Chassahowitzka River Campground

We reserved a spot here because we thought it might be a neat place. According to my neighbors we got very lucky because in the past this place stays full of snowbirds. We visited in February. The site we got was very nice and easy to get into and not totally on top of the next one. The folks we encountered were very nice as were the employees we met. It is fairly inexpensive to rent a kayak, which we did and it was fun. It just so happened that our couple of days there in late February turned cold and windy. The good news is the cold brought in the Manatee-many of them. We could watch them at the dock by the boat ramp. We had a nice stay here.

We had a great time kayaking at the springs. All of the staff were very friendly and helpful. They gave us clear directions to get to the great spots. The port-a-johns were still wet from being cleaned out. I would gladly recommend this place. Show up early to beat the crowds. We arrived at 9 AM, hung out at the springs for about half an hour, and only two other people came by. We left to check out the crack, came back around noon and the spring was packed with boats blaring music. The folks were all friendly, it just wasn't a quiet nature experience anymore. If you swim through the tunnels be aware that the rock is really sharp. I sliced my finger once and sandpapered my elbows every time I bumped the walls down below. It was awesome though!

This campground was a perfect fit for us to kayak the river and experience the manatees. The sites were big enough, snuggled into the trees. It was a short distance to the boat launch. While kayaking up to the 7 Sisters and downstream we saw many birds, fish and of course the manatees. The only drawback are the entitled local boaters, driving full speed in the no wake zone, having fun scaring the kayakers. All the manatees we saw had scars on their back from propellers. I assume the dollars from visitors is important to the area. Not sure why the locals behave this way.

We tent camped 4 days here at the end of the year, and boy were we pleased. Our site was nestled nicely up against the dense tropical forest, a short walk away from the boat dock and the river.
Pros 🟩: Scenery, orange trees on campsite, best kayaking I've ever done, privacy, heated bathrooms and showers (if needed), guest services, weather. The moonlight 🌙 was incredible in the dark dark evening. Something city folk rarely get to experience.

Cons 🟥: Sandy. Bring a tiny broom and a hand vacuum. Packing up will be messy. With the sand comes noseeums or sand fleas. They will bite you endless and are arguably more annoying than mosquitoes. Bring deet and or wear long clothing to cover your skin.

Wooded campground , very close to the river, as access is thru campground property. Spacing is good but if you can grab a spot on the outside of the loop. We enjoy camping here every winter we bring our kayaks along. We camp with friends. like the neigborhood vibe. Manatees abound in the springs here. Lots of good fishing too.