Visit Us
Most of the refuge is only accessible by boat. The only land access to the refuge is located at the Salt Marsh Trails (6112 S Mason Creek Road, Homosassa, FL 34448) where visitors can hike trails, launch paddle craft, enjoy a sheltered pavilion, and observe wildlife from a two story tower (pictured).
Hunt Regulations
Free refuge permit, brochure, and more information on hunt regulations can be found on our activities page.
Location and Contact Information
About Us
The refuge was established in 1943 primarily to benefit waterfowl in an area famous as a wintering location for ducks and coots. Today, although waterfowl numbers in central Florida have declined, the refuge has become increasingly important to endangered West Indian manatees which use many of the refuge鈥檚 tidal bays, creeks and rivers.
What We Do
The heart of the National Wildlife Refuge System is conservation. Conservation is a priority in every facet of the Refuge System, including individual Refuge establishment, recreational activities offered, and the resource management strategies used. Using conservation best practices, the Refuge System works to manage Service lands and waters to ensure the survival of native wildlife species and their habitats.
Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge establishes and maintains critical habitat for the Florida manatee. It protects unspoiled estuarine habitat along Florida鈥檚 west coast which serves as an important breeding and feeding ground for marine life. Originally established for the protection of migratory birds, it is home to many species of birds, both year-round and seasonally.