Rainbow Springs State Park is a popular destination in Florida known for its natural beauty, cultural significance, and diverse recreational activities. Whether you’re planning a day trip or an extended stay, it’s essential to understand the park’s hours, rules, and amenities to make the most of your visit.
Hours of Operation
Headsprings Entrance
- Open 8 a.m. to sunset, 365 days a year (unless closed at capacity)
Tubing Entrance
- Memorial Day through Labor Day: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., seven days a week
- First Saturday in April through Memorial Day and Labor Day through end of September: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., weekends only
- October through March: Closed for the winter season
Campground Office
- Open 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily
Rules and Restrictions
- Entrance Fee: $2 per person, children under 6 admitted free
- Pets: Allowed in designated areas only, must be kept on a handheld leash no longer than six feet and be well-behaved at all times. Not permitted in swimming areas, including headsprings, swim areas, river, and ponds.
- Fishing: Available to registered campers only from the campground, a Florida fishing license may be required.
- No Fishing, Tubing, or Diving: Permitted in the headsprings area.
- Fireworks and Hunting: Prohibited
- Service Animals: Welcome in the park but not permitted in swimming areas for safety reasons.
Amenities
Camping
- 60 campsites with concrete pads, picnic tables, ground grills, and nearby restrooms
- Campground amenities include a store, showers, restrooms, and laundry facilities
Picnic Facilities
- Tables and grills available
Concession
- Offers snacks, sandwiches, soft drinks, and ice cream
- Open seven days a week from Memorial Day to the first week in October and on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only during the rest of the year
Ornamental Gardens
- Renovated and replanted while preserving historical significance
Waterfalls
- Hand-built waterfalls from the days of Rainbow Springs as a private attraction
Snorkeling
- Allowed in the buoyed swimming area
Birding
- Part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, with various species commonly seen
Hiking
- Trails include the Historic Attraction Trail, Phosphate Loop Trail, and Sandhill Trail
Canoeing, Kayaking, and Stand-Up Paddleboarding
- Available for rent from the campground office
Swimming
- Natural swimming area with water temperatures averaging 72 degrees year-round
Tubing
- Available from the tubing entrance, with the last tram leaving at 4:30 p.m.
Additional Information
- Park Capacity: The park may close to all visitors when it reaches capacity, especially on weekends and holidays.
- Habitat Restoration: Ongoing restoration project includes non-native tree removal, prescribed burning, invasive plant control, and replanting of trees and native ground cover.
Contact Information
- Phone Number: 352-465-8555 (main park) or 352-465-8550 (campground)
- Address: 19158 SW 81st Place Road, Dunnellon, FL 34432 (main park) or 1815 SW 94th St., Dunnellon, FL (campground)