Rainbow Springs State Park

Activities at Rainbow Springs State Park

	Camping, Full Facility Rainbow Springs State Park’s newly renovated campground is located on the river about a mile and a half downstream from the main headspring and day use area, a driving distance of approximately six miles. All sites have water and electric (20, 30, and 50 amp), and are equipped with sewer hook-ups. ADA accessible restrooms are available. A dump station is located between the upper and lower campgrounds. Amenities include a campground store, recreation hall, showers and restrooms, laundry, pool and playground. Pets are welcome in the campground but are not permitted in swimming areas or buildings. Fishing for largemouth bass and other fresh water species is also popular from the campground. Canoes, including paddles and all safety equipment, are available for rent. The swimming area is a popular part of the campground. The campground is separate from the headsprings day use area. Maximum RV length = 40 ft. Reservations: Reservations may be made up to 11 months in advance through ReserveAmerica. Book Online or call (800) 326-3521 (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.) or TDD (888) 433-0287.
	Canoeing & Kayaking Starting at the state park and flowing into the Withlacoochee River at Dunnellon, the 5.6 mile long Rainbow River is truly an outstanding waterway. The crystal clear water flowing past moss-draped cypress trees competes for your attention with the river otters and large numbers of wading birds. Launching access to the river is somewhat limited. Many boaters launch at the popular KP Hole County Park, approximately 1-¼ miles downstream from the park. Privately owned boats launched at the headsprings must be carried from the parking area approximately 1000 feet to the canoe launch. Campers may rent or launch their own canoes or kayaks at the state park campground. Canoes and kayaks, including paddles and all safety equipment, are available for rent from our Visitor Service Provider, Dragonfly Watersports. A number of special regulations apply to the Rainbow River, so be sure to review the river rules prior to any boating activities.
	Gardens The gardens and waterfalls at Rainbow Springs State Park are cultural assets that remain from the days when the headsprings were a private attraction. They have been renovated and replanted while preserving their historical significance. In early spring the entire headsprings area bursts into pinks, purples and whites with its famous azalea blooms.
	Hiking/Nature Trail Rainbow Springs State Park offers leisurely strolls through shady gardens laced with azaleas, oaks and magnolias. The walkways pass by three man-made waterfalls and a native plant garden. Benches located along the paths offer the visitor an opportunity to rest while enjoying the sounds of birds and flowing water. While every season has much to offer, the February and March bloom of azaleas is a popular time to visit the park. The walkways are a mixture of brick, concrete and asphalt surfaces. While historically unique and offering great views of both river and gardens, the pathways were constructed prior to ADA guidelines and are steep and uneven in places. A native garden, which is a special attraction to butterflies and hummingbirds, lies behind the cultural gardens. A nature trail winds back behind the gardens through natural oak hammock and sandhill communities. This trail offers both river and phosphate pit overlooks and is approximately 2.5 miles long from the Visitors' Center.
	Pets Well-behaved dogs are welcome at Rainbow Springs State Park. They must be kept on a 6-foot leash at all times and they are not allowed to enter the water, including headsprings, swim areas, river and ponds. Doggie pot bags are provided in order to keep the park beautiful and safe for everyone.
	Picnicking Picnickers may enjoy a view overlooking the main spring basin and swimming area. Picnic tables, grills, and three covered picnic pavilions (one may be reserved, special fees apply) surround the " bowl" area, a grassy basin sloping down to the headsprings itself. Picnic items must be carried up the long entrance walkway and through the tollbooth in order to reach the picnic area. Larger groups may wish to rent the more private Felburn Pavilion, ideal for those wanting a special location for a family reunion, wedding reception or other gathering. Contact the park for details.
	Snorkeling Snorkeling the headsprings of the Rainbow River is a favorite activity but is only allowed in the buoyed swimming area. However, it is allowed from the campground or from boats once you are outside of the headsprings. Please be aware that state law requires dive flags for all snorkelers. Another way to enjoy snorkeling is to sign up during the summer for a ranger-guided tour. You will learn what you are looking at and be allowed access to the otherwise protected headsprings area.
	Swimming The cool, clear waters of the headsprings attract swimmers from late spring through fall. Swimming and snorkeling are restricted to the buoyed swimming area. The average depth in the swimming area runs from 5 to 18 feet; the water temperature averaging 72 degrees year round. Swimming hours are from 8 am to one hour before sunset. The swimming area is closed during thunderstorms. All inflatables, including rafts, tubes and balls are not allowed in the park. Swimmers may wear life preservers or use the popular " swim noodles." During the busier summer season lifeguards may be on duty. Other than a small wading area for toddlers, the water is over 5 feet deep. Please be prepared to carefully monitor your own children and non-swimmers.
	Tubing Tubing the Rainbow River is a wonderful experience, but, tubing is not allowed within the headsprings area of the park. The park’s Tube Entrance is located on SW 180th Avenue Road 1.4 miles south of the Campground Entrance. The trip takes about two hours to complete and is a loop system; you start and end your float from the same location. Tube rentals and a shuttle service that takes you upstream two miles are available from our Visitor Service Provider Dragonfly Watersports. For those wanting a longer tube float there is a four hour trip that starts at the K.P. Hole county park. For information about K.P. Hole County Park call the park at 1-352-489-3055. NOTE: K.P. Hole is not associated with Rainbow Springs State Park. The trip that originates at K.P. Hole starts and terminates outside the state park. Note: Only registered campers may tube from the campground using their own tubes or tubes rented from our Visitor Service Provider Dragonfly Watersports.
	Wildlife Viewing Throughout the park, on all of the Nature Trails and along the river exist many wonderful birding opportunities. A brand new park birding list has been created and a guided bird walk is offered the second Saturday of every month except June, July and August. Please call the park for more details.