Title: Riverbend Retreat on the Little Manatee River - Latest Reviews, Deals & Photos 2025 - Expedia.ca [See all properties](http://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?regionId=&adults=2&children=&sort=RECOMMENDED&useRewards=false&semdtl=&userIntent=&vip=false) Entire home # Riverbend Retreat on the Little Manatee River Riverfront vacation home in Ruskin with kitchen ![Property grounds](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/61000000/60860000/60853300/60853255/76abcf33.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=598&ra=fit) ![Smart TV](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/61000000/60860000/60853300/60853255/49e55cae.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/61000000/60860000/60853300/60853255/fd894c5a.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![Exterior](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/61000000/60860000/60853300/60853255/cd8fd431.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![Property grounds](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/61000000/60860000/60853300/60853255/5a4a4d74.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) - Overview - Location - Amenities - Policies On the serene Little Manatee River, this unique gem offers a tranquil retreat with kayaking right from the house. Unwind in comfort with two queen bedrooms, a pull-out sofa, and a fully-equipped kitchen. The big screened porch is perfect for relaxation while outside you'll find a fire pit for cozy nights. 9.8 Exceptional ### Entire home 2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 6 ## Popular amenities - Parking available - Dryer - Pet-friendly - Washer - Barbecue grill - Air conditioning ## Add dates for prices Check-in Check-out Travellers ## 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! ## 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) ## Similar properties ![On the beach, motor boating, fishing](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/68000000/67980000/67970700/67970640/86799a31.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Little Harbor Gem | Water Views, Pet-Friendly & Close to Dining Ruskin - Pool - Hot tub - Pet-friendly - Free WiFi 8.0 Very good 38 reviews [](https://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-12-11&endDate=2025-12-12&selected=67970640&PinnedHotelID=67970640&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Property grounds](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/93000000/92060000/92055700/92055602/607c5a4f.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Serene modern luxury waterfront property, 8 min from the beach! 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Ruskin - Pool - Kitchen - Washer - Dryer 10 Exceptional 24 reviews [](https://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-12-11&endDate=2025-12-12&selected=48481412&PinnedHotelID=48481412&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ## 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 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 Pets allowed Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees Note from host: One or two well-behaved dogs are okay. No cats. ### Children and extra beds Children are welcome 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 ### Property is also known as Riverbend Retreat on the Little Manatee River Ruskin ## About the area ![Map](https://maps.googleapis.com/maps/api/staticmap?&size=660x330&map_id=3b266eb50d2997c6&zoom=13&markers=icon:https%3A%2F%2Fa.travel-assets.com%2Ftravel-assets-manager%2Feg-maps%2Fproperty.png%7C27.66703%2C-82.38973&channel=expedia-HotelInformation&maptype=roadmap&scale=1&key=AIzaSyCYjQus5kCufOpSj932jFoR_AJiL9yiwOw&signature=QvOpxxg67xmcin4Yzy7ud2tEn6A=) Ruskin, FL #### What's nearby - Little Manatee River State Park - 2 min walk - 0.2 km - Camp Bayou Nature Preserve - 5 min drive - 2.8 km - Port of Tampa - 36 min drive - 46.6 km - Raymond James Stadium - 43 min drive - 59.3 km - Busch Gardens Tampa Bay - 45 min drive - 60.3 km #### Getting around - St. Petersburg, FL (SPG-Albert Whitted) - 48 min drive #### Restaurants - ‪RaceTrac - ‬12 min drive - ‪Circle K - ‬12 min drive - ‪McDonald's - ‬12 min drive - ‪7-Eleven - ‬12 min drive - ‪Wendy's - ‬14 min drive ## Frequently asked questions ### Is Riverbend Retreat on the Little Manatee River pet-friendly? > Yes, pets are allowed at this property. ### How much is parking? > Onsite parking is available at the property. ### What time is check-in at Riverbend Retreat on the Little Manatee River? > Check-in begins at 4:00 PM. ### What time is check-out at Riverbend Retreat on the Little Manatee River? > Check-out is at 11:00 AM. ### Where is Riverbend Retreat on the Little Manatee River located? > Situated on a river, this vacation home is steps from Little Manatee River State Park and 1.3 mi (2.1 km) from Camp Bayou Nature Preserve. Gannon University Ruskin Campus and South Bay Hospital are also within 9 mi (15 km). ## Have a question? Beta Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews. Ask a question ## Riverbend Retreat on the Little Manatee River Reviews 9.8 ### Exceptional All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers 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.[More information](https://www.expedia.ca/lp/b/content-guidelines) 10 - Excellent 9 8 - Good 2 6 - Okay 0 4 - Poor 0 2 - Terrible 0 ### 9.4/10 Cleanliness ### 10/10 Excellent #### Jeremy H. Jun 18, 2025 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy We had a great stay and will return. ##### Jeremy H. Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025 ### 10/10 Excellent #### chris h. Aug 10, 2025 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy Great Place ##### chris h. Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Ann E. Aug 10, 2025 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy This is a beautiful spot. Comfrotable & cozy. Kayaks are terrific. ##### Ann E. Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Jessica P. Jul 31, 2024 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. ##### Jessica P. Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Ann E. May 6, 2024 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. ##### Ann E. Stayed 4 nights in May 2024 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Jan M. Jan 4, 2024 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! ##### Jan M. Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2023 ### 8/10 Good #### Cindy S. Apr 27, 2024 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. ##### Cindy S. Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2024 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Tim F. Feb 28, 2024 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. ##### Tim F. Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2024 ### 10/10 Excellent #### John T. Aug 21, 2025 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy ##### John T. 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