You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
Discover nearby landmarks
Close to Rainbow River
Sleeps 8•2 bedrooms•3 beds
Popular amenities
Onsite parking available
Pet-friendly
Kitchen
Washing machine
Air-conditioning
Barbecue grill
Explore the area
Dunnellon, FL
Rainbow River
Place, Rainbow River
5 min walk
Blue Run of Dunnellon Park
Place, Blue Run of Dunnellon Park
9 min walk
Rainbow Springs State Park
Place, Rainbow Springs State Park
3 min drive
Rooms & beds
2 bedrooms (sleeps 8)
Bedroom 1
1 King Bed and 1 Single Bunk Bed
Bedroom 2
1 Queen Bed
2 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom
Bathroom 1
Toilet · Shower only
Bathroom 2
Toilet · Shower only
Bathroom 3
Toilet
Spaces
Deck or patio
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden
Dining area
About this property
Blue Cove River Retreat-Waterfront, Pet Friendly
Take a step back in time and enjoy peace and tranquility at this incredible home located right on the Rainbow River! This well-equipped home offers the perfect blend of original style and modern upgrades to provide a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Offering 2 bedrooms, a small bunkroom, a futon and a sofa bed, we can accommodate up to 8 guests. The highlight of the property is the backyard oasis that provides a peaceful and relaxing space for your group to enjoy!
Highlights of Blue Cove River Retreat:
*Waterfront Property
*Direct access to Rainbow River
*Boat Dock Available
*2 Kayaks available for guest use
*Spacious-can accommodate up to 8 guests
*Pet Friendly-small dogs up to 35 lbs.
*1 King, 1 Queen, 2 Twins, a sofa sleeper and a futon
*Large well equipped kitchen
*Fire Pit
*Outdoor Dining Area
*Books and Games
*Excellent Location in a great quiet neighborhood!
*Much, much more!
PLEASE NOTE: -The master bedroom suite includes a king bed, a bunk room, and a bathroom-there is no door locking to separate these two sleeping areas.
-The futon and sofa bed are located in common areas and do not have locked doors. The futon is located in the sunroom and there are no blinds or curtains on the windows to keep light out. This room tends to be warm given the exposure to the sun.
-As this home is located directly on the water, it is common to encounter wildlife and insects. We regularly treat the home for bugs and insects, however, despite our best efforts ants, mosquitos, spiders and other bugs get in uninvited. Please assist us with keeping windows and doors closed and properly disposing of all food items.
We highly recommend checking out these popular local rentals during your stay: * Blue Run Bikes- https://www.bluerunbikes.com/ * Rainbow River Kayak & Tube Rental – https://rainbowriverkayak.com/tube-rental/
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Guests are required to sign a rental agreement and submit a copy of their ID to finalize their reservation.
Please be respectful of quiet hours of 10:00 p.m.-8:00 a.m.
$250 fine for smoking $250 fine for drug use $250 fine for parties
Important information
You need to know
Property # 4617520vb
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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
About the area
Dunnellon
Located in Dunnellon, this holiday home is on a lake. Crystal River Archaeological State Park and Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Rainbow Springs State Park and Three Sisters Springs. Circle Square Cultural Center and Florida Aquatics Swimming and Training are also worth visiting. Kayaking and snorkelling offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with mountain biking and hiking nearby.
World Equestrian Center – Ocala - 27 min drive - 34.9 km
Three Sisters Springs - 32 min drive - 34.5 km
Restaurants
Thirsty Turtle Pub - 11 min drive
McDonald's - 4 min drive
Riviera Maya - 3 min drive
Sonic Drive-In - 4 min drive
Front Porch Restaurant & Pie - 4 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Blue Cove River Retreat-Waterfront, Pet Friendly pet-friendly?
Yes, pets are allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Blue Cove River Retreat-Waterfront, Pet Friendly?
