$30 / night

Camper submitted image from Rainbow Springs State Park Campground - 1

Camper submitted image from Rainbow Springs State Park Campground - 2

Nature

Camper submitted image from Rainbow Springs State Park Campground - 3

Water

Camper submitted image from Rainbow Springs State Park Campground - 4

People

Camper submitted image from Rainbow Springs State Park Campground - 5

Activities

Established Camping

Rainbow Springs State Park Campground

44 Reviews

About

State Park

Rainbow Springs State Park’s campground is located along the Rainbow River. Rainbow River camping takes place at a separate facility a few miles from the main headspring and day use area.

Rainbow Springs camping sites have water and electric (20, 30, and 50 amp), and are equipped with sewer hook-ups. Maximum RV length = 103 ft. ADA accessible restrooms are available. A dump station is located between the upper and lower campgrounds. Pets are welcome in the campground but are not permitted in swimming areas or buildings.

Amenities include a recreation hall, showers and restrooms, laundry and playground. Access the river from the campground to fish, swim or paddle. Canoes and kayaks are available for rent from the campground office.

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Location

Rainbow Springs State Park Campground is located in Florida

Address

19158 SW 81st Place Rd
Dunnellon, FL 34432

Coordinates

29.08919704353948 N
82.42220704475174 W

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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site

Stay Connected

WiFi
Available
Verizon
Available
AT&T
Available
T-Mobile
Available

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

Market
ADA Access
Trash
Picnic Table
Firewood Available
Phone Service
Reservable
Showers
Drinking Water
Electric Hookups
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Sanitary Dump
Sewer Hookups
Water Hookups
Pull-Through Sites
Big Rig Friendly

$30

/ night

For information regarding reservations, contact this campground directly.

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Contact

General Info

Latika Y.

Ranger

Reviewed Mar. 14, 2024

Good for paddling

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.

Site60

Month of VisitApril

(4) View All

Lexi W.

Ranger

Reviewed Feb. 8, 2024

Hidden Gem

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!

(15) View All

Napunani

Legend

Reviewed Jun. 21, 2023

Get the Gate Code Before Arriving!

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

Site49

Month of VisitMarch

(10) View All

Richard B.

Guide

Reviewed Dec. 17, 2022

Quiet beautiful CG

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

Month of VisitNovember

�

💓 💕.

Scout

Reviewed Oct. 5, 2022

My absolute favorite place

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!

Month of VisitAugust

Luana O.

Traveler

Reviewed Jul. 31, 2022

New Experiences!

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.

Month of VisitJune

(5) View All

Lorena M.

Guide

Reviewed Jun. 12, 2022

Breathtaking

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.

Month of VisitApril

(8) View All

Kathy L.

Ranger

Reviewed Feb. 13, 2022

Great campground for kayaks

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!

Site53

Month of VisitMarch

(5) View All

Julie F.

Traveler

Reviewed Dec. 2, 2021

Nice Campground

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 ✅

Site47 no shade

Month of VisitDecember

Dark Wolf ..

Ranger

Reviewed Nov. 30, 2021

Perfect mix of primitive/ luxury

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.

Site57

Month of VisitDecember

Lindsey H.

Guide

Reviewed Nov. 22, 2021

Gorgeous

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).

Site19, 36

Month of VisitDecember

(9) View All

Gregg C.

Guide

Reviewed Oct. 29, 2021

Great river

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.

Site22

Month of VisitNovember

Cynthia W.

Traveler

Reviewed Aug. 20, 2021

Rainbow Springs and Nature

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.

Sitemultiple sites

Month of VisitAugust

Diana M.

Guide

Reviewed May. 15, 2021

So far, best spring ever

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

Site30

Month of VisitJune

Danyel P.

Guide

Reviewed Nov. 8, 2020

Most Beautiful place in Florida especially for 👪

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.

(12) View All

Suze B.

Scout

Reviewed Nov. 6, 2020

A Favorite Swimming Hole

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.

Ray P.

Guide

Reviewed May. 26, 2020

Tubing

Great time. Relaxing day tubing down the river.

(4) View All

Ashley S.

Guide

Reviewed Mar. 16, 2020

Water tubing

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.

Michael R.

Guide

Reviewed Oct. 29, 2019

For the floater

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

Nora B.

Guide

Reviewed Aug. 28, 2019

Tubing down Rainbow springs

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

Larry M.

Ranger

Reviewed Jul. 30, 2019

Tubing!

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

George V.

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 1, 2019

Worse State Park Camping at Florida

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.

David G.

Guide

Reviewed Jun. 21, 2019

So much to do

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.

(8) View All

Jenn B.

Legend

Reviewed Jun. 15, 2019

Bucket List Park

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.

(11) View All

Jackie B.

Traveler

Reviewed May. 31, 2019

Fun and Friendly

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.

(6) View All

Karen T.

Traveler

Reviewed Nov. 19, 2018

Great for first camping trip

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

Nate D.

Guide

Reviewed Oct. 8, 2018

loved it

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.