Crystal River Preserve Arial Image

Crystal River Preserve State Park

Step back in time and explore this protected piece of original Florida

Hours

8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year.

Fees

No fee required

Location

3266 N Sailboat Ave.
Crystal River FL 34428

Get directions

Contact Info

352-228-6028

Welcome to Crystal River Preserve State Park

Discover one of Florida's most productive and biologically diverse estuaries, created by the mixing of freshwater from stunning spring-fed rivers with the salt water of the Gulf of Mexico.

Crystal River Preserve is a true mosaic. Within its borders are more than 27,500 acres of scrub, pinewoods, hardwood forests, salt marshes and mangrove islands. Much of the property is still untouched, allowing visitors a glimpse at what this area of Florida looked like centuries ago. It’s a year-round destination for hiking, kayaking, paddleboarding, and birdwatching. The Preserve’s wetlands play an important role in refreshing Florida’s aquifer, making the area essential for the animals and people that live in and visit these productive and diverse estuaries.

Plan Your Visit

John Lakich, Park Manager
Learn

Manager's Message

Fall is in the air, which means the Preserve is about to come alive. It also means our Heritage Eco-tour boat is back in service. Join our Captain and volunteer interpreters to learn about the history, ecology, and beauty of the spring-fed Crystal River.
Image of tour boat Monroe on the Crystal River
Service

Boat Tours

Enjoy a leisurely 1.5 hour professionally narrated boat tour offered seasonally from September through May. Park volunteers make learning fun while discussing how the rare spring-fed estuary that defines the Crystal River Preserve supports abundant sea and wildlife.
Image of a tidal creek on the seven mile loop trail at crystal river preserve state park.
Learn

Hike the Seven Mile Loop Trail

The seven-mile loop trail is an unforgettable experience for the off-the-beaten track explorer who prefers to walk, jog or mountain bike in a part of the Preserve where the loudest noises you’ll hear will be the sound of your feet hitting the ground or the wheels of your bike spinning.

Experiences

Bicycling
Bicycling
Boat Tours
Boat Tours
Fishing
Fishing
Hiking
Hiking
Paddling
Paddling
Walking and Running
Walking and Running
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife Viewing

Amenities

Canoe Kayak Launch
Canoe Kayak Launch
Interpretive Exhibit
Interpretive Exhibit
Parking
Parking
Picnic Pavilion
Picnic Pavilion
Restroom Facilities
Restroom Facilities
Visitor Center
Visitor Center

Fishing on the Crystal River
Butterfly perching on a flower
Overlooking the marsh at Crystal River Preserve
Image of two pileated woodpeckers perched on either side of an oak tree with bright red crests and black and white feathers.
Birds flying over the shoreline
Landscape at Lowtide
A Group of Pelicans flying in the sky
Garden area around the park office
Closeup image of the spiked crested coralroot, a purple and brown orchid-like flower.
Learn

Endangered Spiked Crested Coralroot Orchid

What may at first seem to be a rather humble plant is in fact a rare and exciting treat to behold at Crystal River Preserve State Park.
Image of a stand of palm trees by the still and calm water of the salt marsh.
Learn

Estuary of Crystal River

Where the fresh water and salt water meet a superb blend is created, where nature’s magic can happen in the middle of the estuary. Each day in Crystal River fresh water from an abundance of area springs mixes with the salty seawater from the Gulf of Mexico.

People Make the Parks

Image of Rick Mainster at the wheel of the Monroe, Crystal River state park's tour boat.

Staff Spotlight

When Rick Mainster isn’t volunteering in his community, you can find him working as a part-time boat captain operating the 24-passenger tour boat at Crystal River Preserve State Park.
Image of buffy de matteis standing by the water in crystal river state park.

Volunteer Spotlight

As a volunteer interpretive guide who has the privilege to share all the knowledge she has gained at two state parks and a national wildlife refuge with visitors from around the world, Buffy de Matteis seems to have found her calling.
The logo of friends of crystal river state parks in black and white, depicting palm trees and an archaeological mound.

The Friends of the Crystal River State Parks

Friends groups meet the critical needs of individual parks and the system of state parks. They share one thing in common - passion for parks.

This Park is Recognized by:

Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail
Designated Greenway
Great Florida Birding Trail

Park Map

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