Rainbow Springs State Park Campground

Please be aware that you are literally taking your life in your own hands if you do the Rainbow River Tubing trip. I took my 13 year old son and his friend tubing. It was relaxing at first, but then a storm with lightning rolled in. I read the waiver and agreed to the terms, but just wanted to point some things out for others to be aware of because I certainly was not. 1. When we first started to hear thunder, we were trying to go as fast as we could to the exit, but we had no idea how much further we had to go because there are no distance signs along the way. 2. There are no docks managed by the park along the way for people to get out of the water. Not just to avoid a lightning strike, but to situate themselves back on the tube, catch their breath, etc. We tried to get out of the water on the west side of the river when the lightning started. A VERY NASTY, HATEFUL lady told us to get off her property or she'd call the police. I asked her if she wanted us to die and she said"I don't give a F**K if you die just get off my property". I've never encountered such a horrible person in all 50 years of my life. I would love if others could avoid such an experience by having some docks along the east side of the river for safety. 3. There are absolutely NO park rangers patrolling the river while people are tubing to assist anyone having issues. I would be happy to pay extract per ticket for more safety precautions. 4. It was pouring down rain when we came to the exit of the river. I had a very hard time seeing the exit sign and the people in orange. Would recommend a brighter(not brown, maybe red or orange) and larger sign to guide people to the exit. And so they could see how much further they had to get out of the water. I have to say that I was really nervous about the lightning and the possibility of us dying. I would never do this trip again and I would not recommend anyone doing this trip until there are better safety precautions by the park.

If you’re tent camping in the tent-only walk-in sites, site 60 is definitely the most private (farthest from the lot but still a short walk in on a paved path). Bathrooms are two single stall/shower combos, but never too crowded. Campground is good for paddling, especially for renting from the concessions (they have single and tandem kayaks, SUP, and canoes). It’s a drive and a separate entrance to get to the head springs area of the park, though there is a small roped off swim area by the boat ramp. We went before tubing opens (April 1 each year), so the Rainbow was less crowded and stunningly clear and emerald.

This secret little spot is the perfect escape into the jungle of Florida. You will see wildlife and enjoy being in a remote spot in nature. Great hiking trail!

PROS 

Site 49 level and xtra wide. Picnic table, metal fire ring with cooking grate and pedestal BBQ grill 

Non-climate controlled bathhouse 20 steps away from Site 49 

Saw a wild turkey walking thru the campground a couple times. 

Fairly good night sky viewing as many camper turned off ALL their exterior lights fairly early in the evening. 

Firewood sold at Park Store along with other essential camping items 

2 bars TMOBILE 

CONS 

Entrance gate closed upon our 2pm Monday arrival and emails from the park stated it closed at sunset No gate code had been provided in any of the emails we received from the park. We tried to call the park office, but no answer. So there we sat blocking the only entrance to the campground and no place to turn around. Luckily a registered camper came in behind us, walked up and used his code to open the gate. 

Park Office Building Laundry. Filthy. 4 washers and 4 dryers. One washer full of water and unplugged. 

Site 49. 100% gravel and weeds with no shade or privacy from any other site or roadway. 

Picnic table wooden top and one side bench in unusable condition. 

Bathhouse for 17 campsites were 3-piece rooms(toilet/shower/sink), on for females and one for males. Bathhouse in Park Office closed for repairs our entire 7 day stay. 

Park Map. I had to specifically request a park map and was provided hand drawn map which was of only the campground.   

No other information provided for the park such as hiking trails, etc. 

No park WiFi

CG away from main state park. Private campers only swim area is nice. Limited Cell reception.

Me and my husband love going here at least once a month. Nicest staff, most gorgeous scenery! Water is blue and clear. Saw plenty of birds and turtles while kayaking. Great rate for two kayaks. Jumped out a few times to cool off (: Planning a camping trip for my 21st (: !! Can’t wait!

This is the first campsite we ever camped in with our then travel trailer. We had an amazing experience; great to reconnect with nature! The spring is stunning and we enjoyed a two hour tube ride down the spring. The water is cold but it didn’t bother us much. They have an entrance to the spring right by the campground and once you exit, the tram brings you ack to the campground. We brought our own tubes but you can rent their as well.

