Rainbow SpringsState Park - Florida |
Rainbow Springs State Park is located on U.S. 41, three miles (5 km) north of Dunnellon, Florida. It comprises 1,459.07 acres (5.9046 km2) upland (which includes around 100 acres (0.40 km2) of wetlands) and 12.83 acres (51,900 m2) submerged. The most significant natural feature is the first magnitude headspring basin which produces up to 600,000,000 US gallons (2,300,000 m3) of fresh water per day, forming The Rainbow River. The looking glass waters of Rainbow Springs come from several vents, not one large bubbling spring. The river itself supports a wide variety of fish, wildlife, and plants, many within easy viewing by visitors.
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Official Highway Map North of Florida. Published by the Florida Department of Transportation.
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Brochure of Rainbow Springs State Park in Florida - a mixture of cultural gardens, a spring-fed river and a natural headspring. Published by Florida State Parks.
Camping and Cabins Guide brochure.
Rainbow Springs SP
https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/rainbow-springs-state-park
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rainbow_Springs_State_Park
Rainbow Springs State Park is located on U.S. 41, three miles (5 km) north of Dunnellon, Florida. It comprises 1,459.07 acres (5.9046 km2) upland (which includes around 100 acres (0.40 km2) of wetlands) and 12.83 acres (51,900 m2) submerged. The most significant natural feature is the first magnitude headspring basin which produces up to 600,000,000 US gallons (2,300,000 m3) of fresh water per day, forming The Rainbow River. The looking glass waters of Rainbow Springs come from several vents, not one large bubbling spring. The river itself supports a wide variety of fish, wildlife, and plants, many within easy viewing by visitors.
RAINBOW SPRINGS
STATE PARK
HISTORY AND NATURE
The area surrounding the park has been inhabited
by human cultures for at least 10,000 years.
People we now call the Timucua lived here at
the time of European contact. The city of Ocala is
named after a nearby Timucuan village and chief
called Ocale.
Pioneers first settled the headsprings in 1839. By
1883, about 75 people lived in this agricultural
community, which had a railroad station, sawmill,
hotel, stores and a post office.
In the 1920s, Blue Springs and Blue Run were
favorite spots for tourists and locals. As the
attraction grew, the river was dredged for glass
bottom boat tours; and waterfalls were built on
piles of phosphate tailings. A zoo, rodeo, gift shops
and a monorail with leaf-shaped gondolas were
added. In the mid-1970s, when larger theme parks
lured the tourists away, Rainbow Springs was
closed. In the mid-1990s, it reopened as a state
park. In 1972, the U.S. Department of the Interior
designated Rainbow River as a National Natural
Landmark. It is also an aquatic preserve and an
Outstanding Florida Water.
The river supports abundant wildlife, including
otters, alligators, many species of turtles and fish,
and every variety of water bird—waders, divers
and dabblers. Osprey, hawks and swallowtail
kites soar along the river corridor while smaller
birds and animals hide in the lush vegetation.
Many animal species, including the endangered
gopher tortoise, Florida pine snake, indigo snake,
Sherman’s fox squirrel and the Florida mouse
inhabit the uplands surrounding the springs and
river.
19158 S.W. 81st Place Road
Dunnellon, FL 34432
352-465-8555
PARK GUIDELINES
•
Hours are 8 a.m. until sunset, 365 days a year.
•
An entrance fee is required.
•
All plants, animals and park property are protected.
Collection, destruction or disturbance is prohibited.
•
Pets are permitted in designated areas only. Pets
must be kept on a handheld leash no longer than six
feet and well-behaved at all times.
•
No fishing, tubing or diving is permitted in the
headsprings area.
•
Fishing is available to registered campers only from
the campground. A Florida fishing license may be
required.
•
Fireworks and hunting are prohibited.
•
To become a volunteer, please inquire at the ranger
station.
•
For camping information, contact Reserve America
at 800-326-3521 or visit ReserveAmerica.com.
•
Florida state parks are committed to providing all
visitors equal access to facilities and programs. If you
need assistance to enable your participation, please
contact the ranger station.
Visit us online at
FloridaStateParks.org
Follow us on social media
FloridaStateParks.org
#FLStateParks
RAINBOW SPRINGS
STATE PARK
A mixture of cultural gardens,
a spring-fed river
and a natural headspring
Rainbow Springs State Park
EXPERIENCES AND AMENITIES
Rainbow Springs is a wonderful mixture of Central
Florida’s natural and cultural heritage. It is a popular
destination to swim, snorkel, tube, canoe, picnic or
stroll the gardens. The day-use headsprings area, tube
launch area and the campground differ in the activities
they allow, so be sure to ask in advance.
