Frequently Asked Questions
Below you will find information that might help you understand how to find things or learn about information you might need to know about your city or town.
Recreation
19-
Recreation
The depth of the Suwannee River varies a great deal, depending on current rain conditions. The District does not evaluate boating conditions on a daily basis. We do maintain river levels (level above mean sea level). Therefore, contact a local outfitter for specific information about boating conditions.
-
The District publishes a boat ramp/canoe launch map and a springs brochure. These publications are available by calling the District at 386.362.1001, 800.226.1066 or via email at recreation@srwmd.org. Printable versions are also available on the recreation pages of our website.Recreation
-
Recreation
Local vendors can provide vessel rental as well as transportation and trip information. Information on vendors can be obtained from the local chambers of commerce or by contacting the State of Florida’s Nature and Heritage Tourism Center in White Springs by phone at 386.397.4461.
-
Recreation
The District and Florida State Parks have developed camping facilities on the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail. For more information on these facilities, contact the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail at 800.868.9914. Elsewhere, canoe and boat camping are allowed on District lands along the Suwannee and other rivers by special use authorization(SUA). And SUA can be obtained at no charge by calling the District at 386.362.1001, 800.226.1066 or emailing recreation@srwmd.org.
-
Drive-in camping by individuals is allowed at Goose Pasture in Jefferson County. Group camping in designated areas on District lands, and canoe and boat camping along the rivers on District lands are allowed by special use authorization (SUA). An SUA can be obtained at no charge by calling the District 386.362.1001, 800.226.1066 (Florida only) or via email at recreation@srwmd.org.Recreation
-
Recreation
Suwannee River Wilderness Trail is a system of public and private recreation and visitor facilities focused on paddling the Suwannee River from White Springs to the coastal town of Suwannee. For more information, call 800.868.9914.
-
Recreation
These areas are managed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Division of Recreation and Parks. Reservations for river camps are made through the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail at 800.868.9914. Reservations for cabins are made through Reserve America (800.326.3521 or 866 I CAMP FL).
-
Due to rocks and shoals in the middle and upper Suwannee River, most motor boats stay downriver from Troy Springs in Lafayette County. Because of less boat traffic, paddlers may prefer the upper and middle Suwannee River areas.Recreation
-
Fuel can be obtained from local marinas in the town of Suwannee; it is a short walk to gas stations from the boat ramps in Fanning Springs (CR 340 at Rock Bluff) and Branford. No fuel is available on the upper reaches of the Suwannee. Fuel is available on the Steinhatchee River in the town of Steinhatchee.Recreation
-
The District does not have the authority to establish no-wake zones. Counties may establish them by ordinance; the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission may declare no-wake zones during times of flooding.Recreation
-
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 386.758.0525.Recreation
-
The Gulf sturgeon is a protected species of fish that is found in the Suwannee River and its tributaries. Swimming in the water with them is not dangerous. However, they do jump out of the water and serious injuries to boaters have occurred.Recreation
-
There are three designated swimming areas on District lands — Falmouth Springs and Suwannee Springs, located in Suwannee County, and the beach at Atsena Otie in Levy County.Recreation
-
The land surrounding a spring may be either publicly or privately owned. In most cases, disturbances and littering may be reported to the local sheriff’s office. On District-owned property, you may call 386.362.1001, 800.226.1066 (Florida only) or by emailing recreation@srwmd.org.Recreation
-
ATVs are allowed on designated roads at Mallory Swamp in Lafayette County. An ATV trail is open on this tract from the weekend after spring turkey season and closes the weekend before the opening of muzzle-loading season (generally from mid-April to early September). For safety and resource protection reasons, ATV use is prohibited elsewhere on District lands.Recreation
-
The best bicycling opportunities are on the White Springs, Gar Pond, and Big Shoals tracts and at the Anderson Springs tract on Twin Rivers State Forest. The best horseback riding opportunities are at R.O. Ranch near Mayo and the Mattair Springs tract near Live Oak. More information on Best Recreational Opportunities is available on the District’s website.Recreation
-
The District has 90,000 acres open for public hunting. All hunting on District lands is managed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission under their Wildlife Management Area program. There are no lease agreements with individuals or hunt clubs.Recreation
-
All hunting on District lands is managed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission under their Wildlife Management Area program. Species hunted vary by wildlife management area (WMA).Recreation
-
Call the District at 386.362.1001 or 800.226.1066 (Florida only) or email recreation@srwmd.org. Self-issued SUAs for ATV users are available at the Mallory Swamp parking area; self-issued SUAs for equestrians are available at the R.O. Ranch trailhead.Recreation