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Rainbow Springs State Park Camping

Crowds At Rainbow River

Rainbow Springs State Park, Florida – Campground Review

One thing you need to know about Rainbow River is that it can get very crowded. In particular, there is high visitation to the springs on the weekends and holidays. The headsprings entrance will close when the park reaches capacity. This means that no vehicles or pedestrians will be allowed in, NOT EVEN registered campers. This means you need to plan accordingly.

If you also leave the park when it is at capacity, you will not be able to re-enter Rainbow Springs until the following day. The renting experience can get very crowded, so you can always bring your own tubes to avoid the crowds and craze of that area.

But this is not all negative!! If you get to Rainbow Springs during opening you are more likely to avoid these large crowds. And when you are tubing down Rainbow River springs the crowds spread out. This means that the floating is much calmer and you wont have to deal with the crowds then!

Rainbow Springs Number 4

Rainbow No. 4 is approximately 350 ft downstream from Spring No. 1.

It issues from a conical depression at the bottom of the river. The circular spring pool measures approximately 75 ft in diameter.

The depth measured over the vent is 10.9 ft . Water is clear and pale blue. A boil is not visible. Aquatic grasses sway in the current with very little exotic aquatic vegetation. Algae are present but are not dominant.

This spring is located within the State Park no motorized boat zone. Land on both sides of the river is low lying and harbors pristine hardwood swamp forest.

Can You Bring Your Own Tube

It is possible to use your own tube in Rainbow Springs State Park tube run. The tube cannot exceed 60 inches.

If you want to use your own tube make sure you have your own transportation. The $20 tube rental includes transfers. It is too far to walk between the the tubing start and finish, over 5 miles.

A ranger at the Rainbow Springs State Park camp told us if we had 2 cars in winter, we could do the tube run ourselves. If you have a group of friends, this may be an option in winter .

You can also bring your own tube to float the Rainbow River & the KP Hole. You get $5 off the admission cost if you choose to use your own tube here.

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How Cold Is Rainbow River

The springs and river of Rainbow Springs State Park in Florida average from 5 to 18 feet in depth. This means the water temperature can slightly vary in certain areas: the more shallow the area, the warmer it may be, for example.

Typically, however, the water temperature averages about 72 degrees. And this is year round too! Dont forget that this state park is open 365 days a year, so this temperature should be fairly consistent even in those winter months.

The Old Zoo Rainbow Springs

RAINBOW SPRINGS STATE PARK

Talking about the old Rainbow Springs, one of the things to do in the State Park is to take a walk around what remains of the Old Zoo.

Not many people venture to this end of the State Park as it is a little off the beaten track so if you want to see something a little spooky you can check out what remains of the animal cages from Rainbow Springs zoo, last in operation in the 1970s.

We were a little weirded out to see all the old cages but the squirrels seemed to love it!

Nearby the Old Zoo is large grassy areas which are perfect for a game of frisbee or soccer. There are also picnic tables in this area.

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Rainbow Springs Number 1

Rainbow No. 1 is at the head of the Rainbow River.

The spring pool measures 330 ft north to south and 360 ft east to west. The large spring pool has multiple vents.

The depth over the main vent is 9.9 ft . The bottom is sand with occasional limestone boulders. Water is clear and blue. A boil is visible over the main vent.

Aquatic vegetation is patchy, including some exotic aquatic vegetation. Motorized boats are prohibited, but the area is accessible by canoe or kayak.

There is a designated swimming area on the west side of the pool. Land around the northern half of the pool rises sharply to approximately 25 ft above the water.

Rainbow Springs State Park facilities are situated on the high ground to the north. Live oak and pines are abundant on high ground. There is a dense hardwood-palm swamp forest along the pools east and west edges.

The Rv Campsites: Best And Worst

All RV sites have water, electric, and sewer. The water provided has decent pressure. It is a single, so bring a splitter if you want to have water outside.

There is also a dump station that is probably not used much because all sites have their own connections.

Most sites are quite spacious, clearly made to accommodate large rigs. The sites, consisting of packed dirt or gravel, give the impression of being level, but they are not perfect. Definitely expect to do some work here to level your camper.

A few select handicap-accessible sites have a paved pad. I am assuming those will be much easier to level.

In the North loop there is not a whole lot of vegetation between the sites, which means privacy is not great. Some sites will have more privacy than others. Still, because sites are spacious, you still will not feel like you are on top of each other!

The same goes for shade. There is a mix of sites with no shade, and sites with almost full shade. In the summer, it is always a good idea to avoid open sites.

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Best Sites

  • The best RV sites in the north loop that have a good combination of privacy and shade are 50 and 51.
  • The best dedicated tent site is 60. It is in the corner and much more private than the other tent sites.
  • In the South loop, the best RV sites are in the corner between 10-14. They have a great amount of privacy and shade.

