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    Chassahowitzka River Campground

    3.5 (59 reviews)

    Chassahowitzka River Campground Rafting/Kayaking Photos

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    Darby H.

    I just went for the day to kayak and had a great experience. I went on a Monday so it might be different on a weekend or during the summer, but they had plenty of available kayaks without needing a reservation. Everyone was friendly (especially the younger guy with a beard working boat rentals) and everything went smoothly. You rent the boats all day (until 5:30) so you don't have to worry about hourly. After 1:30 it's $5 off. There were plenty of places to kayak or boat to and can get out to walk or swim around. It is very spacious and it's not a loop so you can choose how long you want to ride for. I did hear one of the employees tell a customer that there were manatees nearby and that they should go up to the manatee and put their hand in the water to pet them. As most people know (I'm sure as well as this employee) manatees are very protected and this is actually illegal, so please don't encourage this. Otherwise, it was a fantastic trip for a day of kayak and I will definitely be back. I enjoyed it more than places like Weeki Wachee where it's an exact length and it gets crowded.

    Capt. Phill
    Rhonda W.

    One of my favorite places to kayak from. Don't miss this hidden gem. Only $5 to park. They have a GREAT store, right on the water. Very reasonable prices for drinks and snacks (cheaper than DG actually). Say hi to Phill ("Capt. Phill") in the "yak shack". He is so helpful and friendly,.. and is the area's fishing and diving expert. He will make your visit so much better with his knowledge of the area and the local fishing info.

    Primitive camp site. Running water and only a short walk to the restrooms and showers.
    Iain H.

    Bathrooms very nice and clean. Lots of mosquitos, noseums and biting flies, bring some insect repellent containing Picaridin NOT deet.

    Launching pad
    Alex L.

    For those looking to experience natural Florida's wildlife and beauty, forget Disney world; grab a kayak and explore its natural rivers! I drove down from Buffalo, NY in February to escape from the Polar Vortex with 6 kayaks and a group of enthusiasts and the Chazz river (what it's referred to locally) was one of the many we hit during our kayaking adventure through Central Florida. The campground was nice, but we mostly used the park as a launching pad for our kayaks. There was no fee to use the campground. The river itself was wonderful to kayak through. We encountered a few gators, but they're docile and scared of you...so you shouldn't fear them, but you definitely shouldn't feed them! Definitely don't miss this gem if you're going through Florida. Rent a kayak and explore this river!

    Jeff M.

    Beautiful place! First place we hit with our new RV and we'll definitely be back!! The river is great for kayakers and is perfect for fishing or just paddling around seeing the springs and all of the manatees. Not sure about how abundant they are year round but Christmas week 2017 they were everywhere...and very friendly! The bugs (no-seeums) were very plentiful and made an otherwise perfect scenario a little uncomfortable at times...especially in the early evening. I can only imagine that they get worse in the summertime. The campground itself is a little tight but there are enough trees and bushes around to provide some privacy. A few potholes on the dirt/gravel roads make it slow going with your rig. Hopefully those are addressed in the near future. The bathrooms were clean...the staff was friendly and helpful. Lots of dogs but unlike some other reviews, it appears to me that all the owners clean up after their dogs. Poop bag stations w/ trashcans all around. Thoroughly enjoyed this place. Looking forward to a return trip!

    Kayla L.

    Found this place through a local's recommendation. The staff is really friendly and the price for the kayak is relatively cheap compared to other more touristy place. Also, there's less people and hence its really nice to be able to kayak and enjoy the nature. There's also the famous seven sister springs but unfortunately I can't dive so I didn't went to see it. I saw some manatees really up close, flying fishes (forgot the names), birds and there's many different paths one could take on this river. Unfortunately, I didn't bring my phone while kayaking. Would highly recommend anyone who would like to see manatees or just a relaxing day!

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    2 years ago

    Great experience lovely place to paddle! We saw quite an animals and wildlife and the staff was friendly and helpful.

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    3 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Love this place! The springs are beautiful and truly one of a kind :-) definitely recommend checking it out

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    2 years ago

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    Awesome place and awesome campground. Springs are beautiful. Definitely would recommend checking it out

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    12 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Friendly people and nice quiet campground. Restrooms and facilities were very clean. We walked to the little store and rented kayaks.

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    8 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Great place for the family. Clean and comfortable. Went tent camping and the whole family had a blast.

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    4 years ago

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    6 years ago

    Absolutely gorgeous area and super clean campground. Go kayaking on the beautiful river nearby.

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    7 years ago

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    12 years ago

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    7 years ago

    This place sucks. No one answers the phone or returns messages or emails. Don't waste your time with this place!

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Chassahowitzka River Campground

    Is it safe to swim here with dogs? Alligators are a concern.

    Yes, it's safe to swim with your dog here.