As of 14 Aug 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Blue Cove River Retreat-Waterfront, Pet Friendly on 17 Aug 2026 start from AU$1,513, 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 at Blue Cove River Retreat-Waterfront, Pet Friendly?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Blue Cove River Retreat-Waterfront, Pet Friendly?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Blue Cove River Retreat-Waterfront, Pet Friendly?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Blue Cove River Retreat-Waterfront, Pet Friendly located?
Situated on a lake, this holiday home is within a 10-minute walk of Rainbow River and Blue Run of Dunnellon Park. Rainbow Springs State Park and Lake Rousseau are also within 3 miles (5 km).
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
We had a wonderful stay and would definitely come back! The home was exceptionally clean when we arrived, and it was obvious the owners take great pride in maintaining the property. Everything inside was spotless and well cared for, which made us feel comfortable from the moment we walked in.One of our favorite features was the Florida room. We loved how open and spacious it felt—it was the perfect place to relax, enjoy the view, and spend time together without feeling confined. It really added to the overall experience.The location on Rainbow River was beautiful, peaceful, and exactly what we were looking for. The kayaks were a fantastic bonus and made it so easy to get out on the river and enjoy the crystal-clear water. We had a great time exploring and really appreciated having them available.Overall, this was a fantastic place to stay, and we highly recommend it to anyone looking for a clean, comfortable, and relaxing getaway!
Matthew M.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Cheryl
10 Aug 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
This house was amazing. We enjoyed having the huge outdoor space. The house is in great condition and was plenty big enough for all 6 of us. 4 adults and 2 kids. The neighborhood is very nice and quiet. The kids enjoyed waking up and going out on the dock and fishing each morning.
We wanted something special for the holidays since our house is under construction from hurricane damage. Great location, great yard, great boat dock with ladder/kayaks/ paddles. We brought our own boat and kept it at the dock, so convenient. Lots of comfortable seating! One thing we’ve learned about renting on rivers is that it’s actually nicer to be just off the main river so you don’t have as much boat traffic right in front of the house. If you like it quiet, this is ideal. The yard is so dog friendly, brilliantly fenced before the dock so you can keep the pups in the yard securely.
The house and property are beautiful especially the sun room. I would have l liked a reasonable way to launch kayaks from dock, the three foot drop to water was hard, impossible for us to deal with. The second bedroom has the hardest bed, it definitely could be upgraded. Overall the stay was great.
william e.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 31 Aug 2025
Thank you for your kind words regarding our property. We are in the process of getting a better dock ladder to assist with getting in and out. I'm sorry that you had an uncomfortable experience on that bed. The mattress is brand new and is the same mattress that is recommended as #1 for short term rentals as rated by guests. Thank you for choosing our home and for providing us feedback regarding your stay.
Beautiful home in a great spot off the river. My family had a relaxing and fun time. Paddleboarding or kayaking was so much fun. There is an abundance of fish and turtles to see. Saw a few alligators that were quick to swim away from the scary humans. The pic attached was not even a 10 minute kayak ride from the house. Paddleboarded from the Rainbow Springs State Park launch area to the house. Took 2 1/2 hrs with a 30 minute lunch/swim/river otter observation break.Fishing from the dock was fun. Saw some huge bass that was not interested in lures. Heard using live bait was best. Caught some bluegills and sunfish from the dock.Overall the home is clean, beds are comfortable, the toilet paper made us laugh, everything we needed was already there (dish soap, laundry detergent, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, towels, life jackets, towels, beach towels, decks of playing cards). My kids were sad to leave so that means they had a blast. Thank you so much for opening your home.
This house is updated, clean, and welcoming. The property is a beautiful waterfront location that leads to the Rainbow River. It's a ten minute kayak ride to reach the main river. The beds are comfortable. The kitchen is well appointed. The only drawback we experienced was that the propane tank was almost empty. When we reached out to the owner, she responded that they provide the grill and tank but can't guarantee the amount of propane...so if you plan on using the grill, check the tank before you need it. We loved this home and would definitely look to rent it again next time we are in the area.