Who we are
Mary’s Fish Camp has been a beloved Gulf Coast landmark since 1946. Tucked along the Mud River in Bayport, Florida, the camp sits where two natural springs—Mud River Spring and Salt Spring—flow toward the Weeki Wachee River and out to the Gulf of Mexico. These spring-fed waters are famous for their abundant fish, especially the mullet that migrate right past the camp.
For decades, time stood still at Mary’s. Little changed since its founding, and that’s exactly what made it special—a true slice of “Old Florida,” shaded by oaks and surrounded by the quiet beauty of the coast.
After closing in 2010, the camp sat vacant until September 2015, when a group of local businessmen and sportsmen came together with a shared goal: to revive Mary’s Fish Camp and preserve this historic treasure for future generations. Thanks to their efforts, Mary’s is once again a place where families can relax, fish, and enjoy the simple pleasures of life on the river.
Come visit, take in the view, and enjoy an RC Cola and a Moon Pie by the water. Experience a piece of Florida’s heritage brought back to life.
History
A 1908 postcard showing the Weeki Wachee River in Bayport. Image courtesy of FloridaMemory.com
WEEKI WACHEE
Weeki Wachee Spring has been active for thousands of years. Used by Native American tribes, including the Seminole. The name means 'little spring' or 'winding river.' The spring produces over 100 million gallons of crystal-clear water daily at a constant 72°F, forming the Weeki Wachee River, which flows 12 miles to the Gulf. In 1947, Newton Perry created the world-famous underwater mermaid shows, establishing Weeki Wachee as a premier roadside attraction in Florida. It became a Florida State Park in 2008 and remains a major destination for mermaid shows, kayaking, and manatee habitat preservation.
BAYPORT
Bayport, settled in the 1850s, grew as a shipping port for cotton, lumber, and sugar. It played a key role during the Civil War as a Confederate shipping and supply point. The Battle of Bayport in March 1864 featured Union naval attempts to block Confederate trade. Following the war, Bayport transitioned into a commercial fishing village known for mullet, shrimping, and net fishing. As tourism grew in the early to mid-1900s, the area became home to Old Florida fish camps along the Mud and Weeki Wachee rivers.
MARY'S FISH CAMP
Mary’s Fish Camp (established 1946) sits on the Mud River between Weeki Wachee and Bayport. This location has historically offered spring-fed water, excellent fishing, and river access to the Gulf. It reflects the authentic Old Florida fish camp tradition—simple river cabins, natural shoreline, and community gathering spaces that have endured for generations.
