Citrus Wildlife Management Area
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Citrus Wildlife Management Area is located in Citrus County, Florida, and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
The area covers over 50,000 acres of diverse habitats, including wetlands, forests, marshes, and lakes, making it an ideal location for wildlife observation, hiking, camping, hunting, and fishing.
One of the major attractions of Citrus Wildlife Management Area is its rich diversity of wildlife, including black bears, white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, bald eagles, and many others. Visitors can explore the area's many hiking trails, which offer opportunities to see these animals in their natural habitats. The area is also home to several lakes and ponds, which provide excellent opportunities for fishing and kayaking.
Other points of interest in the area include the Withlacoochee State Trail, a popular biking and hiking trail that runs through the heart of the Citrus Wildlife Management Area, and the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, which is home to endangered manatees and other marine creatures.
One interesting fact about Citrus Wildlife Management Area is that it was once the site of a major phosphate mining operation, which left behind numerous pits and ponds that have since been restored and transformed into habitats for wildlife.
The best time of year to visit Citrus Wildlife Management Area depends on your interests. Spring and fall are good times for hiking and wildlife observation, while summer is a popular time for fishing and kayaking. Hunting season typically runs from late September through January, so hunters may want to plan their visit accordingly.
Overall, Citrus Wildlife Management Area is a beautiful and diverse destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast or simply looking for a relaxing getaway, this area is definitely worth a visit.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Homosassa Wildlife Management Area
Tom Varn Park
Bud McKethan Park
Holden Community Park