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In 2000, me and my kids were playing in that same spot. There are large tubes, little tubes, and tubes in between. We saw a variety of river critters including a bald eagle. Rainbow River tubing & kayaking: Clear water makes it tops This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Kayaking was PERFECT. You may be able to get them for a $1 at Dollar Tree as well! KP Hole Park is at 9435 SW 190th Avenue Road, Dunnellon. Below is a map of KP Hole Park. Unless, of course, you have yourFlorida State Parks Passand can get up to 8 people in free! Its $2 to enter the park (has a lot of parking space available) and then walking past the swimming area youll find kayak, paddle-board and canoe rentals at 16-22 per hour. You can either rent your vessel from the Ranger Station gift shop area or bring your own. Love all the natural springs Florida has to offer. This is great for the entire family, but its especially great if you have little children since you wont have to worry about them slipping through. Children play on the river and the residents like to sit outside and relax. We had a great, 3 hour rafting float down the Rainbow River. Florida weather can be unpredictable and afternoon thunderstorms often occur during the summer months. Water clarity on Rainbow River is extraordinary thanks to Rainbow Springs, which has the fourth highest volume of water of all the springs in Florida . Both Rainbow River tubing concessions include a shuttle so you tube downstream with the current. Look for a tube with handles or other hardware for tying ropes onto, as well as tubes outfitted with a headrest for peak relaxation during lazy floats. Its another gorgeous spring and spectacular river for paddling. Paddle Boarding the Rainbow River. You will need to pay for the second tubing trip. In its heyday, Rainbow Springs had a monorail and submarine-like boats with underwater windows. At the launch area, you can rent canoes, kayaks, or SUPs from the State Park vendor by the hour or for the day. Just looking to see if there is less of a chance in one place than another. . Or is it safer going out on the pontoon boat? The beach is a bit of a drive. No they will provide all the necessary tubes you need, they have plenty of them. KP Hole Park, 9435 SW 190th Avenue Road, Dunnellon, FL 34432. Upgrade your floats. When launching at K.P. From here, you can get your tubing package which includes a tube, tram ride, and entrance fee for Rainbow Springs State Park. 98% of travelers recommend this experience. 13 Tips to Make the Most of your Trip to Rainbow Springs State Park No Food, drinks, fishing, alcohol or disposable times are allowed on the river. But when we went, it was just before a storm. During that time the owners developed the sea walls, lodge, gift shop, and a reptile exhibit. People still live on the river in houses that need updating, and time does stand even here a slice of paradise in my local backyard. While I wouldnt say it was strenuous or especially tricky, paddling upstream also wasnt like paddling on a lake. Rainbow River Kayaking rentals for upstream trips from K.P. The river is Crystal Clear and over 250.000 tubers, divers and snorkelers gently float by every year. Springs are naturally fed by fresh water from the Florida Aquifer. It is around 1.5 hours drive from Orlando and 1.5 hours drive from Kelly Park, where we visited next! There was lightening and thunder all around. (This was on a winter day when the river had fewer visitors than during a summer weekend.). One day, we put in at KP Hole, paddled up to Rainbow Springs State Park. Floats, rafts and tubes are all very easy to use simply lay back and float away! But that was a trivial glitch in a lovely trip. Its more difficult to get back in if you dont have sufficient upper body strength and leap or fall out. The water is so clear you see the bright-green eel grass and schools of fish, which makes Rainbow River tubing and kayaking such a joy. Read our. Youre going in a river so a bathing suit is appropriate. There are no tubes, rafts, or balls allowed in the swimming area, but you may use pool noodles and/or life jackets. Children must be over the age of 5. Rainbow Springs State Park near Dunnellon was originally a roadside attraction, and these man-made waterfalls date to that era. We use it to swim in the springs, rivers, and the ocean, among other places. 