This vacation home places you next to Rainbow Springs State Park and within a 5-minute walk of Rainbow River. The vacation home includes a kitchen, a fireplace, and a patio.
Rainbow Springs State Park - 12 min walk - 0.7 miles
World Equestrian Center – Ocala - 23 min drive - 18.9 miles
Three Sisters Springs - 34 min drive - 23.2 miles
Restaurants
Sonic Drive-In - 6 min drive
McDonald's - 6 min drive
Ellianos Coffee - 6 min drive
Taco Bell - 6 min drive
The Blue Gator of Dunnellon - 8 min drive
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
On Rainbow River / Pets OK / Multi-Night Discounts / Off Season Comp Days
Directly on the Rainbow River - 9 minute drive to Rainbow Springs State Park. Guests enjoy river access and exit privileges at our 2 Rainbow River vacation rentals, so they can launch at one and exit at the other. The second property is Pet Free Chimera, vrbo.com/730878), about an hour and a half tube drift downriver. You will avoid the KP Hole (the county park) with it's $30/person fee to enter the water. It is a 1.8 mile drive from Meraki to Chimera - You may want to leave a return car there. (Bring your tubes - our insurance company won't allow us to provide them.)
The Rainbow River - 4.5 miles of crystal clear water, perfect for swimming, fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, canoeing, kayaking, or tubing. Anhingas, ducks, turtles, owls, eagles, wood storks, and otters are regular visitors. Bring your rods, live bait, and your Florida fishing license for some of the best bass fishing in Florida! Children with poles, small hooks, and bread can catch bream all day long.
Special sanitizing protocols are employed at both our river houses; masks, gloves, antibacterial hand soap and dishwashing soap, and extra sanitizing agent are provided for your use and safety during your stay.
The fully stocked Communal Kitchen / Great Room gives you a large kitchen area, with lots of cookware and utensils, or... step into the back yard and use the large, 4 cooking surface, Titan Park Grill. It is large enough for family reunions, friend gatherings, girls' trips, guys' trips, youth outings, or company retreats.
Not one of those "bare" essentials only vacation rental properties, Meraki makes you feel like you are at your place on the river. Spices, coffee, sugar, condiments,flour, rice, cereal - they're all there. Canoe, kayaks, fins, goggles, high chair, playpen, quality toilet tissue and paper towels, laundry and dishwashing detergent, fabric softener, dryer sheets - all supplied. Your drinks will be on the bar waiting for you, whatever the kids like to drink will be in the fridge, and miniature chocolates will be on the counter. We do everything we know to do to make your visit to Chimera exceptional! The Communal Kitchen / Great Room also sports a set of adult-strength bunk beds and a day bed.
The separate Bedroom House provides 4 bedrooms (2 are Masters), a small living room w/ TV, a small kitchenette w/ microwave, mini-fridge, and wet bar. The two structures allow the sleepers to sleep, and the partiers to party!
Meraki sleeps 15 in beds; an Additional Guest Charge applies when you exceed 10 total guests - see Rates below... With 4 bathrooms, towels, basic soaps, shampoo, a hair dryer, as well as a travel crib for families, you'll have all you want for a comfortable stay. Obviously, you'll enjoy the convenience of air conditioning, heating, and linens.
Amenities include free WiFi, a washing machine and dryer, and a smart TV with satellite/cable channels. Prepare delectable meals in the fully stocked kitchen and all the necessary cookware and utensils. Or... step into the back yard and use the large, 4 cooking surface Titan Park Grill.
Venture outside to enjoy the deck, covered fire pit on the bank of the river, and the crystal clear water Rainbow River. Kayaks, a large 2-adult canoe, cushions, paddles, life vests, all provided. For entertainment, you'll find horseshoes, cornhole game, books, and toys for the kids.
If you prefer a Pet Free property, see Chimera : www.vrbo.com/730878.
Meraki and Chimera have more than three hundred (300+) 5-Star Reviews on the two major listing sites.
Many of our Summer guests book a year or more in advance. Preferred holiday dates go pretty quickly also, so booking early is necessary. A large percentage of our current reservations are returning guests. Inquire with owner for Multiple-Night Discounts for stays of more than three (3) nights.
