Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge

Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge

Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge
4.5
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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Top ways to experience Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge and nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles104 reviews
Excellent
67
Very good
23
Average
10
Poor
3
Terrible
1

RocFamily
Rochester, NY103 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2022
In a late afternoon (2-4 pm) there was nothing to be seen from the car. there were a few cars parked by the picnic/ trail to the dangerous caves for scuba diving. Saw 2-3 birds in the sky. Although few people were in the national wildlife refuge area accessible by car, there was nothing else of flora or fauna interest to see from the car. There are several roads closed to cars in various condition but we did not hike them. The wildlife was so scant we wondered where they all went. Probably looks great via hike or horse but the refuge entrance via gopher road and Rattlesnake camp road did not hold much interest.
Written February 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

andi c.
1 contribution
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Friends
Beautiful place to explore and see manatees, however, roughly 1/2 of the motor boats out were speeding right through the exact locations where we had just spotted these slow, docile animals. Saw a younger ‘tee w/ an actively bleeding gash in its back. Remember to have a floatation device if paddling- my friend was nearly knocked out of her kayak from the wake one of the Chassahowitzka Charter boats created while flooring it to the campground boat ramp. Similar experience with speeding boaters when we paddled here in 2021 + 2022.
Written February 4, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Wanderlust3483
603 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2020
This is potentially heaven on earth, minus the rednecks blasting loud music in the middle of all the gorgeous nature. Be mindful that motor boats are allowed if you are kayaking or paddling. The area is just breathtaking, you can see a ton of wildlife if you are quiet and take the time to go into some of the coves. We saw manatees, dolphin, tons of birds and lots of fish. The beauty and wildlife is really just spectacular, so if that is what you are looking for, it's a great place to be.
Written December 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Gina B
Miami, FL18 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2022 • Solo
Lovely foliage and water. Map to the featured scenic ‘Crack’ at the kayak rental place was totally inadequate. I soon became lost (no reception, no signage) and paddled 3+ hours looking for it. Finally a group leaving the Crack pointed the way in. However, coming out from the ‘Crack’ I discovered there were multiple twisting routes leading nowhere .. and after frantic fast paddling to escape, for 2 more hours (already tired from not finding it and going in it), nearing nightfall, I came close to having to spend the night sitting in my kayak dreading alligators. Two months later and I still shudder. It was pretty though. Seven Sisters spring, my first stop, was easier to find (but not clear on map either, only got lost 1 hour for that part) and really gorgeous.
Written July 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

realflorida
Tampa, FL157 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
This is a federal property, managed out of the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge complex in Crystal River about 20 miles to the north. But the key to excitement is going to the County Park to access this place. The Chassahowitzka Campground has a canoe/kayak outfitter called Nature Coast Outpost that is fantastic! Instead of dragging your own canoe or kayak rent from Norm and ask for the "KAYAK 101" tour. You can be a novice on this river or an expert but all in all a phototograhers dream trip.
Written September 2, 2009
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Dawn M
Ottawa, Canada7 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2014 • Family
This was possibly the best memory of our Florida vacation. It was a last minute addition to our itinerary and well worth it. My husband and 2 boys (8 & 10yrs) rented 2 tandem kayaks (rowboats and canoes are available too) We pushed off about 9:30 am and saw a ton of wild life. Bald eagle, pelicans, mom and 3 baby otters, schools of fish, vultures, cormorants, manatees etc... There are a few places to rent kayaks. but we wnt with the more expensive campground rental. The kayaks are 15 ft from the water. you pay to park ($5) at the campground parking lot. Well worth it for the convenience. The campground store has snacks/drinks but pack your own to be sure. You can get a free map with the kayak. Binoculars would be nice but not necessary. The water is truly, crystal clear and ranges from knee deep to chest deep with some very deep spots. I would suggest arriving by 9am. We saw the most birds in the morning compared to the afternoon. We stayed until 4pm. We saw Racheal and her baby manatee at Snapper Hole. We paddled up Baird creek to "The Crack" which was picture perfect. We ended the day at the Seven Sisters Spring.We viewed most of the wildlife before "The Sailboat" and next time would probably not paddle past the Chassahowikzka Sign or the grouping of cabins along the shore. (picture below). Hope this helps. Enjoy!
Written March 18, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

