Homosassa Wildlife Management Area

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Homosassa Wildlife Management Area is a 5,000-acre wildlife preserve located in Citrus County, Florida.


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Summary

The area is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including alligators, deer, black bears, and a variety of bird species. Visitors can explore the area through hiking, biking, or kayaking.

One of the main attractions in the Homosassa Wildlife Management Area is the Homosassa River, which is home to manatees during the winter months. Visitors can take a boat tour to see these gentle giants up close. The area also has several hiking trails, including the Pepper Creek Trail, which offers views of the river and is a popular spot for birdwatching.

Another highlight of the area is the Old Homosassa Fish Camp, which offers boat rentals, fishing charters, and a seafood restaurant. The camp is located on the river and offers a glimpse into the area's fishing heritage.

The best time of year to visit Homosassa Wildlife Management Area is in the winter months when the manatees are present in the river. However, the area is open year-round for visitors to explore and enjoy the natural beauty of Florida.

In conclusion, Homosassa Wildlife Management Area is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. With its diverse range of wildlife, hiking trails, and river tours, visitors are sure to have a memorable experience.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
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.
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