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
2700 Dee River Road - Equestrian Camping
2988 North Hooty Point – River Hiking Trail and Campground
Inverness, FL 34453
United States
Site Features
Recreation Opportunities
Recreation Term
Bicycling
- Approximately 9 miles of multiuse trails.
- Bicyclists are required to stay on designated or marked trails.
Recreation Term
Birding
- Site located on western section of Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail.
- Contact Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) for more information.
Recreation Term
Boating
- Nearest public boat ramp at end of CR 581.
Recreation Term
Camping
- 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
- 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
- Fishing and frogging allowed throughout year along river.
- Contact FWC for license requirements.
Recreation Term
Hiking
- 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
- 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
- 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.
- Portable toilets available at campgrounds.
- Nonpotable water available at equestrian area.
- Northeastern Citrus County, east of Inverness
- Land Resources, Southwest Florida Water Management District, 1-800-423-1476 (FL only) or (352) 796-7211, ext. 4470