Crystal River KOA: Springs in the area

Crystal River KOA: Springs in the area

Check out these three nearby state parks that are great if you are only in the area for a single day or want something closer to spend a few hours. 

Hunter Springs State Park - 104 NE 1st Ave, Crystal River, FL 

This park is located in the heart of Crystal River, right by the downtown area and off the main river! It is less than a ten-minute drive from our campground. The park offers a roped-off area for swimming off a small man-made beach area. There is also a playground and picnic tables throughout the park area. Hunter Springs offers a kayak launch area for $5; you can pull up to the launch and unload before parking, if needed. 

OPEN DAILY FROM 8:00 AM TO 6:45 PM


Rainbow Springs State Park - 19158 SW 81st Place Rd, Dunnellon, FL 34432

Just 32 minutes from our campground is a large 1,459-acre spring park known for its crystal-clear blue river. The park offers activities such as swimming, snorkeling, tubing (on-site rentals available), kayaking and hiking. Spend the day in the springs' cool water, explore the trails and gardens and try to spot some local wildlife. There is a visitor center and snack bar on site as well. 

There is a $5 entry fee per car (up to 8 people). The park will close when it reaches capacity in the morning, but gets less crowded later in the day. 

OPEN DAILY FROM 8 AM to 6:45 PM


Weeki Wachee Springs State Park - 6131 Commercial Way, Weeki Wachee, FL 34606

Home of the live mermaid shows! Weeki Wachee Springs is about a 40-minute drive south on Highway 19. During your visit, you can take a river boat cruise, kayak or canoe down the river, swim at Buccaneer Bay (open during peak season) and see an animal show. Mermaid shows are performed in the park's 400-seat underwater theater. Check online for show times, as they can vary throughout the year. Buccaneer Bay is the park's "waterpark" that features a flume ride, a sandy beach and picnic areas. 

If you plan to visit during peak season, arrive early, as the park will reach capacity and close to new entrants. Admission is $18 for adults and $8 for children ages 6-12. Children under 5 years are free. 

OPEN DAILY FROM 9 AM to 5:30 PM 


Looking for a way to spend a full day out? Check out these state parks that are a little further away from our campground, but definitely worth the drive! 


Silver Springs State Park - 5656 E Silver Springs Blvd, Silver Springs, FL 34488

There are multiple park entrances; check online for the best one for your trip! The park offers bike and horse trails, as well as paddling opportunities. During your visit, you may also see the infamous Rhesus monkeys during your glass-bottomed boat tour or while out on your kayak/canoe. Silver Springs is also known for its museum and Pioneer Village. 

Silver Springs State Park is about a 1-hour, 10-minute drive from our campground. 

There is an $8 Fee per vehicle (2-8 people), $5 for single-occupant drivers, $2 for pedestrians, bicyclists or extra passengers. To use your personal kayak or canoe, there is a $4 launch fee.  

OPEN DAILY FROM 8 AM to SUNDOWN. Canoe/kayak launches close 90 minutes before the park closes.


Ginnie Spring State Park - 7300 NE Ginnie Springs Rd, High Springs, FL 32712

This park is almost an hour and a half away from the campground. Spend the day floating down the river, paddling along in a kayak, or snorkeling. The park offers rentals for all three if you do not have your own. The park offers online day pass purchases to expedite entry for your visit. 

OPEN MONDAY TO THURSDAY FROM 8 AM TO 5 PM, FRIDAY AND SATURDAY FROM 8 AM TO 7 PM, SUNDAYS FROM 8 AM TO 6 PM. 


Pack up the cooler and grab some sunscreen, the springs are calling!

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