    Are dogs allowed in the camp ground?

    I believe so, I saw a pet waste disposal station.

    View All 3 Questions

    Review Highlights - Chassahowitzka River Campground

    i ran USF's Canoe and Kayak club back in the late 90s/early 2000's and this was my go-to river for my club.

    Mentioned in 15 reviews

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    People searched for Rafting/Kayaking 275 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

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    Seven Sisters Campgroud - Front porch of the office.

    Seven Sisters Campgroud

    3.8(25 reviews)
    0.2 mi

    Staff was very friendly and informative. Caves were easy to find and an awesome experience!read more

    This is an older, very small campground with an incredible amount of charm. Management is extremely…read morepleasant, accommodating, and welcoming. If you're arriving after dark, be cautious--the entrance sign is not lit. I was driving a 40-foot motorhome towing a 30-foot trailer and mistakenly took the first turn instead of the second. The signage isn't illuminated, so headlights are helpful to confirm you're in the right place. I highly recommend arriving before dark. The campground is very quiet and feels like stepping back into "old Florida." It sits right on the river, where we saw otters playing and fish jumping--literally jumping two feet out of the water. Very cool. We stayed in Site 20, a pull-in site with excellent river views and located right next to the boat ramp. There's a small store on-site that sells firewood, fire rings at the sites, and it's perfect for a relaxing evening. The permanent residents were extremely friendly and helpful. Kayaks are available to rent for river trips (we didn't do that this time). They don't sell bait, but there's a great bait and tackle shop less than a quarter mile across the street with wonderful people--perfect for fishing off the dock. No problems at all, the dogs loved it, and my wife really enjoyed how relaxing it was. We'd happily stay again.

    Photos
    Seven Sisters Campgroud - Seven Sisters campground Sign

    Seven Sisters campground Sign

    Seven Sisters Campgroud - Sunrise at Seven Sisters Campground

    Sunrise at Seven Sisters Campground

    Seven Sisters Campgroud - Seven Sisters Springs Caves

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    Seven Sisters Springs Caves

    River Adventure Tours - Turtle

    River Adventure Tours

    4.7(20 reviews)
    6.4 mi

    My friends and I have been using River Adventure Tours over 5 years now for our annual scalloping…read moreadventure! A day out on the water with this outfitter has always been super fun regardless of the number of scallops caught. My group has gone out with a few different captains, all of which have been knowledgeable & safe. The booking process is pretty easy. I always book online - you can even sign the waiver through their website so there is no paperwork to take care of when you arrive at the dock. The boats are comfortable for the short ride out to the scalloping site and we always bring along a well stocked cooler of drinks and snacks to enjoy during our trip. All the snorkel equipment needed to dive for scallops is included in the tour. In general, the equipment is nice and well maintained. The conditions have been a little different every year I have gone - sometimes we catch a lot, sometimes a little. The captain has always dived with us to help search for scallops and moves to new locations as necessary. Cleaning the scallops after returning to the docks has always been easy - sometimes there is a group of high school students who will clean them for you for a fee. If they aren't around, there is a station to clean them yourself, and the captain has always been around to help / walk us through the best process. We will be back again!

    Came to Homosassa just to visit and check it out. Found this place online, called and booked my…read morepaddle board. When I arrived it just a lil shed you check in at- the worker that helped me was, she was amazing! More than a worker a line of hot spots along the water information center! Yes this girl had all the details to guide me safely on the water as well as back to the shop at the end of my tour! I have already told people to book here and go on the Homosassa river- serious beautiful experience! Thank you! Best 420 Day ever!!!

    Photos
    River Adventure Tours - Hanging on the boat!

    Hanging on the boat!

    River Adventure Tours - Scallop Haul (August '23)

    Scallop Haul (August '23)

    River Adventure Tours - Halls River bridge

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    Halls River bridge

    Hunter Springs Kayaks & Tours

    Hunter Springs Kayaks & Tours

    4.5(112 reviews)
    12.8 mi
    Free parking
    Walk-ins welcome

    The girl at the front desk was an air head when I first arrived I went inside because it was…read morefreezing and she made me walk around to the outside front of the building so that I could grab a clip board and walk inside which she could have easily handed me. That was weird Then she didn't tell us we had to pay for parking at the dock neither did the guy that was at the dock when we got there! I overheard him telling someone after we were done for the day he said that they can park at the rental place and walk so they don't have to pay but we were already unloading and done with our rental. We got back to the car and had a $50 ticket. I would be fine with paying but I didn't see any of the signs or where to meter even was. I also told her I wasn't swimming and she said to get in the water you have to have an wetsuit which costs extra and I kept saying I'm not getting in the water but I she just ignored me and then I saw SO MANY PEOPLE not in wetsuits so that was irritating. And the wetsuits were in terrible shape they had holes and stains all over it she handed it to me and I was like thins is what I paid $100 for ? And she was like yeah they are all old. This is a CRAP Buisness!!! Especially what you get for the price!! The manatees are cool and I recommend doing it but NOT using this company.

