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The best camping near Rainbow Springs State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Rainbow Springs adventure.

The best camping near Rainbow Springs State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Rainbow Springs adventure.

Camping near Rainbow Springs State Park

100% (12 reviews)

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Rainbow Springs adventure.

Crystal-clear waters, waterfalls, and lush gardens await at this hidden gem.  

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Rainbow Springs State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Rainbow Springs State Park

97%
(160)

Moondancing Meadows

12 sites ¡ Lodging, Tents5 acres ¡ Ocala, FL
Moondancing Meadows is a back-to-nature wellness glamping facility. We believe in enjoying the abundance of nature, with a few creature comforts. Please note, we currently have 4 different glamping tent sites and 2 primitive tent camping sites. The primitive tent camping sites are NOT a glamping tent, you must bring your own tent. Glamping tents come fully furnished as in the pictures. WEATHER INFORMATION: If the forecast is below 32 degrees we will give you 100% refund. If there is a severe weather warning posted (tornado, hurricane, severe thunderstorms, etc.) and predicted for the zip code for Moondancing Meadows we will refund you 100%. We do not allow cancellations outside of the window with refunds for rain or normal Florida weather systems. Our tents are rated for winds have proven to be safe and dry during storms. We have never had a flooding issue on the land and we supply umbrellas for walking to the bathroom. Please embrace the stage that Mother Nature sets for you and bask in the beauty of experiencing weather so intimately that we usually shelter ourselves from. Our canvas glamping bell tents are nestled in to nature. All the tents have a beautiful Florida forest view and is located in a private area of the campground. They have all been beautifully furnished with real mattresses, sitting area, storage, indoor and outdoor lighting, along with other perks. All of our sites are pet friendly except for the Jupiter glamping tent. There is a community outhouse like no other outhouse you have seen and a beautiful community outdoor shower with hot water. We have a community fire pit for all to enjoy. We have an outdoor kitchen with a charcoal grill, propane burner, and a coffee station. We also have potable water available for campers. Check in time is 3pm or later, Check out time is 12pm Our goal is to provide a perfect balance of peaceful connection with self and nature coupled with a connection to community. Please check our Facebook page to see if we are hosting any events during your stay. We are located in the Horse Capital of the World and also 10 minutes from world-famous Rainbow Springs and KP Hole Park for kayakers and tubers. There is a waiting line in front of the park and at the tubing entrance starts 30 minutes to an hour before the park opens. The park often reaches capacity before the morning is over. It is very convenient to be close to the park to guarantee entry. We are also centrally located and close to several other nature attractions such as: World Equestrian Center: 12 miles/15-20 minutes Silver Springs Park: 22 miles/34 minutes Santos Bike Trail 23 miles/42 min Devil's Den: 26 miles/32 minutes Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens: 26 miles/34 minutes Crystal River/King's Bay Kayak launch to Three Sisters Springs: 26 miles/42 minutes Fort Island Beach in Crystal River: 36 miles/ 52 minutes Gainesville: 42 miles/52 minutes Juniper Springs: 44 miles/1 hour Weeki Wachee Park: 53 miles/1 hour, 13 minutes Cedar Key: 59 miles/ 1 hour Suwannee River: 81 miles/ 1 hour 33 min Daytona Beach: 91 miles/ 1hour 57 min Orlando: 91 miles/1 hour, 30 minutes Tampa: 108 miles/1 hour 50 min We look forward to hosting your stay in the beautiful Ocala/Dunnellon area!
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$45
 / night
100%
(20)

Higher Ground "The Barn"

4 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres ¡ Lecanto, FL
Come get back to nature with camping at your comfort level and YES, we have A/C AND MINI HEATERS and a mini-fridge in all of our cabins. PLEASE note that there IS A PET FEE and AND WOOD FEE and it must be added when you complete booking (as Extras). Kayaks available for rent too! Whether you'd like a tent site (tents available) or a rustic cabin with lofts, we have what you're looking for. Get out of the city and get into nature. Just over an hour drive from Tampa or Orlando and you'll be laying in a hammock or making s'mores by the campfire. BUT REMEMBER, you are IN THE WOODS.. Bugs live in the woods and eliminating them all is never possible. Bring spray :) We spray weekly but there are all kinds of bugs around because you're camping! We even have Kayaks available for rent to head to Crystal River or Lake Henderson!
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$25
 / night
94%
(81)

