Rainbow Springs State Park is home to a group of freshwater springs that produce more than 400 million gallons of crystal clear water each day. The natural beauty of the springs provides the perfect location for swimming, paddling, kayaking, camping, and more!
Rainbow Springs State Park has three distinct areas (with separate entry): the headsprings, tube rental facility, and campground.
Headsprings
Rainbow Springs is Florida’s fourth largest freshwater spring and feeds the Rainbow River, popular for swimming, snorkeling, canoeing and kayaking. There are also numerous paved walking trails and 3 hiking/nature trails.
Rainbow Springs is one of many old historic Florida roadside attractions. Between the 1930’s and 1960’s, the owners added waterfalls with water from the springs. Then, 1967 it changed hands again with the goal of making it a major family destination. In 1968 animal shows were added, along with an aviary, a paddlewheel riverboat, newly air-conditioned submarine boats, a rodeo demonstration ring, and an unusual leaf-shaped monorail that went right through the upper reaches of the aviary.
Today, the waterfalls remain, but the rest of the park is in keeping with its state park status and focuses on the area’s natural beauty. For $2 a person, visitors can swim in the freshwater headsprings of the Rainbow River, enjoy the nature trails and water falls, and enjoy the picnic areas with tables, grills, and pavilions. The park also has kayak and canoe rentals for an additional fee.
Tube Rental
A few miles up the road, you can park your car and rent a tube to float down the river. Parking is $5.00 park fee per vehicle, for up to 8 people. Shuttle service back to your car is included with the $15.00 per per person tube rental fee. Please note that this a seasonal activity and hours vary:
First Saturday in April – Memorial Day: 8:00am – 3:30pm, Weekends only
Memorial Day – Labor Day: 8:00am – 3:30pm, 7 days per week
Labor Day – End of September: 8:00am – 3:30pm, Weekends only
October – March: Closed
Campground
The campground has 60 sites for both RVers and tent campers. All RV sites are full hook-up (30/50 amp power, water, and sewer).You can use the ReserveAmerica website or app to reserve a site. Both provide a campground layout map and pictures of available sites to assist you in making a selection.
Want to See More?
Click here to read about 5 Fabulous Freshwater Springs in Florida.