Current Off Season Offer: Other than stays that include a Holiday, stays that begin Nov 1st or after & end before Mar 1st: • “Book three (3) or more days and get two (2) days our compliments.” • “Book seven (7) or more days and get four (4) days our compliments.” The Vrbo system doesn't account for Comp Days. Book your Rental Days and we'll edit the Reservation after you make it. Multiple Night Discounts do not apply to Reservations with Comp Days. Stays that include a Holiday do not include Comp Days.
Rental Rates Effective Jan 1, 2026*: Multi-Nite Discounted Rates May-Sep Oct-April Nights Rate/Night Nights Rate/Night 2-3 438.00 2-3 408.00 4-6 423.00 4-6 398.00 7** 408.00 7** 388.00 1 Mo. n/a 1 Mo.*** 7,500.00 ***Jan-Apr Only *Extra Guest Charge of $25/night/number of guests more than 10; includes Overnight Guests and Daytime Visitors. Children ages 6 and under are wecome but not counted. Daytime Visits end at 7:00 pm. 4-6 Night Rate will apply to Reservations for 8 to 10 days which include more than 2 Weekend Days. Weekend Days are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Weekly Discount doesn't apply to a stay beginning and ending on a Saturday. Meraki has an RV Water Connection and Electric Connection – no sewer. No RV Fee, but all RV guests count as house guests. $200 Cleaning Fee Taxes: Rent, Cleaning Fee, Pet Fee, and Event Fee, if applicable, are subject to 11.5% Tax (7% State of Florida Sales Tax & 4.5% Marion County Bed Tax) Monthly Rate: Subject to availability; Only for stays beginning 1st of the month, Jan– Apr, and cannot extend into May. Extra Guest Rate does not apply. Contact Owner... Holiday Rates: We don't increase rates for Holidays, but... Holidays have a Minimum Four (4) Night Stay. Multi-Night Discounts Apply. Holidays are Rental Dates that include any of the following holidays: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Day, Easter Sunday, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and any day immediately before or after one of these days.
There are several very nice golf courses in the area.
Horseback Riding: If you want to have a little diversion from river fun and do something else really enjoyable while in Dunnellon, go online and type in "Orange Blossom Trail Rides". Just thirty (30) minutes away, an eighty (80) acre property plus 53,000 acres in Florida's Goethe State Forest. Sandi, the owner, is most hospitable and provides a wonderful horseback riding experience.
The outside of Chimera is under 24-hour video surveillance.
The vacation home is air-conditioned and features a kitchen, 4 bathrooms, and a patio, and there's space to spread out with 4 bedrooms. Guests can enjoy a Smart TV and stay connected with free WiFi. Other standard amenities include a washing machine, a fireplace, and a sofa bed. Housekeeping is available on request.
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If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
1 accessible parking space
No elevator (single-level property)
Wheelchair-accessible parking
Designated smoking areas
Note from host: No Smoking inside house - Allowed at the fire pit
Services and conveniences
Housekeeping (on request)
Iron/ironing board
Location highlights
On a river
On the waterfront
Things to do
Arcade/game room
Golf
Kayak
Water sports equipment
Birdwatching nearby
Fishing nearby
Golfing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Horseback riding nearby
Kayaking nearby
Motor boating nearby
Scuba diving nearby
Snorkeling nearby
Swimming nearby
Theme park nearby
Water tubing nearby
Wildlife walks nearby
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
First aid kit
Fire extinguisher
Deadbolt lock
General
Garden
Housekeeping (on request)
Unit size: 2,529 square feet
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 25
Check-out
Check-out before 11:00 AM
Special check-in instructions
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Rules
Extra Guest Charge applies when total number of guests exceeds eight (8). Extra Guest Charge: $25/night/number of guests more than eight (8)
RV Electric Hookup Available; No RV Fee; RV occupants are counted as house guests - Extra Guest Fee applies.
Daytime Visitors - $20 per visitor fee applies. Visitors who are not staying overnight must be approved by owner prior to their visit.