Worst Sites

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Book The Best Campgrounds In Florida With Lake Rousseau Camping Rentals: Cabins ‘near Me’ In Florida Available Today

Are you on the lookout for the perfect vacation destination? Whether you’re in the market for Spring Break or Summer vacations, 2022 should be the year that you discover Rainbow Springs State Park. Rainbow Springs, Florida is just one of the magical waterways of the state. With crystal clear, blue waters, this is the perfect destination for anyone who wants to roll lazily down the river in a canoe and take in the breathtaking scenery. Rainbow State Park camping rentals are available in the surrounding areas and should not be missed out on. Book yourself a stay in one of the top Rainbow Springs State Parks camping accommodations and don’t look back. Go glamping: Florida awaits! The best Rainbow Springs campground selections can be found right here at Glamping Hub!

Where To Stay At Rainbow Springs

Camping At Rainbow Springs State Park | Trails, Waterfalls, Clear Kayaking, Campsites

You have a few options in the Rainbow Springs area when it comes to over-nighting. We opted for a nice stay at the Plantation on Crystal River. Its a very nice hotel directly on Crystal River with lots of great amenities that are perfect for kids, from a nice pool to lawn games. And they have their own dive company for getting to experience the manatees.

There area several camping areas outside of the the state park, and if you head up the Gulf Coast a little, youll come to some sleepy beach towns that make for a nice transition to a Florida Panhandle trip.

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History Of The State Park

Interestingly, this generation is far from the first to make use of these springs.

There is evidence that Rainbow Springs have been used by humans for 10,000 years. The indigenous people using the area before Europeans were known as Timucua.

Tourists starting frequently the springs in the 1920s. At this point, it was privately owned and included man made waterfalls, glass bottom boat tours, a zoo, a monorail and a rodeo.

It was sold to the State in the 1970s when tourists stopped visiting the park in favour of larger theme park.

The area we know today was opened in 1990.

Rainbow Springs State Park: Floridas Magical Back

Rainbow Springs State Park is just like it sounds: rainbowy and beautiful. One of the lesser known state parks due to its off-the-beaten-path location, its worth planning an adventure to visit. We love hitting up our favorite Florida springs for manatees and swimming in the summer, and Rainbow Springs is at the top of that list.

So much of what we share is National Park-centric, but weve really come to love Floridas state parks, and some, like this, contain some of the most beautiful sights weve ever seen. Rainbow Springs State Park in Dunnellon, Florida is the type of place youve seen in fantasy movies or whimsical paintings. Seriously pretty beyond pretty. And its so much fun for a visit too!

When you do a Florida Gulf Coast road trip youll see some pretty incredible sights, from manatees in Crystal River to fiddler crab colonies in Fort Myers Beach, but nothing is quite like Rainbow Springs State Park. Being the headwaters of the Rainbow River, you know its bound to be beautiful and a bit magical.

What you’ll find…

  • Camping at Rainbow Springs State Park
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    Where Is Rainbow Springs State Park

    Rainbow springs is located in Dunnellon, Florida. It is Floridas fourth largest spring and can be found in Marion County. It is closest to major cities like Ocala, FL, and Lady Lake, FL. This means you can take 41 easily to get to it!

    Looking for the exact address? Type in 19158 SW 81st PI Rd, Dunnellon, FL 334432. Your GPS will take you to the springs and state park easily! Or better yet? Just type on Rainbow Springs State Park to your GPS we promise either will work and get you to your destination!

    Tips For Rainbow Springs State Park: A Florida Oasis

    Rainbow Springs, FL

    Ready to find a fantastic Florida oasis? Look no further than Rainbow River Springs State Park! This serene park features sapphire-blue waters that are over 10,000 years old. On top of this, visitors love to see the ornamental gardens, waterfalls, and sloping hills of this park.

    So whether you are tubing, swimming, kayaking, or walking through the mossy hammocks, you will fall in love with this gorgeous state park. We know you will love the diverse aquatic habitat, the flow of the spring and more.

    This oasis is truly a stunning example of Floridas unique landscape. Visiting Rainbow River Springs State Park will take you to a new world. So plan your visit soon to one of the best Springs In Florida!

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    Swimming At Rainbow Springs State Park

    Yep, you totally can go swimming at the headspring itself. Rainbow Springs is pretty amazing when you consider how clear and blue the water is. There are designated swimming areas to protect the natural, beautiful phenomena of Rainbow Springs, but the experience isnt compromised at all. There is even a warning upon heading into the water that despite the rocky river bed looking exceptionally shallow, due to the clarity of the water its much much deeper than you think.

    We really loved sitting on the swimming platform and jumping in repeatedly. It kind of felt like we were teenagers againexcept we had the kids with us in their floaties, also having a blast!

    Note: even though the waters of Rainbow Springs State Park look very similar to many of the springs and geysers you see in Yellowstone National Park, these are cool water and non-sulphuric. Thats one reason you can swim here and you CANT SWIM in Yellowstones springs. Blue Spring State Park is another awesome spring to visit but its on the Atlantic side by Daytona Beach and Saint Augustine.

