We ended up stumbling upon Rainbow Springs State Park, near Dunellon Florida, as a result of caterpillars, yes caterpillars. We had originally booked a campsite at Lake Kissimmee State Park, but when I looked into the reviews for Lake Kissimmee at the time we were going, I read horror stories of the amount of caterpillars to expect in March/ April, so we pivoted and found a cancellation at a place called Rainbow Springs.
We were fortunate to secure a 100-foot-long full-hookup pull-through site at the campground, which provided a nice level of privacy. Site 50, although located in the slightly less desirable Loop A section, was still a great choice. Sites 45, 47, 49, 52, and 53, however, are less private and might not offer the same peaceful feel.
Rainbow Springs Campground offers 60 campsites in total, all with full hook-ups, with the exception of the tent only campsites. The campground also features a dump station for convenience. The park office offers a small store, kayak and canoe rentals, and tubing options. For a video tour of the campsites, visit my channel Maple Camps on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@MapleCamps.
Rainbow River and its springs are nothing short of breathtaking. The water is a stunning translucent teal, and in spring, the azaleas add a burst of color with their pink blooms. The entire area, surrounded by lush greenery, feels like a magical retreat—perfect for rejuvenating your soul.
Canoe and kayak rentals are available at the campsite store for campers, or you can rent them from the regular state park entrance at the headspring. If you head upstream from the campground first, you can visit the headspring and the park, and then float back down with the current. It's a relaxing paddle, and you can dock your rental at the headspring to explore the area. We even hiked a few trails before paddling back to camp.
While the Rainbow River was undoubtedly the highlight of our trip, we also enjoyed exploring the Pruitt Trail, which offered an interesting and scenic 3-mile hike This hike takes you along ridgelines shaped by canal construction in the 1960s, offering some gentle ascents and descents. The trail weaves through lush pine forests, wetlands, and hardwood hammocks, with ancient oaks towering overhead. Their gnarled branches, draped in Spanish moss, create a canopy that feels both peaceful and otherworldly. The combination of tranquility and proximity to Rainbow Springs makes the Pruitt Trail a must-see for anyone camping in the area. For more information, check out Florida Hikes' website.
To round out the weekend, we biked over to Blue Run of Dunellon and enjoyed a scenic ride along the National Florida Scenic Trail. While the 2.5-mile paved trail is relatively short, it offers a lovely ride and would also make for a beautiful walk.
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