Bayport Park
Bayport Park was originally a 1.5-acre historic park developed by Hernando County in the 1950s. In 1999, the park was expanded by an additional 10 acres owned by the Southwest Florida Water Management District. In addition to the historic area, which includes signs depicting the prehistoric and Civil War significance of the area, the park includes newly renovated boardwalks, picnic areas, new boat launches and restrooms. The park has extensive facilities for powerboats, including a lighted dock area and two paved boat ramps. There is ample parking for vehicles and boat trailers. The launch facilities are open 24 hours a day.
Located at the mouth of the Weeki Wachee River, this location is also a good place to launch a canoe or kayak to paddle the open bay or river. Ambitious paddlers enjoy a day trip up the river to its source at Weeki Wachee, followed by a leisurely trip back downstream. The total length of this round trip is approximately 15 miles. The Upper Deck Restaurant, about two miles from the mouth of the river opposite Roger’s Park, is a good place to stop for dinner before closing for the day. At the main entrance is a sign “Historic Bayport Park” … pointing out the significance of this area before and during the Civil War. Bayport was a bustling port town in the early 1800’s, and was the site of the “Battle of Bayport” where Union forces attempted to blockade the port. Where the highway ends, Bayport Park begins. Perched on the edge of the estuary where the Weeki Wachee River meets the Gulf of Mexico, it offers spectacular sunset views along with its water access. Don’t forget to check out this place in Spring Hill too.
Bayport Park is a county park in Hernando County, Florida, specifically in Bayport, Florida. It sits on 7 acres adjacent to the Gulf of Mexico, directly at the end of Florida State Road 50. It contains a boardwalk, picnic pavilions, a fishing pier, and twin boat ramps. With piers for fishing, multiple boat ramps, and access to the Coastal Paddling Trail for kayakers, Bayport Park sits just downriver of where the Mud River joins the Weeki Wachee River. The expanses of estuary go on in all directions, since the park is a peninsula jutting out into it. Historic markers recap Bayport’s history as a fishing village. From the parking lot, a short barrier-free trail leads to coastal forest picnic shelters and a boardwalk overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Kayakers use Bayport Park as one of three access points to the Bayport-Linda Pedersen Kayak Trail. You will be paddling against the outflow of coastal rivers and streams from this point, so time your paddling trip along the path of the incoming tide. If you are ever in need of home and foundation repair, click here.
