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.
This is a very pretty area for kayaking, however there are parts where the river is narrow and they allow boats with all sizes of motors to power through. Totally screws up the natural aspect. Boats should be kept at idle or no motors allowed.
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,
The scenery is beautiful but not a lot to do here. There is kayaking and fishing and I suppose it wouldn't be a bad place for a picnic if you bring insect repellent. Since we kayak, that was our purpose in being here. Relaxing and fun.
The Refuge infrastructure is primarily a boat ramp. You can rent canoes, but unless you hit the river there is nothing there. But on the river it is great!
The wife and I took our boat down to the Chassahowitzka River to see what it offered. Miles of empty coastline with a few old homes that look like time has forgotten them built up on stilts.It was early June, so the weather was steamy hot, but the breeze coming off the Gulf was nice. Lots of birds, but no Alligators seen. Did see a few ManateeRiver is loaded with thick seaweed, which had us stopping every few minutes to clean off the propI wouldn't recommend this river for paddling as the breeze was very stiff at times, and there isnt much to see. There is a dock that has an outhouse and a picnic area about halfway down the river closer to the Gulf if you need to pull over and use the restroomThe Boat Launch has a fee for launching, but provides a really nice ramp, with shaded parking and restrooms if you need them. It's also the only boat ramp I've ever seen that has Handicapped accessible launching available!They also have trash bins and recycling at the boat launch and a nice campground if you're traveling via RV
Good day to all;This was my 1st time visiting the Chaz as they call it, and to my surprise the state hasn't took over the river and springs.The reason I say this is all the old boats and motors leaking and polluting the springs and river. This is such a gem of florida and the folks of Chassahowitzka should be working hand in hand to preserve this beautiful river and springs. I am sure the reason is the livelihood of the community and their living.But with that being said I really enjoyed the cave diving and snorkeling and running the river and seeing old florida as it has been for years and years.The campground was great "small sites and crowded .yet the folks were great and we all had a good time,if you haven't been there you should go and judge your self,I would like to go again and do more fishing and some scalloping.Thanks ranger james
We loved this. If you want to experience wildlife and Florida rivers this is the place. We enjoyed this much more than our manatee trip because we felt like we were away from people and houses. Much more peaceful. The canoe held 3 people and our 9 year old enjoyed it very much. You will see lots of fish, otters and the springs are amazing. We rented our canoe at the campground store.
You've come to the wrong spot if you're looking for organized entertainment, but nature lovers visiting the area should not miss this. The environment is a textbook bayou, with lazy streams meandering through breathtaking greenery, chock full of birds. Photographers of wildlife and outdoor scenery will be in heaven.We spent most of our time on the water quietly observing a group of manatees. The staff who rent out canoes, kayaks and jon boats at the Chassahowitzka River Campground boat launch should do a better job of telling renters to keep an eye out for the manatees—it is important not to come between them and the surface, but we saw several oblivious kayakers paddle over where manatees were resting on the river bottom.
The river is so lovely and peaceful once you paddle away from the motorized boats. Schools of mullet leap through the air and otters play hide and seek with you as the sun rises. Huge pilated woodpeckers dot the trees, deer drink from the water and manatees float by. Perfect harmony.