Rainbow Springs State Park RV & Campground Guide
Florida
People have flocked to Rainbow Springs for more than 10,000 years, drawn by its lush greenery and pristine sapphire-blue waters. Native peoples regularly visited the spring, and today visitors can see ornamental gardens, man-made waterfalls, and verdant, sloping hills from when it was a privately-owned tourist attraction.
The weather at the park is warm, although not as hot as it can get in other areas of Florida. The average high in summer months is just at 90°F, and in the frigid days of winter, the January low is a very manageable 46°F. July is the rainiest month, with an average of 13 days of precipitation.
Spring 52°F – 87°F
Summer 71°F – 90°F
Fall 54° F – 88° F
Winter 46°F – 72°F
Dunnellon, FL
RV Resorts & Campsites in Rainbow Springs State Park
Camping is available at the state park campground, along the Rainbow River a few miles from the day use area. All sites have full hookups, and there is a dump station. Pets are allowed in the campground area, but not in much of the park. If you choose to rent an RV, consider renting with RVshare. Each rental vehicle comes with nationwide insurance coverage, 24/7 roadside assistance, and a dedicated team that will work to make sure you have the perfect RV for your travel plans and unique needs.
There are also several nearby campgrounds where you can stay while you visit the park:
Quail Roost RV Campground
This Citrus County RV park is geared towards older folks who appreciate a quiet atmosphere with plenty of activities. The park is a short drive from Crystal River, Kings Bay, and the Rainbow Springs River. Make it your base camp to explore those spots, or spend a day by the pool or participating in one of the classes or activities available at the campground!
- Water hookup: yes
- Electrical hookup: yes
- Sewer hookup: yes
- Wi-Fi: yes
- Pet friendly: n/a
- Other amenities: pool, laundry, showers, planned activities
Goethe Trailhead Campground
Relax in the fresh country air and enjoy a day at this horse-and-pet-friendly campground.
- Water hookup: yes
- Electrical hookup: yes
- Sewer hookup: yes
- Wi-Fi: yes
- Pet friendly: yes
- Other amenities: horse accommodations, pool, showers
What to Do at
Rainbow Springs State Park
Inside Rainbow Springs State Park
There are a number of things to do at Rainbow Springs State Park.
Birding: Rainbow Springs is a wonderful birding area and is park of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. You may see woodpeckers, wading birds, hawks, songbirds, and owls, along with other feathered friends.
Paddling: Get a close-up view of Florida’s famed moss-covered cypress trees, and float by river otters and wading birds as you paddle the beautiful blue spring waters.
Gardens: Gardens and waterfalls remain from when the park was part of a private attraction. The gardens are especially known for their pink, purple, and white azalea blooms every spring.
Geocaching: Find coordinates and hints at geocaching.com, then search the park for hidden caches. Geocaching is the perfect activity for the whole family and gets everyone out running around searching for treasures.
Hiking: The park offers leisurely strolls through the gardens, with benches for visitors to relax and rest while taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of the area. A native garden that attracts butterflies and hummingbirds is behind the cultural gardens, and a separate nature trail heads behind the gardens to river and phosphate pit overlooks.
Snorkeling: Guests can snorkel in the headsprings of the Rainbow River.
Swimming: The natural swimming area is between 5-18 feet deep, and the water temperature averages 72°F year-round. Inflatables such as rafts, tubes, and balls are not allowed, but swimmers may wear life preservers or use noodles.
Tubing: Tubing is not allowed in the headsprings area of the park, but there is a separate tubing entrance, with shuttle service. Guests can bring their own tubes or rent one there. The float trip takes about two hours to complete.
Outside Rainbow Springs State Park
There’s plenty to do outside the park as well! From learning about natural landmarks to relaxing with a tasty bite to eat, once you’ve explored the park, try one of these activities.
Restaurants
Swampy’s Bar & Grille
Delicious, relaxed Cajun fare along with burgers and fish tacos. If you arrive early to the restaurant deck, you may see the family of otters that live right on the river bank, and you’ll see plenty of tourists and locals float by on kayaks and tubes as well.
Type: Cajun
Location: Dunnellon
Blue Gator Tiki Bar & Restaurant
This beachy restaurant and bar serves up Southern-style seafood with beautiful river views. You’re likely to experience some live entertainment when you show up as well. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the fried frog legs.
Type: Seafood
Location: Dunnellon
Citrus Grill
Classic Southern breakfast food, including biscuits and gravy...delicious sandwiches...and dinners including hush puppies, liver & onions, and voo-doo chicken.
Type: Southern
Location: Dunnellon
Shopping
Grumbles House Antiques & Garden Shop
The Grumbles House was once a prominent family home on the edge of town at the turn of the 1900s. It’s now a place to browse antiques, gifts, home decor, and handmade items in the 10-room, two-story house. There’s also plenty of garden decor in the courtyard, along with a bubbling fountain, brick walkway, and a selection of beautiful, healthy plants.
Location: Dunnellon
Sightseeing
Blue Run of Dunnellon Park
This park provides walking and birding trails, a 3-acre pond, and access to the Rainbow River for kayaking and tubing.
Location: Dunnellon
KP Hole Park
Float on the 72°F crystal-clear river and see alligators, turtles, otters, birds, and fish. You can also tube the “Rainbow River Classic,” which is about four hours of fun!
Location: Dunnellon
Nature Coast Manatee Tours
Swim with manatees! You’ll be taken to Homosassa or Crystal River, where the captain will drop anchor and you can swim. On the way back, look for dolphins or monkeys on monkey island. Tours include cold or hot beverages and food, and are heated during winter months.
Location: Homosassa
How to Get to
Rainbow Springs State Park
To get to the Headsprings Entrance: Take I-75 to State Rd. 40 west, which dead ends at U.S. 41. Turn left. The park is on the left.
To get to the campground entrance: Head 3.1 miles south of State Rd. 40, or 2.3 miles north of County Rd. 484.
To get to the tubing entrance: Head 4.5 miles south of State Rd. 40, or 0.9 miles north of County Rd. 484.
The address is 19158 SW 81st Place Rd., Dunnellon, FL.
Entering Rainbow Springs State Park
There is an entrance fee of $2 per person, with additional fees if you’re planning to rent tubes or use the tubing shuttle.
Entrance Fee : $2
Camping with friends and family is a wonderful way to make memories that are sure to last a lifetime! Renting an RV with RVshare takes a lot of stress off of you and makes the trip easier to plan. Whether you choose to rent an RV near your home and drive, or fly into Florida and rent an RV, you’re sure to have a trip you won’t soon forget! We would love to see pictures of your travels - be sure to send us photos of your trip to [email protected] and tag us on social media. Your memories could be featured on our blog, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter page!