Beginning April 29, 2026, all visitors to Rainbow Springs State Park, including Florida State Parks annual passholders, pedestrians and cyclists, must have a reservation to enter the park’s Main Entrance (also known as the headsprings/swimming entrance) at 19158 SW 81st Place Road, Dunnellon, FL 34432. The window for advanced reservations opens April 22, 2026. More info

Activities

Rainbow Spring Kayak Tour

Guided Kayak Tour


Paddle crystal-clear waters on a guided kayak adventure through Rainbow River’s world-famous springs with gear included and memories guaranteed.

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Tubing


To really kick back and relax, rent an inner tube and take a cool, lazy float on our natural river.

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Canoeing & Kayaking


Rent a canoe or a kayak and journey out onto the gorgeous waters of one of the top recreational water sports destinations in Florida.

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Canoe & Kayak Launch


Visitors may launch privately owned canoes and kayaks from the headsprings launch area; but should be prepared to port their vessel 1,800 feet from the parking area to the launch area, due to no vehicle access to the river within the park.

Swimming


The cool, clear waters of the headsprings are refreshing for swimming. The average depth in this natural swimming area runs from 5 to 18 feet, and the water temperature averages 72 degrees year round.

All inflatables, including rafts, tubes and balls are not allowed in the park for safety reasons. Swimmers may wear life preservers or use noodles.

The average depth in this natural swimming area runs from 10 to 18 feet. Please be prepared to carefully monitor your own children and non-swimmers. There is no lifeguard on duty and all swimmers do so at their own risk.

Snorkeling


Snorkeling the headsprings of the Rainbow River is a favorite activity but is only allowed in the buoyed swimming area. However, it is allowed from the campground or from boats once you are outside of the headsprings. Please be aware that state law requires dive flags for all snorkelers.

Hiking Nature Trail


Rainbow Springs State Park offers leisurely strolls through shady gardens laced with azaleas, oaks and magnolias. The walkways pass by three man-made waterfalls and a native plant garden. A nature trail winds back behind the gardens through natural oak hammock and sandhill communities. This trail offers both river and phosphate pit overlooks and is approximately 2.5 miles long from the Visitors' Center.

Multiple trails are available, each varying in length up to 1/2 mile. All trails are concrete, suitable for wheelchairs and strollers, and include hills. The State Park Service provides ADA scooters for guests needing mobility assistance.

Geocaching


Geocaching is an outdoor game using hand-held global positioning systems (GPS) devices. It's effectively an inexpensive, interactive, high-tech treasure hunt that's a great way to learn geography.

Picnicking


Picnic tables, pavilions, and grills are available for visitor use on a first come, first serve basis.

Wildlife Viewing


Throughout the park, on all of the nature trails and along the river exist many wonderful birding opportunities. A brand new park birding list has been created.

Frequently Asked Questions

The park offers guided kayak tours, ranger-led walks, snorkeling expeditions, and seasonal programs at the headsprings and campground.

You can rent an inner tube and float down the natural river. Participants must meet eligibility requirements and follow river rules.

Yes. You may launch your own canoe or kayak from the headsprings, but you must carry it 1,800 feet from the parking area since vehicles cannot access the river.

The headsprings water stays around 72 degrees year-round with depths from 10 to 18 feet. There is no lifeguard on duty, and inflatables are not allowed except noodles and life preservers.

Snorkeling is allowed only in the buoyed swimming area or from the campground and boats outside the headsprings. A dive flag is required by state law.

Yes. Trails up to half a mile long are concrete and suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. Hills are present, and ADA scooters are available.

Yes. Picnic tables, pavilions, and grills are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Visitors often see otters, turtles, alligators, wading birds, hawks, kites, and upland species like the gopher tortoise and indigo snake.

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