Everything you want to know about camping at Rainbow River

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It's no secret that the springs are some of my favorite places in Florida, and honestly, there's nowhere else quite like them! Recently, I spent two nights camping at Rainbow Spring State Park's official campground, only a few miles away from the actual headspring, so I figured others who haven't been there but would like to go may appreciate knowing what to expect (considering that I way over-packed and wish I'd have known the following before going)! 
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• Book ahead: First of all, if you are planning to spend a couple of nights here --good luck on finding an open spot, particularly during summer weekends. Book far ahead if you want to go during prime time, otherwise, you might have to cross your fingers and hope someone cancels their stay so you can snatch it up --however, the park ranger told me that a lot of people try to do this, so it's a race against time if something opens up! I booked over a month ahead and the only 2+ consecutive dates open in May were during the week --so that's what I went with. You have to book through Reserve America and tent sites are $30/night, camper sites may be more. Check in is at 3p.m. and "check out" is by 1p.m.; you can use the campground amenities all day on your day of departure, you will have to just move your car and camping equipment away from the campsites. 
• Amenities: There's a small swimming and kayak/canoe launch area at the campground that is exclusive only to guests and available 24/7, which is really cool because sometimes the headspring reaches max capacity and won't allow newcomers in for the day. The launch and shallow swim area are a little bit of a hike from the camp --maybe a quarter of a mile-- but that's pretty far if you're carrying a boat! It's advised to bring a cart to tote your water vessels around with, or better yet, get an easy-to-carry blow-up kayak like the one I have. The campsites come complete with a firepit, charcoal grill, electric and water hookups, and a picnic table. Bathrooms and showers are on-site, so is a laundry room and a general store where you can buy some camping supplies like firewood, skewers, ice for your cooler, and the ever-so-important cup of coffee. If you forget something, there's a good chance the general store carries it! Kayaks and tubes can be rented for an additional charge onsite. NOTE: The campground swim area is nice, but it's very small and shallow. It's not comparable to the headspring.
• Getting to the headspring: It's free to get into the headspring with your camp pass, however, the campground is NOT located on the same land as the headspring, so you will either have to drive from the campground to the headspring (not recommended during peak times as parking is limited --seriously, I've waited over 2 hours just to park before) or take the river upstream to reach the headspring. It's about a 1-mile paddle against the current upstream, but once you're there you can dock at the boat launch and show your campground pass to get in for free! Remember to bring your noodles for swimming, since the headspring is deep and the only floaties allowed are noodles. 
• Gissy Springs: Is the property located in between the campground and headspring, and is not open to the general public; however, there is a really beautiful creek upstream from the campground boat launch that leads from Rainbow River to the beginning of Gissy Springs. You can follow the stream a considerable way before reaching the locked gate into Gissy Springs. Photo of the gate for reference. 
• Pets: Well-behaved dogs are allowed on the campsite, though they cannot be taken on rented water vessels. But, if you have your own kayak/canoe they can go with you! Dogs are not allowed in the designated swimming areas.
• Recommendations: Bring snorkel gear (here's the gear I use) --the view underwater is unbelievable! Tubing is only available on the weekends currently, so if you want to tube you will have to bring your own and arrange for pick up. If you want to drive to the headspring, get there EARLY before it has time to fill up! Oh, and, don't forget the bug spray and sunscreen! 

And that's about it for the things I wish I'd have known before going to Rainbow River Campground! Do note, there are many other rules to follow while on your trip, check that list here. 

Of course, if camping just isn't your thing, you can book a VRBO on Rainbow River instead. I highly recommend this one and it has plenty of open dates this summer! 

READ ALSO: There's an interactive map that shows you the locations of Florida's natural springs