Rainbow Springs Campground

Rainbow Springs State Park, at the headwaters of the Rainbow River in Dunnellon, Florida, protects a first-magnitude spring whose flow is the fourth highest of all Florida springs, with water that averages 72 degrees year-round. The park's campground sits along the Rainbow River at a separate facility a few miles from the headspring and day-use area, so campers drive over to swim at the headspring but can get in the river right from camp.

The campground (18185 SW 94th Street, Dunnellon) is open to registered campers only. All RV sites have water, 20/30/50-amp electric and sewer hookups, and RVs up to 103 feet fit; a dump station is near the RV staging area. Tent-only sites are hike-in sites with water and 110 electric: you park in a designated area nearby and carry your gear a short distance, and tents go on the gravel pad (bring heavy-duty stakes; pitching on the grass is not allowed). Accessible campsites have a concrete pad, picnic table and ground grill near restrooms. Amenities include a campground store, restrooms, showers and laundry, and canoes and kayaks can be rented at the campground store.

Seasonal tubing is a big draw. Day visitors use the tubing entrance (10830 SW 180th Ave. Road), open from the first Saturday in April through the end of September, where the concessionaire, Guest Services, rents tubes and shuttles tubers about 2 miles upstream for a float of about two hours. Tube rental and shuttle prices are not published online; call Guest Services at 833-945-2925. Registered campers have an extra option: they may tube from the campground with their own tubes, and can exit at the state park tube take-out and ride the tram back to camp for a fee (ask at the campground store). The campground swim area and launch is a substantial walk from the campsites.

Outside of tubing season, the Rainbow River remains open to paddlers year-round. Canoes and kayaks are rented at the campground store, and canoe, kayak and paddleboard rentals are also available at the headspring from Guest Services. The Rainbow River is an aquatic preserve, so review the river rules before you go; disposable food and beverage containers are not allowed on you. Fishing is allowed at the campground for registered campers but is prohibited at the headspring.

The park's trail system winds through hardwood hammocks and pine flatwoods, offering hiking opportunities that range from short interpretive walks to longer loops. Birdwatchers regularly spot limpkins, barred owls, red-shouldered hawks, and a variety of wading birds along the river corridor. Three ornamental waterfalls, built during the park's era as a private tourist attraction from the 1930s through the 1970s, add a distinctive character found at no other Florida state park. Landscaped gardens surrounding the falls provide a peaceful setting for morning walks or photography sessions.

For campers using Rainbow Springs as a base camp, the broader Marion County region offers additional exploration opportunities. The town of Dunnellon is minutes away with restaurants, shops, and supplies. Other springs in the area, the Withlacoochee State Trail for cycling, and downtown Ocala's dining and cultural scene are all within easy driving distance, making a multi-day camping trip both practical and richly varied.