Get Up and Go Kayaking
An upstream paddle from KP Hole with a guide and a clear kayak. The operator describes this as an intermediate paddle; review the activity requirements before booking.
View tours (opens operator website)
DUNNELLON, FLORIDARainbow River.
Rainbow River.
Find your way here.
Your guide to the springs, the river, and the places around them. Plan a visit, choose an adventure, and arrive prepared.
Before you visit: parking work at Rainbow Springs
Park notice The park lists limited parking during renovations, September 9, 2026–February 4, 2027. Check the latest notice before traveling.
EXPERIENCE RAINBOW RIVER
One river. Many ways to enjoy it.
Explore spring-fed water, paddle beneath the trees, or spend a day at the headsprings. Start with the experience that fits your group.
A FLORIDA SPRING WORTH KNOWINGA remarkable place.
A remarkable place.
A little planning goes a long way.
The Rainbow River flows from Rainbow Springs to the Withlacoochee River. Its parks, public access points, and outfitters each have their own entrances and arrangements.
Find the right entrance- 5.7 miles
- From the springs to the Withlacoochee River
- 72°F
- Approximate spring-water temperature year-round
- 3 starting points
- Compare headsprings, KP Hole, and state park tubing
Sources: Water Management District (opens a new tab) · Florida State Parks (opens a new tab)
MAKE YOUR PLANS
Browse tours & rentals Connect with river operators.
Rainbow River Kayak Adventures
Single and tandem kayak rentals with parking, paddles, life jackets, and shuttle transportation listed by the operator. Review the route and return arrangements.
View rentals (opens operator website)Rainbow Springs tubing
A seasonal float with tube and tram service through Guest Services. The tubing entrance is separate from the headsprings. Check operating dates before going.
Check tubing details (opens operator website)Bookings are completed directly with the provider. Standard listings are not paid endorsements. Our funding policy.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
A better day starts with the essentials.
Visiting the headspringsReservations, swimming, and park entryPlan for your groupAccess needs, families, and practical questionsCheck official updatesPark notices, county information, and weather
Photo: Florida paddler · CC BY-SA 4.0Do I need a reservation?
The state park’s headsprings/swimming entrance requires a day-use reservation. Tubing is a separate entrance and has its own arrangements. Guided tours, rentals, and accommodation may need separate bookings. See the entrance guide.
Are Rainbow Springs and Rainbow River the same place?
Rainbow Springs is the spring system at the head of the Rainbow River. The state park’s swimming area, its tubing entrance, KP Hole, and private outfitters are different places to start your visit.
Can I go tubing all year?
The state park tubing concession lists an April–September season, with limited days outside summer, and closes October–March. Other operators may have different offerings. Check the specific operator instead of assuming every float is available.
Where do I book?
Use our tours and rentals directory to visit an operator’s own website. Your reservation, payment, cancellation, and confirmation are handled by that operator. RainbowRiver.com does not currently take booking payments.
START PLANNING
Build my day Make the most of your visit.
Choose your activity and season. We’ll help you put the practical pieces together.