Campsites are very private although close together, a lot of thick vegetation around, grey water dump stations in each of the campsites. The water is pristine, crystal clear and the colors and formations are just breathtaking. There’s kayak/ canoe rentals, and tubing as well; and plenty of divers, the upstream current is not joke, so be mindful of that; if you bring your own kayak/ paddleboard you’ll need a cart too, it’s a pretty far walk from where you can park your car to where you can load your vessel in the water. There’s a road to the dock/ swimming area at the campground but it’s only open for staff, which was the only upsetting downside, because it could just simply and easily be used by campers. They had one wooden cart available and one broken, not the easiest thing to haul or load in and out. Not much at the store and firewood can only be purchased with cash. It’s Florida, so have your mosquito repellent ready at all times.

Lovely state park, springs and river. The state park is split on two - with the springs and day use area on one side and the campground on another side with private property in between. Rainbow Springs is spectacularly beautiful but the only access to it from the campground is kayaking or canoeing up the river - or driving to the day use area. The campground itself is fine, some variability between sites with some sites open with little privacy and others more secluded with vegetation around them. There are very few hiking trails at the campground, but we did find some small fire roads to walk around nearby (unmarked but you reach them via a path off the larger campground loop). The river gets crowded with kayaks, canoes, and boats on weekends. The springs are gorgeous. We met many nice people and ended up sharing some delicious meals with other campers - wonderful people that we’d love to meet again. We will definitely return - next time with our own kayaks!

Rangers were very friendly Space was very good . Scenery is beautiful. Bathrooms could have been cleaner and not such full dumpsters would have nice . Totally full as your trying to put your garbage in. Overall very nice and accommodating ✅

This was one of the best places I could have found for this trip. I’ve been here for days and I have enjoyed everything. The primitive camping is tucked back away from most of the RVs and has a bathhouse with very hot water/ toilets and hot hand dryers. Each site is spaced properly so not each person is too close. I didn’t realize it until the second day of my stay that we actually have water and electric hook ups on site too. There’s a short walk to Rainbow river with access to swim and a kayak launch. They rent kayaks for $16/hr and $5 and hour after but have to be back by 3pm. They have a small market that you can get coffee and small food and snacks/ice from along with forgotten necessities. I bought a few bags of firewood and it was definitely wet and burned horribly. It dropped all the way to 35 degrees for my stay. You are not allowed to collect firewood in state parks also so make sure you bring some in. There’s a publix/walmart 12 minutes away. You also get free access to the state park swimming and hiking access on the other side of the park. The address on here wasn’t correct and took me an extra 30 minutes to find it. The correct address is 18185 SW 94th St Dunnellon, FL 34432.

Had an amazing time! The day park has an amazing and beautiful walk through gardens and waterfalls. There is a good sized gift shop and a concession store with extremely well priced hot food and snacks. The water is absolutely gorgeous but is deep right off the latter. There is kayaking and SOP rentals on-site. The separate campgrounds (10 min drive) Have a general store, playground, and it’s own swim/boat launch. Campsites are pretty secluded with lots of vegetation. Stayed at 19 (more secluded) and 36 (less but right near bathrooms).

We had campsite 22 and the sites had shrubbery all around and large enough for our truck and 12 tent trailer side we took her kayaks down to the river a new cart is a good idea.

I have been to quite a few campgrounds in Florida over the past 20+ years. Rainbow Springs Campground stands out as one of the top 5 I have returned to for different adventures and discoveries nearby. The spring head and remnants of the old nature / animal park with paths, plants,animals and mysteries of years old remaining park cages,buildings, and the grand opening that you walk down to the spring head is breathtaking and awe inspiring. Made me do research on the history of the park, the springs and tubing adventures available nearby the campground. The campground setting is nestled in Florida native Oak trees with long moss growing, palm scrubs, other varieties of native plants and vegetation all the way from entrance to the river. Campground sites leave ample room for everyone. Many types of wildlife can be seen day and night. Dusk always brings out some different animal or bird to see and talk about amongst those camping with you, children with you and neighboring campsites. Campfires when allowed are always a highlight for many of us.( I became an avid fire builder and enjoy this) there is a main entrance campground facility with a pool for those that wish to use. Some amenities add extra plus. Then there’s the rainbow springs river. So much fun taking a tubing trip down with everyone. At the end of tubing trip they pick you up and bring you back to the tubing rental area where you parked to then drive back into campground. I just really hav enjoyed every time I have camped there, from tent camping to RV at a certain time of year. A must see for anyone wanting to experience “North Florida” camping.

