chassahowitzka national wildlife refuge

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.

we found 21 of 22 geocaches in this park. Lots of fun but several miles hiking from route 19, one way, so be prepared with lots of water. Hog ponds had no hogs but did have metal boxes held over each pond. Would love to know what that was about since it didn't seem to be a bird nesting box, nor the liming apparatus that it would be in western md. No explanation given. No $$, but no water nor facilities either. Come prepared.

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.

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.

This was our first visit to the Chassahowitzka River and it was a great way to spend the day. When we first arrived we went to the campground at the end of the road, however the campground charges for parking. So we drove back to the place up the road to the little place with the canoe/kayak rental sign and parked for free. There we found canoes available for only $13 dollars a day. The canoes were a little beat up and had seen better days but they performed just fine on the river. The river was a bit crowded due to the beautiful weather and an abundance of manatees. If you paddle away from the springs and campground the crowd thins out and you become surrounded by a more natural setting. The canoe was a great value but the seats were not the most comfortable. We saw a dozen or more different species of water fowl and some tree dwelling birds as well. I look forward to returning on a weekday when the crowd is thinned out.

I love this place for canoeing on the Chassahowitzka. Secure parking, boat rentals and country store. I haven't stayed at, but, there is a campground on the property. Nice people, always have an awesome time

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.

We spent about 5 hours paddling around this refuge and it was not near enough time in this beautiful area. We put in at the Chassahowitzka River Campground and will stay here the next time so that we can put start earlier in the morning. Boat launch was free, but parking was $5 for a vehicle and $7 for a vehicle with a trailer. The map we received from the campground store was a rough copy, but adequate. The same map, clearer, can be found online. We first went to the right then paddled back past the launch area to Snapper hole where we saw several manatees. There were also several manatees hanging out across the river at the boat launch area. Then, we went on to Baird Creek where we spent quite a bit of time. After that side trip, we continued toward the Gulf until we had to turn around due to the tide going out and shallow depth of the water. The wildlife was amazing. We were impressed with the variety of birds. We saw a raccoon as well. There were places to stop along the way and we saw some tent campers making use of one of those locations. We loved the undeveloped wildness of this river. The only downside were the motorboats that occasionally sped by us. We have already started to plan our return trip.

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,

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.

Spent the day padding the chasshowitzka river, be sure to get a map of the springs where you pay for parking ($5), this will give you a destination. Lots of birds, otters, and fish. This is a very scenic place to spend the day or weekend, camping is an option in the campground. The only thing that kept this review from getting a perfect score was all the trash and litter in the parking lot near the boat launch. That $5 parking fee needs to go towards clean up crew daily. I will be back again and again.

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.