Three Sisters Springs
Crystal River, FL
Clear blue springs in Kings Bay where hundreds of manatees gather on cold winter days. Boardwalks give views from above; parking is off-site with a shuttle.
Three Sisters Springs is part of the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, the only national wildlife refuge in the US created specifically to protect Florida manatees. The springs feed Kings Bay. From mid-November to the end of March, when the Gulf is cold, the animals gather in the warm spring water. A boardwalk offers views from above; there is no water access from the refuge, and swimming from the boardwalk or the shore is not allowed.
Access is by shuttle, on foot or by bicycle; the parking lot at the refuge is only for vehicles with a disability permit. Paddle craft may enter the spring from April 1 to November 14. Plan one to two hours. Parts of the boardwalk are temporarily closed for construction (as of October 2026); check current conditions before you go.
- Nearest town
- Crystal River, FL
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 28.8883, -82.5895
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually November–April. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and September–October. Hot in June–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Rock Crusher Canyon RV ResortCampsite4 mi from Three Sisters Springs
- Nature Coast Landings RV ResortMotorhome stopover9 mi from Three Sisters SpringsMotorhomes
- Big Bass Village RV ParkMotorhome stopover10 mi from Three Sisters SpringsMotorhomes
- Chassahowitzka River CampgroundMotorhome stopover12 mi from Three Sisters SpringsMotorhomesElectricityWi-Fi
- Tillis Hill Equestrian CampgroundCampsite15 mi from Three Sisters SpringsTentsCaravansDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowed
- Mary's Fish CampCampsite24 mi from Three Sisters Springs
All campsites in Florida · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Three Sisters Springs?
Three Sisters Springs is in Crystal River, FL, at GPS 28.8883, -82.5895. It is about 14 mi from Dunnellon.
Can you camp near Three Sisters Springs?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Rock Crusher Canyon RV Resort, about 4 mi away; within 25 mi there are 16 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Three Sisters Springs?
Three Sisters Springs is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Manatees and springs on Florida’s Nature Coast.
What is there to see near Three Sisters Springs?
Places worth a stop nearby: Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park (6 mi), Rainbow Springs State Park (17 mi), Weeki Wachee Springs (26 mi) and Cedar Key (32 mi).
When is the best time to visit Three Sisters Springs?
The most pleasant months are usually November–April. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and September–October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)