Pets
This property welcomes pets
Dogs only
3 total pets
Restrictions apply
For more information, guests can reach out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
Service animals exempt from fees
Note from host: Incurs a Non-Refundable $100 Pet Fee
Children and extra beds
Children allowed: ages 0-17
Events
Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
Subject to approval by owner
Smoking
Smoking allowed: in designated areas
No Smoking inside house - Allowed at the fire pit
Important information
You need to know
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
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site; maximum attendees: 20
Note from host: Subject to approval by owner
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 is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Check-in: 4:00 PM
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Minimum check-in age: 25
We should mention
Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:
This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business.
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 20.
Note from host: Subject to approval by owner
Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock.
Property is also known as
New Listing Rainbow Sleeps 15 Pet Friendly Introductory Pricing
Sleeps 15 in Beds Pet Friendly
Sleeps 15 in Beds Pet Friendly Introductory Pricing
Frequently asked questions
What can I see within easy reach of this vacation home?
This vacation home is located in Dunnellon, just steps from Rainbow Springs State Park and Rainbow River, and within a short walk of K.P. Hole County Park. You'll also find Lake Rousseau and Blue Run of Dunnellon Park within a short drive.
Is parking available on site at this vacation home?
Yes, there is accessible parking available.
Is this vacation home next to a casino?
No, this vacation home is not connected to a casino.
Will I find an indoor pool at this vacation home?
No, there is no indoor pool at this vacation home.
Is On Rainbow River / Pet-Friendly / Multi-Night Discounts / Comp Days Nov - Mar a good place to stay for couples?
Amenities that appeal to couples at this riverfront vacation home include a fireplace, a kitchen, and a smart TV.
Does On Rainbow River / Pet-Friendly / Multi-Night Discounts / Comp Days Nov - Mar have a hot tub?
No, this vacation home doesn't have a spa tub.
Does this vacation home offer breakfast?
No, this vacation home doesn't offer breakfast.
Will this vacation home allow pets to stay for free?
Although dogs can't stay for free, they are welcome at this vacation home.
Does this vacation home have connecting rooms?
No, this vacation home doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.
Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at On Rainbow River / Pet-Friendly / Multi-Night Discounts / Comp Days Nov - Mar?
Yes, every accommodation at On Rainbow River / Pet-Friendly / Multi-Night Discounts / Comp Days Nov - Mar comes with a deck with some featuring water views.
On Rainbow River / Pets OK / Multi-Night Discounts / Off Season Comp Days Reviews
Reviews
10
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Rating 10 - Excellent. 75 out of 79 reviews
10 - Excellent
75
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 79 reviews
8 - Good
3
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 79 reviews
6 - Okay
0
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 79 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 79 reviews
2 - Terrible
1
9.6/10
Cleanliness
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Charlene B.
Oct 29, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
This is a wonderful property. Our family enjoyed our stay and will choose this property in the future. We are a family of 8, our dog traveled with us. This property has everything you might need! It’s a great use of space! The view from the backyard is amazing.
Charlene B.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
10/10 Excellent
michael G.
Aug 27, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Fantastic property, excellent location. House is well stocked with anything you need for cooking, bbq, etc. Highly recommended!
michael G.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
10/10 Excellent
Michele C.
May 4, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Always amazing!
This is our second time staying at this property and it never fails to be an absolutely amazing time! Hal is very communicative and friendly, the property is beautiful and is a perfect location and its dog friendly! My family love coming here as it very comfortably fits our giant crew :) Will be back again!
Michele C.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
10/10 Excellent
Isaiah M.
Jul 3, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Great for big families!
My family enjoyed this rental so much! Had easy access to the river and there was plenty of space for all of us!
Isaiah M.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024
8/10 Good
Michelle C.
Jan 22, 2024
Rainbow Spring River Stay
We had a wonderful time and thank you Hal for your prompt responses and attention to all details. The Meraki will always hold special memories for us.
Michelle C.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2024
10/10 Excellent
Leslie M.
Oct 30, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Wedding weekend
I couldn’t have imagined a more perfect location for our wedding. It was one of the best weekends of my life in this gorgeous location on the river. Meraki checked all the boxes. It was cozy, spacious, inviting, and had everything we needed for a lovely weekend surrounded by our family and friends. It was very private, but was also not far from grocery stores, etc. I highly recommend it for a family trip to a quiet, relaxing, beautiful down home Florida destination.