Camp Seminole Springs

100 sites ¡ RVs, Tents38 acres ¡ Fort Mc Coy, FL
Bring your mountain bikes, canoes, kayaks and fishing gear. We have it all here at Seminole Springs. We are open for tent camping. Limited number of campsites with Tents on them in a variety of sizes available. First come, First serve. These sites will have a slight upcharge. When you book, if you want to upgrade and reserve one of these sites, let us know and we will accommodate you. We also have 3 units inside the lodge for the people who need just a step up from glamping, but not quite the whole hotel experience. These are beautiful comfortable rooms with half baths in the rooms. The showers are located in the lodge bathhouse. WE have the Jungle themed room, the Equestrian themed room and the Honeymoon Suite. Each unit comes equipped with its own hot tub. (To book any of these units, just send us a message and we will reserve it for you. The prices for these units are different than that campsite and glamping site prices.) The Grist Mill is also available for rent too! This is a very romantic, yet rustic getaway equipped with a half bath as well. Very secluded and private overlooking the spring on one side and the water fall on the other. Sit outside on the deck and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature and at night the sound of the waterfall will lull you to sleep. The shower is located in the Lodge bathhouse. (To book this unit you must send a message to us and we will reserve it for you. The price is different than the campsites but we will go over that with you) WE ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FOR YOUR EVENT: TAKING BOOKINGS FOR WEDDINGS, CAR SHOWS, MUSIC EVENTS, ETC. LET US KNOW! NOTE: TURN AT CAMP SEMINOLE SPRINGS SIGN ON HIGHWAY 21. Your GPS may tell you to turn at the wrong St. Make sure that you are turning at 244th...Your GPS may tell you to turn at 243rd Street (where the Orange Market it) which is a dead end street. Just go a little bit further until you see the sign for Camp Seminole Spring. Bring bug spray and sun screen. If you need something, don't worry! There is a Dollar General, a gas station and a small cafe within walking distance. We have 38 acres of camping sites nature trails for hiking and mountain biking. Guests can park right on their site, or they have the option of parking and hiking into the woods to set up their site a bit more remote and off the beaten path. This is rustic camping. We have a bathhouse located at the campsites with showers. The bathhouse at the Great Lodge will be ready by Fall 2022. Whereas we do have garbage cans, we prefer that anything you bring into the property, you bring out with you. We allow campfires. Don't be surprised if you see a monkey or two in the trees... The fishing is amazing in these parts, so if you are an angler, come and visit. We have .75 miles of frontage on the Orange Creek. The creek flows into Lake Ocklawaha which just so happens to be one of the best bass fishing lakes in the USA. In fact, ten-pound bass are not uncommon from the Lake Ocklawaha River in the winter. Recently (2020), a 17.2-pound bass was caught there. The combined Ocklawaha and St. Johns drainage basin is possibly the most significant river-estuary waterway of Florida. This water system is of legendary reputation among anglers of largemouth bass who seek 10 pound plus trophy fish. Conveniently located between Ocala and Gainesville in the heart of Orange Springs, Florida, Camp Seminole Spring is perfectly located for the traveler who wants to really connect with nature. It appears to be ‘off the beaten path’, yet it is close enough to civilization so that even the most seasoned camper can make a quick run to store should he or she need something not found in nature. Camp Seminole Spring is mid-way (approx.. 22 miles) between Ocala and Gainesville, Florida, which are two thriving cities in this area of Florida. Ocala, the ‘horse capital of the world’ showcases a brand new multi-billion-dollar equestrian center which draws people from all over the world. This scenic property has an artesian spring which pushes out 1.6 million gallons of water per day rated among the top three percent of water in the world with an 8.4 natural pH. This water fills the pond and then continues on to flow into Orange Creek. Camp Seminole Springs was established in the 1940’s as a honeymoon resort and campground. The founders built a heart-shaped ‘pond-spring’ which is filled with the crystal-clear water pushed out from the spring where guests can lounge by the beach or gaze down into the bottom through the glass-like water or take a refreshing swim. At the top of the hill overlooking the heart-shaped spring, one will find the rustic Great Lodge where guests can come and mingle with each other, enjoy a relaxing conversation and a drink on the veranda or just sit and watch the activity in and around the spring.
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$39
 / night
97%
(32)

Whimsical RV,Tent and Bungalow Site

4 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents1 acre ¡ Crystal River, FL
NEW! This property is close to everything! Precious lighting turns the property into a virtual lightshow at dusk! Crystal River Famous Fishing, Beautiful crystal-clear springs for diving, swimming and tubing. Manatees and abundant wildlife. RV's and campers alike will enjoy creature comforts of fast Internet, Water hookup, Firewood, Toilet, 30 AMP, Electricity and Sewer. You will have access to a gas grill, horseshoes, spring fed pond stocked with bass, canoe, and a fire pit on the deck already stocked with propane. There are three wood-burning firepits on the campsite with one being a chimenea to roast marshmallows and hot dogs! Firewood and starter log provided and subsequent firewood for sale. Gazebo with table and chairs and a beautiful outdoor shower with views of mossy oak trees! The outdoor shower is a must. For CAMPERS! I do provide a camping toilet with bags for disposal along with hand sanitizer. Water is available from the hose on the deck. Tea and morning coffee will be provided. You are literally 1 mile from 2 parks with hiking trails (7-mile loop) to view all types of wildlife including alligators, birds, fox and deer. Kayaking spots are abundant. Historic Downtown offers a variety of bars and restaurants as well as local artist crafts. There is something for everyone. PS My backyard paradise is much more beautiful than my photographs. FREE WIFI!
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$45
 / night
90%
(5)

