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Riverbend Retreat on the Little Manatee River

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A house by a calm water body with dense greenery and tall trees.
A wooden staircase leading to a covered area surrounded by lush greenery and large banana plants.
A compact kitchen with white cabinets, a stove, a sink, and a window.
A living room with a sofa, coffee table, and TV. There is a kitchen area with cabinets and a dining table.
A wooden deck with a hanging chair and a table, overlooking a lush garden.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Pet friendly
  • Air conditioning
  • Parking available

Explore the area

View in a map
Ruskin, FL
  • Place, Little Manatee River State Park
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Tampa Riverwalk
    ‪40 min drive‬
  • Place, Port Tampa Bay
    ‪41 min drive‬
  • Airport, Tampa, FL (TPA-Tampa Intl.)
    ‪52 min drive‬

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About the neighborhood

Ruskin

This vacation home places you next to Little Manatee River State Park and within 2 miles (3 km) of Camp Bayou Nature Preserve. The vacation home includes a kitchen, a refrigerator, and a microwave.
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What's nearby

  • Little Manatee River State Park - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Benchmark International Arena - 40 min drive - 35.2 miles
  • Tampa Riverwalk - 40 min drive - 35.6 miles
  • Port Tampa Bay - 41 min drive - 31.4 miles
  • Raymond James Stadium - 48 min drive - 40.6 miles

Getting around

  • St. Petersburg, FL (SPG-Albert Whitted) - 48 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Wawa - ‬17 min drive
  • ‪Circle K - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪RaceTrac - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬17 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬12 min drive

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Riverbend Retreat on the Little Manatee River

Experience the magic of "Old Florida" at this unique hidden gem on the wild Little Manatee River. The other side of the river is the state park, and wildlife abounds: alligators, manatees, turtles, deer, hogs, hawks and pileated woodpeckers are common sights. Kayaking right from the house is super easy and beautiful. The house itself is very comfortable with two queen bedrooms and a pull-out sofa with a memory foam mattress. The kitchen is fully equipped for cooking. The big screened porch is the best space to hang out. Outside there's a fire pit, hammock and swing. You feel far from everything, but it's only a ten minute drive to the commercial strip and the highway. This is a fantastic place for a romantic getaway or a fun family get-together. It's a natural wonder!
The vacation home is air-conditioned and features a kitchen and space to spread out with 2 bedrooms. Other standard amenities include a washing machine, a coffee maker, and an ironing board.

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the house: WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Ice maker
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • Smart TV

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Firepit
  • Porch/lanai

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Designated smoking areas
  • Note from host: Smoking outside only.

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • On a river

Things to do

  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Hiking nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property)

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Check-out instructions

The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Take out the trash
Return the keys
Please take trash and recycling up the “hill” to the bins where the dirt road ends.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Pets

  • This property welcomes pets
  • Service animals exempt from fees
  • Note from host: One or two well-behaved dogs are okay. No cats.

Children and extra beds

  • Note from host: Children love this place!

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas
Smoking outside only.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
  • Check-in: 4:00 PM
  • Check-out: 11:00 AM

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.

Property is also known as

Riverbend Retreat on the Little Manatee River Ruskin

Frequently asked questions

What's there to see near this vacation home?

This vacation home is located in Ruskin, just steps from Little Manatee River State Park. Camp Bayou Nature Preserve is also within a driving distance of 1.4 mi.

Will I be able to park at Riverbend Retreat on the Little Manatee River?

No, this vacation home doesn't offer parking.

Is this vacation home next to a casino?

No, this vacation home is not connected to a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at this vacation home?

No, there is no indoor pool at this vacation home.

Is Riverbend Retreat on the Little Manatee River a good place to stay for couples?

Amenities that appeal to couples at this riverfront vacation home include a smart TV and a kitchen along with a firepit.

Does Riverbend Retreat on the Little Manatee River have a hot tub?

No, this vacation home doesn't have a spa tub.

Does this vacation home provide breakfast?

No, this vacation home doesn't offer breakfast.

