Crystal River Boat Ramps: Open Or Closed?

Crystal River, Florida, offers a variety of parks, boat ramps, and recreational activities for nature enthusiasts and those looking to enjoy water activities. The City of Crystal River operates two boat ramps, one at NW 3rd Avenue and the other at Pete's Pier, with parking available across Highway 19. While most parking in the city is free, there is a launch fee for boats at these ramps. Additionally, Citrus County Parks & Recreation manages 15 boat ramps throughout the county, providing access to various waterways, with launch fees charged at four of these sites.

Boat ramp locations in Crystal River

The City of Crystal River in Florida offers a range of parks and water activities, including boat ramps. The city operates two boat ramps, one at NW 3rd Avenue, across from the firehouse, and the other at Pete's Pier. The NW 3rd Avenue boat ramp is located at 558 NW 3rd Avenue, just north of City Hall, and the Pete's Pier boat ramp is at 1 SW 1st Place. These boat ramps are patrolled by Park Rangers and have a launch fee that can be paid at on-site meters.

In addition to the two city-operated boat ramps, there are several other boat ramps in and around Crystal River. The Fort Island Trail boat ramps are managed by Citrus County Parks & Recreation, and one of these ramps is located at 12073 W. Fort Island Trail, Crystal River. This launch site provides access to Crystal River, Salt River, Indian River, and the Gulf of Mexico. There is a fee to use this ramp. Another boat ramp in the area is the Chassahowitzka River Campground ramp in Homosassa, which provides access to the Chassahowitzka River, its tributaries, and the Gulf of Mexico. This site also has a parking fee.

The City of Crystal River's website provides detailed information on boat ramp locations, fees, and annual passes. It is always a good idea to check for the most up-to-date information on fees and operating status before planning a trip to any of these boat ramps.

Parking and launching fees

The City of Crystal River in Florida offers a range of outdoor activities, including parks, boat ramps, kayaking, and nature walks. The city operates two boat ramps: one at NW 3rd Avenue, across from the firehouse, and the other at Pete's Pier. The city boat ramps have parking and launch fees, which can be paid at the meters. The fees are $7.50 for a daily launch and $50 for an annual pass.

The Citrus County Parks & Recreation department also manages 15 boat ramps spread across the county's waterways. Most of these boat ramps are free to use, but four of them charge a launch fee. The free boat ramps include Ozello Community Park, Ozello Park, Goldendale Ave, and Spruce Dr. The boat ramp at Fort Island Trail Park is one of the sites that charges a fee, providing access to Crystal River, Salt River, Indian River, and the Gulf of Mexico.

For those interested in kayaking, Hunter Springs and Kings Bay Parks offer kayak launch areas. Parking and launch fees apply at these locations and can be paid at the area meters. It is important to note that the City of Crystal River does not manage the boat ramps on the Fort Island Trail.

Additionally, a boat pump-out service is available in the Crystal River/Kings Bay area for a small fee of $5. This service is provided in partnership with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

Patrol and supervision of boat ramps

The City of Crystal River employs Park Rangers to patrol, protect, and supervise the City's parks and boat ramps. The Park Rangers' phone number is 352-697-0933.

The City Boat Ramps are located at 1 SW 1st Place (at Pete's Pier) and 558 NW 3rd Avenue (just north of City Hall). There is a launch fee that can be paid at one of the meters, and the ramps are patrolled by Park Rangers throughout the day.

The City of Crystal River does not maintain or operate the boat ramps on the Fort Island Trail, which are managed by Citrus County Parks & Recreation. There are 15 boat ramps spread throughout the County's waterways. Four of these sites charge a launch fee, and the rest are free.

The Park Rangers' responsibilities include patrolling the City parks, boat ramps, and parking areas to assist visitors, enforce rules, and ensure that the natural environment and other guests are not disrupted. They are the first point of contact for visitors who have questions or need assistance.

Citrus County Parks & Recreation-managed ramps

Citrus County Parks & Recreation manages 15 different boat ramps across the county's waterways. The boat ramps on Fort Island Trail are managed by Citrus County Parks & Recreation. There is a launch fee of $7.50 at the City of Crystal River Boat Ramp, with a $50 annual pass available from the City of Crystal River.

The launch site at Fort Island Gulf Beach is currently closed due to storm damage. The Fort Island Trail Park launch site provides boaters with access to Crystal River, Salt River, Indian River, and the Gulf of Mexico. This site has a launch fee. Ozello Community Park and Ozello Park are two other launch sites in the area, both of which are free and provide access to the Gulf of Mexico and Salt River, respectively.

The City of Crystal River also operates two boat ramps, one at NW 3rd Avenue and the other at Pete's Pier. There is a launch fee at these locations, which can be found on Schedule "A". The City Boat Ramp is located at US 19 and NW 3rd Ave, and Pete's Pier Boat Ramp is located at 1 SW 1st Place. Hunter Springs and Kings Bay Parks offer kayak launch areas, and parking and launch fees are paid at area meters.

Annual passes

The City of Crystal River offers a range of annual passes for parking and launching vessels. These passes are detailed below:

City of Crystal River Resident Annual Parking Pass

This pass is accepted instead of the general parking fee at Hunter Springs Park, Kings Bay Park, and the firehouse parking lot across from the NW 3rd Ave boat ramp. It also allows for unlimited motorized vessel launches at the two city boat ramps. This pass is only available to residents within the incorporated city limits.

City of Crystal River Resident Annual Paddle-craft Launch Pass

This pass is accepted instead of the per-vessel launch fee at city launch sites and is attached to each vessel. This pass is only available to residents within the incorporated city limits.

Commercial Annual Pass

This pass is accepted instead of the parking and boat launch fee at the NW 3rd Ave Boat Ramp, as well as the boat launch fee at Pete's Pier Marina. Parking at Pete's Pier is paid directly to the lot attendant. This pass is not valid for parking at Hunter Springs Park or Kings Bay Park.

Citrus County Resident Annual Motorized Vessel Launch Pass

This pass is accepted instead of the parking and boat launch fee at the NW 3rd Ave Boat Ramp and the boat launch fee at Pete's Pier Marina. This pass does not include parking at Pete's Pier, paddle-craft launches, or parking at other metered lots in the city.

For further information on fees and annual passes for the City Parks and Boat Ramps, visit their individual pages.

Frequently asked questions