Main Page - Crystal River Preserve State Park

The lush, green foilage of the coastal marsh hugs the placid water's edge while palm trees tower above humid sawgrass beds on a typical Preserve day.

Manager's Message

The Crystal River Preserve State Park is truly a unique area on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Being situated at a transition between temperate and sub-tropical zones it has plant communities that occur in each. In addition to the climatic zones, it also protects expansive grass flats that extend many miles into the gulf. The estuarine system is fed fresh water from seven rivers in the county and provides for an abundance of sea life. The overall environment of this wonderful area has provided for animal and human residents for thousands of years.

Many new pre-Columbian archaeological sites have recently been added to the Florida Site Files and it is anticipated that the pre-historic and historic inventory will continue to increase. It is important that we gain knowledge based on our predecessor’s impacts on the environment as well as, biological, hydrological, geological, climatic changes that have occurred in the past so that we might better understand our own impacts and the continuing changes in the systems for comprehensive management.

During the next year we will continue a variety of wildlife monitoring in an effort to expand the existing base line inventories and get a better understanding of our effects on the land as a result of management techniques. With all of the natural and cultural resource efforts we hope to maintain and restore the land with in the confines of the preserve; however without an effective education program we would be unable to encourage stewardship for responsible management of private surrounding lands.

The Friends of the Crystal River State Parks, Inc. have taken over the operation of the park’s tour boats with trained park rangers or volunteers providing the interpretation. There is also a popular sunset boat tour the last Friday of each month. Outreach is the most effect natural resource management and cultural resource management tool available and has a way of perpetuating environmental awareness that will last for generations. We are fortunate to have an Americorps out reach person working in the visitor center coordinating volunteers, attending local events and promoting our outdoor class room “EXPLORATION POINT” . Exploration Point was begun several years ago and is generally based on “Last Child in the Woods. It is intended to be used to encourage our youth to spend time in the outdoors in both a structured and un-structured environment.

The expansion of knowledge of the cultural resources on the park has occurred by the inclusion of visiting archaeologists. For many years the preserve has benefited from the Gulf Archaeology Research Institute on site and now we have added the office of the Central Region Florida Public Archaeology Network. These archaeological groups provide us with a diverse array skill and actively participate in research, education, outreach and interpretation.

The five trail heads (four of which are Great Florida Birding Trails) are open daily from 8:00 AM until Sundown. The Park Visitor Center is closed on Weekends.

This is a very exciting place, please come and visit.

- Nick Robbins, Park Manager

Welcome to Crystal River Preserve State Park

A place of exceptional natural beauty, the undisturbed islands, inlets, backwaters, and forests of this preserve are especially cherished by nature lovers and photographers. The park borders 20 miles of the northern Gulf Coast between the two cities of Yankeetown and Homosassa. Visitors can hike or bicycle along nine miles of trails or study the native wildlife and plants on the two-and-a-half mile interpretive trail. Anglers can walk down a short path to the Mullet Hole for a relaxing afternoon of fishing. Paddlers can launch a kayak or canoe into the waters of the scenic Crystal River to see the park from the water. On the third Saturday of each month, the visitor center features the Redfish Revue Theatre, a video presentation about the park. Located west of U.S. 19 in Crystal River.

Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about Crystal River Preserve State Park, please call 352-563-0450.

Hours of Operation

The five trail heads (four of which are Great Florida Birding Trails) are open daily from 8:00 AM until Sundown 365 days a year. The Park Visitor Center is closed on Weekends.

Driving Directions

Visitor Center: is located at 3266 North Sailboat Ave. Take U.S. Hwy 19 3/4 mile north of the Crystal River Mall. Turn left onto State Park Drive at the Days Inn. Follow State Park Drive until it dead ends at the Crystal River. Eco-Walk: 5990 North Tallahassee Road. Take U.S. Hwy 19 north to just before Seven Rivers Hospital. Turn left onto Curtis Tool Road. The intersection of Curtis Tool and Tallahassee Road is the Eco-walk trail head.

Churchhouse Hammock: across from the Crystal River Mall.