Crystal River Preserve State Park
3266 N Sailboat Ave, Crystal River, FL 34428 ph 352-228-6028
(*Closes at Sunset*)
Expect To See:
Birds, alligators, more alligators, turtles, snakes, mullet. Manatee and dolphin once you get to the river.

There isn’t exactly a street address for the launch area as it is part of the
Crystal River Preserve State Park. Going North out of Crystal River on US19, turn onto West State Park Drive at the Ford dealer. Follow until you must make a left. Entrance is a marked limestone road about 50 yards beyond the turn on the left. It has always had ample parking for my vehicle and trailer. There are also a few short hiking trails starting from the parking lot. There is one dedicated launch area. 60 paces to the water from the edge of the parking area. There is also another brush free site to launch from 40 yards to it’s North. No restrooms by the way.
This has always been one of my favorite put ins. Not really well known and a short paddle south to the river puts you beyond all the homes.
On the weekend there’s a fair amount of boat traffic (once in the river, no boats ever at or near the launch) but I enjoy playing in their wakes. Staying in the smaller canals is great for anyone, getting in the river at this point isn’t recommended for lesser experienced or younger paddlers. Stay out of the middle and hug the shoreline.
Using this site to the river puts you immediately across from the larger boat ramp halfway to Ft Island Beach on Ft Island Trail.
Caution. I always see alligators here. They DO NOT mess with humans. I would not recommend you bring your dog/s. I have had one stalk my dog when standing on the shoreline.