Rye Preserve

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 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.

Download the Rye Preserve Brochure for more information.

Location

905 Rye Wilderness Trail
Parrish, FL 34219
Map

Hours

Rye Preserve is open daily, sunrise to sunset. The Ranger Station is open limited hours to check in campers during camping season (October through May).

Ranger Station Hours:

  • Fridays and Saturdays, 3-7 p.m.  (October through May).

Things to Do

  • Hiking and nature trails
  • Dog walking
  • Kayak/canoeing trails and launch
  • Environmental education
  • Non-motorized bicycle trails
  • Managed fishing
  • Picnic areas and Pavilions
  • Wildlife viewing areas
  • Horseback riding 
  • Tent Camping

Accessibility: There is a trail around the picnic pavilion made of packed dirt or shell.  The remaining trails are dirt and may not be accessible depending on the environmental conditions.  

Camping: Available on a first-come-first-serve basis October through May.

  • 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.

Fishing: Available from the shoreline along the Manatee River.  Please be kind to the vegetation when fishing from shore within the preserve.  NOTE: Fishing is subject to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission regulations.

Kayak/Canoeing: 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.