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Rainbow Springs State Park

Rainbow Springs State Park

A centuries-old pilgrimage is still being made today

Know Before You Go

Rainbow Springs State Park has very high visitation on weekends and holidays. When the park reaches capacity at the headsprings entrance, the park will close to all visitors. When the park is closed, vehicles may not wait in line in the park or on adjacent roads. Due to high visitation, Annual Pass sales are restricted to weekdays and non-holidays only. Annual Passes may also be purchased online. Check in for camping is 3 p.m. or later on your day of arrival. 

Habitat Restoration in Progress

The park is in the process of restoring sandhill habitat. The long-term restoration project includes non-native tree removal, prescribed burning, invasive plant control, and replanting of trees and native ground cover. 

Hours

8 a.m. to sunset, 365 days a year

Fees

Fees vary

See all fees

Location

19158 S.W. 81st Place Road
Dunnellon FL 34432

Get directions

Contact Info

352-465-8555

Park Menu

  • Hours & Fees
  • Entrances to the Park
  • Experiences & Amenities
  • History
  • Events
  • Aquatic Preserve
Make a Reservation Download Park Map

Welcome to Rainbow Springs State Park

The history of Rainbow Springs dates back centuries to a time when native peoples regularly visited this lush spring.


Pay Online, Single-Use Day Pass

Rainbow Springs State Park is a portal to a world of captivating history and breathtaking natural beauty. Here, where the crystal-clear waters of the Rainbow River erupt from the earth, lies one of Florida's most magnificent first-magnitude springs. 

When swimmers take their first dip in the sapphire-blue waters of Rainbow Springs, they become characters in a story that stretches back over 10,000 years, to when humans first visited this place.

Ornamental gardens constructed waterfalls and sloping hills are visible reminders of the springs’ more recent past, when the land was home to a mining operation and a privately owned tourist attraction.

Take a walk through lush, mossy hammocks and then cool off in the springs — it’s a time-honored tradition. 

Plan Your Visit

Angela Kaiser
Learn

Manager's Message

Both campers and headspring visitors can learn about one of the largest springs in the state, the plants and wildlife that make this their home, and the people from the past that once did!
Rainbow Springs Tuber
Service

Food Service and Rentals

Guest Services Inc. provides canoe and kayak rentals from the launch site for guests who want to explore the Rainbow River.
Swimming at Rainbow Springs
Learn

Swimming in Rainbow Springs

Legend has it that the waters of Rainbow Springs possess magical healing powers.

Experiences

Birding
Birding
Camping
Camping
Fishing
Fishing
Hiking
Hiking
Paddling
Paddling
Picnicking
Picnicking
Reunions and Gatherings
Reunions and Gatherings
Snorkeling
Snorkeling
Swimming
Swimming
Tubing
Tubing
Walking and Running
Walking and Running
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife Viewing

Amenities

Accessible Amenities
Accessible Amenities
Campgrounds
Campgrounds
Canoe Kayak Launch
Canoe Kayak Launch
Concession and Restaurant
Concession and Restaurant
Gardens
Gardens
Interpretive Exhibit
Interpretive Exhibit
Laundry
Laundry
Parking
Parking
Pets
Pets
Picnic Pavilion
Picnic Pavilion
Restroom Facilities
Restroom Facilities
RV
RV
Shower Station
Shower Station

Rainbow Springs State Park Photo Gallery

Spring View
Swimmers Diving off Platform
Fish in the Rainbow River
Spring Overhead
A view of the clear, blue water from the side of a kayak.
A view of the flowers, overlooking the springs
A view of the waterfall.
A view of two people walking along the trail.
Rainbow Spring
Learn

Springs of Rainbow Springs

The water is extraordinarily clear, offering a window into a diverse aquatic habitat. The flow of the spring is the fourth highest among all the springs in Florida. Rainbow Springs is a stunning example of Florida’s unique landscape and a gateway to an underground world.
two people standing on a bridge, looking at a waterfall.
Learn

History of Rainbow Springs

In Rainbow Springs State Park, visitors may be surprised to see three large waterfalls. These falls are human-made, and telling their story can reveal how the land around Rainbow Springs was used and shaped by people.

People Make the Parks

Ranger Cameron Randolph

Staff Spotlight

Cameron brings a wealth of experience and a strong work ethic to our team.
Rainbow Springs State Park Board members

Volunteer Spotlight

Meet the recipients of the 2023 Volunteer Awards at Rainbow Springs State Park.
A picture of the Friends Group's banner

Friends of Rainbow Springs State Park

Since 1993, this multi-award winning group has continued to be known for events connecting the community to the park.

Park Map

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Crystal River Preserve Arial Image

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Paynes Prairie is an unpredictable Florida treasure, boasting herds of wild horses and bison, nearly 300 species of birds and a unique ecosystem that visitors will enjoy exploring. The park’s eight trails, including the 16-mile paved Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail, allow one to explore the park’s interior and observe wildlife, while a 50-foot high observation tower provides for panoramic views.

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Florida State Parks

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Have Questions?

Contact the Statewide Information Line:

(850) 245-2157

Or send an email to:

FSP.Feedback@FloridaDEP.gov

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