Crystal River Preserve Arial Image

Crystal River Preserve State Park

Step back in time and explore this untouched piece of old 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

Time stands still in the Crystal River Preserve State Park, a rare coastal estuary fed by two majestic spring-fed rivers.

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.
Explore Florida State Parks
Initiative

Every Stamp Is A Story

We invite you to visit any one of our amazing state parks, and to save your adventures with the Special Edition Real Florida Passport. This travel-sized journal is the perfect place to collect your memories and discover new places to explore! Each Florida State Park has a unique stamp and story.
Annual Pass
Learn

Florida State Parks Annual Pass

A Florida State Parks Annual Pass allows frequent visitors to enjoy parks for pennies a day! Annual Passes can be purchased a variety of ways and are available for individuals or families.

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
Birds flying over the shoreline
Landscape at Lowtide
A Group of Pelicans flying in the sky
Garden area around the park office
Rivers and Lakes
Learn

Rivers & Lakes

Florida is truly a place where land and water interweaves to form a diverse and dynamic natural fabric. Numerous rivers course through the landscape, and lakes of varying sizes can be found in all regions.
Florida Panther
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Wild Places

Florida’s wild places are time machines to a Florida before development. Scattered throughout the state, they represent the original Florida, places of discovery and where you can reconnect with yourself.

People Make the Parks

Park Staff

Join the Team

Are you active, enthusiastic and enjoy serving others? Come join the Florida State Parks’ team where we help visitors and residents experience the wonder of Florida’s best loved places.
volunteer

Volunteer with us!

Help fulfill the Florida State Parks' mission. Assist park employees to preserve, interpret and restore ...the Real Florida!
The Friends of the Crystal River State Parks boat tour

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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