Boat Ramps In Citrus County: Open Or Closed?

Citrus County, Florida, offers a wide range of boat ramps for visitors and residents to enjoy. With fifteen different boat ramps spread across the county, boaters can access various bodies of water, including rivers, lakes, and the Gulf of Mexico. While most of the boat ramps are free to use, launch fees are charged at four popular sites: Ft. Island Gulf Beach, Ft. Island Trail Park, Hernando Beach, and MacRae’s. These fees help maintain and improve the ramps for all users. So, whether you're looking for a quiet day on the lake or an adventure out on the open water, Citrus County's boat ramps can get you there.

Boat launch fees

Citrus County in Florida has 15 boat ramps spread throughout its scenic waterways. These ramps provide access to various bodies of water, including the Gulf of Mexico, Crystal River, Salt River, and the Withlacoochee River. Launch fees are charged at four of these sites: Ft. Island Gulf Beach, Ft. Island Trail Park, Hernando Beach, and MacRae's of Homosassa. The fees are as follows:

• $10 daily fee for launching a watercraft
• $25 annual pass fee for Citrus County residents launching a watercraft (with proof of residency)
• $75 annual pass fee for non-residents launching a watercraft

Watercraft is defined as any vessel for use on the water, whether motorized or not, including boats, canoes, kayaks, jet skis, and more. Only one annual pass per trailer tag is required to access the four county launches. Marinas can purchase a commercial permit, which allows for the registration of up to three dealer trailer tags per annual permit.

The fees collected from these boat launch passes go towards maintaining and improving the Citrus County boat ramps. Customers can pay the fees by downloading the Premium Parking app, using a QR code at the ramps, or by calling the customer service payment line.

Storm damage closures

Citrus County Parks & Recreation manages fifteen different boat ramps spread throughout the County's scenic waterways. Launch fees are charged at four of these sites, and all others are free.

Due to storm damage, the Ft. Island Gulf Beach Fishing Pier and Boardwalk are closed until further notice. Ft. Island Gulf Beach is located at 16000 W. Fort Island Trail, Crystal River, FL. 34429. This launch site usually provides boaters with access to the Gulf of Mexico and Crystal River.

The storm damage is significant enough to warrant a full closure of the site, including the fishing pier and boardwalk. It is unclear when the site will reopen, as it is closed until further notice.

Citrus County Parks & Recreation will need to assess the damage and make any necessary repairs before the site can safely reopen to the public. This process could take some time, depending on the extent of the damage. Alternative boat launch sites in the area are still open, and boaters can use those sites to access the Gulf of Mexico and other waterways.

Citrus County is home to numerous boat ramps, and most remain open and accessible to the public. Boaters are encouraged to check the status of their desired launch site before heading out, as storm damage can cause unexpected closures.

Boat ramp access

Citrus County, Florida, offers boat ramp access to a variety of waterways, including rivers, lakes, and the Gulf of Mexico. The Citrus County Parks & Recreation department manages fifteen different boat ramps spread across the county, with launch fees charged at four of these sites. The following is a comprehensive guide to the boat ramp access points in Citrus County.

Ft. Island Gulf Beach Boat Ramp

This boat ramp is located at 16000 W. Fort Island Trail, Crystal River, FL. 34429, and provides access to the Gulf of Mexico and Crystal River. This site typically charges a launch fee, with a daily rate of $10 for launching a watercraft and annual passes available for $25 for residents and $75 for non-residents. However, it is currently closed due to storm damage, and there is no estimated time for reopening.

Fort Island Trail Park Boat Ramp

Also located in Crystal River, at 12073 W. Fort Island Trail, this boat ramp offers access to Crystal River, Salt River, Indian River, and the Gulf of Mexico. It is one of the sites that charges a launch fee, with the same pricing structure as the Ft. Island Gulf Beach Boat Ramp.

Ozello Community Park Boat Ramp

Ozello Community Park is situated at 410 N. Pirate Point, Ozello, FL. 34429, and its boat ramp provides boaters with access to the Gulf of Mexico. This site does not charge a launch fee, and it offers a shaded picnic area and toilet facilities.

Ozello Park Boat Ramp

The Ozello Park boat ramp can be found at 2045 S. John Brown Dr., Ozello, FL. 34429, and it provides boaters with access to Salt River, Greenleaf Bay, and St. Martins River. This site is free to use and is ideal for airboat launching, although a 4x4 vehicle is recommended for this purpose.

Goldendale Ave. Boat Ramp

This boat ramp, located at 12199 N. Goldendale Ave., Dunnellon, FL. 34433, provides access to Lake Rousseau, also known as the "backwaters," and the Withlacoochee River. Boaters can also reach the dam and lock structures to the north. There is no launch fee at this site.

Additional Boat Ramps

Citrus County offers several other boat ramps with access to various waterways, including the Withlacoochee River, Tsala Apopka Chain-of-Lakes, Chassahowitzka River, and Homosassa River. Some of these ramps charge a parking fee, while others are completely free to use.