10 Activities to do at Rainbow Springs State Park - Stacey Homemaker Time to break out those rope-tying skills you learned way back at summer camp. Foam footballs and flying discs to toss around will provide entertainment on the leisurely float. Make a flotilla. We spent our time at the headspring doing some more swimming before taking the incredibly easy, relaxing, and quick paddle back downstream to the campground boat launch area. Going with a tubing outfitter means everything is taken care of for you, including the tube rental and shuttle to the launch point. Marion County Park - The K.P. Own or manage this property? Rainbow Springs State Park19158 SW 81st Place RoadDunnellon, FL 34432(352) 465-8555, The Rainbow Rivers clarity makes it popular with divers too, and the Rainbow has an unusual arrangement that caters to them. Its no wonder Rainbow River tubing is a sensation and that in winter especially, Rainbow River kayaking is so special. Rainbow River near Dunnellon is an aquatic preserve and has strict rules of what you can bring to the river. $47.95. It is about 1.5 hours from Orlando. The town of Dunnellon has a small, charming historic district with a few shops to browse. (Tubing details below.). If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. If you still want to bring your own tube, it has to be 60" and smaller. I wouldn't confuse them with a typical Florida beach. If youre renting from a tubing outfitter, the price usually includes a shuttle upriver to the launch point and youll drift back down to where you parked your car. 19158 SW 81st Pl Rd Dunnellon, Florida 34432. We kept getting blown into the trees and grasses on the bank. We only took a Go Pro and a dry bag for keys. Yes, at idle speed. The vacation home has been owned and operated by Dorothy and Ray Shelton for decades and they have very high reviews. Tubing rentals and shuttle services back to the KP Hole parking lot are available daily from May 1 - September 30. A waterproof speaker. Continuing past the waterfalls you walk through the remnants of the zoo and rodeo and can imagine what the place must have been like in its heyday. It is illegal to possess disposable food or beverage containers. Some use private concessionaires, some have trams, some have multiple entrances! This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Pets are welcome in the campground but are not permitted in swimming areas or buildings. Rainbow Springs tubing is the best way to experience North Florida! If the weather is bad you are not stuck on the river in a lightning storm. In the Rainbow River, we didnt travel over any sharp rocks, but I have in Wekiva, and its not enjoyable! This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Hole. It includes changing and showering facilities as well as lockers for valuables. If some in your group do not want to spend another 2 hours on the river they are not forced to continue. ADA accessible restrooms are available. Tubes arent rented from October through March. Also have fond memories of the family that had the pet goose that swam with them about halfway to the springs, and also could be seen riding behind its human on a paddleboard. Make sure to check the park's website for Rainbow River's seasonal hours. Keep the river party vibes going with a water-resistant speaker (this one even floats) to provide the soundtrack to your trip. Of course, those consuming adult beverages should opt for the latter option, or assign a designated driver. I will add, however, that the Park Rangers estimated it would take 1.5 hours to paddle the approximate 1.3 miles to the headspring from the campground launch, but we made it in less than an hour so that may have had something to do with the younger kiddos fatigue. Florida's Rainbow River provides paddlers with 9 kilometers of crystal clear waters that are ideal for stand up paddling, kayaking, or canoeing. The first 2 hours of the float is on the best part of the river: the water is clearer, cleaner and the scenery is much better. We also have several natural springs near out home however it doesn't compare. When camping at Rainbow Springs, first be sure you have the correct address W. 94th Street, Dunnellon, FL 34432. Explore Florida's beaches and backwaters, islands and prairies, campgrounds, trails and historic sites. Note that the North Entrance is typically only open for tubing from Memorial Day to Labor Day. So here you go if youre heading Rainbow Springs State Park youre sure to have an adventure and these 13 tips will ensure you get the most out of your experience! Melissa. After entering the State Park area, its a very short paddle upstream to the canoe launch/dock on the left. