Rainbow Springs State Park
Dunnellon, FL
A first-magnitude spring with gardens and small man-made waterfalls from its old roadside-attraction days. Tubing on the Rainbow River starts from a separate entrance in summer.
Rainbow Springs State Park is near Dunnellon in Marion County in central Florida, about 5 km (3 miles) north of town on US 41. The main spring discharges up to 600 million US gallons of water a day and feeds the Rainbow River. The spring was known as Blue Spring until the 1930s, when it was developed as a tourist attraction; the State of Florida has owned it since 1990.
Three man-made waterfalls line the garden walkways, and azaleas bloom in early spring. A nature trail of about 4 km (2.5 miles) winds through oak hammock and sandhill. Tubing is not allowed in the headspring area; the launch is at a separate entrance on S.W. 180th Avenue Road, where a concessionaire shuttles you 3 km (2 miles) upstream, and the float back takes about two hours. Tubing is closed from October through March; from April to September it runs on weekends at first and daily in summer. Weekends and holidays get crowded, so arrive early. The campground is a few kilometers away on the Rainbow River and has full hookups, even for very long RVs.
- Nearest town
- Dunnellon, FL
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 29.1024, -82.4376
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually October–April. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and September. Hot in June–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Big Bass Village RV ParkMotorhome stopover10 mi from Rainbow Springs State ParkMotorhomes
- Nature Coast Landings RV ResortMotorhome stopover15 mi from Rainbow Springs State ParkMotorhomes
- Ocala RV Camp ResortMotorhome stopover16 mi from Rainbow Springs State ParkMotorhomes
- Williston CrossingsMotorhome stopover20 mi from Rainbow Springs State ParkMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Southern HammockMotorhome stopover23 mi from Rainbow Springs State ParkMotorhomes
- Lake PanasoffkeeCampsite25 mi from Rainbow Springs State ParkFree
All campsites in Florida · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Rainbow Springs State Park?
Rainbow Springs State Park is in Dunnellon, FL, at GPS 29.1024, -82.4376. It is about 17 mi from Crystal River.
Can you camp near Rainbow Springs State Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Rainbow Springs Campground, about 1 mi away; within 25 mi there are 27 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Rainbow Springs State Park?
Rainbow Springs State Park is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Manatees and springs on Florida’s Nature Coast and Spring pools, manatees and sand pines – by camper from Orlando through the Ocala National Forest to the springs of Central Florida.
What is there to see near Rainbow Springs State Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Three Sisters Springs (17 mi), Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park (23 mi), Silver Springs State Park (25 mi) and Cedar Key (36 mi).
When is the best time to visit Rainbow Springs State Park?
The most pleasant months are usually October–April. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)