We were craving some crystal clear spring water and Rainbow Springs State Park in Dunnellon, Fla. was at the top of our list.
We didn’t have an entire weekend available to camp, so we took a day trip to the park to paddle and swim. We got up super early and headed north so we could get into the park as soon as it opened. We’ve heard it can get crowded and we wanted to launch our paddleboards before the wildlife got scared away.
We didn’t have an entire weekend available to camp, so we took a day trip to the park to paddle and swim. We got up super early and headed north so we could get into the park as soon as it opened. We’ve heard it can get crowded and we wanted to launch our paddleboards before the wildlife got scared away.
We were rewarded for our early efforts. Steam rose from the water and we were the first people into the park. We shoved off from the canoe launch and paddled with the current, mesmerized by how clear and deep the water was.
We quickly learned how the Rainbow River got its name – a variety of multicolored vegetation floats on and below the surface, creating an array of color and texture. Not far from the launch, we were greeted by two bald eagles. One swooped right over our heads and landed in a nearby oak tree
We enjoyed a lovely trip down the river, only encountering a few other paddlers and tubers. After a couple miles, we turned back upstream, paddling against the current to return to the headspring. It was a nice workout and we were rewarded with a swim in the crystal clear, 72-degree spring water.
Afterwards, we scoped out the campground, a separate entrance six miles away by car and a short float downriver, as we knew we would love to return for a longer stay. After driving around both camp loops, we decided site 51 and 6-11 would be ideal sites to return to.
If you go:
Rainbow Springs State Park
Headspring/day use area: 19158 S.W. 81st Place Rd., Dunnellon, Florida 34432; 352-465-8555. Activities include swimming, snorkeling, tubing, fishing, canoes/kayaks including gear available for rent, hiking/nature trail through gardens, wildlife viewing, picnicking.
Campground: 18185 S.W. 94th St., Dunnellon, about 1.5 miles downstream from the main headspring and day use area. All sites have water and electric (20, 30, and 50 amp) with sewer hook-ups. Maximum RV length: 103 feet. Dump station, recreation hall, showers, restrooms, laundry and playground. Pets allowed in campground; not permitted in swimming areas or buildings. Advance reservations available through ReserveAmerica.
Follow our adventures on Twitter @RivetedRoost, or find us on Facebook, Tumblr, Pinterest and Instagram. We're posting lots of photos to our social media sites in real time, so follow along!
All photos © Kelly Beard, The Riveted Roost
If you go:
Rainbow Springs State Park
Headspring/day use area: 19158 S.W. 81st Place Rd., Dunnellon, Florida 34432; 352-465-8555. Activities include swimming, snorkeling, tubing, fishing, canoes/kayaks including gear available for rent, hiking/nature trail through gardens, wildlife viewing, picnicking.
Campground: 18185 S.W. 94th St., Dunnellon, about 1.5 miles downstream from the main headspring and day use area. All sites have water and electric (20, 30, and 50 amp) with sewer hook-ups. Maximum RV length: 103 feet. Dump station, recreation hall, showers, restrooms, laundry and playground. Pets allowed in campground; not permitted in swimming areas or buildings. Advance reservations available through ReserveAmerica.
Follow our adventures on Twitter @RivetedRoost, or find us on Facebook, Tumblr, Pinterest and Instagram. We're posting lots of photos to our social media sites in real time, so follow along!
All photos © Kelly Beard, The Riveted Roost
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