Will this vacation home allow pets to stay free of charge?

Although pets can't stay for free, they are welcome at this vacation home.

Does Riverbend Retreat on the Little Manatee River have connecting rooms available?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this vacation home.

How close is the airport from this vacation home?

The closest major airport to this vacation home is St. Petersburg, FL (SPG-Albert Whitted), which is about 16.4 mi away. Another top airport is Tampa, FL (TPF-Peter O. Knight), which is around 17.3 mi away.

Can I book a room with a balcony at Riverbend Retreat on the Little Manatee River?

Yes, every house at Riverbend Retreat on the Little Manatee River comes with a porch/lanai and some offer water views.

Riverbend Retreat on the Little Manatee River Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 18 out of 22 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 22 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 22 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 22 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 22 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Rick f.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful location great accommodations
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Megan C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The property was beautiful, the house clean, the kayaks were great, we’ll be back!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Kane F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It was a nice clean home it was fun riding the kayaks in the river and enjoying the scenery I got to see a pretty large alligator sun bathing in the mornings across the river! Would definitely recommend staying here if you love the outdoors and a quiet atmosphere
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Maureen G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
What a delightful change of pace, I loved the cottage’s peaceful location. The outdoor porch with birdsong serenade was a perfect place to start the day with a cup of coffee, and end the evening with a nightcap. Thank you!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jeremy H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a great stay and will return.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

chris h.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Place
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Mark B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Pet friendly and well kept. Plenty to do on site and house was secluded and quite.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jodi

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The cabin was very nice and clean. The beds were comfortable. The only thing was there were no eash cloths for bathing. Easy enough fix. We bought some inexpensive ones for our stay. Would stay there again.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Tammy K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Awesome place to stay. It was a great escape from all the hustle and bustle. Clean, comfortable, and quiet. We are planning on making it a tradition every year. Our grandkids had a smile on their face the whole time.
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Ann E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This is a beautiful spot. Comfrotable & cozy. Kayaks are terrific.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Lisa F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Riverbend Retreat is a very relaxing and comfortable house. It is fully stocked with anything you would need to have a peaceful, relaxing stay. Although we didn’t take advantage of the kayaks, we did do some fishing which was a great way to spend the afternoon and evening. Even though it’s a secluded location, there is shopping and restaurants close by. We also spent some time at both E.G. Simmons County park which has a small beach and Little Manatee State Park which you can paddle to. Check in and check out was extremely easy. We really had no problems but when we did communicate with Sidney, he responded quickly! Definitely recommend it!
Stayed 27 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jessica P.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fun

The property location was beautiful. We had an awesome time.There was a lot of ants in the house as well as dirt/debris in the beds which was remedied by washing the sheets.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Ann E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Riverbend

Very cute cottage. Very clean. Lots of little amenities - a cooler, beach chairs,sitting areas outside, fishing poles, laundry detergent, plenty of kitchen tools. Best part of course were the kayaks. Kayaking the river was really nice.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jan M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cozy and Secluded Yet Convenient to Shopping

The Riverbend Retreat is what I'd called a cute, cozy, and comfortable cottage. It's secluded and private yet within a 15 minute drive to restaurants and shopping. The property is so peaceful, and my favorite parts were the wrap around screened in deck, and the firepit by the river. And the opportunity to kayak and fish was a plus (although we did not partake). We'll be returning!
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2023
Verified review

8/10 Good

Cindy S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Gator Fun!!

We had a nice stay at the River Bend Retreat. Did a little kayaking, got to watch 3 gators slide into the water. Continued paddling and enjoyed the scenery!! The Retreat was homey, and had pretty much everything we needed. Sidney was a phone call away with any concerns. It is a unique location and was very relaxing.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Tim F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Old Florida property!

Place was very well equipped and right on the river. This is “Old Florida” so it’s not new or fancy so if that is your speed this is not for you. We loved our stay and it was very peaceful. Communication with Sydney was great.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2024
Verified review

8/10 Good

brock m.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

John T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

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