Dessie Smith Prescott Memorial Inglis Dam Recreation Area - Lake Rousseau Boat Ramp

The Dessie Smith Prescott Memorial Inglis Dam Recreation Area provides access to Lake Rousseau, a reservoir on the Withlacoochee River in Citrus County. This is a large river system with a drainage area of 1,212 square miles and an average flow of 706 cubic feet per second, making it a significant waterway in the region. The site is located near Crystal River in the Nature Coast area of Florida, which is known for its clear springs and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Lake Rousseau offers a more stable water environment compared to the flowing river sections, with the dam creating a impoundment suitable for various recreational boating activities. The Withlacoochee River system ultimately flows to the Gulf of Mexico, approximately 141 miles downstream from this location. Paddlers and boaters should be aware that this is part of a larger river system with average velocities of 2.83 feet per second, though conditions at the lake itself would be more moderate due to the impoundment.

The recreation area is situated in Florida's Nature Coast region, an area known for ecologically sensitive habitats and abundant wildlife. Visitors should respect local regulations and be prepared for a subtropical climate with seasonal water level variations common in central Florida reservoirs.