The chassahowitzka nwr is located approximately 65 miles north of st. We went up to seven sister springs first, where there is a natural spring and bob went snorkeling over it, then paddled down the river a ways. River and spring protection and restoration are becoming the norm in citrus county. Chassahowitzka national wildlife refuge nature coast. Whether youre traveling with friends, family, or even pets, vrbo vacation homes have the best amenities for hanging out with the people that matter most, including swimming pools and kitchens. The chassahowitzka river s headwaters, several tributaries and springs are within this tract and are known locally for their great sportfishing and crabbing. We would have loved kayaking the chassahowitzka river, better known as the chaz, if only one of these things were true. Chassahowitzka river maggies crack and baird creek. Dec 12, 2016 the crack chassahowitzka river nature coast ecotours. From the head spring we paddled down river to baird creek and turned upstream to maggies crack. The chaz is 2 hours and 20 minutes drive from home.
A first magnitude spring and smaller 2nd magnitude springs in the area create the river which flows 7 miles west to the gulf of mexico. Chassahowitzka river campground 8600 w miss maggie drive chassahowitzka, fl 34448 phone 3523822200. Data are tidally affected astronomical tides cause significant cycles of approximately 24. Its main river is wide and slow moving, with many springfed side streams. Swim and snorkel in the pristine waters of seven sisters spring, snorkel the amazing rock formations of the crack, and encounter the local wildlife. Beautiful weather and lots of fish and birds to see. Chassahowitzka guided kayaking tours the chazz mantees. Chassahowitzka river an essay on the chassahowitzka river devils punchbowl on chassahowitzka river solution holes on chassahowitzka river crabb creek chassahowitzka river the crack chassahowitzka river ruth spring chassahowitzka river lettuce creek spring potter spring levy blue spring rainbow springs and river salt spring hernando wekiva spring levy county jenkins park. Chassahowitzka river and coastal swamps hiking trail. Chassahowitzka river guided paddle tour fun 2 dive. Chassahowitzka is managed as part of the crystal river complex. Chassahowitzkas hidden jewel the crack spring youtube. Chassahowitzka river keepers and homosassa river onerakeat.
Chassahowitzka river campground in homosassa chassahowitzka. May 31, 2016 images of econfina springs, creek and some river pictures. This is the only public access on the chashowitzka river. Purchased in the early 1990s, this property is part of a large greenway of public lands that protects the chassahowitzka swamp ecosystem and wildlife resources. Fish in solution holes at seven sisters spring on the chassahowitza river. I will highly recommend you guys to anyone who asks. Florida ecobiking in the chassahowitzka wildlife management area. Chassahowitzka national wildlife refuge, a florida national. The chassahowitzka river and the crack have steph will. Video of the spring run and the crack, a very scenic and unique spring that feeds the chassahowitzka river. The chassahowitzka river is a tidal river influenced by the gulf of mexico, but its main source of freshwater comes from multiple springs. Chassahowitzka, pronounced chazwitskuh, consists of a series of freshwater springs. The 5milelong 8 km river is home to hundreds of species of birds including the bald eagle, and is a common refuge for the west indian manatee.
Search for other camping equipment in homosassa on the real yellow pages. There is only one boat ramp providing access along the river and it is located at the chassahowitzka river campground at 8600 w. There are many different routes to run depending on water levels and season. We would have loved kayaking the chassahowitzka river, better known as the chaz. Lush vegetation, hidden creeks and springs make for an intriguing paddle. Chassahowitzka river campground chassahowitzka, florida. Miss maggie dr, which conveniently also has the only public boat ramp on the river and is just a short walk from the campground, particularly handy if youve invested in wheels for your kayaks. Get your 3day weather forecast for chassahowitzka, fl. The chassahowitzka river paddle trip is a open river at the launch, but it has. Experience the best of natural old florida on the chaz authentic. Apr 02, 2016 so far, from our experiences on the river, weve witnessed all sorts of motor boats speeding through the shallow waters of the chassahowitzka river on their way to the chassahowitzka national wildlife refuge and gulf of mexico beyond, including one boat that flipped a group of kayakers off as they sped by. Guided kayak tour visiting up to 7 different fresh water springs including the amazing crack only accessible via the chazz. Make your own way to the departure point in crystal river, find a seat on the shaded vessel, and set sail.
Plan your hike at chassahowitzka river and coastal swamps or other homosassa, florida hiking trails. It is surrounded by a national wildlife refuge and bird sanctuary. Chassahowitzka river the chaz, just a cool name for a place to hang out for the day is quite a beautiful, short paddle through the citrus county wilderness. Chassahowitzka national wildlife refuge, citrus county, florida. The chassahowitzka river is a springfed river located in southwestern citrus county, florida. The clear shallow river runs from the head springs through the 30,000 acre chassahowitzka national wildlife refuge to the gulf of mexico. Experience the best of natural old florida on the chaz. The chassahowitzka river store also rents canoes and kayaks in case you dont have your own boat. Chassahowitzka river campground changing lanes chassahowitzka river campground was one of the first campgrounds we visited in our new rv. Chassahowitzka translates as place of the hanging pumpkins which is an interesting visual to imagine, but not a sight we happened upon.
