Rainbow Springs State Park
We recently stayed at Rainbow Springs State Park in our Thor Compass and found it to be a great spot to enjoy the river. We avoided the spring head itself, being it was a bit busy for our taste. It was the summer’s last weekend before school started, and bad planning on our behalf. So, next time, arriving early or visiting midweek will help avoid any crowds. The campground is perfect, the sites have water and electricity, with the river within walking distance. The park offers hiking trails, a swimming area, and kayak rentals, with the Rainbow River flowing into the Withlacoochee just a few miles downstream, making it a prime spot for paddling and exploring both rivers.
Rainbow Springs is known for its crystal-clear, 72-degree water. The main swimming area is a great spot to cool off, a bit chilly at first, but refreshing once you get used to it. We also spent time canoeing and kayaking on the river. If you don’t have your gear, rentals are available at the park, which makes it easy to get out on the river. Although we weren’t there to fish, the river had great visibility, and most of the fish we saw among the healthy eelgrass were small largemouth bass.
The park’s shaded trails have remnants from when the park was a private tourist attraction. The man-made waterfalls built decades ago add a bit of variety to the scenery and blend in reasonably well by now. Even though they’re not natural, they’ve become part of the park’s character.
Dunnellon, just a few minutes away, is an easy stop for groceries or a quick bite. It’s a small, laid-back town, and it’s close to the Withlacoochee River if you want another spot to paddle. A great option if you’re looking to have a change of pace there after a few days in the park.
Rainbow Springs is a great spot to unwind or explore, just do yourself a favor and dodge the peak crowds if you can.