The Chassahowitzka
River and Coastal Swamp area, acquired by the Southwest Florida Water Management
District in the 1990's, includes the headwaters of the Chassahowitzka River and
several tributary and springs. It is bounded by the
Chassahowitzka
National Wildlife Refuge to the west, the
Chassahowitzka Wildlife Management Area to the south, and portions of the
Homosassa Tract of
the Withlacoochee State Forest to the north and east.
The main gateway to the area is the Citrus County
public boat ramp located just west of the intersection of US19 and US98 at the
end of Miss Maggie Drive. When you come to the Chassahowitzka River Campground,
keep driving until you get to the end of the road. There is a large parking area
- but it fills up quickly on weekends. A fee is charged to park your car, truck
or boat trailer.
The launch site on Miss Maggie Drive is referred to as the Chassahowitzka River
Recreation Area. It includes a general store, kayak and canoe rentals, a paved
boat ramp and restrooms, as well as parking. There
are a number of tributary steams entering the river within a short distance of
the launch ... almost all of which have a spring
as their source. This makes the water of the Chassahowitzka River crystal clear
in most locations.
There are over a dozen named springs that are the source of tributary creeks
flowing into the Chassahowitzka. Many of these springs are accessible by kayak.
One of the more popular of these springs is the source of Baird Creek, known to
locals as "the Crack". Other major springs include Seven Sisters Spring, Crab
Creek Spring, Blue Spring, and Potter Spring.
There is another access point to the area at the end of Burnt Bridge Road - a
dirt road that goes through the Homosassa Tract of the Withlacoochee State
Forest. At the west end of Burnt Bridge Road, there is a parking area and access
to a two-mile unpaved multi-use trail.
Tent and RV camping is available at the nearby Chassahowitzka River Campground.
There is a fee for camping. Contact the campground for more information or
reservations.
Activities & Facilities
Dogs allowed
Short hiking trails
Long hiking trails
Mountain bike trails
River or lake kayaking
Motor boating
Tent camping
RV sites
Fishing