Swimming at Rainbow Springs State Park in Dunnellon

Rainbow Springs State Park in Dunnellon is one of Florida’s most picturesque destinations for swimming. With crystal-clear 72-degree spring water, a large designated swimming area, and scenic natural surroundings, it provides an unforgettable experience. The spring’s consistent water clarity and refreshing temperature make it a favorite for both locals and visitors.

Adventure Guide To Swimming at Rainbow Springs State Park

Designated Swimming Area

Located near the main entrance, the swimming section is a roped-off lagoon where visitors can enjoy the cool, clean water.
The depth reaches approximately 5 to 18 feet, making it ideal for strong swimmers but unsuitable for wading.
The swimming area remains free of boats and tubes, ensuring a safe and peaceful experience.

Spring Water Characteristics

Rainbow Springs maintains a constant temperature of 72°F year-round, providing relief from Florida’s heat.
Water visibility is exceptionally high due to the park’s strict conservation efforts—no swimming off trails or outside designated areas.
Unlike many Florida springs, no jumping or diving is allowed due to varying depths and submerged rocks.

Additional Activities Near the Swimming Area

Visitors can relax on the grassy shoreline or enjoy a picnic at nearby shaded tables.
Kayak and canoe rentals are available, allowing swimmers to extend their time on the water.
The park features short nature trails with views of waterfalls and lush Florida vegetation.

Local Insights

Rainbow Springs was once a privately owned amusement park in the mid-1900s before becoming a state park in 1990.
The water remains free from alligators, as the strong currents and human activity make it an unlikely habitat for them.
The best swimming experience happens before noon when crowds are smaller, and the sun illuminates the vivid blue water.

Visitor Tips

Best time to visit: Arrive early, especially in summer, as the park reaches capacity quickly.
What to bring: Swimsuit, water shoes (for rocky areas), sunscreen, and a waterproof bag for valuables.
Directions: From Ocala, take FL-40 W to US-41 S (about 30 minutes). The main park entrance is on SW 180th Avenue Rd.

Adventure Map

Reviews

rex donahough2 weeks ago

Park entry is $5 Good to hike, better for swimming and kayaking 2 1/2 hours of nature trails Kayak $19 hour Paddle board $19 hour Canoe $26 hour Tandem kayak $26 hour Public restrooms available Lovely giftshop Im floored by how this bastion of Florida spring beauty is as it looks in the photos. If you're into kayaking, it's magical. You can see an alien planet when compared to most of Florida with its crystal blue waters, rolling waterfalls up to 30 feet tall, and a swimming spot that is easily reached and perfect temperature all year round. If you're not prepared to swim or go on the river, there are 40 minutes of perfectly paved walkways and 2 hours of unpaved nature trails that run through oak hammocks and pine flats. Interestingly, there are phosphate pits where trees and plants grow very tall inside of the nature trails.

Rehan Syed2 months ago

Located right outside of Ocala city center. It’s state park so there is a small entrance fee. Ample parking and very clean park. The park has beautiful spring river, several falls, walking trails, greenery and clean rest rooms. There are water activities like swimming and kayaking. For swimming, only noodles and life vests are allowed with snorkeling gear. You can rent kayaks but also can bring your own. It’s long walk from parking to kayak launch so make sure to have help or wheels. There are picnic tables and a cute gift store. If you are into photography, it’s a great place to capture nice shots. It can get crowded but I went there early in the day and there were not too many people.

Joshua Huddleston3 months ago

We really enjoyed going here. The springs were a ton of fun. It was super clean. The grounds are beautiful. It was pretty packed and half the river is residential backyards. Not the best place if your trying to get into raw nature. It's much more party on the river. None the less we had a great time. Pre warning kayaking back up river is way harder than down! Have fun.

Lori2 months ago

We can in early December & it was not busy. We were staying up the road, at the campground, a few miles away. If you bring your campground parking pass, you don’t have to pay a fee to enter. There is a large parking lot & it is well marked. Short walk to the springs, info & rules are posted. There is a gift shop/welcome center, we were on the trail so we didn’t get a chance to go, since it closed at 3. The waterfalls on the paved trail, were beautiful. The plants and springs were also lovely. There is also a separate kayak rental building. Some people were in springs, in the designated swimming area. We Saw lots of birds and deer.

Jose Wengerda week ago

What a beautiful place! We had so much fun walking trails and swimming in the springs! It's better in person. The volunteer workers were great!