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Make sure the designated person bringing their phone has a preloaded playlist, and double-check that the speaker is fully charged. Now, were not suggesting you dont document your epic tubing adventure for social media. Took a little over 6 hours, and I enjoyed every minute. It also has some of the most spectacular beaches in the country - from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico. Once you arrive, you will take a shuttle upstream for two miles where you can then tube the Rainbow River as you make your way back to your vehicle, according to its website. While this makes for a great tubing trip downstream, it means that paddling upstream is a bit more difficult. Rainbow River Tubing - live. travel. blog. A time long forgotten. Again, I cannot adequately express the beauty of this river. From the headspring to where it meets the Withlacoochee, it is 5.7 miles. Beautiful 72 degree water year round. Perfect temperature to work up a sweat on paddle-board and cool with a dip. Put some snacks in your cooler or an extra float or have a cooler in your vehicle to eat after youre through. Hope this review helps. Even on this short walk, the clarity of the water is just overwhelming and gorgeous! Nothing derails a fun afternoon of tubing faster than a run-in with local law enforcement. This is the end of your tubing excursion, therefore leave just your car there. Kayaking Rainbow River near Dunnellon and Rainbow Springs State Park. From this site, you launch your tube and it takes about four hours to float down the river, at which point you are shuttled back to your car. Got caught in a massive storm on our 4 hour float down the river too. If you would like to rent tubes from the State Park (or use their tram with your own tubes), head to the Tubing Entrance of the State Park. Tubing season runs April to October. Trying to keep swimmers safe? Can we make a reservation? 17 Best Day Trips from Tampa in 2023 (By a Local) Pick your river. Knowing the different entrances and how to get between them will surely make navigating your trip much easier. All rights reserved. This is doubly important if you plan on consuming adult beverages on your float. Snorkeling is also allowed in the swimming area, but only in the swimming area. Now that you have all the necessary tubing tips, its time to pick a weekend and gather the crew. I wouldnt recommend it, but they sat on their noodles, floated, and looked to be having a great time. The Ultimate Guide To An Exciting Way Of Life Learn about the Downsides Of Traveling As A Hobby. You may bring your own tube, but all personal floatation devices are limited to no more than 60 inches in diameter. Just as we won't go snorkeling in the ocean, terrified of sharks. There are three campsite loops A, B, and C each offering (gloriously hot) showers and laundry facilities. Floating the Rainbow River can be done by renting a tube from KP Hole Park, which includes a shuttle service return for a nominal fee. The attraction also boasted a rodeo, presenting acts such as bronco riding, bull riding, steer wrestling, and calf roping. per adult. Average float: approx. To make sure youre equipped for a summer tubing adventure, we broke down everything to know, from how to check water conditions, to what to bring (and what to leave behind), to the floats that will make you the envy of other tubers. Where is Rainbow Springs State Park? At the main entrance, you can visit Rainbow Springs, the headsprings to the Rainbow River. Can boats go on the Rainbow River? Maybe we'll cross paddling paths out in the beautiful wilderness someday. Major projects that warrant your French drain to discharge into a municipal sewer or roadside ditch, however, do require one. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. I didnt trust anything with my phone, but my husband and kid did, and when we came out of the water, they were bone dry! You cannot park at the tram drop-off area. If youre spending time on the Rainbow River, either kayak, canoe, SUP, tubing, or motor boat, please keep in mind these rules of the river: Springs are only as healthy as the area of land that contributes water to the spring (this area is called the springshed). Youll also need river access, whether via a tour company or public access point to launch your tube if going on your own. (Make arrangements in advance to use the water taxi.). I'm sure this was entirely because of the stormy conditions. I guess I thought they had some sort of way to keep them out. Also near the boat launch area, youll find a small swimming area in the river, along with some picnic tables. Canoes and kayaks are available for rent from the campground store. Swimming and snorkeling within the first 1800 feet of the headsprings is restricted to the buoyed swimming area to prevent injury and uprooting of water plants. Youll drive your vehicle with the boat(s) down to the tram drop off, drop off your gear, and then drive back to the Ranger Station (or your campsite) and park your vehicle. If youre on a budget, a tube like the one shown above will suffice. We decided to dine at the restaurant at the tube stations terminus. The beaches around Crystal River are nothing special. Where do we get dropped off and picked up from? We remained in the center of the river, and the animals were uninterested since there were so many humans surrounding us. Turtles, huge and little fish, a plethora of dragonflies, birds, and one very small gator