Hunter Springs Park
Hunter Springs Park
4
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
About
Hunter Springs Park 18 NE 2nd St. Parking fees are enforced within the parking lots. Free lots are available in close proximity. Vehicles with trailers are not permitted at Hunter Springs Park. Trailer parking is available at Kings Bay Park. Amenities: Pavilion (not available for reservation or rental) Restrooms Picnic area with BBQ grills, Beach with Fresh Water, Swim Area, Kayak Launch- (The City does NOT rent kayaks or paddle boards), Playground, Living Shoreline. Park is generally open from 8:00 a.m. until sunset. No dogs allowed with the exception of service animals. No alcohol. Parking fee is $1 per hour or $5 for all day.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
283 reviews
Excellent
141
Very good
78
Average
35
Poor
16
Terrible
13
Michael M
Port Richey, FL6 contributions
Nov 2021 • Couples
We live out of town and go to Hunter Springs to swim. I was surprised that the City of Crystal River did away with their $1 parking fee per hour and instituted a $5 daily fee. To make matters worse they did away with their $50 annual permit unless you live in the City of Crystal River. This is just plain greedy. At a time where people need to exercise and stay in good health with Covid going on the City of Crystal River has essentially denied services to people who visit and spend money weekly. The other free lots are located two to four blocks away, too inconvenient for swimming and changing. My wife suffers from COPD and we will be applying for a disabled permit for her. The city should also note that they are not offering the amenities found at many State Parks that charge $4 to $5. We have even parked at Clearwater Beach for $3 for an hour who offers many more services.
Written November 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
James W
9 contributions
Jul 2023
We stopped for a picnic after kayaking all morning at another area. We completely missed the small sign entering the park saying that they have paid parking. It was a busy place with lots of cars coming and going. The 2 pay kiosks are not obvious unless you park near one. A 30 minute stay - normally $5 for all day parking - turned into a $50 fine. Crystal River seems to value the money rather than a friendly welcome to out of town tourists. A park ranger (who said he didn't write the ticket) told me the city will not waive any parking tickets. The Hunter Spring itself was overrun with power boats, paddle boards, and kayaks. We used a picnic table under a tree and then left, at which time I noted the paper ticket on my windshield. Definitely will be more careful next time we venture anywhere near Crystal River. At least they do have public restrooms.
Written July 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Colleen M
Atlantic City, NJ91 contributions
Sep 2021
I guess my bar was set too high with the beautiful pictures that you see online. This is a tiny park area and playground with a very small, crowded beach surrounded by condos and houses. There is no view, unless you wanted to watch the guy in the parking lot who is living in his car bathe himself. No thanks.
Written September 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Megan G
Breckenridge, CO67 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
Highlights are:
1. $5 all day parking
2. Kayak/Paddle board launch easily accessible.
3. Swim beach with Manatees. You can get one on one time with them, where over at Three Sisters there's 50ish people you have to share them with.
4. Bathrooms!!
5. Picnic area.
6. You can paddle to Three Sisters from here. Its about a mile. No need for a tour, just ask people and follow the tour boats.
1. $5 all day parking
2. Kayak/Paddle board launch easily accessible.
3. Swim beach with Manatees. You can get one on one time with them, where over at Three Sisters there's 50ish people you have to share them with.
4. Bathrooms!!
5. Picnic area.
6. You can paddle to Three Sisters from here. Its about a mile. No need for a tour, just ask people and follow the tour boats.
Written February 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
seasteph
Canada26 contributions
Feb 2022
You'll see manatees in the winter, but you'll be swimming around 15 other people to see it. A little too crowded for my liking. There's a little park for little kids that they seem to enjoy. There is a place to launch your kayak for a small fee, but this is not the nicest place to kayak as there is a lot of boat traffic.
Written February 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Larry Jo
2 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
DO NOT EVER GO HERE. Apparently it is pay to park... but the signage is severely lacking. For one hour at a tiny spring... $50 ticket... this is either an intentional scheme against the tax payer or INCOMPETENCE of park operation.
Written October 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vicki
Warrenton, MO71 contributions
Jul 2021
Yes it’s a small park, a small beach area but the water is so clear and refreshing. We went in July and it was crowded and I can see why it’s a wonderful spot to cool off. I really liked it, we met some really nice people and I can’t wait to return next time we’re in town. It’s free to enter but you do have to pay to park in the lot.
Written December 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ilovetogetaway6
Lehigh Valley, PA12 contributions
Jan 2023 • Family
Our family was here in January 2023. This was our second visit here. Our younger kids are aged 11 - 16 and they couldn’t wait to come back. There are manatees in the springs in January and they swim in the same area that the kids swim in right off the beach. The water at the beach is pretty shallow too, so it’s great for younger kids. The air was a little chilly when we were there but because it is a spring the water is warmer. You do have to pay to park, but I think it was only $5 or $10, not too bad for a full day.
Written February 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jill S
Vinemont, AL49 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
Dropped by to take a look around. Ended up having a great manatee encounter! My granddaughter and I saw "footprints" (manatees tail swirls in the water) and we quickly got our masks and snorkels and went out. The manatee swam right up to us and interacted with us. We didn't have wetsuits so it was pretty cold but well worth it! Great!
Written January 2, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sharon L
Sarasota, FL49 contributions
Sep 2020
This was definitely the busiest spot on the river with locals and tourists taking advantage of the swim area. If you're taking a boat like we did be prepared for limited mooring options and consider kayaking as many people did. Too crowded for me.
Written September 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
If I just want to rent a kayak (without guided tour) to visit the springs, should I make a reservation or is there enough capacity?
Also, do they provide lockers? If no, where to leave your belongings while on the trip?
Written August 1, 2022
Do you have to get there early to get in? If the park opens at 8am, is there usually a long line to get in like some of the other springs?
Written May 27, 2021
I would love to swim with the manatees. Are there hotels near by? I live in MN. and am seeking guidance and direction. Thank you
Written January 21, 2021
We rented a house through Airbnb, but I did see many hotels in the area.
Written January 21, 2021
Only service animals are allowed. Currently there are no dogs allowed in any City park.
Written April 10, 2019
Is there another place around here that is good for swimming?
Written June 27, 2018
I went to this park and there is a little beach in the park. Best part was there were 3 manatees that swam right up to me and said hello!
Written November 6, 2018
Is it safe to swim here? My aunt says she saw a sign that it was NOT safe to do so..I've been told No...please advisee tyyyy
Written November 11, 2015
There was no sign when we were there. There were numerous swimmers and classes (scuba and snorkeling). We snorkelers for quite some time.
Written November 11, 2015
I saw trailers parked there set up for kayaks, but you have to get there very early to get space. The parking area is small.
Written July 27, 2017
Does this park have a restroom area?
Written March 24, 2015
the rest room was very clean when I was there in December & January - 2017.
Written July 27, 2017
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