this trip is a challenge under normal circumstances, and based on tree downfalls could be very physically demanding and could require major portaging. This trip is ONLY recommended for experienced paddlers, and we do not offer online bookings for this run due to the possible challenges and experience needed. Be sure to call and check conditions before booking your trip. 813-634-2228.

Extend your wilderness paddle of Trip 3 by adding this section from Leonard Lee Rd. to St. Rd. 579. This very remote section will add 4 miles and 2 hours to your trip for a total trip of 10 miles or 6 hours paddle time back to the Outpost. This trip is available only in conjunction with Trip 3 except by special arrangement. Begin your trip with a bus ride from the Outpost at 9:30 and set your own pace to return to the Outpost by 5:00 (or 6:00, on a case-by-case basis). This run is also the only run of the river long enough to do overnight river camping on! Fully primitive camping on the riverbanks is a challenge, but there’s no better way to reconnect with nature and get the full Little Manatee experience.

Trip Four Pricing

We charge for our trips based on the type of boat, not the number of people in that boat. All prices include all needed gear like life jackets, paddles and boat cushions, as well as shuttle service from the Canoe Outpost to 579 bridge, 7 days a week, at either 9:30 or 11 AM. Please note that prices listed do not include sales tax. Be sure to call to check on conditions before planning this trip, as river levels can change the navigability of this run.

  • Canoes hold more people and gear than any other boat in our rental fleet, making them a great choice for larger groups with coolers to carry. 2 adults and 2 kids, or 3 adults per boat. We do not recommend canoes on Trip Three due to the narrow and winding nature of this run.

  • Double Kayaks are smaller and more maneuverable than our canoes, but hold less gear. Double sit ins can hold up to 2 adults and 1 small kid (under the age of 5), and 1 small bag or cooler. Double sit on tops hold 2 adults and 1 small bag or cooler. Small children are not recommended to join in on this trip, as it’s a challenging run with no facilities.

  • Single kayaks are a great way to see the river! Agile, maneuverable, stable, and easy to pilot. Maximum of 1 person per boat, with 1 medium or 2 small bags or coolers. These boats are the recommended choice for this run.

  • If you have your own boat, we can give you a ride to 579 to start your trip for $26. If you have more than 1 personal boat in your party, we can give a $5 discount for each transportation fee. Please note that this option does not include paddle or life jackets. Bring your own gear, or rent ours for $1 per piece of equipment.

  • In addition to our rental boats, we also offer add-on items for your trip including:
    dry bag rentals for $2
    seat back rentals for $3 (canoes only)
    Damage insurance for $1 per boat

    We also have a fully stocked store with hats, shirts, water shoes, snacks, drinks, ice cream, camping supplies, and all sorts of souvenirs to remember your trip.

Primitive River Camping Info

A typical overnight trip on the upper Little Manatee begins with a bus ride upriver 10 miles to our Trip 4 put in.  Most folks paddle 2-4 hours on day 1 covering between 5-7 miles. On day 2 you can choose to leisurely fish and paddle the remains of the 10 miles back to the Canoe Outpost and stop there or you can continue on through the State Park for about 2 1/2 hours more and cover the additional 6 miles down to our day run take out for a 16 mile 2 day run. Camp sites on the upper sections are generally small openings in the woods,  suitable for 1-4 tents but no large groups.

A lower river paddle camping trip begins at the Canoe Outpost and follows our Trip 1 day run and the loop extension sections for a 31/2 hour paddle to the primitive campsite in the state park. On day 2 you have the option of a short paddle back to our day run pick up point or continuing on through the lower, more open river sections to Wildcat Park west of I-75. ( There is a $10 per boat extra transportation charge for Wildcat Park pickup ) Your day 2 paddle time on the lower sections can be as short as 2 hours or longer with a side trip into Desperation Creek. The campsite on the lower river is more open could accommodate larger groups of up to 20 people. It is land accessible and offers an easy hike to restrooms and showers in the state park. Camp area reservations and per person fees are required with the state park.

You may also choose to combine sections of the river to get the length and type of trip you want. Just ask and we will work with you. Any trip you choose is sure to be fun and an adventure. Be sure to check out the specific trip descriptions on the Little Manatee River Trips page. Remember that the upper sections of the river are more challenging and natural and you may encounter some obstructions. Please call for a conditions report before you plan your trip.

For those who want the feel of a paddle camping trip but the flexibility of having land accessibility and facilities, the Canoe Outpost offers a variety of options. Perhaps you would do our Trip 3 or Trip 4 runs on day 1, camp at the Outpost and do our Trip 1 the next day. From deluxe cabins, individual campsites, group camp sites with a pavilion or woodsy semi-primitive group sites, you choose your level of comfort. ( Please see our Camping and Lodging page for camp descriptions )

For paddle camping, we provide just the same gear as we do for our day trips so it is essential that you bring all the camping gear you need. Our outpost store offers dry bags for sale or rent. Be sure to bring trash bags and bring back all waste. You will need a shovel or other tool for latrine use. Extreme caution must be used to prevent forest fires and no live trees are to be cut. Responsibility and respect for the wild is the key to successful, sustainable camping trips on the river. 

Rates: There is no charge for primitive river camping on the upper river. The only fees are for the rental of the boat of your choice. Most commonly you will use a 17’ aluminum Grumman canoe to get the most storage capacity for your gear. The rental rate for a canoe for primitive river camping is $55 plus tax per day (minimum of 2 days).