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
Daily from sunrise to sunset.
Site Features
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
- 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
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
-
This campsite is accessible only by foot.
-
This site has a picnic table and fire ring.
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
- ADA accessible portable toilets available at campgrounds.
- Nonpotable water available at equestrian area.
Location
- Northeastern Citrus County, east of Inverness
For more Information
- Land Resources, Southwest Florida Water Management District, 1-800-423-1476 (FL only) or (352) 796-7211, ext. 4470
Closure Reasons
Hunting
Date Closure
-
-
-
-