The springfed chassahowitzka river was named an outstanding florida waterway for its pristine, natural condition. We at best kayak accessories had heard great things about kayaking chassahowitzka river in homosassa, fl. We have your chassahowitzka river map at our river store located by the boat ramp. Located in homosassa, fl, this park was nestled on the banks of the chazzahowitzka river a. Here you will find 53 full hookup rv sites, 28 primitive tent sites, boat ramps and parking, general store and boat rentals. Rentals are available from nature coast outpost, which is right at the boat ramp. Launch kayaks from the back yard to the chassahowitzka river to gulf. Located on floridas gulf coast, 15 miles south of crystal river, chassahowitzka wildlife management. Chassahowitzka river springs and culture nomadruss in. Bring your rv or 5th wheel and enjoy our wooded and spacious rv sites only steps away from the chassahowitzka river. Find chassahowitzka river campground in homosassa with address, phone number from yahoo us local. Beautiful paddle this morning on the chassahowitzka river. A national wildlife refuge complex is an administrative grouping of two or more refuges, wildlife management areas or other refuge conservation areas that are primarily managed from a central office location.
The chassahowitzka aka chas for short is a mini amazon. Our tour starts at the upper reaches which are formed by 7 sisters and the devils punchbowl spring heads within the withlacoochee state forest. The river has been designated an outstanding florida water by the state of florida. We have full hookup rv sites with water, sewer and electricity. Great time tonight got the photos as well the rocks and lights were so cute for the kids. Chassahowitzka area swim near homosassa, florida free.
Kayaking chassahowitzka river homosassa, fl best kayak. Jodi lanier, president of the chassahowitzka river keepers, and her dog luke kayak down baird creek, a tributary of the chassahowitzka river, on her way to the crack. The chassahowitzka river is unique in that it is one of the most ecologically healthy rivers in westcentral florida. Chassahowitzka national wildlife refuge crystal river. Chassahowitzka river cottage on canal with four kayaks, and a canoe available. Locals call it the chaz or the chassahowitzka river, a waterway that winds through natural old florida in citrus county, south of crystal river. The main river is wide and slow moving, with many springfed side streams. May 19, 2010 video of the spring run and the crack, a very scenic and unique spring that feeds the chassahowitzka river. Chassahowitzka, chassahowitzka river tide table for the next. Turn right at signs for the chassahowitzka river campground and follow to headwaters. Darry jackson and jasper scherer leave the chassahowitzka river campground on. The chassahowitzka river ecotour has teh appearance of the amazon rainforest in miniature. The crack was the most interestingfun part of the trip and most people spent a fair amount of time enjoying the spring.
A boat ramp, maintained by the citrus county, provides a launching point for boats on the chassahowitzka river for a small fee. Chassahowitzka river campground, homosassa, fl gps. Provides information on chassahowitzka river campground, homosassa, florida including gps coordinates, local directions, contact details, rv sites, tent sites, cabins. Our lodge can accommodate groups as large as 50 people and sleep 12 people overnight. The headwaters of the river start approximately 100 feet upstream from the chassahowitzka river campgrounds boat ramp. The chassahowitzka river and the crack have steph will travel. The crack, a spring that is the origin of baird creek, a. The chassahowitzka river offers wildlife viewing, swimming in springs, and a variety of scenery that makes this one of the most pleasurable kayak trips in florida. Chassahowitzka, fl three day weather forecast accuweather. Chassahowitzka springs is made up of a dozen springs that form the headwaters for the chasshowitzka river, which is a short river that flows 5. The basin is basically at the head of the run, although there are 23 smaller basins to its immediate right west and a small run at the back of blue spring that winds back another 200250 yards to the crack a. Discover a selection of 159 vacation rentals in chassahowitzka, fl that are perfect for your trip.
Welcome to florida paddle notes chassahowitzka river. Apr 02, 2016 my friends and i had campsites at chassahowitzka river campground on w. The chassahowitzka national wildlife refuge, established in 1941, is comprised of over 31,000 acres of saltwater bays, estuaries and brackish marshes at the mouth of the chassahowitzka river. We have boat rentals, canoe rentals and kayak rentals on the chassahowitzka river for a full or half day. Relax amidst the beauty of the crystal river national wildlife refuge when you book a languid sightseeing tour of kings bay. Chassahowitzka river and nwr central florida kayak trips. All this lies next to and on the chassahowitzka river hanging pumpkin place in seminole language, a gateway to spectacular scenery, wildlife and some. The vast expanse of salt marsh, hardwood swamps, crystalclear springs and river are a canoeists paradise. On the third day of our trip to central and south florida, we chose to paddle to maggies crack spring on the chassahowitzka river.
