Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1929 by President Herbert Hoover to protect a breeding ground for colonial nesting migratory birds during a time when market hunters, desiring feathers for the ladies' apparel industry, were slaughtering millions of birds. Today, the threat is much different - coas…
Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1929 by President Herbert Hoover to protect a breeding ground for colonial nesting migratory birds during a time when market hunters, desiring feathers for the ladies' apparel industry, were slaughtering millions of birds. Today, the threat is much different - coastal islands are being rapidly developed and habitat is lost forever. Congress strenghtened the refuge in 1972 when it designated four of the original refuge islands as National Wilderness Areas under the Wilderness Act. Presently, the refuge is comprised of 13 islands ranging in size from 1 to 120 acres and totaling 762 acres. The most recent addition to the refuge was Atsena Otie Key, which was purchased in 1997 by Florida's Suwannee River Water Management District and managed as part of the refuge through a partnership agreement.
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Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge — Diana Douglass, Share the Experience
How to Get There
To reach the Refuge, you must travel southwest on highway 24 or 347 to the town of Cedar Key. You'll need a vessel to paddle, operate, or rent to get out to the islands. Boundary signs are on all Refuge islands; other islands are private.
Plan Your Visit to Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge
Heading to Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge? A few things to know before you go:
Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge?
No central reservation system listed for Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/1339) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge?
To reach the Refuge, you must travel southwest on highway 24 or 347 to the town of Cedar Key. You'll need a vessel to paddle, operate, or rent to get out to the islands. Boundary signs are on all Refuge islands; other islands are private.
How do I contact Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge?
You can reach the park at phone: 352-493-0238 or email: [email protected].
