Kayak & SUP Launches

local kayaking on a early morning

The City of Crystal River has two launch areas ideal for watercraft such as canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards.  The launches are located inside Hunter Springs Park and Kings Bay Park. Kings Bay Park is where all pre-approved commercial vendors launch kayaks and paddle-craft. Commercial vendors must have a signed agreement with the City of Crystal River in order to operate out of Kings Bay Park. At this time, no additional vendors are being added. Groups that either charge a fee or rent equipment to participants for outings are not permitted to launch from either park as this would be considered operating as a commercial business. Kings Bay Park offers parking for trailers (up to 8-feet), and there is no trailer parking available at Hunter Springs Park.  Kings Bay Park & Hunter Springs Park are metered parking locations with pay stations located in the parking lots. 

There is a per-vessel launch fee for all paddle-craft at both parks. Fees can be paid at the pay stations.

While it is possible to launch personal watercraft from the City Boat Ramp and Pete's Pier after paying the launch fee, they have been designed for larger vessels and are not the safest launch option due to large boats coming and going from the water.   

To allow for visitor relaxation and enjoyment, businesses and vendors are not allowed to conduct business inside any City park. Local vendors have a great working relationship with the city, and for various reasons you may see them at the parks. This includes the pre-approved vendors at Kings Bay Park. For safety, they are able and encouraged to provide safety training to ensure you know how to operate the kayak and how to navigate the waterway.  Enjoy!  

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close-up view of canoe/kayak launch at Hunter Springs Park
aerial view of Hunter Springs park, kayak launch on far right
close-up view of canoe/kayak launch at Kings Bay Park
dock and kayak launch at Kings Bay Park
kayaks and stand-up paddleboarding
Launch Facilities and Springs