The Chassahowitzka River is a spring-fed river located in southwestern Citrus County, Florida. The 5-mile-long (8 km) river is home to hundreds of bird species, including the bald eagle, and serves as a common refuge for the West Indian manatee. In 1941, approximately 31,000 acres (13,000 ha) of its saltwater creeks, freshwater tributaries, and hardwood hammocks were designated as Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge. The river is accessible by boat from a nearby public boat ramp located at a campground that also bears its Indian name which means "land of hanging pumpkins"—a reference to a wild variety that once grew along its banks.