Potts Preserve

The property was acquired for protection of the area's groundwater recharge, as well as important surface water features and wetland habitats. The preserve's wetlands play a role in both the Tsala Apopka Chain of Lakes and the Withlacoochee River systems, part of the Floridan aquifer's recharge/discharge system. Additionally, the site provides habitat to wildlife, including a small population of threatened Florida scrub-jays.

Park Details

Street Address

2700 Dee River Road - Equestrian Camping
2988 North Hooty Point – River Hiking Trail and Campground
Inverness, FL 34453
United States

Size
8500 Acres
Hours of Operation
District lands shall be open to the public from 30 minutes prior to sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset only, unless otherwise authorized by the District per Chapter 40D-9 Florida Administrative Code.

Recreation Opportunities

Recreation Term

Bicycling

Recreation Description
  • Approximately 9 miles of multiuse trails.
  • Bicyclists are required to stay on designated or marked trails.

Recreation Term

Birding

Recreation Description

Recreation Term

Boating

Recreation Description
  • Nearest public boat ramp at end of CR 581.

Recreation Term

Camping

Recreation Description
  • Separate sites available for equestrian, primitive and backcountry camping.
  • Sites have picnic tables, fire rings and/or grills.
  • A free reservation is required and must be displayed or available at campground.
Backcountry
  • These campsites are accessible only by foot.

  • These sites have a picnic table and fire ring.

  • The Eastern Amberwing campsite is located at the south end of the property, and the Holly Tree campsite is located in the northern portion. Please use the property map for reference. 

Recreation Term

Equestrian

Recreation Description
  • Approximately 9 miles of multi-use trails.
  • Riders are required to stay on designated or marked trails.
  • Each rider must carry proof of horse's current negative Coggins test.
  • Horse-drawn buggy riding requires a free day-use reservation for buggy access behind locked gate.
  • Florida law requires equestrians under 16 to wear helmets.

Recreation Term

Fishing

Recreation Description
  • Fishing and frogging allowed throughout year along river.
  • Contact FWC for license requirements.

Recreation Term

Hiking

Recreation Description
  • Approximately 22 miles open for hiking, including a 4-mile river trail.
  • Prepare for wet hiking; some trails are excessively wet during certain times of year.
  • Orange blaze symbols indicate primary trail. Blue blazes indicate side trails. Double blaze symbols indicate a sharp turn in trail.

Recreation Term

Hunting

Recreation Description
  • Contact FWC  for information regarding license requirements and permits.
  • FWC rules and regulations must be observed throughout the year.
  • Non-Wildlife Management Area Public Use Area hunting open year-round in occurrence with applicable state regulations.

Additional Information

Access and Parking
  • Day-use parking off Hooty Point gives access to river hiking trail and backcountry camp.
  • Parking at Dee River Road gate for trails leading to upland and freshwater marsh communities. Equestrian parking available.
Restrooms and Water
  • Portable toilets available at campgrounds.
  • Nonpotable water available at equestrian area.
Location
  • Northeastern Citrus County, east of Inverness
For more Information

Scheduled Site Closings

River Primitive Camping (North Hooty Point Road) Closed starting 12/04/2024 until further notice. Flooding
River Primitive Camping (North Hooty Point Road) Closed starting 12/04/2024 until further notice. Flooding
Eastern Amberwing Backcountry Camping (hike in only no vehicle access) 01/30/2025 - 02/02/2025 Hunting
Equestrian/Primitive Camping (North Dee River Road) 01/30/2025 - 02/02/2025 Hunting
Holly Tree Backcountry Camping (hike in only no vehicle access) 01/30/2025 - 02/02/2025 Hunting
Oak Hammock Primitive Camping (North Dee River Road) 01/30/2025 - 02/02/2025 Hunting
River Primitive Camping (North Hooty Point Road) 01/30/2025 - 02/02/2025 Hunting
Eastern Amberwing Backcountry Camping (hike in only no vehicle access) 02/13/2025 - 02/16/2025 Hunting
Equestrian/Primitive Camping (North Dee River Road) 02/13/2025 - 02/16/2025 Hunting
Holly Tree Backcountry Camping (hike in only no vehicle access) 02/13/2025 - 02/16/2025 Hunting
Oak Hammock Primitive Camping (North Dee River Road) 02/13/2025 - 02/16/2025 Hunting
River Primitive Camping (North Hooty Point Road) 02/13/2025 - 02/16/2025 Hunting
Eastern Amberwing Backcountry Camping (hike in only no vehicle access) 02/27/2025 - 03/02/2025 Hunting
Equestrian/Primitive Camping (North Dee River Road) 02/27/2025 - 03/02/2025 Hunting
Holly Tree Backcountry Camping (hike in only no vehicle access) 02/27/2025 - 03/02/2025 Hunting
Oak Hammock Primitive Camping (North Dee River Road) 02/27/2025 - 03/02/2025 Hunting
River Primitive Camping (North Hooty Point Road) 02/27/2025 - 03/02/2025 Hunting
Eastern Amberwing Backcountry Camping (hike in only no vehicle access) 03/14/2025 - 03/18/2025 Hunting
Equestrian/Primitive Camping (North Dee River Road) 03/14/2025 - 03/18/2025 Hunting
Holly Tree Backcountry Camping (hike in only no vehicle access) 03/14/2025 - 03/18/2025 Hunting
Oak Hammock Primitive Camping (North Dee River Road) 03/14/2025 - 03/18/2025 Hunting
River Primitive Camping (North Hooty Point Road) 03/14/2025 - 03/18/2025 Hunting
Eastern Amberwing Backcountry Camping (hike in only no vehicle access) 03/20/2025 - 03/25/2025 Hunting
Equestrian/Primitive Camping (North Dee River Road) 03/20/2025 - 03/25/2025 Hunting
Holly Tree Backcountry Camping (hike in only no vehicle access) 03/20/2025 - 03/25/2025 Hunting
Oak Hammock Primitive Camping (North Dee River Road) 03/20/2025 - 03/25/2025 Hunting
River Primitive Camping (North Hooty Point Road) 03/20/2025 - 03/25/2025 Hunting