were among the creatures we encountered. Location. The water is so clear you see the bright-green eel grass and schools of fish, which makes Rainbow River tubing and kayaking such a joy. You can either rent tubes from K.P. If you want to take a break and have a bite to eat, your vehicle is right there for you to access your drinks and food. These take you through the forest and past old phosphate pits. Too high, and the current will be moving too fast for tubing to be safe. From there, we paddled upstream a mile to Rainbow Springs State Park, where there is a kayak landing, and then paddled with the current back to our car at Rainbow River Canoe and Kayak. It is a natural, old-fashioned watering hole where people tube the river, drink beer, connect tubes, and drag their stash behind them in a cooler and chill. Here you will need to pay the $2 per person admission fee for the State Park, as well as $20 per person for tube rental and tram ride. The most practical type of tube for the river is something with a mesh bottom (unlike those donut-like pool floats), which makes them more comfortable to lay in for hours, keeps you cool from the water underneath, and provides a catch-all for things you might have with you (like a water bottle or dry bag). Thankfully for Rainbow Springs, the State purchased the land in 1990, and with the help of volunteers was able to open it as a state park in 1995. When the phosphate mining boom slowed down, the springs and river were renamed Rainbow to appeal to tourists. This part of Florida simply don't have super beaches. If you have a kiddo under 5 years old that you want to tube with (like we did), youll have to either be a camper and launch your own tubes or use another private vendor. If the flow rate is too low, you may end up walking instead of drifting (and stepping on exposed rocks -- ouch). The tubing package at KP Hole Park costs $25/person, which includes the following: entry fee, tube rental, return shuttle service. 180th Ave Rd, Dunnellon, FL 34432. We plan to return in a few months!! When youre done for the day you just return your vessel to the rental area and make the short trek back to your car! You can go down the river passing some houses on one side and greenery on the other. It combines relaxing on the water and kicking back with a cold beverage. Here you can swim or snorkel in the large swimming area or launch a canoe/kayak (either yours or a rental). What's our policy for cancellations? The whole river is a no wake zone. No idea that Gators were even a possibility. Went here on Fathers Day and wasnt too crowded. If you need to rent a tube, then it will cost you $11 for tube hire and the shuttle. Theres grass area for picnic and is nice to bring a cooler and umbrella (some people had small grills as well.) 11 Rainbow River Tubing Tips You Should Know - Travel Youman As of summer 2020, it costs $20 per person to go tubing with them. Rainbow River Florida - Why You Should Visit - Brit on the Move If the prospect of carrying your boat 1800 feet doesnt appeal to you (and I wouldnt say its an easy walk with the hills), you can always paddle upstream (from the campground or other public launches) and dock your boat at the rental area. Product Specs. Swimmers may wear life preservers or use swim noodles. After entering the code, you proceed to the Ranger Station for a quick and easy check-in (make sure you have the license plate numbers for any vehicles). Either call the campground at the number listed on the sign or give them a call on your drive over so you have it ready to go. If you continue past the zoo enclosures and butterfly garden, youll come to the trail head to three nature trails that run through the park the Yellow, Blue, and White trails, 1.73, .72, and 1.96 miles, respectively. Despite being 30 feet deep in some places, it feels like you could reach out and touch the bottom since the water is crystal clear. One argument for going the BYOT route is that youll get to customize your floatation vehicle instead of whatever standard-issue tube the rental company uses. If you are a registered camper and bring your own tubes, you can simply walk your own tubes down to the campground launch. Rainbow River and Rainbow Springs State Park - Touristwire I'm not oblivious, I know that these are wetlands & thier home. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. What is the water temperature of the Rainbow River? While a tubing or paddling trip doesnt general start or even stop here, Rainbow Springs State Park makes a great outing while in the area. The Dunnellon Ramp is also a good put-in, but the current between that ramp and Blue Run Park is pretty fast. Wildlife is abundant. If you bring your own tube, the fee is $12 including park admission and the shuttle ride. One option is driving to the end point first, leaving one car there, then piling into the other car(s) to get to the starting point. There are two locations for tubers to put in KP Hole County Park and the state parks tube entrance, which is operated by Guest Services. About three years ago we were disheartened to see the crowds of boats and people tubing in this majestic river; however, thankfully the Rainbow River Conservation members and the caring community have managed to voice their concerns which appears to have slowed some of this activity. Here are some tips: Bring your own tubes and gear to save money! If you park on the street or on private property you will be ticketed and your vehicle towed. Maximum RV length = 103 feet. I could go on and on but the pictures will have to do it some justice. Also, there are CUP HOLDERS on the tube above!!! Complete Guide to Visit Rainbow Springs State Park | Florida Be prepared for the fact that anything you bring with you could potentially end up at the bottom of the river. You peer into the water and the fish look like theyre in an aquarium, and they too cast shadows on the sandy bottom. If youre interested in seeing some amazing photos of the Old Florida Rainbow Springs tourist attraction, check out the slideshow by Florida Hikes its fascinating! Keep in mind that the swimming area depths range from 5 to 18 feet. The State Park's Tubing Entrance to the park is located at 10830 S.W. I would talk with some one in the area for better advice. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Visit KP Hole Park | Marion County, FL 100% of travelers recommend this experience. Whether you bring your own tube or not, the price is the same. 92% of travelers recommend this experience. Here you will see some of the most stunningly clear blue water in Florida. Important NOTICE for those interested in tubing the Rainbow River. From there you can access the walking trails to the left, or the swimming area/headspring to the right. Visitors are welcome to bring their own tubes or rent from outside vendors. Even for a Saturday in October, well past the busy season, there were still a good number of vessels on the river mostly canoes and kayaks, but also some pontoon boats and water taxis but all were respectful of the smaller crafts and obeyed the low wake area. Actions within the springshed affect the water flowing from the spring. Contact the Marion County Park - The K.P. If you are coming to The Rainbow River to tube down the river a better alternative to the K. P. Hole is the State Park facility on the east side of the river. Also, if you want a shorter Rainbow River kayak experience, when tubing season is over, you can rent kayaks, canoes and SUPs at the park and paddle downstream as far youd like and return. The Contiga bottles were in our possession. If you need one for emergencies or to coordinate your transportation back, designate one person in your group to seal theirs in a waterproof bag (this goes for other valuables like car keys, too). When scalloping and lobstering, we utilize it. In addition to the campground, campers have accessto the river for tubing and paddling, a small swimming area in the river, a playground, nature trail, and pavilion. Add an hour if you paddle upstream to the park, as we recommend. I had no idea how many different Waters Crystal River actually had. Look up the rules before embarking on your trip so youre in the know. You can't bring a tube to the head springs, but you can bring your own tube or float when you float down the river. Simply amazing!!! We loved paddling down the Rainbow River. The K. P. Hole, a county park, has very limited parking. Discontinue fertilizer use, or use sparingly. Thank-you! (Often, glass and styrofoam are prohibited.) We rented our tubes for $25 at KP Hole, which I highly recommend. Riverbeds can be rocky, so sturdy footwear will help you avoid cutting up your feet when entering and exiting the water. 10 years of the Best vacation of our lives, We have been staying at Rainbow River Lodging for many years. Do I Need a Permit for a French Drain? - Angi Food and beverages can be brought along on the ride provided they are in reusable containers. Going the BYOT (bring your own tube) route means you can choose your own adventure; youre not limited to the sections of the river where tour companies operate (again, just make sure its safe to do so). Eating at Swamp's after is the way to end your day. Word of caution: Flip flops dont work here because they wont stay on your feet in the river. U.S. 19158 SW 81st Pl Rd In addition, kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards are also popular devices to enjoy on this river. Using the nylon rope, simply tie all your tubes together to ensure your crew doesnt get separated on the hours-long trip -- and that everyone has continued access to the cooler. And if youre worried about dropping your shades, a sunglass strap will keep them more secure.