Frequently Asked Questions about Rainbow Springs State Park

Question: How much water flows out of Rainbow Springs each day?
Answer: An average of 461 million gallons of water flow out of the headsprings each day, forming the Rainbow River. This makes Rainbow Springs the 4th largest spring in Florida, 8th largest in the world.

Question: Where do you tube the Rainbow River?
Answer: Tubes can be put in at K.P. Hole County Park, on Highway 41. Call 1-352-489-3055 for more information.

Tubing is not allowed within the headsprings portion of the state park. Only registered campers may tube from the campground using their own tubes or tubes rented from our Visitor Service Provider.

Question: Do alligators exist in Rainbow Springs?
Answer: Yes, alligators exist in almost all of Florida’s fresh water, but at Rainbow Springs sightings are rare. Alligators rarely become a problem to people unless they are fed and learn to expect food from people, or they are harassed. It is against the law to harass or feed an alligator.

Question: Where are canoes available for rent?
Answer: Canoes and kayaks are available for rent from our Visitor Service Provider, Dragonfly Watersports. Canoes are also available for rent downriver at the KP Hole County Park and from private businesses in and around the town of Dunnellon.

Question: Where does Rainbow Springs begin?
Answer: Rainbow Springs State Park is where the spring run begins. Several spring vents rather than a large cavern discharge water to form the Rainbow River. Rainbow River is 5.6 miles long, flowing from the headsprings in the State Park into the Withlacoochee River.

Question: What is the temperature of the water at Rainbow Springs State Park?
Answer: Like most freshwater springs in the state of Florida, the water at Rainbow Springs averages 72 degrees year around.

Question: Where is fishing allowed on the Rainbow River?
Answer: Fishing is prohibited within the entire headsprings area. The rest of the river is open for fishing. Signs located on the river mark the no fishing zone. Please also be aware of the special litter laws on the Rainbow River –no disposable containers of any kind are allowed. Drinks and food must all be in non-disposable containers or you may be fined.

Question: Where is the campground located?
Answer: The campground is 1 mile downstream from the headsprings by boat and 6 miles by vehicle. From the headsprings park, go either north or south. Heading south, turn left onto 484, then left onto 180th Ave. Rd. If you leave the park heading north, turn right onto 40 then right onto 180th Ave. Rd.

Question: How long are the walking trails at Rainbow Springs State Park?
Answer: The Park has hard-surfaced walkways through gardens, totaling about 1.5 miles, with several loops possible. Some walkways are steep and uneven, making wheelchair and other handicap access difficult. A new nature trail has also been created, winding through woods and sandhills with scenic overlooks at historical phosphate pits and the river. This trail is approximately 2.6 miles long.

Question: Are the waterfalls at Rainbow Springs State Park natural?
Answer: No, the waterfalls were built in the 1930’s when the park was developed as a tourist attraction. The water, which is pumped from the river, is turned off at night.