Inverness, Florida sits on the Tsala Apopka chain of lakes in Citrus County, about 12 miles west of I-75 on State Road 44. The list of things to do in Inverness, Florida runs from a 1912 courthouse where Elvis filmed a movie to 46 paved miles of rail-trail to a lakeside park where you can launch a kayak. One long weekend covers most of it.
Last verified October 28, 2026. Hours and events change, so confirm with the venue before you go.
Start downtown: Courthouse Square
The Old Courthouse Heritage Museum anchors the square. The building dates to 1912, and the courtroom is where Elvis filmed scenes for Follow That Dream in 1962. The museum is free to walk through (check current hours, because they shift with volunteers and events). Plan 45 minutes.
Across the square, the Valerie Theatre sits nearby, and the surrounding blocks hold the coffee shops, antique stores, and restaurants. Park once and walk everything.
Get on the water at Wallace Brooks Park and Liberty Park
Wallace Brooks Park sits on the shoreline of the Tsala Apopka chain at the end of Dampier Street, right along the Withlacoochee State Trail. Bring a paddle. Calm water, cypress along the edges, and a good chance of seeing an anhinga drying its wings on a snag.
Liberty Park and Cooter Pond Park are short walks from downtown and work for a picnic or a sunset. Fishing is common on all three. Florida freshwater licenses apply, so check the state rules first.
Ride or walk the Withlacoochee State Trail
The Withlacoochee State Trail is 46 paved miles of old rail line, and it runs straight through Inverness. Flat, shaded, and wide enough for a family of 4 on bikes. Ride 5 miles out and back on the first morning and you will know whether you want the longer version.
Pack water and a snack for the longer stretches.
Half-day trip: Fort Cooper State Park
Fort Cooper State Park is about 12 minutes from Preservation Point. It has a lake, hiking trails, and a Second Seminole War history stop. We cover trails and the history in a separate guide.
Full-day trip: Crystal River manatees
Three Sisters Springs in Crystal River is about 25 minutes away, and Homosassa Springs is around 30. Manatees crowd the warm springs on cold mornings, usually November through March. Our month-by-month manatee guide breaks down when to go.
Where to eat
Stumpknockers is about 5 minutes from camp. The Cove Resort and Pub, Cedar River Seafood, and Salty Dogs Steamer all get local mentions for lunch and dinner. Menus and hours shift seasonally, so call ahead on weekends.
A weekend plan
Friday: Arrive by 3:00 pm check-in, walk the pond, watch the sandhill cranes come through. Dinner downtown.
Saturday: Morning bike ride on the Withlacoochee State Trail. Lunch downtown. Courthouse Heritage Museum in the afternoon. Wallace Brooks Park at sunset.
Sunday: Fort Cooper State Park or the springs at Crystal River, depending on the weather and the crowd.
Where to park the RV: Preservation Point
Preservation Point RV Resort sits on 230 acres at 8588 E. Gulf to Lake Hwy., Inverness, FL 34450, about 6 minutes from downtown. All 221 sites are concrete pads with full hookups (50/30/20-amp power, water, dual sewer drops) and free Wi-Fi. Pull-throughs fit rigs up to 60 feet; back-ins and pull-ins fit up to 45. The grounds have a catch-and-release pond, 2 community fire pits (free wood), and lake frontage on Lake Tsala Apopka.
The resort is new and still being built. A pool, bathhouse, and laundry are on the way but not open yet, so arrive with a self-contained rig. A laundromat is about 7 minutes up the road.
Winter sites go first. Check availability at Preservation Point, or browse our Florida parks. If you are chasing the cold months, the snowbird RV guide maps the wider Gulf Coast route.
Frequently asked questions
What is Inverness, Florida known for? Its lakes, the Withlacoochee State Trail, and a historic courthouse square.
Is Inverness good for a weekend trip? Yes. The downtown, the trail, and the lakes fit inside 2 days, and the springs at Crystal River add a third.
Can you bring an RV to Inverness? Yes. Preservation Point has pull-through sites up to 60 feet and full hookups on every pad.
