Kayak Trip – Haw Creek to Bull Creek Fish Camp

I used my auto GPS to direct me to the boat ramp, by putting in "Russell Landing" or "Russell Landing, at the address 2007 County Rd. 2007 Bunnell, FL 32110" and it took me right to the place with a sign "Haw Creek, then I drove down another half mile to the boat ramp. Note that the last mile or two are on dirt roads.

I led a similar paddle back in October 2022 after Hurricane Ian, and due to the conditions adjusted the route. I paddled this route twenty years ago with the “Wilderness Trekkers”.

We will meet at 9:00 AM at the Russell Landing on county route 2007. This landing is about 34 miles due north of Deland. Driving north out of Deland, you drive on US 17, then bear right onto state route 11 going north for around 20 miles, then turn left on county road 304 then turn right on county road 305, then left on county road 110, then a left turn on county road 2007. We will then shuttle vehicles up to the Dead Lake Boat Ramp / Bull Creek Campground, and then return. We will then launch and go upstream for a short distance until it becomes impassible due to vegetation growth in the creek, and then turn around downstream. The paddling distance from Russell Launch to the Bull Creek Campground is around 6 miles. The first part is a creek and the last half is out in open water of Crescent and Dead Lakes. The only moderate part about this paddle is if there are strong winds in the lakes. There is supposed to be good wildlife viewing along this paddle. Sadly the Fish Camp Restaurant at the takeout was destroyed by Hurricane Ian and has been demolished, so bring your own lunch. Please ensure that you have a seaworthy kayak, and are a competent paddler. This should not be a strenuous trip but bring water, sunblock, a snack, etc.