Stumpknockers on the River: Dunnellon, Florida's Riverside Restaurant
A casual seafood restaurant with a deck on the Withlacoochee River at 13821 SW State Road 200 in Dunnellon, Florida, about 30 minutes southwest of Ocala.
Stumpknockers on the River is a casual seafood restaurant at 13821 SW State Road 200 in Dunnellon, Florida, on the Withlacoochee River about 30 minutes southwest of Ocala. As of October 2026, Google lists it as open Wednesday through Friday from 2 to 9 PM and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 9 PM, closed Monday and Tuesday. Phone (352) 854-2288. Diners can sit indoors or on the decks over the river.
What Makes Stumpknockers a Withlacoochee River Institution?
Stumpknockers on the River is a waterfront seafood restaurant in Dunnellon, Florida, on the banks of the Withlacoochee River where State Road 200 crosses the water. Its Google Business Profile describes it as a casual eatery tucked away on the river serving American fare, with a homey deck and boat tours. The restaurant has earned a loyal following among locals and visitors for its no-frills approach to Florida seafood: Google highlights gator nuggets and stuffed flounder as popular items, and the Marion County tourism directory lists catfish, frog legs, sea scallops, steaks, and Florida gator, all prepared to order.
Located about 30 minutes southwest of Ocala in Marion County, Stumpknockers is a natural stop for anyone exploring the area's rivers and springs. Visitors heading to or from Rainbow Springs State Park frequently make Stumpknockers part of their day trip. The restaurant's location on the Withlacoochee, one of Florida's designated paddling trails, also makes it a popular refueling point for kayakers and canoeists paddling the river.
The name itself reflects the character of the place. "Stumpknocker" is a common Florida nickname for the spotted sunfish, a small freshwater panfish found throughout the state's rivers and springs. That river-centric identity runs through everything at the restaurant, from the menu to the setting to the clientele coming off the water in shorts and sandals. For visitors to the Dunnellon area, it provides a dining experience that is specific to this part of Florida.
Where is Stumpknockers in Florida?
Stumpknockers on the River is at 13821 SW State Road 200, Dunnellon, FL 34432, on the Marion County side of the State Road 200 bridge over the Withlacoochee River, southeast of downtown Dunnellon at the Citrus County line. It is about 30 minutes southwest of Ocala and a short drive from Rainbow Springs State Park. A separate Stumpknockers on the Square operates at 110 W Main St in downtown Inverness.
Address and Phone
13821 SW State Road 200
Dunnellon, FL 34432
Indoor dining room and outdoor decks on the river. Leashed, well-behaved pets are welcome, per the county tourism directory.
Hours
- MondayClosed
- TuesdayClosed
- Wednesday2:00 PM - 9:00 PM
- Thursday2:00 PM - 9:00 PM
- Friday2:00 PM - 9:00 PM
- Saturday12:00 PM - 9:00 PM
- Sunday12:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Hours as listed on the restaurant's Google Business Profile as of October 2026; call ahead to confirm.
What Makes Stumpknockers Stand Out
Waterfront setting, Florida specialties, and a casual atmosphere that captures the spirit of river life in Marion County.
Waterfront Dining on the Withlacoochee
Stumpknockers sits directly on the Withlacoochee River with an outdoor deck overlooking the water, and diners can choose the deck or the indoor dining room. The river setting defines the experience, and wildlife sightings along the banks are part of the appeal. Google's listing also notes boat tours operating from the restaurant.
Florida Seafood Specialties
The menu leans into dishes that are distinctly Floridian. Gator nuggets and stuffed flounder are flagged as popular items on Google, and catfish is what many regulars come for. The Marion County tourism directory also lists frog legs, sea scallops, and steaks, with meals prepared to order.
Gateway to Springs and Rivers
Dunnellon is the gateway to Rainbow Springs State Park and sits at the confluence of the Rainbow River and the Withlacoochee River. Stumpknockers serves as a natural dining stop for visitors exploring these waterways. After a morning kayaking the Rainbow River or tubing at Rainbow Springs, the restaurant is a short drive away for an afternoon meal or dinner.
Casual, No-Frills Atmosphere
Stumpknockers is not fine dining and does not try to be. The atmosphere is casual and relaxed, suited for people coming off the river in shorts and sandals, and the focus is on straightforward cooking rather than presentation. It is a working river restaurant in the truest sense.
Visiting Stumpknockers from Ocala
Stumpknockers is about a 30-minute drive from downtown Ocala: take State Road 200 southwest through Marion County toward Dunnellon, and the restaurant is on the right-hand (Marion County) side of the road just before the bridge over the Withlacoochee River into Citrus County, southeast of downtown Dunnellon. The route passes through the rural landscape between the two communities, and the drive itself is part of the appeal for people looking to escape the commercial corridors. Many Ocala residents treat a trip to Stumpknockers as a half-day outing combined with time on the river or a visit to Rainbow Springs. Note that the restaurant opens at 2:00 PM on weekdays and does not open on Monday or Tuesday, so plan a late lunch or dinner rather than a midday stop.
The Withlacoochee River, which runs past the restaurant, is one of Florida's most scenic paddling rivers and is designated as a Florida Paddling Trail. Kayak and canoe outfitters operate in the Dunnellon area, making it easy to plan a paddle that starts or ends near the restaurant; see our Rainbow River kayaking guide for routes and outfitters. The Rainbow River, which joins the Withlacoochee at Dunnellon a few miles downstream of the restaurant, is known for its clear spring-fed water and is popular for tubing, snorkeling, and wildlife observation.
For those exploring the broader dining scene around Ocala and Marion County, Stumpknockers represents a category of restaurant that is hard to find elsewhere: a genuine riverfront fish camp serving the local outdoor community. It is also a convenient dinner stop for anyone camping at Rainbow Springs State Park's campground in Dunnellon. It pairs well with a visit to Dunnellon's Boomtown historic district, where shops and galleries occupy restored buildings along the town's main street. Browse our best seafood in Ocala guide and our waterfront dining near Ocala roundup for more options across the region.
Frequently Asked Questions About Stumpknockers
Where is Stumpknockers in Florida?
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Explore More Near Dunnellon and Ocala
Ocala Dining Guide
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Dunnellon, Florida
Discover Dunnellon's Boomtown district, outdoor recreation, and community attractions.
Best Seafood in Ocala
Top-rated seafood restaurants across Marion County, from Cajun crab cakes to fried fish platters.
Rainbow Springs State Park
Crystal-clear springs, tubing, kayaking, and nature trails just minutes from Dunnellon.
Plan Your Day on the River
Combine a meal at Stumpknockers with kayaking, tubing, or a visit to Rainbow Springs for a full day exploring the rivers and springs of Marion County.
Browse All Ocala BusinessesStumpknockers on the River en Dunnellon, Florida: dirección y horario
Stumpknockers on the River es un restaurante de mariscos a orillas del río Withlacoochee, en 13821 SW State Road 200, Dunnellon, FL 34432, a unos 30 minutos al suroeste de Ocala. Según su perfil de Google (octubre de 2026), abre de miércoles a viernes de 2:00 a 9:00 p.m. y los sábados y domingos de 12:00 a 9:00 p.m.; cierra los lunes y martes. Google destaca los nuggets de caimán y el lenguado relleno como platos populares, y el directorio turístico del Condado de Marion menciona bagre, ancas de rana, vieiras, bistecs y caimán. Se puede comer en el interior o en las terrazas sobre el río. Teléfono: (352) 854-2288.