Rainbow Springs State Park

Know before you go

Best conditions

Water averages 72°F year-round; weekends and holidays are the busiest times.

Getting in

Headsprings entrance at 19158 S.W. 81st Place Road, Dunnellon; open 8 a.m. to sunset, 365 days a year. Since April 29, 2026, all visitors need a day-use reservation.

Parking & transport

The parking lot has been under renovation since April 1, 2026, with limited spaces. When the headsprings entrance reaches capacity the park closes, and vehicles may not wait in line in the park or on adjacent roads.

Lifeguards

No lifeguard on duty; the water is over 10 feet deep.

Season

Headspring swimming is year-round. River tubing from the separate tubing entrance runs weekends from April and after Labor Day through September, daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and is closed October through March.

Watch for

• Swimming area averages 10 to 18 feet deep; watch children and non-swimmers closely
• Rafts, tubes, balls and other inflatables are not allowed (life preservers and noodles are)
• Snorkeling only inside the buoyed area; state law requires dive flags for snorkelers elsewhere on the river

Facilities

Buoyed natural swimming area · Four first-come, first-served pavilions · Concession stand at the headsprings entrance · Canoe and kayak rentals · Gardens and waterfalls from the former attraction

Sources: floridastateparks.org, floridastateparks.org, floridastateparks.org

How was your swim?