Paddle the Upper River
The county-run Chassahowitzka River Campground and Recreation Area, 8600 W Miss Maggie Drive, has a launch, boat and canoe rentals, camping and a camp store. (352) 382-2200.
Things to do • Springs • Wildlife
Chassahowitzka River Visitor Guide
Springs, a wild river, a 31,000-acre refuge and one of Florida’s quietest coastlines. How to visit, where to launch, what to see, and how to see more of it by boat.
About the River
The Chassahowitzka (locals say “Chazz”) rises from a group of springs at the south end of Citrus County and flows nearly seven miles west to the Gulf, mostly through undeveloped land. The state has designated it an Outstanding Florida Water, and the Southwest Florida Water Management District calls it one of the more scenic rivers in Florida. Its headwaters, side springs and tributaries are, in the District’s words, “known locally for their great sportfishing and crabbing.”
Downstream, the river runs into the Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge, created in 1943: about 31,000 acres of saltwater bays, estuaries, brackish marsh, hardwood swamp and mangrove islands, much of it designated wilderness.
Sources: SWFWMD: Chassahowitzka River and Coastal Swamps (opens in a new tab), U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (opens in a new tab).
Ways to Experience the Chassahowitzka
Take a Guided River Tour
See the springs, the lower river, refuge bays and islands with Captain Al, a licensed captain on the river since 1997. Tours meet at 8501 W Miss Maggie Dr. River & manatee tours
Fish It
Redfish, trout and snook in the river and refuge, with license, bait, rods and tackle included on Captain Al’s charters. Fishing charters
Walk the Salt Marsh
The refuge’s Salt Marsh Trails off Mason Creek Road in Homosassa have flat paths, a boardwalk and the Lastinger observation tower. Open sunrise to sunset.
Be a Good River Visitor
- Look, don’t touch. Never feed, chase or touch manatees, and never come between a mother and calf. FWC guidelines (opens in a new tab)
- Go slow in the shallows. Seagrass is protected habitat, and prop scars take years to heal.
- Don’t feed wildlife, including alligators and birds. It’s prohibited in the refuge.
- Refuge hours are sunrise to sunset.
- Pack it out. Leave no trash, line or bait bags behind.
Want the river’s back story? Read our history of the Chassahowitzka, from 10,000-year-old artifacts at the springs to the 1943 refuge.
Chassahowitzka Visitor FAQ
Can you swim in the Chassahowitzka River?
The river is a popular paddling and swimming spot near the springs, but conditions and rules vary by location and can change, and parts of the refuge have restrictions. Check current rules with Citrus County Parks and the refuge before you go, and never disturb manatees or other wildlife.
Where do you launch on the Chassahowitzka?
The Chassahowitzka River Campground and Recreation Area at 8600 W Miss Maggie Drive, run by Citrus County Parks and Recreation, has a boat launch, boat and canoe rentals and a camp store. Call (352) 382-2200 for current hours and fees.
Is a guided boat tour worth it?
If you want to see the lower river, the refuge bays and the islands, yes. The river shallows quickly downstream and has many side creeks. A local captain knows where to go on each tide and where wildlife is likely, so you spend the time looking, not navigating.
When is the best time to visit?
Any time of year. Winter brings manatees to the warm spring water and comfortable temperatures; spring and fall are mild and great for birds and fishing; summer means scallop season and early-morning trips before the afternoon storms.
Book by call or text
See the Chassahowitzka by boat
Call or text Captain Al with your date, the number of people and the trip you’d like. He’ll confirm availability, rates and where to meet. No payment or deposit is collected online.
Tap “Text Captain Al” and a message is started for you. Just fill in your date and group size.