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Experience a slice of old Florida at the Rye Preserve. You don't have to travel far, the Rye Preserve is closer than you think. Rye Preserve is a 145 acre property located just northwest of the Lake Manatee Dam. The preserve features nature trails, horseback trails, picnic areas, a playground and a canoe/kayak launch. The preserve's trail system leads visitors through four distinctive ecosystems, including sand pine scrub, xeric oak scrub, oak hammocks and the river community. A variety of interesting creatures can be seen in these areas including the rare gopher tortoise and Florida scrub-jay.
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Birding, Camping, Canoeing, Fishing, Fly Fishing, Kayaking, Natural Wildlife Viewing, Playground, Swimming, Tubing
Camping fees are $20.00 per site per night, plus tax. Cash and Checks only, please. No Credit/Debit cards accepted A maximum of 6 people will be allowed to occupy a single campsite. Camping registration is at the Rangers Station from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Checkout time is 2:00 p.m. You must register at the Rangers Station prior to setting up your campsite. Camping permitted at campground only.
This is a nice place to visit and spend some time outside. Nice trails to walk that were marked and easy to navigate. There is also a playground, but we didn't use it.
I have been going here as long as I can remember from my parents camping trips and into my teens and even now as an adult.
I know alot of this park like the back of my hand, and it has a wide variety of fish available, both salt water and fresh, as always in Florida keep an eye open for alligators and if the dam is open and the water is deep be careful as I have seen a bull shark in the water as well.
Just respect the nature and you will be ok.
Are you kidding me with the family releasing a photo full of balloons at a NATURE PRESERVE!!!! that’s the usual behavior for rye. it is a nice place , clean up after yourself. Great trails to enjoy, lots of treats.
My girlfriend and I rode all the trails and the majority of them we had to turn around and go back because of trees crossing the trails or big branches. Corrosion near the big canal could not ride there. I reported that all the trails need to be clean To be equine friendly. All the trails are lovely and would be absolutely wonderful if you could actually ride through and complete the entire trails. It would be nice if there was a sign put by the wash area(hose bib and hose) located in the parking lot. We had a difficult time being able to use that for our horses for water due to vehicles blocking it. Also, we noticed 1 inch by half inch pipes sticking up from the ground near one of the entrances I believe it was the crossover Red Trail if a horse steps on that he will go lane. Again if the trails are all cleaned so equine people could enjoy the trails on their horses that would be wonderful. Not equine friendly at this time. It is friendly for any hikers of course they can go under the branches or climb over them. Looking forward to going back after it has been cleaned.
