Can you launch your own tube on the Rainbow River?

*Registered campers only: If you're a registered camper and using your own tube to float on the Rainbow River, you may exit the river via the state park tube take-out and ride the tram back to the campground for a fee. Visit the Campground Store for fees and information or contact Guest Services, Inc.



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The upstream paddle towards Rainbow Springs State Park takes approximately 1.5 hours and is extremely beautiful. If you'd like to launch your own paddleboard or kayak, you will only be charged the $5 daily entrance fee.

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On average, the Rainbow River is less than 10 feet deep, although there are places where it drops 25 feet. Close to the banks, it's shallow enough to stand. Look out for big branches to jump from and a rope swing or two.

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The most significant natural feature is the first-magnitude headspring basin which produces between 400 - 600 million gallons (1.5 to 2.3 million m³) of fresh water per day, forming the Rainbow River. The looking-glass waters of Rainbow Springs come from several vents, not one large bubbling spring.

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The Withlacoochee River ultimately discharges into the Gulf of Mexico on the border of Citrus and Levy counties. Rainbow Springs has the fourth largest flow of all Florida's springs and provides fresh water to the Rainbow and Withlacoochee rivers.

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The tourist attraction has been forced to close its doors as high maintenance costs and an uncertain future meant it was not financially viable, according to Ngai Tahu Holdings chief operating officer Craig Ellison.

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The first magnitude spring system that forms the Rainbow River has an average discharge rate of 763 cubic feet per second (cfs), or 493 million gallons per day (mgd) and is one of 33 first magnitude spring systems in the State.

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The Following is Prohibited on the River Possession of alcoholic beverages. Possession of food and beverages in disposable containers. Possession of disposable items such as paper sacks, boxes, breakable plastic utensils, etc.

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KP Hole County Park There is a $5 fee to enter and you can bring your own watercraft or rent one – or rent a tube and float the run (more on that later). Although pets are not allowed in KP Hole park, you may walk your pet to the watercraft to launch. The water of the Rainbow River is crystal clear.

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