Rainbow Springs State Park

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Traversing the Rainbow Springs State Park is an explore fan to do on your visit to Florida. The exploration ranges from Get Up and Go Kayaking Rainbow Springs launch location at KP Hole.

This state park is only a ten-minute drive up the main road.

The entrance fee is $2 which caters to accessibility to all the parks amenities. The park has a natural environment that offers you fresh air while walking inside the fascinating park.

The activities that are on the list to choose from are the picnic on the lawn, hiking, watching the waterfalls, or swimming in the crystal-clear waters of these freshwater springs like no other. Rainbow Spring State Park offers a peaceful environment that is surrounded by nature and a very attractive view of the park.

Location

Rainbow Springs was known as Blue Springs in the past. It is the first extent artesian spring formation in Marion County, Florida, United States. It is several miles north of the city of Dunnellon.

Rainbow River and Rainbow Springs

Rainbow Springs has very clear blue water that has enchanted humans and wild animals for several years. The water is filtered before it passes through underground caves and surfaces at the spring. The spring is where it flows to the spring run that is also known as Rainbow River.

rainbow river and rainbow springs florida

Waterfalls at Rainbow Springs State Park

Rainbow Springs is Florida’s fourth-biggest. It is separated by waterfalls. Three man-made waterfalls came from when the park was owned privately and were fascinating. It was later opened to the members of the public in the mid-1990s without most of the fanfare.

It kept the custody of the waterfalls.

rainbow springs state park waterfalls florida

Captivating Facts About Rainbow Springs

Rainbow Springs is the center of Rainbow Springs State Park. The formation of the spring is the fourth biggest in Florida. It makes more than 490 million gallons of water daily. The Rainbow Springs form the headwaters of the Rainbow River, which its tributary is the Withlacoochee water.

Fishing at Rainbow Springs State Park

You can fish at Rainbow Springs State Park. Although, this is permitted to only registered campers from the campground. For one to be allowed to engage in fishing, a Florida fishing license may be needed.

Fireworks and hunting are not allowed in the park.

Things to Do at the Rainbow Springs State Park

things to do at the rainbow springs state park florida

Camping

This welcoming and beautiful park offers camping options if you so wish to camp. The camping ground has sixty sections for both RVers and tent campers. Bookings should be made a day before the arrival. Bookings can be made as early as eleven months in advance before the visit. Booking directions and information is found on the Rainbow springs state park website.

Eating Places

There are three top pick hotels where you can eat and quench your thirst at the Rainbow springs state park in Dunnellon, FL. Some of these dining places include;

#1. Swampy’s Bar & Grille

The Swampy’s Bar & Grille is one of the most attractive spots where you can dine and wine outside the park. In this place, you can get everything that you wish to eat here. Swampy’s Bar & Grille is located across the banks of the Rainbow River. It provides you with a perfect relaxing site while you appreciate a bite to partake.

#2. Blue Gator

 

The Blue Gator provides right along the river. If your favorite meal is seafood, you will find it at this dockside hotel. It is situated just a 10-minute drive from the launch location at KP Hole.

#3.Valentino’s Pizza & Restaurant

 

The Valentino’s Pizza & Restaurant is a 3rd generation Italian family-owned hotel that is well known to live to its slogan of “made with love” and man do we LOVE it!

Zip Lining

If you are looking for an adventure-packed full-on weekend, the Rainbow Springs Park State Park got you covered on a weekend. A visit to The Canyons Zip Line and Adventure Park. They have a great tour and a Big Cliff Canyon that provides a universe famous 100-foot zip all along the Lost Spring Lake. They have a Treetop Express Tour ND Sky High that will take you soaring through Sky High Canyon and over Gator Lake.

zip lining in florida rainbow springs state park

Ocala Petting Zoo

While traveling to Rainbow Springs State Park you will see different wildlife on your vivid kayak tour at Rainbow Springs. Besides, the Ocala Petting Zoo is a fascinating stopover if you are considering spending a whole day of fun around the wildlife. Petting Zoo Ocala is situated in the heart of Ocala and is about a 15-minute drive from the launch situation of KP Hole in Dunnellon FL.

The zoo provides several kid-friendly farm animals for viewing, petting, and feeding. Some of the animals that are present at the park are the alpacas, Ilimas, camels, lemurs, squirrel monkeys, pigs, horses, sheep, ducks, donkeys, Mus, and peacocks. The park is operational every day of the week from 10 am to 4 pm and during the weekends from 10an to 5 pm. The costs ate $10 for an adult and $8 for a child.

Alligators at Rainbow Springs State Park

The rainbow river is a natural water body that is a habitat for fish, birds, and reptiles, alligators are also present in the park in huge numbers.

Swimming at Rainbow Springs State Park

The headsprings at the Rainbow Springs State Park are an aquatic reserve and provide a selected swimming area. The water is at a perfect temperature that is good for swimming across the year. Hot summer months are the best for swimming.

swimming at rainbow springs florida

Operating Hours at Rainbow Springs State Park

The Rainbow Springs State Park is operational every day of the year from 8.00 am to sunset. The costs are $2 per person and it Is free for children who are below the age of six.

swimming dock at rainbow springs state park florida

Pets at Rainbow Springs State Park

Dogs are permitted at the park on the condition that they are well-behaved. However, they are supposed to be maintained at the leash not more than six feet at all times. They are not permitted to get into the water including the headsprings, swim areas, rivers, and ponds.

Wrapping Up…

Overall, Rainbow Springs State Park is a great place to go glamping in Florida. It has beautiful scenery and plenty of activities to keep you busy. If you’re looking for a place to relax and enjoy nature, this is the spot for you. G

I definitely recommend Rainbow Springs State Park if you’re considering going glamping in Florida! The scenery is gorgeous and there’s so much to do. Whether you want to relax or stay active, this state park has it all.

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