Make plans to plan ahead

The main spring is shown at Rainbow Springs State Park in Dunnellon on Feb. 28, 2024. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette file photo]

For those who are used to just paying a small admission fee and then walking through the gates at Rainbow Springs State Park to enjoy some swimming, hiking, seeing the waterfalls or having a picnic, you won’t be able to do that after April 29.

Beginning that day, all visitors to Rainbow Springs State Park, including Florida State Parks annual passholders, pedestrians and cyclists, must have a reservation to enter the park’s main entrance, also known as the headsprings/swimming entrance, at 19158 SW 81st Place Road, Dunnellon. 

According to information on the Florida State Parks website, the day-use reservation program is designed to streamline entry to the park, which will alleviate congestion and enhance the visitor experience.

The only other current Florida State Parks day-use reservation program is at Wekiwa Springs State Park in Apopka. Nationally, some of the sites managed by the National Park Service require an entrance pass and visitors also may need a reservation at a few high-traffic sites.

Advanced day-use reservations for Rainbow Springs State Park can be made starting April 22. Reservations can be made up to 60 days in advance. Same-day reservations may be made until the reservation limit has been met. A separate reservation must be made for each day. The park entry fee will be collected online at the time of reservation. Annual passholders can select “Annual Passholder” as their payment option. Visitors will need their day-use reservation receipt, either digital or in print. Annual passholders will need both their day-use reservation receipt and their annual pass.  

Visitors who have paid the entrance fee through the park’s tubing concessionaire and wish to access the headsprings/swimming area will need to present their same-day tubing receipt; entry is based on available space and is not guaranteed. For overnight visitors, camping reservations will serve as their reservation to enter the campground at 18185 SW 94th St., Dunnellon, as well as the headsprings/swimming area.

A note from Park Manager Angela Kaiser on the website is titled, “A new chapter for Rainbow Springs State Park.”

“We are excited to introduce a new reservation program for day-use visitors. Designed to make your visit more enjoyable and hassle-free, this program allows you to secure your day-use entry in advance, ensuring a smoother arrival with shorter wait times at the gate. By managing the flow of visitors, we can reduce congestion and provide a more serene environment for everyone to explore, whether you are a seasoned kayaker navigating the river or a history buff uncovering stories whispered by ancient oaks,” the statement reads in part.

“This commitment to enhancing the visitor experience goes hand-in-hand with our mission to preserve the natural resources we all cherish. These administrative improvements allow our team to focus even more effectively on treating invasive plants, conducting prescribed burns and meticulously maintaining our backcountry trails. We thank you for embracing these new processes as we work together to create a sustainable environment for all,” it continues.

Prospective visitors can set up an account at reserve.floridastateparks.org

To make a day-use reservation for Rainbow Springs State Park, go to reserve.floridastateparks.org/Web/#!park/54

To learn more, go to floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/rainbow-springs-state-park or call (352) 465-8555.