Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge

About Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge

Chassahowitzka NWR was established in 1943 for waterfowl conservation. The refuge protects saltwater bays, estuaries, brackish marshes, and hardwood swamps in Homosassa, FL. In 1970, the refuge lands within Citrus County were designated as wilderness. Today, the refuge provides habitat for one federally threatened species, the West Indian manatee. The Chassahowitzka NWR is a part of the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge Complex.

How to Get There

The Chassahowitzka NWR is primarily accessible by boat and is located approximately 65 miles north of St. Petersburg, FL. A boat ramp, maintained by Citrus County, provides a launching point for boats on the Chassahowitzka River for a small fee. To get there take U.S. Hwy. 19 north from St. Petersburg (or south from Perry) to State Road 480. Proceed west on State Road 480, the Chassahowitzka Boat Ramp is located at the end of this road. The refuge begins approximately three miles down river from this boat ramp. The Salt Marsh Trails parking area is just off Mason Creek Rd. in Homosassa. From US 19 turn onto Yulee Drive and continue until you reach Mason Creek Rd on the left just across from the Homosassa Elementary School. For GPS directions use 6112 S Mason Creek Rd, Homosassa, FL, 34448.

Plan Your Visit to Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge

Heading to Chassahowitzka 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

References & Official Resources

• Official Recreation.gov page
• View on OpenStreetMap
• Driving directions (Google Maps)