🌤 Weather at Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 51–86 °F | 70–89 °F | 52–87 °F | 44–70 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Usher Twr, 8 mi away, elevation 33 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Activities
Escape from the fast paced modern world for a few hours or even a couple of days. You’ll love every minute that you get to spend inside this gorgeous and rustic preserve! So pack your fishing gear, binoculars, camera, maps, guides and plenty of water, sunscreen and snacks and spend some quality time in the great outdoors – fishing, birdwatching, primitive camping, paddling and more. Here are some of the many activities that you can do during your visit to Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park:
Boating at Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park
One of the best ways to experience this beautiful scenic area is by boat. The preserve is surrounded by 19,000 acres of tidal marsh and 20 miles of coastline. These creeks and shallow water areas are ideal for fishing, birdwatching or just enjoying a quiet paddle. Guests who bring their own canoes, kayaks or other hand held boats may launch into Waccasassa Bay at one of a handful of nearby boat launches. There are no launches inside the preserve but boat ramps/launches are available in nearby Yankeetown, Cedar Key and Gulf Hammock. There are many places to rent kayaks, canoes and other boats in Cedar Key.
Fishing at Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park
Plan a relaxing day inside Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park. Pack a picnic lunch and your fishing gear. The preserve’s tidal creeks and saltmarsh contains many species of both fresh and saltwater fish. Shellfish, redfish and speckled trout are just a couple that you may catch during your visit here. Don’t forget to pick up a Florida fishing license ahead of time.
Birding at Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park
Many species of birds may be seen throughout Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park’s undeveloped areas of tidal creeks, salt marshes and lush hammock. Both native and migratory wading birds and waterfowl may be sighted within this area, especially during spring and fall migration periods. Some birds to watch for are the bald eagle, American Oystercatcher, osprey, gulls, Brown Pelican, Black Rail, Black Skimmer, Great Egret, Magnificent Frigatebird and the Florida Scrub-Jay.
Nature and Wildlife at Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park
This expansive wildlife preserve of undeveloped hardwood forest, salt marsh, hammock and tidal creeks is home to many different species of wildlife. Visitors to this area are encouraged to bring their binoculars and tread carefully throughout the park. Doing so will increase your chances of seeing Florida black bears, raccoons, squirrels, gray foxes, bobcats, many species of birds, deer, turtles, otters, alligators, saltwater fish, crabs, dolphins, and manatees.
Pets at Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park
Pets are allowed within Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park as long as they are well-behaved, supervised and kept on a hand held leash no longer than 6 feet.
Camping at Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park
Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park offers 3 primitive campsites for guests interested in spending the night in the park. These remote camping areas are only accessible by boat and on a first-come, first-served basis. If planning to spend the night be sure to carry water and all of your needed supplies, there are no facilities nearby. More information and directions to these sites may be found in the Big Bend Segment 6 of the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail.
Camping Near Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park
For guests who are interested in spending the night in a campground that does offer facilities check out Rainbow Springs State Park, located at 19158 SW 81st Place Road in nearby Dunnellon. This state park features 60 campsites nestled along the river and just a few miles from the spring day use area. Each site has electric and water hookups, a picnic table and grill. Showers, restrooms, a laundry facility and a camp store are all within walking distance to campsites. Rainbow Springs State Park also features hiking trails and picnic areas that overlook the gardens and man-made waterfalls, plus opportunities to kayak, canoe, snorkel, tube, fish, and bird watch.
Park Location
Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park 8312 SW 125th Ave Inglis, FL 34449 Phone: 352.543.5567 Park Website
Map
Explore More Florida State Parks
Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Florida. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Florida guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Manatee Springs State Park (a short drive away) and Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve (a short drive away).
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Domestic pets are welcome in many Florida State Parks — on hiking trails, in picnic areas and campgrounds — but only in designated areas.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leashes may not exceed 6 feet; pets must be under physical control at all times.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are not permitted on beaches, boardwalks or playgrounds, or in bathing areas — swimming pets can be viewed as prey by alligators.
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are not allowed in any state park buildings, cabins or cabin areas.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Pets prohibited at several parks including Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs (free kennels at the entrance), Weeki Wachee Springs and Egmont Key; in campgrounds pets must be confined in the camping unit 11 p.m.-7 a.m.
Are dogs allowed at Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park?
Domestic pets are welcome in many Florida State Parks — on hiking trails, in picnic areas and campgrounds — but only in designated areas. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via floridastateparks.org. More: Florida state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
