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Joyce Kleen; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Southeast Region CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge

Park

On Florida's Gulf Coast, Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge protects coastal marshes and estuaries; visitors come for kayaking, birdwatching, manatee and fish habitat exploration and quiet paddling routes.

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In this guide

Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge essentials

Address: Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge, coastal Hernando/Citrus County area, Florida
Website: fws.gov
Hours: Open sunrise-sunset (refuge lands managed by U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service)
Admission: Free (refuge public lands)
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About Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge

Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge is a protected coastal and estuarine area on Florida’s Gulf Coast that conserves mangrove islands, tidal creeks and coastal hammocks. The refuge provides important habitat for waterfowl, shorebirds and other coastal wildlife, and it supports populations of wading birds and marine species.

The refuge is centered on the Chassahowitzka River system and adjacent marshes and islands on the Nature Coast of Florida; many areas have no road access and are best reached by small boat or kayak. It is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for habitat conservation, research and compatible wildlife-dependent recreation.

The refuge lies on the Gulf Coast of central Florida near the towns of Homosassa and Crystal River, in Citrus County and adjacent coastal waters.

  • Access: Much of the refuge consists of mangrove islands, tidal creeks and estuarine habitat that are most easily visited by boat from nearby public boat ramps.
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge

Winter and spring are the best seasons for wildlife viewing and comfortable conditions; summers can be hot and prone to afternoon thunderstorms.

Winter
Dec-Feb · 10-22°C (50-72°F)
Milder temperatures and excellent birding; many migratory species present.
Spring
Mar-May · 15-27°C (59-81°F)
Breeding season for many species and good boating conditions.

Weather & Climate near Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge

Climate

Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 9°C to 33°C. Abundant rainfall (1363 mm/year), wettest in August.

Air Quality: AQI 30 Good
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
33°
Warmest Month
9°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January - 9° - 20° 14° 89 mm - - 3.4 m/s - -
February - 10° - 21° 15° 83 mm - - 3.7 m/s - -
March - 13° - 24° 18° 104 mm - - 4.0 m/s - -
April - 15° - 27° 21° 61 mm - - 4.0 m/s - -
May - 18° - 30° 24° 86 mm - - 3.6 m/s - -
June - 21° - 32° 27° 167 mm - - 3.4 m/s - -
July - 22° - 33° 28° 192 mm - - 3.0 m/s - -
August - 23° - 33° 28° 217 mm - - 3.0 m/s - -
September - 22° - 32° 27° 165 mm - - 3.4 m/s - -
October - 18° - 28° 23° 69 mm - - 3.3 m/s - -
November - 14° - 24° 19° 58 mm - - 3.3 m/s - -
December - 10° - 21° 16° 72 mm - - 3.3 m/s - -
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge

The refuge is along Florida’s Nature Coast; access points include county roads off US-19 and local launches near Homosassa and Crystal River. Boat access is the most useful way to explore the refuge’s waterways.

Tips for Visiting Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge

  • Bring a kayak or small boat to explore mangroves and backwaters; launch points are local and seasonal.
  • Early morning is best for wildlife viewing-manatees, wading birds, and otters are most active then.
  • Pack mosquito repellent and sun protection for long shoreline walks.