Withlacoochee River Park is a Pasco County regional park occupying 458 acres. Combined with 146 additional acres from the Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve provided by the Southwest Florida Water Management District along the Withlacoochee River, this park offers quite a few recreational possibilities. It consists of large tracts of hardwood and pine forest, as well as cleared areas suitable for camping, picnicing and other activities.

Picnic areas include four shelters and a large pavilion, two playgrounds, restrooms, and a paved multi-use trail that runs 1.7 miles through the park. There are also over 5 miles of marked hiking trails, organized into several loops that connect via boardwalks. A fifty foot tall observation tower provides a good view of the surrounding forest.

Camping is available for tent campers in both primitive and semi-primitive settings. There are two group tent campsites that can each accommodate up to 40 people. RV camping is also encouraged, with 15 spots that have water and electrical hookups. Two primitive cabins may also be rented. Other facilities near the camping area include an earth stage, a replica of a pioneer village including a small church, and a large recreation/athletic field.

Access to the Withlacoochee River is provided with a fishing pier and kayak launch. It is possible to paddle upstream or downstream for quite a distance from this location.

Withlacoochee River Park is the site of the first bridge to cross the river in this area, built in the 1850's. It was named the "Lanier Bridge" after James Lanier, who had his team of slaves build the bridge to allow shipment of lumber, turpentine and cattle to several small towns that used to exist nearby. Timbers from the bridge can still be found about 100 yards downstream from the current kayak launch site. Note: the Withlacoochee is one of the few rivers that flows to the north.Activities & Facilities

PlaygroundPicnic shelterDogs allowedShort hiking trailsLong hiking trailsPaved bike trailsRiver or lake kayakingMotor boatingTent campingCabinsRV sitesFishing

• Trail and facilities map
• Pasco County website for Withlacoochee River Park
• SWFWMD website for Withlacoochee River Park