Canoeing at Lake Okahumpka
 

Has anyone rented the canoes and paddled at Lake Okahumpka? I was wondering what the experience was like. Thank you

Last time we checked, (about a year ago) you had to drive to Bushnell and get a key to the padlocked canoes. Then when you were done, you had to drive to Bushnell and return the key. Call Sumter county and see if it is still done this way. We bought two inflatable kayaks and are very happy with our purchase. They are easy to store, easy to inflate, and easy to transport.

I thought I saw something about being able to rent/check-out canoes from the Sumter Library on 466A. It wasn't anything I would probably do so I didn't pay much attention. But you might check with them just in case.

Canoe rental
 

You can now rent/reserve the canoes at Pinellas Library. They supply the oars, life vests and numbered key to your canoe.
Wondering about the condition of the Lake...is it a good lake to paddle?

I doubt kayaking on Lake Okahumpka is as great and kayaking down the Rainbow River in Dunnellon. We have done it twice in December when the alligators are not as hungry.

Rainbow River Canoe and Kayak Rainbow Springs Florida Canoeing Kayaking

Hmm going on a lake surrounded by alligators. On second thought ___.

Since our alligator friends are cold-blooded, they cannot digest food when it is cold, and they do not eat during the cold months. So December is a good time to go.

In the spring, they are hungry and it is mating season, so it is best to admire them from a distance.

Lol they don’t eat much! It’s all the water moccasins that are very aggressive! Just be careful and enjoy the scenery

Full of Burmese Pythons, oh wait ...

You can borrow them for free if you are a Sumter resident at the county building at Pinellas. You get a key to the canoe and the accessories there. You leave a safety deposit. You can borrow the canoe for several days at a time.

I did it three times back in 2015 and enjoyed it. Avoid windy days because it’s hard to fight the wind. Although I have canoed on lakes many times in my life, I prefer river canoeing. Weeki Wachee is my favorite. I’ve seen manatees up close every time I’ve gone down that river.

Watch pit for the gators

I did see a couple of piranhas once

I find paddling on a lake in open water is boring. If you paddle Lake Okahumpka go all the way across to the other side where Continental country club is. There are canals and many homes on the canals on that side of the lake. The canals are much more fun than the open waters of the lake.

Especially if you have very scaly and wrinkled skin and a very large mouth and four legs.

We highly recommend kayaking out of Silver Springs. Its an awesome experience and if your lucky, the okd Ranger there will accompany you. He was the guide that showed the crew of Flipper, Sea Hunt and Creature from the Black lagoon spots they ultimately used to film!