Florida spring
Rainbow Spring
Photo by: Florida SpringsReservations required as of April 29, 2026. They can be made up to 60 days in advance. Same day reservations are permitted until capacity is reached. A stunning spring, renowned for its crystal-clear, 72-degree water and an impressive daily flow of over 400 million gallons, making it Florida’s fourth-largest spring. The spring is actually made up of a group of about 10 vents. Surrounded by towering cypress trees, oaks, and vibrant wildflowers, the spring’s basin ranges from 5 to 18 feet deep. Part of Rainbow Springs State Park, it’s a paradise for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and tubing, with a designated swim area at the headsprings and a separate tubing launch nearby. Access is easy via the park’s main entrance off U.S. 41 (no boat required), though tubing requires a short tram ride from the campground area. The park buzzes with visitors in spring and summer, especially on weekends and holidays like the Fourth of July, when it often hits capacity—arrive early! For a quieter visit, aim for weekdays in early spring (March-April) or fall (October-November), ideally at opening, to enjoy cooler weather and fewer crowds. Fishing is prohibited at the head spring but is permitted at the campground for registered campers. Pets are permitted in the park but may not enter the water. While there is no boating permitted at the head spring there are boat ramps and boat rentals along the river. Water clarity is typically exceptional but can cloud slightly after heavy rain or upstream runoff. Check conditions in advance, as the clearest water often occurs during dry spells with stable Rainbow River water levels.
Amenities & Rules
Access & Rules
Activities & Amenities
Amenities & Rules status summary
Access & Rules
- Private: No access via land or water: No
- Reservation Required: Yes
- ADA Access: Yes
- Alcohol: No
- Boat Ramp: No
- Disposables: No
- Land Access: Yes
- Paddle Access: Yes
- Park: Yes
- Pets: Yes
Activities & Amenities
- Bathrooms: Yes
- Boating: No
- Camping: Yes
- Changing Rooms: Yes
- Fishing: Yes
- Food: Yes
- Free Diving: No
- Gear Rental: Yes
- Grills: Yes
- Hiking: Yes
- Lockers: No
- Paddling: Yes
- Pavilions: Yes
- Picnic Tables: Yes
- Portajohn: No
- Scuba Diving: No
- Showers: Yes
- Shuttle: Yes
- Swimming: Yes
- Trash Cans: Yes