Quote:
Originally Posted by chriscowles
How is camping at Rainbow Springs? Is it shaded?
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Chris,
Sites 11-19 have some decent shade. They get the late afternoon sun.
Sites 51 & 52 have some shade also. Most other sites are out in the open, or only get a small bit of shade from the low vegetation.
Rainbow Springs is nice. It was a private CG that the state took over a few years ago. About three years ago they redid the campground to give it more of a state park feel (more room between sites, more vegetation, etc.) It has the advantage of being full hook up (including sewer).
They had a pool, but it is damaged and closed off. No budget available for repairs. There is a swim area at the river.
The day use tube run puts in at the campground river access. If you are camping, you can put in at the CG access and ride the tram back to the CG from the day use parking area (take out point). IIRC, it is $10 (includes the tube and ride back). The tube stand at the CG only takes cash, and there is not an ATM on site.
The main day use section of the park is on the opposite side of the river and upstream from the campground. There is a large swim area at the main park, but you have to drive to get to it. Your campground pass will get you into the day use park at no extra charge.
The day use park was a small amusement park / botanical garden attraction back in the day. The state took it over many years ago and maintains the botanical part of it.
2005 pre-renovation. This is the area that is now the loop close to the office.
2013 Site #10, a small bit of morning and late afternoon shade.
River access and swim area at the campground.