Withlachoochee River Retreat - minutes from the Rainbow
The home sits on the historic, 141 mile long Withlacoochee River that runs along some of Florida's most breathtaking scenery that can be traveled by boat, kayak or personal watercraft and is only minutes away from the incredible spring fed waters of the Rainbow River. The area is also surrounded by incredible trail systems/state forests for nature lovers and hikers alike with the paved, 46 mile long Withlacoochee State Trail for biking enthusiasts only minutes away.
What we love most about our river retreat is that it is our escape from the hustle and bustle of modern suburban life yet is only minutes away from the many conveniences we need and enjoy. We enjoy relaxing and watching the nature around us while still being close to grocery, restaurants and towns like Dunnellon and Crystal River/Ocean nearby.
It is also easy to get to, approximately 1.5 hours from the Orlando area, 30 minutes from Ocala, 30 minutes from Crystal River/Ocean and 45 minutes from Gainesville. The drive is a quick 20 minutes off of I-75 as your route will take you along a couple country roads until you hit the area where roads like Tall Pines Trail, Big Bass Trail and Wise Owl Point welcome you to the simple life of Florida.
For Kayakers, boaters (fishermen) and personal watercraft enthusiasts, enjoy your own private launch for easy in and out of the water on property.
By day we enjoy the beauty of the river. We float it, we fish it or we simply watch the river run by and in doing so we always seem to take in some of the best nature viewing in all of Florida. From otters, to bass, to hawks, eagles, deer, turkey and of course the occasional gator, we always feel refreshed as we take in all of the serenity that nature has to offer. If you haven’t experienced the float down the Rainbow River put that on your list of things to do. Enjoy lunch and drinks at Swampy’s when done with your float.
As night falls, relax and fire up the grill and enjoy the fire pit while enjoying the stories of the day with family and friends. Listen closely and you'll hear the sounds of nature's symphony as you sit back and get lost in the peace and tranquility that will await and surround you.
When ready to call it an evening, retire to a very comfortable home with large and cozy bedrooms, all fitted with smart TV’s with modern and updated finishes to include a floor to ceiling mantle/fireplace in the main living room, a pool table/dining room table combo and anything else needed to have a very comfortable stay in our River Home.
Don’t forget to check out ole’ Stumpnockers and Swampy’s for drinks and lunch/dinner and Red’s for breakfast.
Enjoy!
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
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The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks, and take out the trash
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Strip beds and used towels and place in hampers.
Remove all trash and place in exterior trash can located along the driveway.
Set AC to 79 in the summer, lock doors, close shades, turn off ceiling fans and lights. Close garage door.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
It is a quiet, peaceful place and so we ask that you respect the solitude. Have fun but please be respectful and adhere to quiet times after 10:00PM.
In the summer, the A/C will only cool the home so fast. Please don’t turn below 72 so unit runs continuously. This is monitored by nest. $500 fine
This is not a place to party. If that’s your intention please move on to another listing. If you smoke in the house or do not tidy up after $500 fine.
Important information
You need to know
Property # 2688261
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
About the neighborhood
Dunnellon
Located in Dunnellon, this vacation home is in a rural area and on the waterfront. El Diablo Golf & Country Club and Citrus Springs Golf & Country Club are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Rainbow Springs State Park and Johnson Pond Trailhead. Jet skiing and kayaking offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with cycling and hiking/biking trails nearby.
El Diablo Golf & Country Club - 8 min drive - 7.8 km
Citrus Springs Golf & Country Club - 12 min drive - 11.1 km
Spruce Creek Preserve Golf Club - 14 min drive - 15.8 km
Rainbow River - 14 min drive - 14.2 km
Restaurants
Red's Breakfast & Lunch - 11 min drive
Circle K - 11 min drive
McDonald's - 15 min drive
Riviera Maya - 14 min drive
Sonic Drive-In - 15 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Withlachoochee River Retreat - minutes from the Rainbow pet-friendly?
No, only service animals are welcome at the property.
How much does it cost to stay at Withlachoochee River Retreat - minutes from the Rainbow?
As of Aug 17, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Withlachoochee River Retreat - minutes from the Rainbow on Oct 16, 2026 start from $449, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking?
Onsite parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Withlachoochee River Retreat - minutes from the Rainbow?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Withlachoochee River Retreat - minutes from the Rainbow?
Check-out is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Withlachoochee River Retreat - minutes from the Rainbow located?
Situated on the waterfront, this vacation home is 2.5 mi (3.9 km) from Johnson Pond Trailhead and within 6 mi (10 km) of El Diablo Golf & Country Club and Citrus Springs Golf & Country Club. Blue Run of Dunnellon Park and Lake Rousseau are also within 9 mi (15 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Great accommodations, comfy beds, great back yard space for gathering to celebrate a late Fathers Day! Justin was very easy to communicate with and went above and beyond to help us with whatever we needed. Thanks for a great stay!
Kelli B.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 23, 2026
Thank you for your kind word and being great guests.
My family and I spent a long weekend here in the July heat. The place was great, clean, plenty of space for us. Right on the river. Kayak ramp. Fish were biting the kids had a great time fishing from the ramp. Nice firepit for smores and great place for grilling. Highly recommend the host was kind and communicative.