Cristal camping 🏕️

1 site ¡ RV, Tent1 acre ¡ Crystal River, FL
You just came across a very unique piece of land very close to all the springs that there is to enjoy and a beautiful small town of Inglis located in Crystal River Florida. Please come and enjoy this cold water from this beautiful springs. And don’t forget to bring the floaty’s, snorkels and goggles because you’re going to need it in order to see all the beautiful underwater scenes on this Cristal water, rivers. Come enjoy our beautiful tent space nestled in a wooded lot located at the beautiful Rainbow River, one of the largest spring fed rivers in the world , you will have a parking area. Kayak rentals available. It is a short walk to the 40-mile Withlacoochee biking/walking trail which has a large variety of birds and wildlife for your viewing pleasure. Rainbow River State park and head springs is located 4.6 miles away, a great place for swimming and snorkeling with an admission fee of $2. There is a laundromat, grocery stores, and a large selection of restaurants nearby for your dining pleasure. See you soon! PEACE
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$45
 / night
100%
(40)

Rainbow River "Peek" Vans & Tents

1 site ¡ Tent1 acre ¡ Dunnellon, FL
An elevated camp site next to a pole barn that overlooks a Florida hammock and a peek at the Rainbow River, below. Learn more about this land: • This is not a commercial campground. • Sorry, no dogs due to wildlife visitors. • Tents, Truck Tents and Vans Only • Located in the heart of Dunnellon near the Rainbow River Site: 25ft long by 14ft Wide. Water, Sewer, 30amp; Electric.  Not on the water but walking distance. This property is shared with the owner. campsite is separated from owner's house with a pole barn.   This is not a waterfront site.  You are not camping on the water, however, Rainbow River Peek is named because you can get a peek of the river from the site.  You can bike to the river in about two minutes.  This is a small, narrow (14ft wide) but quiet area, a few hundred feet from The Rainbow River. Located on a dead-end street. It is partially surrounded by Florida foliage next to a pole barn. 30 amp plug, Sewer, Water and 110 electric outlet and outdoor sink is on the site. The Rainbow River is a gorgeous river that is walking distance from the site. There is a beach, free boat launch, free kayak launch, tiki bars with live entertainment, antique shops, restaurants and a Publix/Aldi/Discount Grocery all within biking and walking distance. EXTRAS: Just like most campgrounds, check-in is after 3 and checkout, before 1 for cleanup between reservations.  However, those times are negotiable if no arrival or departures those days. I am not a campground with multiple sites. When you cancel last minute you're hurting my biz as well as those that could've booked. No last minute cancellations! LOCAL STUFF TO LOOK UP Suggested Restaurants: (Hipcamp doesn't allow websites on here)  Gruff's Grill and Bar, River Run, Swampy's (water front), Blue Gator (waterfront), Go For Donuts, Baskin Robbins, Dunkin' Donuts, Sonic, Burger King, Mc Donald's, Taco Bell and more. Shops: Antique shops nearby and Grumble House is a must visit! Grocery: Publix, Save A Lot, Winn Dixie, Aldi Laundromat: A few blocks from campsite Tours: Singing River Tours.  $20 per person for a 1.5 hour ride on the river in a large, covered pontoon barge.  Walking distance to board boat. Captain Bob's Airboat Tours, $50 per person. Walking distance to board boat. Boat Rentals - Rent a jon boat with a motor up to a pontoon boat at Blue Gator Tiki Bar & Grill.  Walking distance from the RV site. Biking: This little town offers many sidewalks to bicycle on as well as a beautiful park along the Rainbow River called Blue Run Park Beach: Dunnellon City Beach (Chaplain A. Dinkins, III Memorial Park) is less than half a mile from the RV site.  It offers picnic tables, restroom, a pier and beach for swimming on the Rainbow River.  Pets are not allowed.
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$39
 / night
100%
(4)

Slice of River Life

1 site ¡ RV1 acre ¡ Dunnellon, FL
RV hook up and septic available on a quiet lot to rent per day, monthly, yearly. You will have access to the private community river access that is within a 5 minute walk or a 1 min drive. Key will be provided to access the gated community park. Spend your day boating, fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, swimming or tubbing. Enjoy the convenient boat ramp, picnic pavilions , bathrooms and a swimming area. The Rainbow River is spring fed and Crystal clear all year long. A beautiful and quite relaxing place to get away. RV site has plenty of room to pop up a canopy, relax and have a campfire. Very quiet area so quiet time is 10 pm. Cool off this summer in this amazing spring fed river! Plenty of restaurants and stores close by including Walmart. Additional attractions: The KP Hole and Rainbow Springs State Park.
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$55
 / night
95%
(88)

