About Rainbow River
It’s about that time of year (or all year in Florida) when people start flocking to the cool Florida springs to relax for the day.
Rainbow River is a Floridian favorite due to its lazy river current and crystal clear waters. The river is primarily located in Dunnellon, Florida. The river is a major attraction in the area with multiple rental companies ready to make your day as care free as possible.
There are three main parks to get aquatinted with while exploring Rainbow River Florida.
KP Hole
The most popular park to launch from, KP Hole, offers tubing and paddling down Rainbow River.
The park offers canoe, kayak, and paddle board rentals year round and have a launch for your personal craft. During the spring and summer seasons, you can also rent a tube from KP Hole for some Rainbow River tubing. The river has an easy current that makes the 3.3 mile float relaxing.
From April to September, there is a shuttle to bring you back to your car after your float. Be sure to check the website for shuttle and rental availabilities and pricing.
Rainbow Springs State Park
Like any great river and spring of the springs state, there is a state park to go along with it. Rainbow Springs State Park is where you will find the springs that feed the river and some great waterfalls.
The park has an entrance fee of $2 and when there you can explore all of the parks amenities and activities. The two main attractions are tubing down the river or paddling through the park. While in the park you can paddle and explore different areas of the park.
Tubing is not available in the section of the park with the springs but you can rent a tube and mozy on down the river. Be sure to check the tubing availabilities since it does close during the off season and the shuttle only runs April through September and weekends in the off season.
The park also has hiking, wildlife viewing, geocaching, and camping.
Blue Run of Dunnellon Park
Once you’ve gotten to know the previous two parks, you can float on down to Blue Run of Dunnellon Park. The park offers trails to explore but is most commonly used as the exit point for tubers and paddlers.
Many people know this park due to most rental services shuttling tubers and kayakers back to the top of the river from this park.
If you need a shuttle, be sure to look out for all of the Blue Run and exit signs along the river… or watch for the hoards of people trying to unload on the ramp at once!
What to Do at Rainbow River
It all depends on what type of adventure you are looking for. With so many springs to visit, trails to walk, animals to view, and a long river to enjoy, there are no shortage of activities.
Top recommendations for Rainbow River include:
- Paddle boarding/kayaking/canoeing down the river and up to the springs
- Rainbow river tubing
- Nature/landscape/wildlife photography
- Fishing
- Snorkeling/scuba diving/swimming
- Just enjoying a good ole fashioned Florida river trip
Places to rent paddle boards/kayaks/canoes/tubes:
- KP Hole
- Rainbow Springs State Park
- Get Up and Go Kayaking
- Rainbow River Canoe and Kayak
- Rainbow River Kayak Adventures
Things to Remember at Rainbow River
Rainbow River is a Florida treasure and the workers plan on keeping it that way. To ensure the safety and cleanliness of the river and its inhabitants, no alcohol or single use plastics are allowed on the river. There are checks at the rivers launches and entrances to enforce these policies.
Bonus Hits
Check out these other great rivers to explore in the area!
- Learn about all of the best Tampa Bay rivers
- The best spot to visit the manatees and more springs is Crystal River
- Snorkel with the fish at Weeki Wachee River
- Go diving in the springs at the Chassahowtizka River
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Best view i have ever seen !
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Thanks!