My name is Carol and my husband is Bryan.  We took over this property in 2024 from Ray and Dorothy Shelton (pictured to the right or above).  We are continuing the legacy of running this expansive and  unique river resort home as a short term rental for large family/group gatherings.  We enjoy the home with our own family and are constantly adding upgrades to enhance the guest experiences.  The rainbow river and this lodge are simply magical.  

Below is the description that was penned by the previous caretakers, Ray and Dorothy.

We appreciate the many years they were dedicated to this property and thought it would be honorable and respectful to keep their perspective attached to the story.

  We have spent 20 years creating a spectacular waterfront home where you and your family and friends can be together under one roof. We are located directly on the cool, crystal clear Rainbow River, just west of Ocala, Florida.

   We offer many things for your family to do while staying with us and there is nothing like our place for hundreds of miles. We are properly equipped with a pontoon boat, kayaks, and paddleboards for you to explore our river. We, without a doubt, have the best rope swing on the entire river where your family will spend hours having a great time. Our Guests have even found dinosaur bones right on our crystal clear shore! We have Mastodon and ancient alligator teeth to show your kids. 

   Imagine: You're relaxing on one of our upper decks overlooking the serene Rainbow River. You see your kids and your grandchildren or friends swimming and snorkeling in the crystal clear waters. Others are launching kayaks, paddle boards and tubes, and all are excited for the day's adventure exploring the river. Some are challenging the sweeping rope swing, letting go as far as they can and diving into the river while others are jumping off the dock.  Some are gathered around a big bonfire roasting marshmallows and making s'mores, all enjoying a warm crackling real wood oak fire. The sounds of laughter and smells of the fire are drifting up to you as you remember days long gone.  You see and hear the laughter from other family members in our giant kitchen preparing a long awaited family dinner. You see the beautiful dining room where your entire family will share one table and you can't wait to sit down with all of them! They are all together with you at a very special place where a lifetime of memories will be created, all because you found Rainbow River Lodging.

   We raised 7 children and many of their friends on the river in this giant home. Each one of them helped us to build and create one of the best family vacation homes in the world.  Though our children have all moved and we have felt the empty nesters' loss, our many repeat guest and their families have filled the gap.

   As Innkeepers, our job and our duty to you and your family is to maintain the best waterfront vacation home in the world bar none. Our reviews on VRBO are the highest in the industry and we are in their 100% approval zone.

Let us help you give the Gift of Lifetime Memories to your entire family and friends.