    Tip: if you choose to head down river beyond the designated swimming area be aware that there are some varieties of snakes that you make encounter, as well as alligators. The Rainbow River does have gators in it, so swim with caution.

    Rainbow Springs State Park: Campground Review And Things To Do

    The Rainbow River is one of the better-known rivers in Florida. Popular for tubing, it is also a great place to snorkel, dive, kayak, and swim.

    While there are many places to stay near the Rainbow River, we spent three nights camping at Rainbow River State Park.

    In this article, I summarize our experience in this campground, the best and worst sites, what to bring, and things to do!

    This post may contain affiliate links. Visit the Disclaimer page for more information.

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    Picnicking At Rainbow Springs State Park

    There is a ton of open grassy area for enjoying a picnic at Rainbow Springs State Park. There are also both covered and exposed picnic tables throughout the park. Youll find designated picnic spots on the grassy hill, by the swimming platform, in the butterfly garden area and in the group picnic shelter area.

    The best spots for a picnic are the grassy area and by the swimming platform, as these have the best views and most direct access to the restroom facilities.

    Tip: if the picnic areas directly next to the springs are full or crowded, the trail areas also have picnic tables and lawns.

    A Brief Introduction To Rainbow Springs State Park

    Rainbow Springs State Park & Campground near Ocala, Florida

    Rainbow Springs State Park is a Florida state park located on U.S. 41, 3 miles north of Dunnellon, Florida. It comprises 1,459.07 acres upland of wetlands) and 12.83 acres submerged. The most significant natural feature is the first-magnitude headspring basin, which produces up to 600,000,000 US gallons of fresh water per day, forming the Rainbow River. The looking-glass waters of Rainbow Springs come from several vents, not one large bubbling spring. The river itself supports a wide variety of fish, wildlife, and plants, many within easy viewing by visitors. In total, the park contains 11 distinct natural communities, including sandhills, flatwoods, upland mixed forests, and hydric hammocks.Visitors are able to see a variety of wildflowers in season oak, longleaf pines, magnolia, dogwood, red maple, redbud, cypress, sabal, and hickory trees gray squirrels, red-shouldered hawks, swallowtail kites, barred owls, whitetail deer, and a wide variety of wading birds. The relative peace and quiet of the winter season offers much for the nature enthusiast. An interpretive room located in the visitor center displays the historical, natural, and cultural resources of the park.

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    Rainbow Springs State Park: Tips And Photos To Inspire Your Visit

    Home » Springs » Rainbow Springs State Park: Tips and Photos to Inspire your Visit!

    Rainbow Springs State Park in Florida is one of the best springs in Florida.

    We did not know what to expect when we visited Rainbow Springs State Park but we were totally in awe of its beauty. The State Park was up there with beauty of Tumalog Falls and the Twin Lagoon in the Philippines.

    Another stunning park we visited, especially if you love photography and Instagrammable shots was

    Rainbow Springs State Park Tubing In Winter

    After the 30th September, you can still tube in the area outside of the Rainbow Springs State Park.

    Private companies offer a 4 hour lazy tube float down the Rainbow River & the KP Hole.

    It costs $25 for a KP Hole river float including tube hire, transfers and $10 fee to access the KP Hole.

    The 4 hour Rainbow River tube run is exposed so try to go early morning if possible to avoid being scorched by the sun.

    The last Rainbow River/KP Hole tube run is 12pm daily due to the 4 hour float duration time.

    If you find yourself at Rainbow Springs State Park and want to do an activity outside the head springs, we would recommend swimming with a manatee in Crystal River.

    Crystal River is 30 minutes drive away from Rainbow Springs State Park.

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    Camping At Rainbow Springs State Park

    Located in Marion County, near the town of Dunnellon, this park is about 1 hour and 40 minutes from either Tampa or Orlando.

    The proximity to such large and popular cities makes Rainbow Springs a destination of choice for people looking to cool off in fresh, spring water.

    Feel free to use the code below to share this infographic on your website!

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    Rainbow Springs State Park Waterfalls

    Rainbow Springs, FL

    The waterfalls in the State Park are very beautiful and one of the reasons people are so drawn to this particular State Park.

    Interestingly, these waterfalls are not naturally formed waterfalls. They are man made waterfalls from when Rainbow Springs was privately owned.

    From 1930-1970, Rainbow Springs was a bit of a theme park with a treetop monorail, a zoo and a rodeo.

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    Rainbow Springs State Park Weather

    Temperatures get as low as 49° in winter and as high as 90° in summer.

    The water temperature in the State Park remains at a constant 72° due to the springs.

    While tubing is far more popular in summer, you also have the increased chance of thunderstorms. Make sure before you go tubing you check the weather as you cannot exit the run until the very end

    The constant warm water is why manatees are drawn to springs around Florida in winter.

    They are not drawn to this particular spring due to a dam that was constructed. After the dam was constructed, manatees in Rainbow Springs were separated from those in Crystal River.

    The manatees in Rainbow Springs were harassed by tourists and officials made the decision to move the few manatees that remained in Rainbow Springs to the other side of the dam.

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