Joshua C.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 23, 2026
We love it when guests love it as much as we do and are able to spend quality time with their family. That is what it is all about. You are welcome back anytime.
The host was very attentive to details. The cabin had just about anything you'd need while staying there. The cabin was immaculate, and its location was great. All appliances were in great condition, and the beds were very comfortable. We would definitely consider staying there again.
We had a wonderful time staying in the house on the Withlacoochee River. The house was super clean, spacious, modern, & had everything we could possibly need for our stay. The beds were super comfortable, so we all slept well. We especially enjoyed the peace and quiet of the location. There was very little boat traffic on the river during our stay...you could just sit & rock on the awesome screened in back porch & listen to all the sounds of nature & watching deer stroll through the yard. We all love to kayak, so it was fun kayaking on the river & having access from the property was great. Rainbow River, & Rainbow Springs Park are close by, & are some of our favorite spots to hang out in the area. A great big thank you to our host, & we hope to return in the future.Chuck, Christy & Family
Charles K.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 23, 2026
Thank you so much for staying as our guests. We love to hear that you enjoyed it as much as we do. It’s a special place. Thank you for being so considerate and taking such great care of our home away from home. You are welcome back anytime.
Beautiful home with everything you need! We did a day trip canoeing Rainbow springs.Afterwards, we enjoyed coming back to house, relaxing in the Adirondack chairs by the waterfront. Built a fire in the firepit & cooked out hamburgers. At night the house is so quiet & peaceful. In the mornings, we had our coffee on the front porch listening to the birds. Wonderful time! Thank you Justin for being such a great host.
Wanda S.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Jun 2, 2026
Thank you very much for your kind words and wonderful review. We appreciate it, you are welcome back any time.
We had a great time. We enjoyed the pool table while watching jet skis and kayaks come by, the kids enjoyed fishing out back. Screened in back porch was nice at night - beautiful home, will rent again
Victoria D.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 27, 2025
Thank you so much for your review. We are happy to hear yall enjoyed it. You are welcome back anytime.
My family and I had a great stay, all of the beds were comfortable. We enjoyed the back porch and using the kayak. It’s a very quiet, the house was very nice. We would stay again.
Betty B.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 11, 2024
Thank you for your 5-star rating and kind review. We are happy to hear you enjoyed yourselves and you’re welcome back anytime.
Very nice home. We spent most of the weekend relaxing & playing pool. Did a little fishing & caught a couple throw backs.Would recommend to friends & family.
This house was well equipped with everything you will need. Comfy beds- nice and clean. Unfortunately it rained half our trip but we took advantage of the board games, puzzle and pool table. Would love to go back!
Kim H.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on Sep 3, 2023
Welcome back anytime, thank you for staying with us.
The owners of the property were very easy to get a hold of and very friendly. The house is gorgeous and we were able to kayak and paddle board right out of the back yard! Would definitely recommend this property!
Kendall V.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 4, 2022
Thank you so much! We are so glad you enjoyed it. Hope to have you back!
The house is very pretty and in perfect condition it has the essentials to spend a few days. We all loved the pool table and the kayaks! The only thing that I think is needed are more chairs.
Talina P.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022
Response from VrboOwner on Jan 7, 2023
We are glad you had a great time. That’s great feedback, thank you. You are welcome back anytime.
Easy check in , comfortable beds, had everything we needed plus went the extra mile to set up the fire pit that was perfect all around. Thank you guys for such a wonder stay! We will visit again when we are in town. Leslie C
Leslie C.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022
Response from VrboOwner on Jan 6, 2023
Thank you so much, we are happy you enjoyed yourselves. Thank you for taking such great care of things during your stay.
We enjoy staying at "off the beaten path" locations and this one ranks right up there near the top. It's a great location if you like to have a quiet peaceful stay. Owner was very easy to contact and communicate with. We enjoyed the areas hiking locations and nearby unique restaurants as well. We do plan to return next time we are in the area. Very much enjoyed our time at this property.
Jason G.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2024
Response from VrboOwner on Feb 24, 2024
Thank you so much for the kind words. We love that you loved it as much as we do. In this noisy world it’s tough to find a place that offers a little peace. You are welcome back anytime.
This was the perfect spot to spend our sons birthday. He caught a brim while fishing and really enjoyed the kayaks.
Alisha K.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 25, 2025
Thank you for the review. We are glad to hear your son had a great birthday.
About the host
Hosted by Justin Cali
My wife and I, originally from Wisconsin, purchased our beautiful River Home in 2021. Our life is full and our time is busy with 4 awesome kids. As we chase after them and manage our business we don't always have time to use it like we would like and so until those days slow down we make our home available for others to enjoy.
Why they chose this property
Florida is not just about Mickey Mouse and the hustle and bustle. On the outskirts of Florida you will find some of God's best creations. The peace and tranquility of the river is real. Get on a Kayak and take a look for yourself.
What makes this property unique
Is there anything else better than being on the water besides for maybe living on it. You get to do both here while still feeling like you are away from it all.