Everything is so clean. There are many activities to do, tubing, cayaking or stay In The spring. To go to the sprring, be there before 8, because once the park reach capacity, they close all day. Have on mind that the tubing area closes at 5. After 5, if you go tubing, you won't have any place to get off the river

One of my favorite places in Florida. Beautiful 72° springfed river. Take a 4hour tube ride down a crystal clear spring fed river. Full of wildlife, fun, families, snorkeling, little to no paddling since your going down river, they will pick you an your tube up to bring you back to your vehicle, and just enjoying the perfect Florida weather even in November. Definitely worth the visit. You'll be back for sure. Please read rules in preparation for your day trip. Wildlife and preservation is very important here.

A plunge in the cool spring water is the perfect end to a long, hot day!  Check ahead with the rangers to see if the swimming area is open.  The campsites are amidst native plants, birds and butterflies.  Our site had a nice balance of privacy and views of strolling campers and offered a picnic table and grill to enjoy camp meals.

Great time. Relaxing day tubing down the river.

My family and inlaws enjoyed a week here, fishing and tubing in the springs, the water is so clear. The campsites are okay if you don't mind seeing you neighbors do everything. Not a lot of trees on the campground only near the springs. Bathrooms are clean, they have a play ground and pool as well.

Nice, big sites, many full hookup, stays booked year round and can be difficult to reserve. Not for you if you are looking for peace and quiet

We had full hookup and a beautiful site. It's a short walk to the springs for tubing. You can bring your own or rent a tube. They have a shuttle to bring you back. Bathrooms were clean. Campground was beautiful

Our spot was surrounded by trees for privacy which was nice. The tubing facility and the place to enter the river was very near and they had pick up from the end of the river. Bathrooms were clean and staff was friendly and

Small campgrounds, cant touch not even inch of grass. Ranger’s rude and acting over reacting. Harassing ppl around special one woman and i wish i remember her name. She walked site by site and harassing campers about everything. Surprise she didnt walk into tent see if we didnt killed ant or mosquito. Water close by not pretty looking dirty. U cant park by campground so travel little light.

This is an awesome campground with lots of things to do.  There are 2 loops.  One is mostly RVs and one is tents.  The sites are pretty big and most are well separated.  Bathhouse is fine.  The actual spring is quite a drive from the campground.   But definitely worth the visit.  It’s the site of a previous private venture that included a zoo.  So you can still wander around the area on paths and see the old cages and other features.  The garden is actually very nice.   We also opted to rent kayaks and paddle up to the springs one day.  The Rainbow river current is pretty strong.   So the trip back was much faster.   It’s also pretty cool to snorkel in the river.  State law requires that you display a diver buoy while snorkeling.  Again watch that current.   

During the summer they have float trips down the river and a tram back to the campground.  We rode bike down the tram road off season which was nice.  Lots of wildlife.  We heard coyotes and there are a fair amount of wild boar.

We loved finally getting to go! We’ve had our camping trip booked for months and it was worth it. The campground is in a separate location from the spring head. With our camping pass we were able to get into the springs with it as it covers both. We went early to the spring so there weren’t many people there which was nice. It’s chilly, but the swimming was perfect. Later we launched our kayaks from the campground. The River is full of Tibet’s and boaters, but we saw lots of wildlife while out on the water. Later we went back to the spring head to explore. Many people were swimming and cooking out on the large lawn. Just have to plan your trip around the type of person you are. We loved this state park.

We had a great time at this park. We stayed in a pull through site and there was plenty of room for our truck and rig. Although it’s not a huge park it was very organized with lush sites for privacy. The staff was very friendly and accommodating. They offer their campers the ability to rent canoes and kayaks to launch off their private dock, this really saves you from dealing with crowds during the peak season. Great place to stay we loved it.

This was my first trip with my travel trailer. It was easy to get to. Roads were paved. The pull through site I had was wide. Everyone was friendly and helpful

stayed twice here. first was a walk up site 1. and learned my lesson, now i reserve so i can get a good site. bathrooms are great. has a nice swimming area in the campground area for campers and tubers entrance is here so great spot to people watch. definitely doing this one yearly.

Love this campground though it can ve hard to get in between the snowbords and tubing season.

Some spots have creek access with good fishing in the back.