KOA Journey campgrounds offer the perfect oasis after a day on the road. Whether it’s along the way or a quick getaway, they’ve got you covered. Located near the highways and byways of North America with long Pull-thru RV Sites, they deliver convenience to the traveling camper. Pull in, ease back and take a load off.
KOA Journey campgrounds offer the perfect oasis after a day on the road. Whether it’s along the way or a quick getaway, they’ve got you covered. Located near the highways and byways of North America with long Pull-thru RV Sites, they deliver convenience to the traveling camper. Pull in, ease back and take a load off.
From Orlando
From FL-408 W take the Florida's Turnpike exit toward Ocala. Keep Left to stay on Florida's Turnpike for 41.2 miles. Take exit 307 toward Inverness. Turn left on to FL-44 W for 15 miles. Turn right onto US-41 N which becomes Main St. Continue on FL-44 for 7.5 miles. Keep right to stay on FL-44 for 7.4 miles. Turn right on to N Turkey Oak Dr for 0.2 miles. Crystal River KOA will be on your left.
From Tampa
From I-275 N take exit 53 to merge onto I-75 N toward Ocala for about 55 miles. Take exit 329 for FL-44 toward Inverness. Turn left onto FL-44 W and take to N Turkey Oak Dr and turn right. Crystal River KOA will be on your left.
OR
From I-275 S take exit 39 to merge onto FL-60 W. Continue onto FL-589 N for 67.1 miles. Turn left onto FL-44 W for 4.7 miles. Turn right on to N Turkey Oak Dr for 0.2 miles. Crystal River KOA will be on your left.
From Gainesville
From I-75 S take exit 350 toward Dunnellon. Merge onto FL-200 for 16.1 miles. Take a slight right onto County Rd 491 for 10.2 miles. Turn right onto County Rd 486/ W Norvell Bryant Hwy for 3.9 miles. Turn right onto FL-44 for 1.5 miles. Turn right on to N Turkey Oak Dr for 0.2 miles. Crystal River KOA will be on your left.
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Every parent hears the dreaded "I'm bored" from their kids at least once a day. Our campground here at Crystal River KOA just happens to be close to many fun activities for kids and parents to do rain or shine. We have created a list of fun things to do that are either local or a short drive away from our campground.
The best option would be to go spend the day at the beach. There are three Gulf access points with white sand and a whole lot of fun to be had. So, pack your sunscreen and sand toys and check out one of these beaches!
Fort Island Beach-this is Crystal River's main Gulf access beach. It is a short 20-minute drive from the campground. At the time the beach is going through repairs from Hurricane Helene but is open to the public to still enjoy. The beach is open from 6am to 9:30pm.
Pine Island Beach (Alfred A Mckethan Pine Island Beach) is a Gulf access beach south of us in Hernando County. The beach offers restrooms, changing rooms and showers, as well as a snack bar for its patrons. There are also Volleyball courts and grills and a playground for kids. There is a parking fee at $5 per car. We recommend going early as the lots fill quickly and you would have to wait for availability to be able to enter. They do not allow RVs, Busses or trailers in their lots. Pine island is open from 8:30 am to 8pm and is about a 48-minute drive from camp.
Cedar Key City Park/ Beach Access is another Gulf access beach to the north of Crystal River. It is a gorgeous drive that takes you to the town of Ceder Key with lots or restaurants and shopping opportunities. It is a small beach area but has a large playground, basketball courts, restrooms, picnic tables with grills and free parking. It is about an hour away from camp, but the beach is open 24 hours a day.
These beaches are a great way to beat the Florida heat and are wonderful year-round. Another great way to help your kids stay cool during your visit are the couple of splash-pads available in the area.
Crystal River Splash Pad (551 NE 1st Street) is located at the "heart" of Crystal River near the Town Square. It is a button activated fountain splash pad for your kids to enjoy year-round. It has free parking and entry with shaded picnic tables. The location is wonderful as it is close to a variety of shopping and restaurants as well. If you happen to be here near the first of the month, the City of Crystal River puts on "First Friday" each month offering booths from local artists and food trucks as well as live music right at town square. This splash pad is just a five-minute drive from the campground.
Whispering Pines Splash Pad is located in Inverness and about a 30-minute drive from the campground. It is inside Whispering pines park as is open seasonally during the months of April-October from 10am to 7pm. There is no fee to enter, however they do have a capacity of 26 persons at a time. There are nearby tables for your convenience as well as a playground.
If the weather is a little too cold to go and enjoy time in the water, there are many great parks to spend the day at.
Kings Bay Park, Crystal River is a short drive from the campground and close to downtown Crystal River. It offers a great playground and a large swing set for your kids to enjoy. There is also plenty of picnic tables under a pavilion offering plenty of shade for visitors. Kings bay park also has a pier that you can fish from as well as a kayak launch (fee applies to use the kayak launch). The park has parking at $5 but there is free parking available up the road if needed. It is open from 8am to Sunset.
Bicentennial Park, Crystal River is a 148-acre park with a whole lot of things to do. There are basketball, tennis and volleyball courts available at first come first serve basis. There is a playground and skatepark with a couple of tables and benches. Restrooms and water fountains are available as well. Bicentennial Park also has a pool open year-round as well. The pool is open Monday-Friday from 8am to 4pm, Saturday from 11am-6pm and Sundays from 1pm-5pm. It is a heated pool with a 12-foot end. It is handicap friendly with a ramp going into the pool. Lifeguards are on duty during pool hours.
Liberty Park, Inverness is a larger park located near downtown Inverness. There is a large, gated playground with benches and tables inside the area. It is set next to Henderson Lake offering a board walked path to enjoy the views the lake offers. Liberty Park is also along a paved bike path that is part of the Withlacoochee state trail. The City of Inverness also does monthly markets near the playground as well. The park is open from 8am to 8 Pm.
Just because it's raining does not mean that the fun has to end. There are also a few indoor activities available to keep the fun going.
Crystal River Escape room offers family-friendly entertainment with escape room challenges that has clues and puzzles for you to solve. They are open Sunday through Thursday from 1pm to 9pm. Fridays from 1pm to 11pm and Saturdays from noon to 11pm.
Bowlero Crystal River is a great way to spend a few hours out of the rain. They have 30 bowling lanes available offering the best experience for guests of all ages and skill levels. They offer online reservations for ease of mind for your visit with them. Also available at the bowling alley is a small arcade, sports bar that has refreshments and food, pool tables and corn hole.
Mertailor's Mermaid Aquarium Encounter is located in Lecanto and only 8 minutes from the campground. They have touch tanks and mermaid shows and a variety of exhibits for you and the kids to enjoy. They are open daily from 11 am to 4pm. General admission is $12.50 for children ages 4-12 years old. It is 17.50 for those above the age of 13 years old. Tickets include entry to the aquarium, the mermaid shows, access to all exhibits and touch tanks. They offer additional experiences at a separate cost.
Any of the above beaches, parks or experiences would be a great way to spend the day with the kids during your trip here. Our campground is also a place for fun to be had! We have a heated pool that is open year-round and a shaded playground. We also offer rock painting on Fridays at 2pm right inside the clubhouse. Whichever activity you and the kids decide to do we at Crystal River KOA hope you have a wonderful time and enjoy what the day has to offer.
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