FAQs • Suwannee River Water Management District • CivicEngage

What are sturgeons, and are they dangerous?: 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.

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Recreation

1. Is the Suwannee River deep enough for boating activities?: 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.

2. Where can I get a map of the river, springs, and/or launch sites?: 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.

3. Where can I rent a boat, canoe, or kayak?: 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.

4. Can I camp along the river?: 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.

5. Is camping allowed on District lands?: 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.

6. What is the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail and where can I get information on it?: 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.

7. How can I reserve a space at one of the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail cabins or river camps?: 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).

8. Where is the best place to boat on the Suwannee River?: 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.

9. Is fuel for my boat available on the Suwannee River?: 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.

10. Who establishes no-wake zones on the rivers?: 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.

11. Whom do I call to report boaters who violate no-wake zones?: The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 386.758.0525.

12. What are sturgeons, and are they dangerous?: 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.

13. If I’m looking for a place to swim, where on District lands can I go?: 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.

14. While on a family outing at a local spring, we witnessed people drinking alcohol and trashing the place. Whom do we report this to and who is responsible for management of local springs?: 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.

15. Are all-terrain vehicles allowed on District lands?: 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.

16. Where is the best place for bike riding? How about horseback riding?: 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.

17. Does the District lease property for hunting?: 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.

18. What can I hunt on District properties?: 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).

19. How can I get a special use authorization?: 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.