Fronting a significant spring in Crystal River, Hunter Springs Park is a well-kept family destination for outdoor fun.
A riverfront beach, playground, and picnic area adjoin the hand launch used by many a paddler to ply the waters of Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge.
Center of Hunter Springs ParkResources
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Overview
Location: Crystal River
Length: 0.3 mile loop
Trailhead: 28.89564, -82.59203
Address: 104 NE 1st Ave, Crystal River
Fees: $5 parking, good all day. $5 launch per vessel.
Restroom: Adjoining picnic area
Land manager: City of Crystal River
Phone: 352-697-0933
Open 8-8 Apr-Labor Day, 8-7 Labor Day-Oct 31, 8-5:30 Nov-Mar.
No pets permitted. No overnight parking. No fishing. No alcohol or glass containers allowed in the park. No smoking or use of tents, canopies, or large umbrellas on the beach.
Directions
From the intersection of SR 44 and US 19 in Crystal River, drive north on US 19 for 0.4 mile and make a left onto N Citrus Ave at the light. Four blocks down make a left on NW 3rd St. Make the next right onto NE 4th St. The road ends at the park.
About the Park
Generally a busy place on weekends, the park draws swimmers and snorkelers to the only land-based access to a spring in Crystal River.
While a parking fee is charged for the limited on-site parking, it’s an easy walk from free lots closer to the historic downtown along Citrus Avenue.
Riverfront swimming beachA man-made “beach” for sand play sits behind a seawall within sight of the springs. Families gather to make sand castles and relax in the sun.
The shallow sandy bottom of the river is obvious in the crystalline waters, but floats also separate the swimming area from passing boaters and paddlers.
Swimming areaAccessible walkways circle the park for more than a quarter mile, weaving between restored natural areas while connecting the parking area, picnic pavilion, and beach.
A broad boardwalk circles a cattail marsh while providing easy viewing of manatees in winter.
Boardwalk between cattails and riverThe upper portion of the “beach” includes a long circular concrete bench above what’s essentially a big sandbox for the kids.
On the other side of the park, the playground features slides and climbing equipment for both small fry and their slightly older siblings.
Sand play area and picnic pavilionIf you’re paddling towards Three Sisters Springs in Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Hunter Springs Park is the closest launch point.
That’s how we became acquainted with it long ago, as it’s along a narrow channel upstream from the open waters of Kings Bay.
View from the boardwalk towards the open waters of Kings BayAdjoining the parking area, you’ll find picnic tables in the shade and free life vests to borrow at a loaner station near the restrooms.
The small sandy hand launch is along the shoreline beneath the pines at the end of the road.
Paddlers departing the hand launchTrail Map
Explore More!
Learn more about Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge
Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge Integral to the town of Crystal River, this water-based refuge protects wintering grounds for Florida manatees.Video
Slideshow
See our photos of Hunter Springs Park
Nearby Adventures
Kings Bay Park Edging Kings Bay and spring-fed waterways flowing into it, this wooded downtown park provides some of the best views of Kings Bay.
Kings Bay River Walk Discover a variety of unexpected perspectives on coves, springs, and the expanse of Kings Bay along a marked walkway stretching around downtown Crystal River.
Three Sisters Springs An important gathering place for manatees during the winter months, this beautiful cluster of springs along Crystal River can be visited by land or by water.
Crystal River Preserve State Park Crystal River Preserve State Park spans 20 miles of the Gulf Coast between Yankeetown and Homosassa, protecting key manatee habitats along estuaries of the Gulf.
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