Bring Your Horse

6 sites ¡ RVs, Tents20 acres ¡ Dunnellon, FL
Small horse farm, mostly wooded, borders Ross Prairie State Forest. Peaceful woods, nice place for walking and horseback riding. Places for tents and campers. Laid back, pet friendly place next to our small horse farm. Sorry, we do not rent horses, but you may bring your own. We do not have hookups available at this time. Very private.
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$10
 / night
91%
(17)

Enchanted Oaks Camp & Farm

6 sites ¡ Lodging10 acres ¡ Ocala, FL
Welcome to Enchanted Oaks Farm and Camp site. We are an 8.5 acre farm in Ocala Florida, that offers unique glamping experiences. Activities in the area include: -Rainbow River Canoe and Kayak (40 minute drive)-K.P. Hole County Park (40 minute drive)-Disney (1 hr 10 minute drive)-Ocala National Forest (30-50 minute drive)-Juniper Springs Swimming Area (1 hr drive)-Ocala Drive-in (30 minute drive)-Devil's Den Prehistoric Spring (52 minute drive)-The Canyons Zip Line and Adventure Park (29 minute drive)-Silver Springs State Park (40 mintue drive)Hi Y’all, I’m Cassie Peech. I own and operate Enchanted Oaks Farm and Cassie Peech and Company (a wedding and events company based out of Orlando, Jax, and Tampa).We are from a tiny Kentucky town (2000 people), and love to show people our southern hospitality. We originally bought the farm to host weddings but we figured we would give hosting a try and we love it!!
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$75
 / night
98%
(143)

Paradise Lake Rousseau ,Fl

7 sites ¡ Lodging, Tents3 acres ¡ Crystal River, FL
3 acres on beautiful Lake Rousseau. Fishing , camping , kayaking , cabin rentals. 10 miles from ThreeSisters Springs, Hunter Springs and Crystal River. Abundant wildlife. Beatiful sunrirses and sunsets. Very peaceful!
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$35
 / night
98%
(106)

Pure Paradise Lebanon station

25 sites ¡ RVs, Tents23 acres ¡ Inglis, FL
Learn more about this land:Beautiful area with waterfalls observation Tower 23 beautiful acres to roam plenty of fishing and water sports in the area as well as other activities , tent and self-contained camping starting at $25 per night full hookup $50 per night
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$25
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99%
(313)

Storman Family Campground

2 sites ¡ RVs1 acre ¡ Crystal River, FL
1.25 acres located in a rural neighborhood just 10 minutes from shops of Crystal River and the Gulf of Mexico.Learn more about this land:A very quiet, safe country neighborhood setting...yet only ten minutes from swimming with the manatees, kayaking, snorkeling, paddleboarding etc in crystal clear rivers, springs, and King Bay. Each site is spacious, and has its own firepit and picnic table. Great for bird and squirrel watching, reading a book, star gazing, sleeping, or just chillin by your campfire. The big back porch Is open to sit in the rockers, chat, or observe the many birds and squirrels running and playing and eating under the wild plum garden. You’ll also find a cornhole game there to share. We have quaint village shopping, great seafood restaurants, ice cream shoppes, and many bike or jogging paths all over the county...one paved path runs alongside the Barge Canal all the way to the Gulf, with covered houses and picnic tables built along the Canals edge...bathrooms provided along the path. So much beauty and fun surrounds our area...Homosassa Wildlife Park, WeekiWachee/Home of the Live Mermaids, tubing down the Rainbow 🌈 River, and north of us in Ocala...you can ride the glass bottomed boats at Silver Springs. Our Gulf fishing is pristeen and if you get lucky...we have an outdoor fishcleaning sink! Our neighbors cow pasture is alongside the back of our property and has proved to be a great attraction for the kids and the adults especially the big black cow #36...😂🤣. Crystal River has many boat captains with tour boats for touring the manatees, diving, fishing, scalloping in season, etc...kids love the new splash pad downtown and Hunters Spring Park has a nice sandy beach, picnic tables, kayak launching area, and a boardwalk for observing marine life and occasional manatees. Three Sisters Spring has hundreds of manatees this time of year with a huge boardwalk surrounding the spring for observation. There are kayak rentals if you choose not to bring your own. Guess to nutshell what I’m trying to say....Crystal River is a great place to visit, have fun, eat good, and enjoy the many blessings that our Nature Coast offers.
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$35
 / night

The best camping near Rainbow Springs State Park 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

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