hmclark
Fort Lauderdale, Florida28 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2015 • Couples
We decided to do a kayaking trip here early in the morning, The scenery is amazing, Seven sisters springs is beautiful and you can swim through the holes and pop out the other ones. Caution to untrained swimmers this can be very dangerous so be careful. We kayaked up river to all the spots where there were springs, we found a few saltwater springs among this freshwater river which made our trip even more amazing, changing the water from clear to salty green was so awesome and watching the salt glisten in the sun as it mixed with the freshwater is a sight to see. Lots of wildlife in and out of the water, fresh and saltwater fish along with lots of birds. We even had a chance to view some river otters playing and eating fish they caught. Bring bug spray and plenty of sun screen. We stopped at the crack to eat lunch that we packed, To get to the crack you have to kayak down a narrow part of the river and once you get tot he end you have to tie off and walk through a small creek to finally get tot he end. Once you are there it is truly amazing and its worth every minute you spent going up stream. There are old abandoned fishing shacks you can tie off and visit, they are kind of creepy but really cool, a great photo op too. We spent about 7 hours on the river and we will be going back.
Written May 20, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

tomh009
Curaçao265 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2015 • Couples
Don't come to Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge expecting a lot of luxuries or organized activities. It's essentially wilderness, with an access point at the boat ramp next to the camp ground (parking is $5, self-paid, bring exact change!).

From here you can snorkel, canoe, or -- best choice in my opinion -- kayak along the river system, exploring islands, side rivers and springs. Depending on the temperatures, you may be able to see a lot of manatees or none: we only had two sightings. But we also spotted a great variety of birds, river otters, turtles and a water snake.

Kayaking -- or canoeing -- with a local guide is optimal way to see the refuge. While you can rent kayaks at the campground, a guide can arrange better-quality gear and provide guidance and knowledge about the refuge and the wildlife.
Written February 28, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Ken C
Dade City, FL31 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2013 • Couples
The Chasshowitzka has many wonderful places to explore but you need a boat to do so. There is place to paddle that is a local secret. It's known as "the crack" and is a clear water spring that has a salt taste. You'll feel excitement getting there as you'll end up walking up IN the small stream, pulling your canoe or kayak behind. The water is clean and clear. Nothing bigger will work. The adventure begins trying to find the "run". Once you've begun paddling down river and about 1/2 mile down, you'll see what looks like a stream on the left. It goes back into the swamp. Big gators there! Keep paddling on the left side of the river another 1/2 mile. Look for a real small island that sits in the middle of a small stream. The island has a few palms trees. Turn onto that stream and begin the "Disney feel". Here you are paddling up current. Don't give up! Dig in and paddle. Take the run all the way to the "crack". It is about 1/2 mile past a large swimming hole. Go through the tree island and continue left. You're almost there. Remember you'll portage but you'll love this experience. Nothing like it around. You'll find a very private "old fashion swimming hole". Take some goggles, hats, bug stuff and fluids. Have a blast,
Written July 30, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

gigigreen40
Tampa, FL9 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2016 • Couples
We drive around a lot on Hwy 19 exploring the different attractions on the coast north of Weeki Wachee Springs and saw the sign for the wildlife refuge. Turned in there and deposited our pymt (no guard was there) and what I thought would be a half an hour spin turned into about a 5 hour drive around the area. There were many twists and turns (well marked) that lead to different areas of the refure. It was just a very secluded coastal forest with several deer and wild turkeys crossing our path on and off, but the wildness of it was exciting. We went in hoping to find black bears. One of our paths lead us to a sinkhole that is an entrance to the underwater acquifer system that runs all through that area. Beautiful crystal clear water - looked like a very big round swimming pool, but because of the wildness of the entire area It was sort of scary. Still....very interesting and a beautiful ride.
Written July 27, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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