Rainbow Springs, once known as Blue Springs, is a first magnitude spring complex with four main vents or outlets in the headspring area. These springs, along with several others in the spring run, contribute approximately 52 percent to the total discharge of the Rainbow River. The volume of flow from the Rainbow Springs complex ranges from 335 to 685 million gallons per day (mgd) and averages 461 mgd, making it approximately the fourth largest in the state, the eighth largest in the world.

The Rainbow River once known as Blue Run, is approximately 5.9 miles long and runs into the Withlacoochee River, through Lake Rousseau then into the Gulf of Mexico. The U.S. Department of the Interior has designated Rainbow River as a National Natural Landmark. Although only a portion of the river falls within the park, the entire river is designated as an Aquatic Preserve and Outstanding Florida Water. It is managed by CAMA, Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Office of Coastal and Aquatic Managed Areas.

The river supports a wide variety of fish, wildlife, and plants - many within easy viewing by visitors. The relative peace and quiet of the winter season offer much for the nature enthusiast.

The park is a popular destination to swim, snorkel, canoe, picnic, or stroll through the gardens to enjoy the many plants and animals that abound here. The gardens, with their man-made waterfalls are a cultural asset, left over from when the headspring area was an attraction. They have been renovated and replanted with more native species while still protecting the historical significance. Rainbow Springs is a wonderful mixture of the unique natural and cultural heritage of central Florida.

Hours of Operation

We are open from 8 a.m. until sunset 365 days a year.

Driving Directions

From I-75, exit at the second Ocala exit onto State Road 40. Take State Road 40, west. Drive until it deadends at State Road 41. Turn left, the park entrance is on the left-hand side of the road.

From Tampa, take State Road 19 to State Road 41, north. Drive through the town of Dunnellon. The park is located on the right-hand side of the road, approximately 2.5 miles north of Dunnellon.

From areas in the northwest, take State Road 41 to the town of Williston. After passing through Williston, you will come to a traffic light where State Road 40 has come to a deadend. Go through this light; the park entrance is on the left-hand side of the road.

The campground is separate from the headsprings day use area and is located 2.5 miles north of C.R. 484 off of S.W. 180th Avenue or 2.5 miles south of Highway 40 off of S.W. 180th Avenue.

Park Fees

Admission Fees - $1.00 per person (children under six years old are admitted for free).

Camping Fees - $19.00/night. All campsites have full facilities.

Picnic Pavilion Rental Fees - Two covered pavilions are available for reservation. Each pavilion has a $30 cleanup deposit due on the day of reservation. The deposit will be returned after inspection upon departure.

Felburn Pavilion seats up to 75 people on plastic chairs and tables, and can be reserved for $80.25. The regular $1.00 admission/person still applies.

Hickory Pavilion has 14 picnic tables for reservation for the same $80.25, along with a $1.00/person fee.

Canoeing/Kayaking - Canoes/Kayaks can be rented with a $25.00 deposit as well as a $6.00/hour fee.

Rainbow Springs State Park 19158 S.W. 81st Pl. Rd. Dunnellon, Florida 34432 Phone: 352-465-8555 Park Manager: Robert S. Wilson