The 40-acre Chassahowitzka River Campground, which was purchased as part of a much larger conservation area, has been a popular recreation area for many years but has not been used for conservation purposes.
The Campground sustained extensive damage during the 2024 hurricane season. The front deck and campground store were severely damaged and present a risk to public safety. The cost to restore the campground and continue operating it, along with other considered repairs, is not an effective way to utilize taxpayer dollars.
As a result, the District has made the decision to close the campground effective Oct. 1 to complete the assessment of damages. While no final decisions have been made, the evaluation may result in a staff recommendation to the District’s Governing Board to place the campground for sale as surplus. Any recommendation to sell the campground would involve opportunities for public input and be subject to the Governing Board's final approval.
If approved, proceeds from the sale of the Campground would be used for the purchase of conservation lands to protect critical ecosystems.
The District will continue to own and manage the 5,700 acres of the Chassahowitzka River and Coastal Swamps, which meets the District’s conservation objectives by protecting the river ecosystem and wildlife resources. The District owns 34,994 acres in Citrus County and 98% is available for public recreation.
Citrus County will continue to operate the parking area and boat ramp, ensuring the public’s continued recreational access to the river.