Leslie M.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023
10/10 Excellent
David R.
Oct 27, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Meraki on Rainbow River
Very clean, lots of room, perfect view of the river
David R.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2023
10/10 Excellent
Fiona H.
Sep 3, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Thank you Meraki!
We had an amazing time at Meraki and it was all thanks to Hal and Ellen. We were planning to have our wedding and reception at Meraki, which was seriously the most beautiful location for it. Hal was really helpful and thoughtful figuring out details for the event. We ended up having to cancel the event because of Hurricane Idalia, but we ended up loving our time at Meraki anyway- we even took the kayaks out and had rainbow springs to ourselves right after the storm. We couldn’t ask for a more beautiful place to get married or kinder hosts who made us feel safe and supported through wedding planning AND a hurricane.
Fiona H.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023
10/10 Excellent
Alison B., Clearwater
Sep 2, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Fantastic location!! A++++
This property was just FABULOUS!! We could not have enjoyed our stay more. The owner was very responsive and flexible. I was already asked to book again for next year.
Alison B.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023
10/10 Excellent
jaye t.
Aug 2, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Nice relaxing week
Love spending time on the river exploring, snorkling and people watchin
jaye t.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
10/10 Excellent
Alison W.
Jun 1, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Excellent for large groups with kids!
Our stay was perfectly suited for our large group. The bedrooms and bathrooms were very clean and accommodating. The river access was great for the smaller kids to play in without worry. Parking was ample and the kitchen was large and well stocked with supplies to cook with. We look forward to staying at Meraki again! Hal was very communicative and an excellent host.
Alison W.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2023
10/10 Excellent
Merle B.
Feb 22, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful place on a beautiful river
This place is a gem, a taste of old Florida with modern conveniences. Wonderful view of a beautiful river, lots of wildlife, good bass fishing and quiet neighborhood. Hal is a very considerate host and Ellen is glad to help or answer any questions you may have.
Merle B.
Stayed 15 nights in Feb 2023
10/10 Excellent
Pamela K.
Jan 9, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Fantastic Spot on the Rainbow River
TL;DR- Very comfortable beds, great separation of space, huge kitchen, fresh and clean towels/linens, weird but awesome construction, tons of parking, perfect location, super convenient river access sharing arrangement, super attentive and caring property owner. Would definitely visit again and recommend to others.
We are a big group of adult friends who travel down south every January to act like kids. We swim with the manatees, and enjoy paddling and snorkeling the beautiful local rivers. This property was a bit aged and rough around the edges, perhaps a bit dusty here and there, but honestly PERFECT for us. We absolutely loved it. Hal, the owner, and Ellen the property manger were wonderfully communicative and responsive, and checked in with us to be sure we had everything we needed throughout our stay. The photos in the listing do not do the kitchen/hang out area justice. It's very very large, with a ton of counter space. We are a group that likes to cook, so we appreciated that the kitchen was spacious and well outfitted. The bedroom house is a bit funky with the heat and cooling (regardless of the adjustments we made, the upstairs rooms ran very hot, while the downstairs rooms ran very cold) but we made it work. The separation of big group hangout space and quiet sleeping space was really lovely. It's a bit of a challenge to find properties with four bedrooms with queen or king beds so that we can all have our private space, so that was wonderful. The house was squeaky clean in all the ways that mattered- kitchens, bathrooms, and linens were all fresh. The beds were SO COMFORTABLE. Again, the property is a bit of an odd construction, but it worked for us. The early risers relocated the coffee pot from the big communal kitchen to the kitchenette in the bedroom house and many of us enjoyed early morning coffee while sitting next to the river while the folks in the big space were able to sleep in a bit. It was nice to have two big sitting areas, PLUS a screened in porch with a couch. Tons of parking space. The listing just doesn't accurately convey how big the property is! In addition to the space, the owner has provided games, floaty toys, life preservers, masks and fins. LOTS of stuff to add to your experience. Oh, and the fire pit is just lovely.
A special note on the river sharing arrangement- it may seem a bit odd, but it's SO GREAT. Take advantage of it!
