Experience a slice of old Florida at the Rye Preserve. You don't have to travel far, Rye Preserve is closer than you think. This 530-acre property is located just northwest of the Lake Manatee Dam.
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.
Rye Preserve is home to a piece of Manatee County's early pioneer history. Within the preserve, visitors can view the Rye Family Cemetery, the last remaining reminder of the old Rye River community.
***The last weekend of camping is April 26-27***
Hours
Open daily 365 days a year from sunrise to sunset. The Ranger Station is open for limited hours to check-in campers during the camping season (September through April). • Fridays and Saturdays, 3-7 p.m. (September through April).
- Camping
- Canoe and Kayak Launch
- Education Area - Outdoors
- Fishing Access
- Grills
- Historical Marker
- Playground
- Restrooms
- Shower Stations
- Walking Trail
- Water Fountains
- Wildlife viewing areas
Rye Preserve Playground
Rye Preserve Canoe/Kayak Launch
Location Details
The launch is located on the Red Trail. Start at the main parking area and follow the trail down the steps to the water's edge. The launch site provides access to the Manatee River.
Rye Preserve Campground
Hours
Camping: Available on a first-come-first-serve basis October through April.
- Camping fee: $20 per night per site, plus tax. Check or cash only. No credit/debit card
- Camping registration: At the Rangers Station from 3-7 p.m.
- Checkout time: 2 p.m.
Tent Camping is available at Rye Preserve on Friday and Saturday nights October through April only on a first-come-first-serve basis.
***The last weekend of camping is April 26-27***
Camping Fees & Registration
Camping fees: $20 per night per site plus tax (max 6 people per single campsite). Cash or check only. No debit/credit cards.
Camping registration: You must register at the Ranger Station prior to setting up your campsite. Registration is from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Checkout time is 2 p.m.
Rye Preserve Tent Camping Rules
- Maximum of 6 people per single campsite.
- Camping permitted at campground only.
- Campsites must have at least one responsible camper present who is 21 years of age or older.
- No RVs, camping trailers or generators are permitted.
- Pets are allowed but must be on leash at all times.
- Firewood is for sale when available and camp fires are permitted in designated fir rings, except during periods of extreme drought.
- Camp fires may be banned during drought conditions. Violators may lose future camping privileges and face penalties from the Florida Forest Service.
- Cutting limbs, driving nails, hanging, or tying anything to trees or shrubs is prohibited.
- Be courteous to others and keep noise to a minimum after 10 p.m.
Rye Preserve Ranger Station
Hours
Fridays and Saturdays, 3-7 p.m. (October through May).
Ranger Station Hours:
- Fridays and Saturdays, 3-7 p.m. (October through May).
If you are planning to stay at the Rye Preserve Campground, you must register at the Ranger Station.
Rye Preserve Nature Center
Hours
Available by reservation only. The facility is free and open to the public by reservation only. Please call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6042 to schedule your group visit.
This newly established educational resource in eastern Manatee County was created to help tell the story of Manatee County’s uplands ecosystems and the unique creatures that call them home. Inside the facility, visitors will find eight hands-on exhibits. Adults and children alike can climb inside the nest of a scrub jay, touch real fossils dating back millions of years, and discover what Rangers encounter while working a prescribed fire. Visitors can travel back in time to discover the Town of Rye and its residents, learning about the once-bustling pioneer village found in the northeastern section of the preserve. Each of these elements combines to tell the story of the preserve.
