Hunter Springs Park — Attraction in Crystal River

Super overcrowded, inappropriate things written under the playground equipment, and the bathrooms are gross. All that being said, the water is beautiful and the super cold temp of the spring feels good when it's hotter than Satan's armpit outside. The swimming and sand area is smaller, about 1/3 what it use to be some years back when they "improved" it. Parking is 5.00 per car but you don't pay to get in. Pets aren't allowed, only service animals. There's a few picnic table benches so get there early to claim one before they're all taken. Also, keep your snacks in containers with lids. If you leave it in bags, the second you walk away, the birds will desend apon it and rip everything open so they can steal your food. 😂 Tents, coverings, and such are no longer allowed so pack alot of small umbrellas and sunblock if you burn easily. The playground often has wasps so, if your child is allergic to stings, you may want to avoid that part but I don't see them really around the swimming area unless someone has a open can of soda or juice. If you are hoping to see manatees, come early while it's still cool outside. They typically leave the area once it warms up. If its manatee season, don't bother paying an insane amount to go on a boat to swim with them. Rent a paddle board or just come to the spring directly and save your money. Not all but alot of the manatee tour places just bring you to hunter springs. Despite some of its issues, it's still a fun place that the kids love. But if you're searching for a bigger, less crowded area, try rainbow springs in Dunnellon instead. Pretty much the whole thing is over your head though so bring floats for the kids. There's no playground but there's waterfalls...

Best place to go to Three Sisters if you can’t get in through their entrance (even if you can, the close early. This stays open till sunset). It is a bit if a paddle, but you get to see a lot if manatees on the way, during season of course. And a lot of of boats. Parking gets overcrowded so be creative and ready to walk a block or two. Very worth it though. They have rentals for kayaks and paddleboards if you need it, but might wanna call ahead on busy weekends. Leave yourself plenty of time. They ask you to watch a video about the manatees. Please be respectful of the environment and the manatees. It is a beautiful place and we should all help take care of it. There is a beach as well, but it is tiny. Also, restrooms are available too but can get dirty, so don’t expect much. Lots of benches around to sit and enjoy nature. Water gets cold, so be prepared. Summer months are obviously the best time to go, especially if you want to see manatees and get to the beautiful Three Sisters spring. I would suggest going on a weekday if possible, so there are less boats and more chances to see...

Our first time coming to kayak with manatees and this is where we launched. We had our own kayaks and the ramp was easily accessible with an area for loading and unloading at the ramp. A sandy beach was available for play and a swimming area was roped off from boating traffic. The park was great. We paddled to Three Sisters pretty easily and loved the view. The parking is pretty small, so if it is a season that is pretty busy, I'd suggest going early. We visited yesterday December 28th, 2023, and the high was 65°. For many visitors, it's much warmer than home, however, if you're warm-natured or a local, the breeze and temp can make it feel quite cold. It wasn't too bad and the water temperature was definitely warmer than outdoors. We had a wonderful experience.

PRO TIP: Next time, I'll definitely bring snorkeling gear to see whatever all the fuss is about. Tons of private charters and tour companies head out to this area to snorkel. Not only is kayaking available, but so is snorkeling and swimming...