Waccasassa Bay Preserve

Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park

A vast expanse of marshlands and waters welcome anglers and explorers

Hours

8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year

Fees

No fee Required

Location

Waccasassa River Boat Ramp 29.214050, -82.763564
Gulf Hammock FL 34449

Get directions

Contact Info

352-543-5567

Welcome to Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park

Accessible only by boat, this preserve is a favorite of anglers, boasting both saltwater and freshwater fishing.

Bordering Florida's Gulf Coast between Cedar Key and Yankeetown, extensive salt marshes and tidal creeks create habitats for saltwater fish, crabs and shellfish.

The park's uplands protect a remnant of the Gulf Hammock that once spanned thousands of acres between the Suwannee and Withlacoochee rivers. Endangered and threatened species-including West Indian manatees, bald eagles, American alligators and Florida black bears-live or feed within the preserve. Although there aren't any marked foot trails, nature enthusiasts can enjoy wildlife viewing from a canoe. There are several primitive campsites on the Preserve, accessible only by private boat and are available on a first-come-first-served basis.

Plan Your Visit

Manager's Message Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park
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Manager's Message

Waccasassa Bay Preserve still offers sweeping vistas of natural landscapes uninterrupted by buildings, power lines, and bridges.  The preserve is home to numerous rare, threatened or endangered plant and animal species and commercially important marine species.
Explore Florida State Parks
Initiative

Every Stamp Is A Story

We invite you to visit any one of our amazing state parks, and to save your adventures with the Special Edition Real Florida Passport. This travel-sized journal is the perfect place to collect your memories and discover new places to explore! Each Florida State Park has a unique stamp and story.
Florida State Parks Annual Pass
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Florida State Parks Annual Pass

Experience a full year of access to Florida State Parks! Annual passes can be purchased at all park ranger stations, museums or online.

Experiences

Birding
Birding
Boating
Boating
Camping Primitive
Camping Primitive
Fishing
Fishing
Paddling
Paddling
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife Viewing

Amenities

Pets
Pets

Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park

Waccasassa Bay Air Boat
Waccasassa Bay Air Boat
Waccasassa Bay Air Boat Kayak
Waccasassa Bay Air Boat River
Rivers and Lakes
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Rivers & Lakes at Florida State Parks

Florida is truly a place where land and water interweaves to form a diverse and dynamic natural fabric. Numerous rivers course through the landscape, and lakes of varying sizes can be found in all regions.
Florida Panther
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Wild Places of Florida State Parks

Florida’s wild places are time machines to a Florida before development. Scattered throughout the state, they represent the original Florida, places of discovery and where you can reconnect with yourself.

People Make the Parks

Park Staff

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Are you active, enthusiastic and enjoy serving others? Come join the Florida State Parks’ team where we help visitors and residents experience the wonder of Florida’s best loved places.
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Help fulfill the Florida State Parks' mission. Assist park employees to preserve, interpret and restore ...the Real Florida.
Florida State Parks Foundation

Florida State Parks Foundation

The statewide nonprofit partner meeting critical funding needs for universal access, conservation, education and preservation.

This Park is Recognized by:

Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail

Park Map

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