000 Feet
Gardens
Canoe Launch
Hiking
Canoeing
Parking
Concessions
Pavilion
Inset 1
Picnicking
Showers
Restrooms
Snorkeling
Inset 1
Wildlife Viewing
To Headsprings
Entrance
Inset 2
Park Boundary
Entrance Station
& Gift Shop
Camping Sites
0
250
500
1,000 Feet
Public Canoe &
Kayak Storage
Trailhead
Hiking
Hiking/Biking
Dock
US Highway
US Highway
County Road
County Road
Park Road Paved
Park Road Stabilized
Park Road Stabilized
Park Road Unstabilized
Park Road Unstabilized
Structures
Structures
Parking Lots
1,000 Feet
ad
Campground
Entrance
Inset 2
0
1,000 2,000
Inset 2
4,000 Feet
0
1,000 2,000
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
Division of Recreation and Parks
Date of aerial; 2016
Tubing
Entrance
SW 180th Avenue Road
Parking Lots
500
venu
e Ro
250
Rainbow River
Park Road PavedCamping Check-in
0th A
0
Campground
Entrance
SW 1
8
Tube/Canoe/Kayak
Launch
Hiking
Walkways
Concession Store
Laundry
Canoe & Kayak Rack
for Registered Campers
Only
Park Boundary
Hiking/Biking
Walkways
Campground Inset
Tram
Station
Inset 2
Camping Sites
Swimming Dock
N
W
E
S
4,000 Feet
Inset 2
To Dunnellon
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
Division of Recreation and Parks
Date of aerial; 2016
Tubing
Inset 1
Headsprings
Entrance
Directions
STATE PARK
Visitor Center
Inset 1
The headsprings and campground have a variety of
ranger-guided programs and canoe trips at different
times of year. Canoes and kayaks are available for rent
at the headsprings. A food concession, gift shop and
visitor center add to the pleasure and education of
visitors. The picnic pavilions are perfect for family
reunions and weddings.
Headsprings Entrance: 1-75 to State Rd. 40 west
which dead ends at U.S. 41; turn left. Park is on left.
Campground Entrance: 18185 SW 94th S
Camping and Cabins Guide
Florida State Parks
FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks
Welcome
When the setting sun paints the evening sky, where will you make
your bed? Florida’s state parks offer you a variety of overnight
accommodations.
At a Florida state park, the day’s work is play, a walk on the beach, a hike
through the woods, a swim, a bike ride. All you need is a fishing rod, a
kayak, a book and a friend.
What do you want to see when the sun rises on the new day?
Choose a wooded campsite within walking distance of white sandy
beaches or camp along the banks of a quietly moving river. Bring your
boat or canoe, or fishing tackle and a rod, for a relaxing time with family
and friends.
Explore nature on the hiking trails, while at the same time leaving stress
of the busy world behind. Attend a festival, a reenactment or simply
do nothing.
We are committed to providing a variety of accessible amenities for all
visitors at Florida state parks, including campgrounds and cabins.
2
FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks
Family Camping
Florida’s state parks offer more than 50 campgrounds statewide for tents,
campers and RVs. Most campsites include water, electricity, a grill and
picnic table. Centralized showers, restrooms and a dump station are
also available.
• One responsible person, 18 or older, must be present on each campsite
or cabin.
• Camping fees vary from park to park and include a maximum of eight
people per site, not including children under 6 years old.
• Check-in time is 3 p.m. Check-out time is 1 p.m. You are welcome to stay
in the park through the end of the day.
• Quiet time is from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m.
• Campsites are limited to two vehicles. Selected campsites may
only allow one vehicle.
FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks
3
Cabins
From modern to rustic, state park cabins provide overnight accommodations
in a variety of settings—near beaches, rivers and lakes or peaceful wooded
communities. Cabin styles vary from fully equipped modern cabins to
hand-hewn, lumber or palm-log retreats. Cabin amenities may include a
kitchen, fireplace and screened porch, complete with rocking chairs and
porch swings.
• Cabins may be reserved for one night during the week, Monday–Thursday,
or a minimum of two nights on weekends and holidays, Friday and
Saturday, departing Sunday, or Saturday and Sunday, departing Monday.
Some exceptions apply.
• Cabins can accommodate either four or six visitors.
• Check-in time is 4 p.m. Check-out time is 11 a.m.
• Quiet time is from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m.
4
FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks
• Pets are not permitted in cabins or cabin areas.
• Staff may assess cabin renters a damage fee if necessary to clean-up or
repair any damage beyond ordinary cleaning, wear and tear. Fees may
also be charged for lost/stolen items.
Group, Primitive, Equestrian and Boat
Many parks offer areas for youth and group camping. Backpackers may
wish to hike to secluded areas for primitive camping. More than 15 state
parks offer campsites and other amenities for equestrians and their horses.
Owners of horses visiting state parks must provide proof of a negative
Coggins test. Call the park to discuss availability, facilities, rules and fees.
Five state parks provide boat slips with water and electricity. Boaters
have access to the state park’s restrooms, showers, pump-outs and other
amenities. Boaters can also anchor overnight at Bill Baggs Cape Florida
State Park and at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.
FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks
5
Camping with Pets and Service Animals
Pets are welcome at most Florida State Parks. Some campgrounds have
designated sites for pets. All pets must be confined, leashed or otherwise
under the physical control of a person at all times. Leashes may not exceed
six feet in length. Pets must be well behaved. Owners must pick up after
their pets and properly dispose of all pet droppings in trash receptacles.
Pets are not permitted on beaches or playgrounds, or in bathing areas,
cabins, park buildings or concession facilities. Individual parks may have
specific areas prohibiting pets.
Service animals in a working capacity are allowed in all public areas of state
parks when accompanied by a visitor with a disability.
Service animals should be harnessed, leashed or tethered unless such a
device interferes with the service animal’s work or the visitor’s disability
prevents the use of these devices.
6
FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks
Reservations
Campsite and cabin reservations may be made from one day to 11 months
in advance by calling (800) 326-3521, (866) I CAMP FL or TDD
(888) 433-0287 or by visiting FloridaStateParks.ReserveAmerica.com.
Call the park directly to reserve group or primitive campsites.
Prices per night:
Campsites $16 to $42
Cabins
$30 to $160
Visitors pay a reservation fee of $6.70
*Prices subject to change.
A 50 percent discount on base campsite fees is available to Florida citizens
who are 65 years old or older, or Florida c