We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge

1502 S.E. Kings Bay Drive, Crystal River, FL 34429
352-563-2088
Website
Update attraction details
Type: Nature/ Wildlife Areas
Activities: Viewing wildlife
6 visitor photos
Write a Review

20 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    13
    5
    1
    1
    0
Date Rating
Hernando, Florida
Contributor
19 reviews 19 reviews
8 attraction reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 June 2013

Not much to see by land, but lots of tours available. We haven't been on one yet, so can't speak to that.

Was this review helpful? Yes
Lake Forest, California
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 May 2013

We rented a canoe from the Chassahowitzka River Campground to explore refuge. The campground employees were so helpful and nice. I too recommend spending the extra money for the Crazy River Canoe which has back rests to the seats. We canoed to Three Sisters Springs and wished we had brought our bathing suits so we could have dived into the... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 2 more reviews by Sporter1 for Crystal River
Keystone Heights, Florida
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 May 2013

Everytime I go here I feel closer to nature. The manatees are always out playing right off the bank at my favorite cove. I usually come out here for long bike rides to get away from the city. Its very peaceful place and should not be passed up. Some of the other springs are more touristy, but Chassa is my... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Homosassa, Florida
Top Contributor
89 reviews 89 reviews
20 attraction reviews
Reviews in 44 cities Reviews in 44 cities
22 helpful votes 22 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 May 2013

Head down Miss Maggie's road at Rts. 19 and 98 intersection. Near the end of the road, turn right for the Chassahowitzka (or just "Chaz") River. Great place for canoeing and kayaking. Gentle current coming off the springs at the head of the river, but tides may help on the way back up river. As soon as you push off,... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by lhjraffe for Crystal River
Top Contributor
52 reviews 52 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
17 helpful votes 17 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 May 2013 via mobile

Beautiful and peaceful for the most part (avoid weekends). Otters, deer, bears, manatees, birds and more all visible while kayaking down the river. Some amazing springs to explore and don't forget to check out the crack.

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 4 more reviews by Thewiredbird for Crystal River
Marshalltown, Iowa
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 May 2013

We drove the guided route through the NWR. Numerous flora and fauna were visible on the drive. You need to follow the road shown on the paper guide as it is a fairly primitive area!

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by bjburg for Crystal River
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 April 2013

You can rent a kayak or canoe, or take your own. Go down river two or three miles and back. (Time it with the tides to save energy.) The wildlife is wonderful--eagles, herons, alligators, fish, other water fowl. They will enjoy watching you, too.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 10 more reviews by George C for Crystal River
Lucerne, Switzerland
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 March 2013

We are not sure if we want to share this but - it is much better than everything we have done in Crystal River to get close to manatees. We rented a canoe from the Chassahowitzka campground and immediately were surrounded by manatees. Unfortunately - for us not understandable at all as it is a wildlife refuge – even motor... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 2
Tampa, Florida
Top Contributor
80 reviews 80 reviews
25 attraction reviews
Reviews in 35 cities Reviews in 35 cities
30 helpful votes 30 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 March 2013

This has been probably the best thing I've done since moving to Florida. Compared to nearby rivers like Crystal River or Homosassa, this river is pristine and undeveloped. The manatees like to hang out here during the winter, and you will see plenty of them if you come during the right time. Rent a canoe from the Chassahowitzka River Campground.... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Gainesville, Florida, United States
Senior Contributor
44 reviews 44 reviews
20 attraction reviews
Reviews in 17 cities Reviews in 17 cities
18 helpful votes 18 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 February 2013

This park has a RV park that is very quiet and peaceful. There are boats that can be rented to go down the river and a little store with some supplies, snacks and fishing stuff. It's a very serene spot to relax, but yet you aren't too far away from towns like Crystal River. We have been there in all... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 5 more reviews by KTUFL for Crystal River

Travellers who viewed Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge also viewed

 

Been to Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing