- Rainbow Springs State Park
The best campsites in Rainbow Springs State Park, FL
100% (14)
The best campsites in Rainbow Springs State Park, FL
100% (14)
Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Rainbow Springs State Park adventure.
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Read millions of real reviews from campers like you—so you know what to expect.Top-rated campgrounds near Rainbow Springs State Park
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
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Lisa
1 week ago
8 m travel trailer
With pets
Great host and hospitality! It was just what we needed and we highly recommend.
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david
1 week ago
Tent
A lovely setting, great amenities, and a very responsive host. Would certainly recommend to anyone.
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E
Eric
1 week ago
Tent
This is a nice place. We did 4 nights there. Hitting Crystal River, Rainbow River and other spots. Lots of things within 30-45 minutes. It’s a beautiful area with nice trees. One of the pigs enjoyed saying hi. Might have been some homemade blueberry muffins that he liked. The language does make it seem like they have 2 sites around the property and that you have a spot alone, or I just assumed. It is a large shared area for 2. Lots of space but shared. The dog run and disc golf area is large too. Power worked and I have a car freezer so that was helpful, water poured well, and an incredibly fair price.
PI tent camped. It’s a VERY sandy area. Dewey mornings got a little messy. The road is a little busier than I thought it would be but still not bad. Couple likely school kids racing back and forth one of the nights. Electric hook up and water worked well, I have a car freezer to plug in and that was necessity. Jessica was responsive and helpful. Met her husband upon arrival, nice guy, even offered to hit the area with a tractor to level it. Her son made a firewood delivery for us as well. I arrived a day late for reservation, and on Christmas and they were very accommodating.
The tent zone is a little iffy if it were to rain a lot. The good spots are close to road and away from it are on a downhill slope. Imagine the sand drains well but pouring water out of cooler it ran down hill and I could see getting puddled on a bad day. But beautiful place. Chill environment.
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RICARDO
2 weeks ago
Group trip
Nice faraway place with an amazing night sky perfect for camping, the hostess was always attentive to questions and requests, highly recommended!
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Rachel
2 weeks ago
5 nights at Paradise Lake Rousseau ,Fl
My husband and I stayed in David's cabin for several nights & we thoroughly enjoyed it. It was cozy, but spacious enough for the two of us. It was very comfortably heated, which was great when the weather got down to the 30's overnight. The water was hot, perfect for the shower & washing dishes. But the thing that made this place special was being near the water & watching the many birds. We saw sandhill cranes, ibis, coots, ahinoules, & galinules here. We would definitely recommend David's place!
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L
Lauren
3 weeks ago
8 m travel trailer
Great people, laid back atmosphere. Perfect when traveling with pets. Will definitely be back.
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M
Meraizza
3 weeks ago
7 m pop-up camper
With kids
Host was very nice. The rescue animals were adorable. Nice place to stay
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Juan
3 weeks ago
Tent
With kids
Arcadio was a good host and was accommodating for our situation.
We were expecting primitive camping and that was what we got plus the experience of all the animals and some other guests that were very friendly.
Thank you.
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M
Michael
3 weeks ago
Tent
It was definitely primitive but the motion lights, fire ring, and grill made things easy. We absolutely love it out there. Sound of fish splashing, birds swooping from trees hitting the water or land and coming up with fish and other prey, and the cool breeze is all we heard and loved it. We will definitely have a boat next time as kayaking in and out to go places was more workout than we anticipated. 10/10, will be back!
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Nicole
3 weeks ago
With pets
Just what we needed to energize our calm before the year end! Cozy and relaxing; laid back and close to many trails to walk the dogs!
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S
Sandi
3 weeks ago
6 m Class B
Third time staying here! Great little private location. Kate is a great host. I will be back!
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h
heather
3 weeks ago
5 m car
Quiet and cute little spot! Spring was beautiful and really appreciated the lights that were set up. Enjoyed our stay.
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Elizabeth
December 2025
6 m travel trailer
With pets
Kate’s land was the perfect little peaceful oasis for our weekend away! I loved waking up in the morning to a hike through the woods, the evenings were quiet and relaxing and the spot was secluded but convenient to everything we wanted to do! Kate and her husband were phenomenal hosts and we will definitely be back!
See moreC
Claus
December 2025
With pets
This is a very peaceful place. The cabin was super clean and had everything one could think of and the bed was super comfy.
Communication with Anne was easy, fast and clear. She is a SUPER HOST.
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N
Nicole
December 2025
9 m Class A
The site was very secluded and quiet. The host met us at the gate and directed us on where to park. The road was very soft dirt but we got into a fairly flat area. They have 30 and 50 amp extension cords to plug into and water hook ups. They have a disc golf basket in a field with discs to use. Their dog is super friendly and the emu came up pretty close to us.
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B
Brantley
December 2025
Tent
Cool spot for tent camping. Great Lake views. Firewood on site which is nice. Good folks.
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D
Dennis
December 2025
13 m Class A
With pets
Peaceful and quiet with lots of space. George is a great host!
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Jed
December 2025
Tent
Loved it! Jason was a great communicator and the location was very pretty
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C
Charles
December 2025
Tent
Beautiful open camping spaces with unique amenities. It was great for our night of car camping. Frank was very welcoming. Will definitely stay here again.
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C
Chantel
November 2025
With kids
I planned a last minute camping trip for the weekend with my family. Our host was very polite and a fast communicator. My kids favorite part was petting the animals and enjoying the campfire. The camper was warm and cozy. Everything was as stated on the pages description. No scary surprises, although I would recommend bringing your own Bluetooth speaker if you plan to watch a movie on the projector or check with your host on quality of his speaker before purchasing. We could barely hear anything on the little speaker he brought out to us. I was last minute though , so I probably got the last minute campers speaker. I’m just glad the host was generous enough to get us in on a short notice because we got to make memories that will last a lifetime 🫶
See moreThe best campsites in Rainbow Springs State Park, FL guide
Overview
About
The sapphire waters at Rainbow Springs and the Rainbow River have drawn humans to dip in their cooling depths for 10,000 years. Today, Rainbow Springs State Park is home to one of Florida’s largest natural freshwater springs and features a day-use area with headsprings and nature trails, a tubing area, and the sole full-facility Rainbow Springs Campground. Swim and snorkel the headspring waters, or try canoeing, kayaking, paddling, and tubing down the river, keeping an eye out for water birds, turtles, and otters. Wander the nature trails past three waterfalls and take in the gardens of azaleas, magnolias, and oaks.
Tips for snagging a campsite
Notable Camping Spots in Rainbow
- Florida residents can make campsite reservations 11 months in advance, while non-residents can make reservations 10 months in advance. You can also call for potential same-day reservations.
- If you can’t reserve a spot ahead of time, show up first thing in the morning to grab any unreserved campsites, which are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Book well in advance for popular weekends and holidays during the peak season. Otherwise, plan to stay during the week or between December and March. The campground is open year-round.
When to go
Peak season runs from March to November. The park is extremely popular on weekends and holidays, so it closes once capacity limits are reached—even to registered campers. Plan to arrive early during those periods, or visit during the week. Water temperatures average 72°F year-round and are particularly refreshing in the heat of summer. Tubing is only possible from April to September, when ranger-guided snorkeling tours are also available. Visit in February and March to catch blooming azaleas.
Know before you go
- Tent campers should bring heavy-duty stakes for the gravel-packed camping pads and be prepared to hike their gear in a short distance for tent-only sites.
- Swimming and snorkeling are restricted to the buoyed swimming area or fromboats outside the headsprings area. Inflatables are not permitted, and snorkelers are required to have a dive flag.
- Canoe and kayak rentals are available from the Rainbow Springs launch site and campground store. Tube rentals and shuttles are available in season.
- Park walkways are not wheelchair-accessible, as they’re steep and uneven in spots. There are several accessible campsites, ADA-compliant restrooms, picnic areas, and lift chairs for spring swimming.
100%
14 Ratings · 6 reviews
Hands down amazing. Just the cozy off the beaten path we needed. Super easy, clean and private camp spot.
Ciarra I.
9 months on Hipcamp
Omg it was so good. All my friends from Orlando and Gainesville met us there. Definitely plan to reserve a cabana if they have them available.
J
Joel W.
2 reviews
Recommends
· February 2019
It gets full around the winter holidays, so book in advance! They have great kayaking gear and a nice 2 mile row to the head springs.
Zack B.
6 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· June 2018
One of my all-time favorite destinations.
Colleen M.
7 years on Hipcamp
May 2015
If you're headed to Rainbow Springs you are in for some of Florida's finest outdoors. Bring a picnic and hang out at the public swimming area, or if you're the more adventurous type we definitely recommend renting a canoe or kayak and exploring the river!
Japa And Laks M.
10 years on Hipcamp
April 2015
This water is so spectacularly clear it is not to be believed. Delicious swimming. It is also possible to rent canoes and paddle down a river of this blue loveliness.
J
Jane J.
10 years on Hipcamp