Rainbow Springs State Park

Rainbow Springs is Florida's fourth largest freshwater spring. Its crystal-clear waters feed the Rainbow River, and the area offers excellent swimming, tubing, canoeing, kayaking, and snorkeling.

At the main headsprings entrance to Rainbow Springs State Park, you can take the opportunity to swim in the freshwater headsprings of the Rainbow River, rent a canoe or kayak to take a leisurely paddle, marvel at scenic waterfalls and lush forests, and sit down for a relaxing picnic lunch.

If you'd like to explore on foot, the park's walkways wind through azaleas, magnolias, and pretty gardens. There's also a 2.5-mile nature trail that winds through natural oak hammock and sandhill communities, while birders love exploring the area to try and catch a glimpse of a wide variety of species.

Rainbow Springs State Park’s campground is found along the Rainbow River, at a separate facility approximately five miles from the main headspring and day use area. It offers more than 50 sites that can accommodate tents and RVs, and water and electric is supplied to all sites.

The campground provides easy access to the Rainbow River for anyone keen to fish, swim, or paddle in its cool waters. Canoes and kayaks can be rented from the campground office, and a camping fee of $30 per night applies on all sites.

Well-behaved dogs are welcome at Rainbow Springs State Park. However, they must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet at all times and they are not allowed to enter the water, including the headsprings, swim areas, river, and ponds. Pet waste bags are provided throughout the park, so make sure you remember to clean up after your dog whenever required.

Rainbow Springs State Park is sometimes described as one of the crown jewels of the Florida parks system, and it's not hard to see why. With its breathtaking natural beauty and abundant opportunities for recreation, this is one park you and your dog will definitely want to visit more than once.