Thank you, Hal, for sharing your wonderful property with us!
Pamela K.
Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2023
10/10 Excellent
Lesley C.
Dec 30, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Fantastic location with everything you need!
Communication with Hal was fantastic from the moment of booking his property almost a year ago! Ellen was great....she was there when we arrived and answered any questions for us. The beds were incredibly comfortable and having the separate "kitchen house" was great. From the kayaks, to towels, to games...this is one of the best appointed houses we have ever rented. Thank you for providing a great place for a Christmas getaway!
Lesley C.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022
10/10 Excellent
Lucas P.
Dec 8, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Great place for a large group
Hosted a get together with 10 friends, great location on rainbow river, plenty of backyard space for games, and Hal and company are thoughtful and considerate hosts! I highly recommend this location :)
Lucas P.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022
10/10 Excellent
Jeanessa S.
Sep 22, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Great spot on the River
We always enjoy our stay at Meraki. Great location, great house, this was our 3rd year here and we will definitely be back.
Jeanessa S.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2022
10/10 Excellent
Michael G.
Aug 21, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
We all had such a great time we already booked it for next year
We all had a fantastic time
Michael G.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2022
10/10 Excellent
Monica M., Loxahatchee, Fl
Aug 12, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Fun on the river!
Excellent host, best location! Everything was perfect, everyone had a great time.
Monica M.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2022
10/10 Excellent
Jimmy G.
Jul 17, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
GREAT place for large families
LOVED Meraki on the Rainbow River! Hal was great to work with and the property was perfect for our family. We consisted of three brothers and their wives/kids so there was about 15 of us ranging from 1 year old to adults. The bunkhouse/kitchen was AMAZING to have the younger boys sleep in and hang out without them waking three little ones in the main house that went to sleep between 7-8pm. So it made for such a relaxing week. There was a place for everyone and the kitchen area was such a neat place to congregate and the main area could be a quiet respite for day naps and for the little ones and sleepy parents to rest. All in all, a great experience! And it was so fun getting up early each morning to have coffee and enjoy the wildlife! The river was amazing every day and we hope to go back one day! Thanks so much, Hal!
Jimmy G.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2022
10/10 Excellent
Gary H.
May 27, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Great family house
The kitchen with the porch and living room was great for everyone to hang out in the cool air. The gazebo was the next best place around the fireplace. Watching all the tube and kayaking. Then the amount of beds and bathrooms was perfect. Had a wonderful time and will come back.
Gary H.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022
10/10 Excellent
Kayla W.
Jan 27, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Great Stay
Great experience, perfect for our large group to enjoy a couple of days together!
Kayla W.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2022
10/10 Excellent
Elizabeth G.
Jan 12, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Love - love - love!
What a perfect getaway! House really has everything you need. We spent most of our time down by the river w a fire crackling behind us- from watching the sunrise to setting!
There are lists of games and areas to also get quiet time. Having the kitchen in a separate house was great w teenagers too. They could sleep in while the adults could make noise.
The homeowner and manager we amazing and generous. They are 5 stars are on there own!
We would all go back to that home in a heartbeat, it was as relaxing as being at your family home on the river.
Elizabeth G.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2022
10/10 Excellent
Carrie S.
Jan 7, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful location!
Great place for a large family with pets to gather. Rustic cabins that are very comfortable accommodations.
Carrie S.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2021
10/10 Excellent
Cathy H.
Nov 6, 2021
Liked: Cleanliness
Comfortable and relaxing
Had a fantastic relaxing stay with family. Was so convenient to launch Kayaks/ tubes onto to the beautiful Rainbow River right from the property. We spent everyday on the River and enjoyed the fire pit at night. House was comfortable with room for all of us to spread out. Dogs enjoyed running around the property chasing squirrels. Will definitely be back.
Cathy H.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2021
10/10 Excellent
Jeanessa S.
Sep 13, 2021
Liked: Cleanliness
Great Location and House
We love Meraki!! Our second time here and we will definitely be back. Great hosts, great house, great location. Plenty to do at the house or nearby. Convenient and cozy and right on the river. Wildlife is everywhere, peaceful and relaxing place to spend time with loved ones and beat the FL heat!