Hunter Springs Park

Aerial view of Hunter Springs Park

 This beautiful park is a jewel for Crystal River.  It is a local favorite and has won a 2019 Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor. 

 

About 100 feet offshore is one of the 70 natural springs that feed the Crystal River and Kings Bay.  The springs keep the water a pretty constant 72°F (22° Celsius) year-round.  The park offers a small beach area leading to a roped-off swimming area, kayak/canoe launch, a boardwalk along the waterway where you are likely to spot waterbirds, a playground area, and other amenities.   Bring your beach gear, stretch out on the grass, enjoy a picnic, and swim.  You may even spot manatees swimming by, especially in colder months.     

 

Hours

8 am - 8 pm April 1st through Labor Day

8 am - 7 pm Day after Labor Day through October 31st

8 am - 5:30 pm November 1st (or the Day after Daylight Savings ends whichever is later) through March 31st

PARK RULES AND REGULATIONS

  • Fees to Park and Launch Paddle-Craft at This Location – Pay Stations Accept Credit Card Payments Only – Have Your Vehicle Tag Number Available when Paying
  • No Alcoholic Beverages or Glass Containers Allowed
  • No Loud Sound-Making Devices Permitted
  • No Dogs / Pets Allowed in Park (Service Animals are Permitted According to Title II and III of the ADA)
  • No Tents, Canopies or Large Umbrellas Permitted (4-Foot Maximum Umbrella Diameter)
  • No Fishing from Anywhere in the Park or Shoreline
  • No Jumping, Diving or Climbing From / On the Boardwalk
  • No Smoking (Except for Designated Areas)
  • Do Not Molest / Feed the Wildlife
  • No Grills, Other than Those Provided by the City are Allowed in the Park. Only Charcoal is to be Used for Cooking. No Open Fires or Frying Allowed
  • No Toys / Equipment that Discharge Projectiles
  • No Games / Activities That Interfere with Other’s Safety and Enjoyment of the Park
  • Visitor is Responsible for any Damage That They or Minors Under Their Supervision Cause to the Park
  • Children 12 and Under May Not be left Unattended in the Park
  • No Commercial Activity, or Activity for Which a Fee is Collected, or Equipment is Rented is Allowed at the Park (Includes Paddle-craft clubs, etc.)
  • No Oversized Vehicle / Trailer Parking
  • No Overnight Parking. Vehicles Left in Lot at Closing are Subject to Tow at Owner’s Expense
  • The City May Restrict Entry to the Facility or Ask Individuals to Leave the Park if These Guidelines are Not Followed
  • No One is Permitted in the Park or Swim Area When Closed. Violators Will be Considered Trespassers and Subject to Penalty Under Section 12.2-7 of the Crystal River Code of Ordinances

Amenities

  • Beach with Fresh Water Swim Area
  • Pavilion (not available for reservation or rental)
  • Restrooms
  • Picnic areas with BBQ grills
  • Kayak Launch (residential only, no commercial launching)
  • Playground
  • Living Shoreline
  • The City does not rent any paddle-crafts

Hunter Springs Park Living Shoreline Project

 

Click any thumbnail image to view a slideshow

Aerial view of Hunter Springs Park taken from above water
View of beach area as viewed from the water showing clear water and small sandy beach area
Kayak/canoe launch as viewed from the water
Scuba class in the water
playground area
Boardwalk along waterway with waterbird resting on the rail , grasses along the far right
bright early morning sun over the park with rows of clouds
sunset over the water, taken from the park with a purple, pink and yellow sky and bench in the foreground
six white ibis birds sitting on a bench near the water with someone's lunch on the ground next to the bench