Last updated on January 3rd, 2021 at 06:43 am

Yankeetown Arts, Crafts and Seafood Festival

YANKEETOWN — For almost 40 years, this tiny Gulf Coast community (population 629) has been attracting visitors to the remote Nature Coast for their annual seafood festival.

If you’re looking for “Old Florida,” this could be your destination on the banks of the Lower Withlacoochee River, just three miles from the Gulf.

The festival, which usually takes place on the weekend before Thanksgiving (cancelled for 2020), features locally caught Gulf seafood, entertainment, arts and crafts.

Sponsored by the Inglis-Yankeetown Lions Club, net profits support charitable causes: local, state, national and international, in that order.

Festival website.

Kayaking, hiking, boating and fishing

Yankeetown offers boating access on the Withlacoochee River at its own public boat launch as well as two additional launches at Yankeetown Marina and B’s Marina and Campground.

There is also Gulf access at the Levy County boat ramp on County Rd. 40 as well as a small public beach suitable for canoe and kayak launching.

The Withlacoochee Gulf Preserve in Yankeetown is a 413-acre swatch undeveloped wetlands, consisting of mixed hardwood, pine, and cabbage palm forest, tidal marshes, and several salt ponds.

The Preserve has a 30 foot observation tower, salt pond boardwalk, Gulf accessible canoe/kayak dock, and a 4500 square foot education center.

Camping (2018 rates)

B’s Cypress Marina and Campground, 15 RV sites for overnight visitors with full hookups ($42) (5 tent sites with water and electric); Restrooms, showers, laundry, boat ramp, dock, kayak and pontoon boat rentals; Pets OK. 6621 Riverside Drive, Yankeetown. 352-447-5888

Big Oaks River Resort and Campground. 21 full hookup RV sites ($35 and up); cabins ($55); 5 tent sites with water and electric; Restrooms, showers, laundry, cable TV, pool. Pets OK. 14035 West River Road, Inglis. 352-447-5333

Eleanor Oaks RV Park. 60 wooded RV sites with full hookups ($32); 15 tent sites ($25). Restrooms, showers, laundry, swimming pool, Wi-Fi. 42 Cattail Lane, Yankeetown. 352-447-3050.