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Crystal River Preserve Arial Image

Crystal River Preserve State Park

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

HABITAT RESTORATION IN PROGRESS

Effective Summer 2022: Crystal River Preserve State Park is conducting a pine flatwoods restoration project. Heavy equipment may be seen along State Park Street and 7 Mile Loop Trail. Please use caution and be alert in this area. Portions of 7 Mile Loop trail may be closed during this project. For information or trail status, call the park at 352-228-6028.

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

352-795-3817

Park Menu

  • Experiences & Amenities
  • Events
  • History
Download Park Map

Welcome to Crystal River Preserve State Park

Discover one of Florida's most productive and biologically diverse estuaries, where freshwater from stunning spring-fed rivers mixes with the saltwater 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 of what this area of Florida looked like centuries ago.

The park is a year-round destination for hiking, kayaking, paddle boarding and bird-watching. The preserve’s wetlands play an important role in refreshing Florida’s aquifer, making the area essential for Florida's wildlife and human communities.

Plan Your Visit

Barbara Roberts Park Manager in Class A Uniform
Learn

Manager's Message

Whether you’re a photographer, hiker, geocache enthusiast, kayaker, angler or enjoy spending time on the water, Crystal River Preserve offers a collection of experiences to enjoy at your own pace, on your own schedule.
Image of tour boat Monroe on the Crystal River
Service

Boat Tours at Crystal River

Enjoy an eco-heritage experience unlike any other boat tour offered in the Crystal River region.
Image of a tidal creek on the seven mile loop trail at crystal river preserve state park.
Learn

Hike the Seven-Mile Loop Trail at Crystal River

The 7-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
Weddings
Weddings
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife Viewing

Amenities

Accessible Amenities
Accessible Amenities
Canoe Kayak Launch
Canoe Kayak Launch
Parking
Parking
Pets
Pets
Picnic Pavilion
Picnic Pavilion
Restroom Facilities
Restroom Facilities

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

Nature’s magic happens in an estuary, where the fresh water and salt water meet. 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

A photo of Jeanne Ellis, a park ranger for the Crystal River State Parks.

Staff Spotlight

Jeanne started with the Florida Park Service before it was the park service. She has worked in our office since 2001, when the properties were known as the Crystal River Buffer Preserve and St. Martins Aquatic Preserve.
John Pomeroy

Volunteer Spotlight

Walking John Pomeroy has received the 2020 Irene DeLaby Award for contributing more than 10,000 hours of volunteer service at Crystal River Preserve State Park.
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

Park Map

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Florida State Parks

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(850) 245-2157

Or send an email to:
FSP.Feedback@FloridaDEP.gov

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