Manager's Message
NOTICE: Due to the renovation of our campground we have closed the campground area of the park until further notice. We anticipate the new campground to be open in the Spring of 2009. Watch here for further notice and the new campground map which will also be available on www.reserveamerica.com as soon as it is completed.
Though the campground is closed, the Tubing Entrance to the park is open. One of three formal park entrances to Rainbow Springs State Park, this entrance is located at 10830 SW 180th Avenue Road on the east side of the river, unlike the Marion County park KP Hole which is located on the west side of the river. In the State Park you can rent a tube, ride the tram upriver, and then float back to your point of origin, not needing a second vehicle. The float trip is approximately an hour and a half, depending on wind. After floating down the river, you can show your state park receipt for free admission on the same day to the headsprings area of the state park at the US 41 entrance for a day of picnicking, nature study, swimming and family fun. Come out and enjoy our facilities and bring the family. We look forward to your visit!
Whether it is swimming or paddling in the cool water of the springs, picnicking in the park, hiking or birding along the nature trails, or strolling through the gardens, Rainbow Springs has much to offer. You can learn about the ecology of both the uplands and the springs that make up this beautiful park. Enjoy your visit!
Visitors: The campground and headspring each have a separate entrance. Click on the Park Map for directions to each entrance. Thank you.
- Joe Smyth, Park Manager
Welcome to Rainbow Springs State Park
Archaeological evidence indicates that people have been using this spring for nearly 10,000 years. Rainbow Springs is Florida's fourth largest spring and, from the 1930s through the 1970s, was the site of a popular, privately-owned attraction. The Rainbow River is popular for swimming, snorkeling, canoeing, and kayaking. Canoes and kayaks can be rented at both the headsprings and the campground. A picnic area at the spring includes tables, grills, and pavilions. For large gatherings, private pavilions can be reserved. Tubing is not allowed in the headsprings area of the park, but tubers can launch at nearby K.P. Hole County Park. The full-facility campground is about six miles from the day use area. The day use area is located three miles north of Dunnellon on the east side of U.S. 41. The campground is located on S.W. 180th Avenue Road about two miles north of County Road 484 and two miles south of State Road 40.
Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about Rainbow Springs State Park, please call 352-465-8555 Campground: 352-465-8550.
Get more information on making a reservation.
Hours of Operation
Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 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.
Park Fees
Admission Fees - $1.00 per person (children under six years old are admitted for free).
Camping Fees - $19.00/night. All campsites have water and electric. A limited number of sewer hookups are available.
Picnic Pavilion Rental Fees - There are two covered pavilions available for reservation. Beyond the normal reservation fee (see below) each pavilion has a $30 cleanup deposit due on the day of reservation. The deposit will be returned after inspection upon departure.
Felburn Pavilion seats up to 75 people on plastic chairs and tables, and can be reserved for $75.00 plus tax. The regular $1.00 admission/person still applies.
Hickory Pavilion has 14 picnic tables and can be reserved for $75.00 plus tax. The regular $1.00 admission/person still applies.
Rainbow Springs State Park
19158 S.W. 81st Pl. Rd.
Dunnellon, Florida 34432
Phone: 352-465-8555 Campground: 352-465-8550
Fax: Contact Park for Number
Citizen Support Organization
Friends of Rainbow Springs State Park, Inc.
19158 South West 81st Place Road
Dunnellon, FL 34432
Visitor Service Provider
Dragonfly Watersports
19158 S.W. 81st Place Road
Dunnellon, FL 34432
Canoe Dock at the Headsprings: 352-465-2100
Riverside at the Campground: 352-465-8992
10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. - 7 days a week
Dragonfly Watersport
Visitor Service Provider
Food Concession and Gift Shop
19158 SW 81st Place
Dunnellon, FL 34432
(352) 465-8523
