Location
12449 Withlacoochee Blvd.
Dade City, FL 33525
(352) 567-0264
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Hours of Operation
Open 7 days a week from dawn to dusk
Park Information
This wilderness park consists of 406 acres, however, the Withlacoochee River is located on 610 acres of natural wilderness land with an abundance of wildlife to see such as Bald Eagles, Swallow Tail Hawk, Red Tail nd Red Shoulder Hawk, Turkey, Great Blue Heron, Red and Gray Fox, Florida Panther, Bob Cat, Alligators, Golpher Tortoise, Black Bear, River Otter, Snakes, Owls, Racoons and Wild Hogs. If you are looking for some peace and tranquility, this is the place for you. You can hear the sounds of nature all around you. Whether you want to go fishing, camping, biking, kayaking or have a picnic, this park has it all.
There is an 1840's replica of an Indian Village with a School House, Church, Trading Post and Cracker House as well as a Log Cabin. The Church can be reserved for small weddings and then you can have your reception at one of the shelters and make it a memorable day.
Climb up the Observaton Tower to view the entire property from above and observe the wildlife and natural beauty of this land.
Trails: This park has a 3 1/2 mile perimeter nature trail, a 1.7 mile all-purpose paved trail and other trails totaling 13 miles. The paved trail can be used for bicycles, rollerblading or walking. There is also a GPS Orienteering Course that you can track.
Special Events: There is an open recreation area consisting of 30 acres which is used for our special events, parking, R/V Camping and an Earth Stage for special performances and entertainment. During some of our events, we have vendors set up booths for your viewing and/or purchasing as well as food vendors and free displays. Our annual events consist of the "Ft. Dade Mountain Man Rendezvouz" in late January/early February; the "Central Florida Flint Knap-In" in mid-February; the "Mother's Day Pow-Wow" in mid-May; the "Silver Hawk Native American Flute Gathering" in mid-October; and our Florida Flyers "Winter Fly SAM R/C Contest" in mid-January.
Camping: If you enjoy tent camping, we have ten primitive camping sites that can be reserved. There is a fire ring and picnic table per campsite for your use and a compost toilet nearby. Reservations can be made by calling the park.
Fishing and Boating: There is a canoe/kayak dock right on the Withlacoochee River where you can launch your canoe or kayak or cast a line from the pier and go fishing. You will appreciate the peaceful setting. We hold our annual Fall Family Fishing Festival here in the beginning of November where you can get fishing tips, learn how to cast, meet others that have the same interest and we also provide lunch and door prizes. It's an event the whole family can enjoy. Fishing is permitted along the river. Persons 16 years old and above must have a valid Florida fishing license, which can be purchased at most sporting good stores or at any Pasco County Tax Collector's office.
Fees
There is a $2.00 parking fee at this facility. You can purchase an Annual Park Pass for $60.00 which will allow you to park at 11 of our other parks where there is a parking fee. Fill out the application and submit with your payment to our Administration Office by mail or you can pick one up at three different locations; Dade City, Land O' Lakes or New Port Richey.
To reserve a shelter or pavilion, you will need to contact the park site first to check for availability then you can fill out a reservation form and submit with payment and return it to the park site or mail it to Pasco County Parks and Recreation, 36620 SR 52, Dade City, FL 33525.
Small Shelter is $25.00 without electric (6 picnic tables)
Large Pavilion is $45.00 with electric (18 picnic tables)
Camping fees are $5.00/per night for primitive tent sites and $15.00/per night for RV (self-contained) camping. |
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