RAINBOW
SPRINGS STATE PARK
Dunnellon, FL
Contact Information
19158 S.W. 81st Pl. Rd.
Dunnellon, Florida 34432
Phone: 352-465-8555
Description
Rainbow Springs State Park is a magnificent first
magnitude freshwater spring that pumps 500 million
gallons of water per day. With over 1000 acres of
managed area, there is an abundance of recreational
opportunities. Some of these opportunities include:
swimming, snorkleing, hiking, birding, canoeing,
or relaxing in a beautiful natural resource. Our
campground has 93 campsites.
Hours of Operation
We are open from 8 a.m. until sunset 365 days a
year.
Driving Directions
From I-75, exit at the second Ocala exit onto State
Road 40. Take State Road 40, west. Drive until it
deadends at U.S. 41. Turn left, the park entrance
is on the left-hand side of the road.
From Tampa, take U.S. 41, north. Drive through
the town of Dunnellon. The park is located on
the right-hand side of the road, approximately
2.5 miles north of Dunnellon.
From areas in the northwest, take U.S. 41 to the
town of Williston. After passing through Williston,
you will come to a traffic light where State Road
40 has come to a deadend. Go through this light;
the park entrance is on the left-hand side of the
road. The campground is separate from the headsprings
day use area and is located 2.5 miles north of C.R.
484 off of S.W. 180th Avenue or 2.5 miles south
of Highway 40 off of S.W. 180th Avenue.
ACTIVITIES
Full Facility Camping
The Rainbow Springs State Campground is located
on the river about a mile downstream from the main
headspring and day use area, a driving distance
of approximately 6 miles. All sites have water and
electric (20 and 30 amp), and some are equipped
with sewer hook-ups. Most sites will accommodate
a 40-foot RV with slide out. A dump station is located
between the upper and lower campgrounds. A campground
store, recreation hall, showers & restrooms,
laundry, pool, and playground complete the amenities
offered.
Birding
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
last Saturday of every month except June, July and
August. Please call the park for more details.
Canoeing
Starting at the state park and flowing into the
Withlacoochee River at Dunnellon, the 5.8 mile long
Rainbow River is truly an outstanding waterway.
Nature Trails
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.
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.
Snorkeling
Snorkeling the Rainbow River is a favorite activity
and 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.
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 thundershowers and storms. All
inflatables, including rafts, tubes and balls are
not allowed in the park. Swimmers may wear life
preservers or use the popular "swim noodles."
Tubing
Tubing the Rainbow River is a wonderful experience,
but, tubing is not allowed within the day-use or
headsprings areas of the park. Tubes can be put
in at K.P. Hole County Park. The trip takes about
four hours to complete. For information about tube
rental call K.P. Hole County Park at 1-352-489-3055.
