Plan a fun-filled day on the Ocklawaha River – paddle, hike, eat, and stay. Use this page to choose a guided paddle with trusted local outfitters, discover nearby hikes, and find good places to refuel.

Share your adventure: #ReuniteTheRivers • @ReuniteTheRivers
Safety first: Wear a personal flotation device, check water levels/conditions, pack water and snacks, and respect wildlife and private property.

Ocklawaha Outpost (Fort McCoy)

Canoe/kayak rentals, river trips, and on-site lodging.
Website: outpostresort.com
Phone: (352) 236-4606
Address: 15260 NE 152nd Pl, Fort McCoy, FL 32134
Email: ocklawahacanoeoutpost@gmail.com

Lars Andersen – Adventure Outpost

Naturalist-led paddle tours on North Florida rivers.
Website: adventureoutpost.net
Phone: (386) 497-4214
Email: riverguide2000@yahoo.com
Notes: See trip info and calendar to request or suggest dates.

Captain Karen Chadwick – North Star Charters

Custom heritage and nature boat tours (Silver River, Ocklawaha/Lochloosa, St. Johns, and more).
Website: northstarcharters.com
Email: karenchadwick95@yahoo.com

Captain Erika Ritter

Eco-history boat tours of the Ocklawaha, Silver River, and surrounding waterways.
Website: captainerikasfloridaboatcharters.com
Phone: (352) 299-0282
Email: acruisingdowntheriver@gmail.com

Booking tip: Dates fill quickly during drawdowns – call or email ahead to confirm launch points, water levels, and shuttle logistics.

Shrimp R’ Us & More (Welaka)

Classic Old-Florida, riverside seafood with outdoor seating
Address: 765 3rd Ave, Welaka, FL 32193

Welaka Lodge & Cantina (Welaka)

Riverfront dining with live music and outdoor seating
Address: 1001 Front St, Welaka, FL 32193

Andersen’s Lodge Bar & Grill (Welaka)

Full menu with regular specials 
Address: 10 Boston Street, Welaka, FL 32193

Lexi’s Place Café (Welaka)

Breakfast and lunch, casual and kid-friendly
Address: 676 3rd Ave, Welaka, FL 32193

Corky Bell’s Seafood (East Palatka)

Popular, family-friendly seafood spot on the St. Johns River
Address: 185 Hwy 17, East Palatka, FL 32131

Velchoff’s Corner (Historic Downtown Palatka)

Scratch-made, seasonal menu with a historic setting and cocktails
Address: 105 N 2nd St Ste. D, Palatka, FL 32177

Andersen’s Lodge (Welaka)

Lakeside cabins and river access
Address: 10 Boston Street, Welaka, FL 32193
Website: andersenslodge.com

Welaka Lodge & Resort (Welaka)

Waterfront lodging, pool, tiki bar, and live music
Address: 1001 Front St, Welaka, FL 32193
Website: welakalodge.com

Welaka State Forest – Mud Springs Trail (Welaka)

Shaded woodland hike leading to a clear, sandy-bottom spring.
Peaceful, family-friendly walk with spring views and river access points.

Dunns Creek State Park (East Palatka)

Sandhill and creekside trails with great wildlife and forest scenery.
Good for quiet hikes, birding, and picnics.

Caravelle Ranch Wildlife Management Area (Palatka)

Large area of forests, wetlands, and marsh.
Hiking, wildlife viewing, scenic drives, and seasonal birding.

Buckman Lock Loop – Cross Florida Greenway

Riverside loop trail near a historic canal lock.
Easy walking or biking with water views and interpretive signs.

Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway

Extensive trail system for hiking and biking.
Access points near Kirkpatrick (Rodman) Dam, Marshall Swamp, and along the old canal route.

Ravine Gardens State Park (Palatka)

Suspension bridges, lush ravines, gardens, and scenic overlooks.
A unique landscape and family-friendly walking loops

Silver Springs State Park (Ocala)

Glass-bottom boat tours, short trails, historic river views, and wildlife.
Nice “extra excursion” before or after an Ocklawaha paddle.