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.
Little Manatee River State Park - 1 min drive - 0.0 miles
Gannon University Ruskin Campus - 11 min drive - 4.3 miles
Tampa Bay - 21 min drive - 7.9 miles
Port of Tampa - 40 min drive - 31.1 miles
MacDill Air Force Base - 51 min drive - 39.5 miles
Getting around
St. Petersburg, FL (SPG-Albert Whitted) - 48 min drive
Restaurants
McDonald's - 12 min drive
McDonald's - 17 min drive
Wendy's - 14 min drive
Beanie's Bar & Sports Grill - 15 min drive
Replays Family Sports Grill - 16 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.
Property manager
Sidney Wilson
Languages
English
Similar properties
Private Cozy Home built in 1966 - with Fireplace & Butterfly Garden
Private Cozy Home built in 1966 - with Fireplace & Butterfly Garden
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
Minimum check-in age: 21
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
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!
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
Minimum check-in age: 21
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.
Is parking available on site at this vacation home?
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 kitchen and a smart TV 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 this vacation home have connecting rooms?
No, there aren't connecting rooms 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 accommodation at Riverbend Retreat on the Little Manatee River comes with a porch with some featuring water views.
Riverbend Retreat on the Little Manatee River Reviews
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Rating 10 - Excellent. 5 out of 6 reviews
10 - Excellent
5
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 6 reviews
8 - Good
1
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 6 reviews
6 - Okay
0
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 6 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 6 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
9.4/10
Cleanliness
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Jeremy H.
Jun 18, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
We had a great stay and will return.
Jeremy H.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
10/10 Excellent
Jessica P.
Jul 31, 2024
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.
Jessica P.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
Ann E.
May 6, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
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.
Ann E.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024
8/10 Good
Cindy S.
Apr 27, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
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.
Cindy S.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2024
10/10 Excellent
Tim F.
Feb 28, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
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.
Tim F.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2024
10/10 Excellent
Jan M., Sunrise FL
Jan 4, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
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!