Lower Suwannee
Chiefland, FL 32626-4874
Plan Your Visit
Regulation of recreation activities allows for public enjoyment of the Refuge while still protecting the wildlife and habitats.
The Refuge is open from sunrise to sunset for appropriate recreational uses including boating, hiking, fishing, biking, photography, and birding. Formal interpretation and education visits can be arranged, though we do not lead such events.
There are three distinct areas to the Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge:
Shellmound 9 miles north of Cedar Key
Levy County side of the LSNWR with a 9 mile Nature Drive and three formal trails as well as many grass roads that are open to walking and biking;
Dixie County
Visitors access the Refuge via the Nature Drive in Levy County and the Dixie Mainline and County Road 357 in Dixie County. Roads throughout the refuge are lime rock; visitors must maintain the posted speed limit. No camping or overnight parking is allowed within the Refuge; although, there are County campgrounds adjacent to the refuge on both sides of the Suwannee River.
Lower Suwannee
Winter visitors will enjoy the mild weather, but sunscreen is suggested. Summer requires lots of water, bug repellent and sunscreen – maybe even a hat and sunglasses. Cell phone reception is spotty in the backcountry; most of the area is backcountry and Verizon seems to work best.
The headquarters office has a visitor contact station open 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday - Thursday.
Activities
Featured Species
Get Involved
Become a volunteer or Refuge Friend to contribute your strength on behalf of America’s natural resources at the Lower Suwannee. Getting involved will connect you to the natural world more than you could ever imagine through volunteerism or as a member of our Friends group.
General Volunteering and Resident, Camper Volunteering: contact the Refuge Office/Manager call 352-493-0238.
Pepper Busters Invasive Plant Control Team: contact the Refuge Office/Manager 352-493-0238.
Services
We offer various maps, brochures, permit applications, general information and guidance, refuge hunting information, and special use permits.
About
The refuge is bisected by 20 miles of the famous Suwannee River and includes 30 miles of coastal marsh habitat along the Gulf of Mexico. Established in 1979, its salt marshes and tidal flats provide essential habitat for shorebirds, fish, and the endangered Gulf sturgeon. The area also encompasses an unusual diversity of ecosystems, including floodplain hardwoods, cypress-lined sloughs, and various hardwood hammocks.