Top Things to Do at Rainbow Springs State Park
Soak in Florida's natural fresh water springs with this guide to Rainbow Springs State Park. Featuring top things to do, best time to go, what to bring, & more.
Kicking off our full time RV adventure we said goodbye our apartment in Orlando and made it to our first stop at Rainbow Springs State Park. This 1,400 acre aquatic preserve is the perfect place to experience Florida’s nature at its finest.
From the picturesque aquamarine water perfect for snorkeling and kayaking to walking along the waterfalls & moss draped cypress trees in the historic gardens, Rainbow Springs State Park is a place you won’t want to miss.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
About Rainbow Springs
Getting to Rainbow Springs
When to Visit
What to Bring
Things to Do
ABOUT RAINBOW SPRINGS
Rainbow Springs is a 1,400 acre aquatic preserve and designated National Natural Landmark located in Central Florida. It’s known for it’s crystal clear waters, spectacular kayaking, and endless snorkeling. The water is a crisp 72 degrees year round making it a popular hangout spot in the summer.
Before Rainbow Springs became a state park it was mined for rock phosphate from 1889 to the early 1900’s creating what we know now as the town of Dunnellon. After the mines were depleted Rainbow Springs was then turned into a privately owned tourist attraction offering a unique sub boat experience where visitors could explore the springs from underwater.
The park also featured a zoo, rodeo, gift shop, monorail with leaf shaped gondolas, and a few man made waterfalls. The park remained open until the mid 1970s when it closed due to the building of Interstate 75. In the spring of 1990 The Florida Park Service acquired the land and Rainbow Springs then became a state park.
Fun Fact: The area around Rainbow Springs was a filming location for the 2001 movie Jeepers Creepers.
There is a $2 entrance fee per person to get into the park with kids under 6 being free.
GETTING THERE
Rainbow Springs State Park is located in Dunnellon Florida just outside the city of Ocala. There three main entrances to the park, the headsprings day use area, the tubing facilities, and the campground. The park is open 365 days a year providing year long access to explore.
It’s best to get to the park early because it does close once the headspring reaches capacity which is typically on the weekends and holidays.
1.5 hours from Orlando
2 hours from Tampa
2 hours from Jacksonville
5 hours from Miami
WHEN TO GO
Rainbow Springs is open 365 days a year from 8 a.m to sunset.
The water is a consistent 72 degrees year round, making summer, weekends, and holidays the busiest times for the park.
April through October bring the warmest weather with temperatures reaching the high 90’s. November through March bring cooler temps with high 70’s and low 50’s.
TIP | Arrive early, the springs often reach capacity by 10 a.m. during peak season.
WHAT TO BRING
Kayak
One of the best ways to explore the beauty of Rainbow Springs. Launch at the main headspring or campground. Bring your own or grab a rental in the park. Rates are $17 per hour or $54 per day.
Noodle/Life Jacket
The only floating devices allowed in the main headspring swimming area is a noodle or life jacket. No other inflatable devices are allowed.
Paddle Board
A great way to view the crystal clear blue waters of Rainbow Springs. Bring your own or grab a rental in the park. Rates are $17 per hour or $54 per day.
Tube
For a leisurely float down the Rainbow River. Bring your own or purchase a rental from the park. Rates are $22 per person for one float trip which includes a tram back. Closed October to March.
Snorkel Gear
Great for exploring the diverse underwater life at Rainbow Springs.
Underwater Camera
For capturing life underwater. We love using our GoPro.
Dry Bag
Great for keeping things you don’t want wet, dry.
Sun Protectant
There is no shade while in the water so it’s best to bring your favorite sunscreen and wear sun protectant clothing when exploring.
Water
Be sure to pack extra water and stay hydrated while exploring. We love using these insulated bottles to have ice cold water for the whole day.
THINGS TO DO
SWIM, SNORKEL, OR FLOAT
The main headspring in Rainbow Springs is a large buoyed area ranging from 5 feet to 18 feet deep. The spring is home to many turtles, fish, and aquatic plants making snorkeling a great way to check out the underwater life.
Its 72 degree water makes it a great spot to jump in and cool off from the Florida heat. It’s important to note that the only floating devices you are allowed to bring into the main headspring swimming area is a noodle or a life jacket. No other inflatable devices are allowed in the main headspring.
WALK THE TRAILS
There are 2.5 miles of trails to explore in Rainbow Springs State Park. The trails are wheel chair accessible and dog friendly making it a great way for the whole family to check out the park.
On the trail you will find lush green plant life, tons of birds, and three man made waterfalls created from past phosphate mining. There are plenty of benches throughout the trail providing a great opportunity to relax, take in the scenery and check out the wildlife. In early spring the entire headsprings area bursts into pinks, purples and whites with its famous azalea blooms.
Rainbow Springs is also a part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail with opportunity to see woodpeckers, wading birds, hawks, songbirds, and owls.
KAYAK, PADDLE, OR TUB THE RAINBOW RIVER
This was probably our favorite activity we did while visiting Rainbow Springs. You can bring your own or rent a kayak, paddle board or tub at the park and launch it at the main launch area right next to the headspring.
You can also launch from the campground and paddle against the current to the main headsprings area and then let the current drift you on back. This is what we did and we HIGHLY recommend it as it was a great way to see all that Rainbow Springs has to offer.
If you are looking for an awesome inflatable kayak check out the Intex Explorer K2 Inflatable Kayak. It’s lightweight, compact, and travels easy.
CAMP AT RAINBOW SPRINGS
When visiting Rainbow Springs State Park a great place to stay is the Rainbow Springs Campground. It’s located about 7 miles from the main state park entrance in its own separate facility. The campground provides all that you need from a camp store, laundry, showers and restrooms. RV or tent site options are available with water, electric, and sewer connections.
Each site comes with a grill, a picnic table and tons of trees. From the campground you have small swimming area and kayak launch right into the rainbow river. Pets are welcome in the campground but are not allowed in the water.
SWIM WITH MANATEES IN THE CRYSTAL RIVER
This isn’t in Rainbow Springs but something we did during our stay. We booked a manatee tour with American Pro Dive Shop in the town of Crystal River located about 30 minutes from Rainbow Springs. We arrived at 8 a.m., got our snorkel gear & wetsuits on and headed out to find some manatees.
After about 30 minutes of cruising around the Crystal River we finally found a mama and a baby manatee. Calmly & quietly we entered the water and got to experience up close and personal 2 manatees feeding on aquatic grass. We even heard the cute squeaks that manatees make. We cannot speak highly enough of this experience. The guides at American Pro Dive Shop are so professional, informative, and gave us a great time.
I’ll link below our video swimming with manatees on Instagram.
Let us know what are your favorite things to do at Rainbow Springs in the comments below!
Check out our video exploring Rainbow Springs State Park on Instagram!
SAVE THIS GUIDE FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP!
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HEY THERE!
WE’RE MIKE & DEANDRA.
Two adventure seekers traveling the U.S in our 37 FT. travel trailer with our two companions, Griffin & Lucy. We share our life on the road and travel guides to our favorite destinations.
This post contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.
Soak in Florida's natural fresh water springs with this guide to Rainbow Springs State Park. Featuring top things to do, best time to go, what to bring, & more.