    Pros: easy online registration and scheduling; Front desk…read moregirl for check in was great super sweet. Very nice and informative. We were a bit late and she extended our reservation. I was quite thankful. The kayaks were fun and we were left to our devices to explore. Isaiah was cool and very laid back. We were also a half hour late coming back and they were totally cool with it. Thank you! I can't believe I saw the baby manatees. I literally cried. Cons: I was surprised they just let us out with no real guide! It was cool but I'm surprised they trusted us. We kinda got lost the first 90mins and didn't know where we going but eventually we got to the area where the manatees were gathering. A bit crowded and I felt bad everyone so close to the protected species. Overall a super a cool experience. We went during manatee festival in January so it was a bit crowded but not overwhelming. It was a beautiful day with beautiful site seeing. Def recommend!

    Photos
    Hunter Springs Kayaks & Tours - Hunter Springs Kayaks, Paddle boards, Canoes, and Water bikes

    Hunter Springs Kayaks, Paddle boards, Canoes, and Water bikes

    Hunter Springs Kayaks & Tours
    Hunter Springs Kayaks & Tours - Snorkeling at Three Sisters Springs

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    Snorkeling at Three Sisters Springs

    Manatee Paddle - Our shop 544 N Citrus Ave Crystal River FL

    Manatee Paddle

    5.0(47 reviews)
    12.9 mi

    Manatee Paddle truly went above and beyond to make our experience positive, exciting, and…read moreeducational. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with genuine smiles, warmth, and encouragement. I was personally a bit nervous since I hadn't paddle boarded much before, but every step of the way we felt supported and truly cared for. Hearing about the family's passion for protecting the ecosystem and the manatees, along with all the helpful tips they shared to optimize our experience, was absolutely incredible. When we got to the dock, we were guided so kindly - Mike even held our shoes in his truck for us! When he noticed me struggling a bit, he took the time to give me multiple tips on how to better move in the water and maneuver the board, which made such a difference. We saw so many manatees, including mama and baby pairs, which was unforgettable. When we returned to the dock and shared how excited we were, Mike went above and beyond once again by recommending another nearby location we could walk to where we ended up seeing even more manatees up close and personal. I would 10/10 recommend Manatee Paddle to anyone looking for an incredible manatee experience. I am so grateful to Mike and his family for making our day so special. THANK YOU!!

    If I could give this place 10 stars, I would. Paddle boarding with this crew in Crystal River was…read morehands down one of the best experiences I've had in Florida, and it's because of the people behind the business--Aidan, Mike, and Mandy. From the moment we showed up, they made us feel like family. Aidan was the first one to greet us, and right away you could tell how passionate he is about the river, the wildlife, and making sure every single guest feels confident before heading out on the boards. He has this calm, encouraging way about him that instantly puts you at ease--even if you've never stepped foot on a paddleboard before. He gave us tips, shared fun facts about the area, and somehow managed to keep the whole group laughing the entire time. Mike is the backbone of the operation--the guy making sure all the boards, paddles, and gear are in perfect condition, the one double-checking that everything runs smoothly so you don't have to worry about a thing. It's obvious how much pride he takes in the business, because everything is organized, well-maintained, and set up to give you the best possible experience. He's also just genuinely fun to chat with before and after you head out--one of those people who makes you feel like an old friend after five minutes. And then there's Mandy, who is truly the heart of the operation. She's warm, welcoming, and on top of everything. From making the booking process super smooth to making sure we had everything we needed for the day, she's the reason the whole experience felt so seamless. She checked in with us multiple times, gave us great local recommendations for after our paddle, and just made the whole day feel special. What really stood out to me was how much this team cares--not just about giving people a fun day on the water, but about the environment, the river, and the wildlife that call it home. They take time to educate guests about respecting the ecosystem, and you leave not only having had an amazing adventure, but also feeling like you've learned something important. I've been on plenty of tours and excursions, but very few have left me with such a lasting impression. These guys aren't just running a business--they're building memories for people, and they clearly love doing it. If you're anywhere near Crystal River, don't waste your time looking at other paddle board companies. This is the one. Between Aidan's energy, Mike's behind-the-scenes dedication, and Mandy's incredible hospitality, you won't find a better team anywhere. Do yourself a favor and book with them--you'll thank me later.

    Photos
    Manatee Paddle - Single kayak

    Single kayak

    Manatee Paddle - Fun activity for friends and family!

    Fun activity for friends and family!

    Manatee Paddle - Spring

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    Spring

    Chassahowitzka River Campground - rafting - Updated May 2026

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