Annual passes

Citrus County, Florida, offers annual passes for its boat ramps. The county has 15 boat ramps spread throughout its scenic waterways, with four of them charging launch fees: Ft. Island Gulf Beach, Ft. Island Trail Park, Hernando Beach, and MacRae’s. The fees are used to maintain and improve the boat ramps.

The annual passes are available for purchase on the Premium Parking website, with separate rates for residents and non-residents of Citrus County. The resident annual pass costs $25, while the non-resident pass costs $75. These passes are valid for all four of the fee-charging boat ramps and only require a single subscription per trailer tag. To purchase the annual pass, customers must provide proof of residency, such as a state ID, driver's license, or utility bill with a Citrus County address.

In addition to the annual pass, there is also a daily launch fee option for $10. This fee can be paid through the Premium Parking app, a QR code at the ramps, or by calling the customer service payment line. Marinas can also purchase a commercial permit, allowing for the registration of up to three dealer trailer tags per annual permit.

It is important to note that Citrus County defines a watercraft as "any and all kinds of flotation vessels designated for use on the water, whether or not motorized." This includes boats, canoes, kayaks, jet skis, and even paddleboards, among other watercraft.

Launch sites

Citrus County in Florida offers a range of launch sites for boats, kayaks, canoes, and other watercraft. The county manages 15 different boat ramps spread across its scenic waterways. Four of these sites charge launch fees, while the remaining 11 are free to use.

Ft. Island Gulf Beach Boat Ramp

• Address: 16000 W. Fort Island Trail, Crystal River, FL. 34429
• Coordinates: 28.910777 / -82.692305
• Fee: Yes
• Features: Single launching lane, courtesy dock, 24 paved boat trailer parking spaces, restrooms, and the Roger Batchelor fishing pier.
• Access: Gulf of Mexico and Crystal River

Ft. Island Trail Park Boat Ramp

• Address: 12073 W. Fort Island Trail, Crystal River, FL. 34429
• Coordinates: 28.903438 / -82.6346638
• Fee: Yes
• Features: Two 2-lane ramps, 47 paved trailer parking spaces, courtesy docks, picnicking area, restrooms, lights, and a fishing pier.
• Access: Crystal River, Salt River, Indian River, and the Gulf of Mexico

Hernando Beach Boat Ramp

• Address: 3650 E. Lake Place, Hernando, FL. 34442
• Coordinates: 28.901719 / -82.3734694
• Fee: Yes
• Features: Not specified.
• Access: Hernando Pool of the Tsala Apopka Chain-of-Lakes

MacRae's Boat Ramp

• Address: 5290 S. Cherokee Way, Homosassa, FL. 34448
• Coordinates: 28.784888 / -82.618555
• Fee: Yes
• Features: Single launching lane, courtesy dock, and 35 boat trailer parking spaces.
• Access: Homosassa River, its tributaries, and the Gulf of Mexico

Ozello Community Park Boat Ramp

• Address: 410 N. Pirate Point, Ozello, FL. 34429
• Coordinates: 28.868042 / -82.665325
• Fee: No
• Features: Boat launching ramp (primitive style), hand launching for kayaks and canoes, parking for about 50 vehicles, shaded picnic area, and a Port-O-Let toilet.
• Access: Gulf of Mexico

Ozello Park Boat Ramp

• Address: 2045 S. John Brown Dr., Ozello, FL. 34429
• Coordinates: 28° 49.8834' / 82° 39.3624'
• Fee: No
• Features: Not specified.
• Access: Salt River, Greenleaf Bay, and St. Martins River

Chassahowitzka River Recreation Area Boat Ramp

• Address: 8600 West Miss Maggie Drive, Homosassa, FL. 34448
• Coordinates: 28° 42'53.93" N 82° 34'37.85" W (ramp); 28.714916 / -82.57725 (parking)
• Fee: Parking fee
• Features: Two launching lanes, 21 boat trailer parking spaces, and restrooms.
• Access: Chassahowitzka River, its tributaries, and the Gulf of Mexico

Cross Florida Greenway Boat Ramp

• Address: North Suncoast Boulevard (Route 19/98), Crystal River, FL 34428
• Coordinates: 29° 00'46.95" N 82° 39'44.33" W (ramp)
• Fee: Not specified.
• Features: Single-lane ramp, courtesy dock, and parking for about 10 boat trailers at the ramp, with additional parking under the bridge and on the western side. Restrooms are available at the park behind the FWC building.
• Access: Deadmans Key at the Gulf (6.5 miles down the canal)

Crystal River City Boat Ramp

• Address: 558 Northwest 3rd Avenue, Crystal River, FL. 34428
• Coordinates: 28° 53'56.90" N 82° 35'46.78" W (ramp)
• Fee: Not specified.
• Features: Technically freshwater, but provides access to salt and brackish waters. No parking available.
• Access: Not specified.

Frequently asked questions