The chassahowitzka river pronounced chazwitskuh is a springfed river located in southwestern citrus county, fl. While the rest of the country is shoveling out beneath the snow, the floridians. Chassahowitzka river paddling, west central fl, by kayak, canoe. The chassahowitzka river is a pristine freshwater spring fed tidal river that connects to the flats on the gulf of mexico. Experience the best of old florida on the chaz locals call it the chaz, or the chassahowitzka river, a waterway that winds through natural old florida in citrus county, south of crystal river and relatively unknown to many. Sep 05, 2017 chassahowitzka river keepers and homosassa river onerakeatatime working together to protect and restore our rivers. Its guarded by first a sand shelf then very shallow water at the entrance to baird creek. Back on the main river, continue downstream about 0. Paddle the amazing, crystal clear waters of the chassahowitzka river on this guided tour. Chassahowitzka river campground homosassa, fl campgrounds. Chassahowitzka river maggies crack and baird creek report. Otters, manatees, turles, and mullet all can be seen seasonally.
Chassahowitzka river lodge 8501 w miss maggie dr, homosassa. For more information, including details about camping, visit. I paddled a short distance upstream, and was over chassahowitzka spring, the main source for the river. The majority of the river is dominated by submerged aquatic vegetation and is surrounded by undeveloped land. The chassahowitzka national wildlife refuge comprises about 31,000 acres along the gulf coast of florida, from the homosassa river south to racoon point, including the mouth of the chassahowitzka river. Chassahowitzka river campground 8600 w miss maggie drive chassahowitzka, fl 34448 phone 52382220. It was also designated a surface water improvement and management priority water body by the district. Wildlife include bear, bobcat, gopher tortoise and fox squirrel.
Back in 2017, my husband and i stumbled upon chassahowitzka river campground thanks to some locals telling us about it. On the third day of our spring break trip we paddled the most beautiful wilderness river. Gum slough kayak and canoe trips in florida adventure outpost. Print out a map of the chaz or get one at the marina. The chassahowitzka river paddle trip is a open river at the launch, but it has several natural springs that we go visit that are in tighter, more secluded sections of the river. Earlier this year i went kayaking on the chassahowitzka river for the first time and ended up paddling two hours in the wrong direction while trying to find my way to a spring called the crack.
A section of the chassahowitzka river in citrus county, florida. The 5milelong 8 km 1 river is home to hundreds of species of birds including the bald eagle, and is a common refuge for the west indian manatee. We finally made it up there last weekend, and i am so glad we did. For decades those that have lived on our coastal spring fed rivers have watched as our once pristine waterways have gone down hill. Chassahowitzka river kayaking part two northwest florida. The vast expanse of salt marsh, hardwood swamps, crystalclear springs and. Canoeing and kayaking on floridas chassahowitzka river.
Share any place, address search, weather, ruler on yandex map. Once our kayaks were launched, we paddled upstream a few dozen yards and made our way into the seven sisters spring to a feature known as the solution holes. The chassahowitzka river is located in homossasa, citrus county and is a spring fed river. The chassahowitzka river paddle trip is a open river at the launch, but it has several natural springs that we go visit that are in tighter, more secluded secti.
Great for scalloping season and all year round views of turtles and fish. The refuge, located approximately 65 miles north of. The springfed chassahowitzka river is know as one of floridas most pristine rivers. The water is so clear you see schools of fish as you paddle. Facebook is showing information to help you better understand the purpose of a page. It was the desire to explore the backwater springs and the culture of the state that led me here. Laniers group picks up trash twice a year, and joined citrus county saturday during its annual adoptashore cleanup. The crack chassahowitzka river orlando strong, river pictures, florida springs. Kayaking adventure on the chassahowitzka river northwest. It is a very natural setting with many great things to check out within a very close distance. Chassahowitzka is the perfect example for this profound statement. Welcome to the home page for the chassahowitzka river campground. You can put in your own kayak at a sandy launch site at the chassahowitzka river campground, where you also can rent kayaks and canoe at reasonable rates. There are series of freshwater springs that keep the water at a nice temp and allow you to get out and do some swimming.
Our paddle was short because of a family outing at my sisters. It has very diverse scenery with palms, cypress, oaks and grass flats. For your canoe, kayak and boating pleasure we have boat rentals on site. The spring runs make this an exceptional paddling destination and one of our favorites. Chassahowitzka, chassahowitzka river tide table for the next 7 days.
It places you right in the middle of one of the most pristine environments on the nature coast. Chassahowitzka river group gets boost during countywide. The river is a bit of a drive from tampa, but it was worth it. There is a group of springs just northeast of the boat ramp, the largest one is referred to as the main spring, classified as a 1st magnitude spring discharge over 100 cubic feet per second, and is. Entry to the chassahowitzka river is located south of homosassa at 8600 west miss maggie drive.
Here you can rent a kayak, canoe, hybrid kayakcanoe, or jonboat without engine. Chassahowitzka river fishing reports recently shared catches and fishing spots. The chassahowitzka river and its springs would be considered deep in the florida backwoods. Chassahowitzka river paddle trip osprey bay outdoors. Five minute kayak trip to the seven sisters springs. We startied up by the big yellow pin, which marks chassahowitzka river camp, and spent most of our morning exploring the minor tributaries, including an especially narrow one known as the crack. Stop in and get a map of the chassahowitzka river in citrus county florida.