Withlacoochee River Park 

12449 Withlacoochee Blvd., Dade City, FL 33525
(352) 567-0264 diagram  

(click here for map of location)


Hours of operation: Open 7 days from Dawn to Dusk

Effective November 22, 2010, there is a $2.00 charge to park at this facility.  To pay the $2.00 fee at the park, there will be a fee collection pay station located in the park (follow directional signs) with an envelope giving instructions to place your money in the envelope and drop it into the pay station and hang the perforated part on your rear view mirror.  Please have exact change as there will not be any staff available to make change for you.

If you prefer, you can save money and purchase an Annual Park Pass for $60.00 and is valid for a full 12 months of use.  The pass is good through the last day of the month, one year from the date of purchase.  This pass can be used at all eleven county parks that require this new user fee.  You can purchase the pass at our Parks and Recreation Administration Office located at 4111 Land O' Lakes Blvd., Suite 202, Land O' Lakes Blvd., 34639, or pick one up at the Central Permitting offices located at the East and West Pasco Government Centers.  You can also download an Annual Pass Application from our website and mail it to our office to receive your annual pass via mail.  If you have any questions, please contact our office at (813) 929-2760.

We thank you for supporting our Parks and Recreation Department.

This wilderness park itself consists of 406 acres of property.  The Withlacoochee River is located on 610 acres of natural wilderness with an abundance of wildlife to see like Bald Eagles, Swallow Tail Hawk, Red Tail and Red Shoulder Hawk, Turkey, Great Blue Heron, Red & Gray Fox, Florida Panther, Bob Cat, Alligators, Golpher Tortoise, Black Bear, River Otter, Snakes, Owls, Raccoons 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 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.   

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 Rendezvous" 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.

Shelters:  Reserve a picnic shelter or pavilion and use the picnic tables and grills to host a birthday party of have a family picnic outdoors.  There are also playgrounds and a large swing set for the children to enjoy.  For reservations, contact the park at (352) 567-0264.  You will need to fill out a reservation form and return it with your payment to the Withlacoochee River Park, at the address listed above, or our East Pasco Office located at 36620 SR 52, Dade City (next to the Pasco County Fairgrounds).  Rental fees are as follows:

     Small Shelter is $25 w/o electric (6 picnic tables)

     Large Pavilion is $45 w/electric (18 picnic tables)

Camping:  If you enjoy tent camping, we have ten primitive camping sites that can be reserved.  There is a a fire ring and picnic table per campsite that you can use and a compost toilet nearby.  Reservations can be made by calling the park phone number listed above.  Camping fees are $5.00/per night for primitive tent sites and $15.00/per night for RV (self-contained) Camping.

Fishing and Boating:  There is a canoe 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 will 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.

Amenities

Boardwalk	Fishing Pier	Picnic Area
Boat Ramp	Fishing Access	Picnic Shelter
Camping	Trails-Nature and Bike	Playground
Canoe Access	Open Space	Restrooms
		Observation Tower