Rogers Park is the public launch on the lower Weeki Wachee, the one you use when you want to put your own board in without booking through the state park upstream. From the ramp you have a choice: paddle up toward the headspring and the famous blue water, which is gorgeous but a real grind against the spring current, or drift down about two miles toward Bayport and the Gulf, which is the easy direction. The swimming area fills with families on hot weekends, and the water stays cool year round because it is spring fed. The Weeki Wachee Springs Protection Zone extends from Rogers Park upstream to the headsprings. Within that river stretch, vessels may not anchor, moor, beach or ground. Manatees work their way up the lower river in the cold months. One change worth knowing before you go: the county brought parking fees back, so it is no longer free, ten dollars a day at the kiosk.
Where do I park, and is it free?
- Cost
- Current amount unknown
- Parking
- Unknown
- Restrooms
- Listed in the checked source (checked 2026-08-20)
- Dogs
- Not allowed
The county lists a canoe launch, boat ramp, restrooms, showers, fee parking, and 24-hour access. The current operator page does not state the parking-fee amount.
Access sources: hernandocounty.us (checked August 20, 2026).
How clear is the water?
Spring-river water, clearer upstream.
What will I see?
- Manatees push up the lower river when the Gulf turns cold
- Mullet schools, the occasional otter, herons and ibis working the banks
What's the fishing like?
Spring-river: redfish, snook, and trout in the lower reaches, mullet throughout.
What about the current?
Current readings come from Weeki Wachee River (USGS, about 2.9 mi away).
How do I share the water here?
From Rogers Park upstream to the headsprings, the river is the Weeki Wachee Springs Protection Zone. Vessels may not anchor, moor, beach or ground within the zone. For river care, avoid trampling vegetation or climbing the banks, and take your litter home.
See how it scores before you drive out.
Check Rogers Park on the live map