Park Summary for Print - Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park

Tall pines look down at their own reflections in a black water pond studded with limerock boulders.

Welcome to Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park

Accessible only by boat, this preserve is a favorite of anglers because it boasts 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. Boat access is from CR 40 in Yankeetown, CR 326 in Gulf Hammock, and Cedar Key.

Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park, please call 352-543-5567.

Hours of Operation

Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.

Driving Directions

Waccasassa Bay State Preserve extends along the coast between Cedar Key and Yankeetown. Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park is only accessible by boat. Boats can be launched from several ramps located outside the preserve. Boat access is from CR 40 in Yankeetown, CR 326 in Gulf Hammock, and Cedar Key.

Park Fees

Admission Fee:

No entrance fee is required to enter this park.

Activities at Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park

	Boating Boating is accessible only by private watercraft. Boat entrance is available from CR 40 in Yankeetown, CR 326 in Gulf Hammock, and the City Marina in Cedar Key.
	Canoeing & Kayaking The numerous creeks and the shallow waters of Waccasassa Bay Preserve are perfect for canoeing and kayaking. There are no launches within the Preserve. Kayak rentals are available in nearby Cedar Key. Canoeing is ideal for the nature enthusiast. Endangered and threatened wildlife sighted in the Preserve include manatee, bald eagle, and black bear. The bay and marsh attract large number of osprey, pelicans, rails, wading birds, and waterfowl.
	Fishing Fishing is abundant with many varieties of salt and fresh water fish, including shellfish. The area has tidal creeks and an immense salt marsh. Do you need a Fishing License?
	Pets Well-behaved dogs are welcome at Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park. They must be kept on a 6-foot leash at all times and can not be left unattended for more than a half-hour.
	Primitive Camping There are four primitive campsites within the Preserve. These campsites are accessible by boat only and are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Details and directions to the campsites can be found in the Big Bend Segment 6 of the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail.
	Wildlife Viewing As a virtually undeveloped area the wildlife is mostly undisturbed. Alligators, otters, bald eagles, dolphins, osprey, raccoons, deer, turtles, great egrets, herons, gulls, pelicans, are some of the common wildlife that can be seen. Manatees occasionally visit the park. Less frequently seen are the Florida black bear, bobcat, skunk, and gray fox.

Special Events for Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park

FESTIVAL OF TREES
Date: November 26th through December 28th, 2009. 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. The museum is closed on Tuesday and Wednesday, and on Christmas Day.
Description: Celebrate the holiday season in Cedar Key! View four beautiful theme decorated Christmas trees on display in the Museum lobby. Each tree is decorated by a different non-profit organization in the Cedar Key area. Trees are on display at Cedar Key Museum State Park.

Directions: Take S.R. 24 west into Cedar Key. Once in town, follow the official signs to locate the museum at 12231 SW 166th Court.

Fees: Free to view the trees. Museum entrance is $2.00 per person; children 5 and younger are free.
Contact: For more information, call 352-543-5350.

Participation Requirements
CEDAR KEY SCRUB HAYRIDE
Date: Saturday, December 19, 2009 at 12:00 noon AND 2:00 p.m.
Description: Enjoy a leisurely interpretive hay ride through Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve. Learn about the natural communities and the wildlife that call the Scrub home. Hayrides will take place at Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve.

Reservations are required for this program. For more information and to reserve your spot, call 352-543-5567.

Directions: Hayrides will depart from the Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve picnic area, located six miles east of Cedar Key on S.R. 24

Fees: This event is free.
Contact: For more information, call 352-543-5567.

Participation Requirements

Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park Ranger Programs

Frequently Asked Questions about Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park

Question: Is camping available?
Answer: Four primitive campsites are accessible only by boat. No reservations are accepted for these campsites and availability is on a first-come, first-serve basis. The nearest boat ramps are CR 326 in Gulf Hammock, CR 40 in Yankeetown, and Cedar Key.

Question: Is hiking allowed?
Answer: Since access to the park is by boat only, hiking is very limited. There are no marked trails.

Question: Where is the Preserve located?
Answer: The 30,784-acre preserve in Levy County borders Florida’s Gulf Coast between Cedar Key and Yankeetown.

Question: What wildlife is in the Preserve?
Answer: Endangered and threatened wildlife sighted in the preserve include the manatee, bald eagle, and black bear. The area is a breeding ground for deer and turkey. Otters and raccoons are often seen foraging along the shore in the spring.

Question: What birds are in the Preserve?
Answer: Thousands of migratory waterfowl, shorebirds, and wading birds feed in this rich sanctuary. The bay and marsh attract large numbers of osprey, pelicans, rails, shore and wading birds, and waterfowl.

Question: Are hunting activities allowed in the Preserve?
Answer: No. All plants and animals are protected within the Waccasassa Bay Preserve.

Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park History

Waccasassa Bay is rich with cultural history dating from pre-Columbian to early pioneers to the Civil War to modern day timber harvesting. Florida’s early pioneers homesteaded and hunted deer, turkey and bear here. They cut timber and "cow hunted" as well. Yet their activities did not greatly alter the wilderness character of the land. The hammock played a major role in the development of Cedar Key, providing cedar for the pencil factories and palm trees for the fiber factory. Remnants of the boilers once used in the production of brushes and brooms made from the sable palm fibers can be found within the boundaries of the preserve. Another remnant of bygone industry is Salt Island, named for salt kettles found there which were used to extract salt from salt water during the Civil War. Numerous homesites of early settlers as well as Indian sites and artifacts have been found in the preserve.

Disturbance of these sites and the removal of any artifacts is prohibited.

Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park Volunteer Information

Volunteers can do many things -- greet visitors, conduct tours, help rangers remove exotic plants or maintain the natural beauty of a beach, waterway or trail.