Day Trips,Nature and Parks

Tubing Down the Rainbow River - KP Hole

By Published On: August 17th, 2023

Rainbow River Tubing – Fun Trip at KP Hole

Published on 08/17/23:

The Rainbow River! We’re back! Who knows this beautiful state park or wants a COOL place to relax while it’s still summertime hot? While the Rainbow River is nearly a 2-hour drive from St. Pete, it’s a very unique registered national landmark. First, thank you again for following our adventures on Loving St Pete on Social Media!

Cool Refreshing Water of the Rainbow River

Each day, 400 – 600 million gallons of 72-degree fresh water are produced to create the 5.7-mile-long Rainbow River. You read that right, cool refreshing water…in Florida! While this is a relaxing trip down the river, you still need to be prepared. Reference my guide below and you’ll be all set!

There are two common float options:

Option 1 (our choice): Park your car at KP Hole Park for a 3-4 hour float to Blue Run of Dunnellon Park. Rent your tube directly from KP Hole for $30/person. This covers return shuttle service back to your car. Operates from 4/1 – 9/30. Ages 3-5 are free. Must be at least 3 years old to tube. If you have 4 or more people, price is $25/each.
Option 2: Park at the State Park Tubing Facility, take their tram up-river and float back to your car. Tubes are $24/person, plus a $2 park fee. This is a 1.5 – 2hr hr float and operates seasonally as well.

My Ten Tips for Your Rainbow River Tubing Adventure

  • If it’s a weekend or holiday, arrive by 8:30am as they can sell out of tubes. Alternatively, reserve one using 3rd party such as RainbowRiverKayak.com. Check with the 3rd party for pickup/drop off info.
  • Bring: Ropes to tie tubes together (more fun), drinking water, waterproof phone case, snacks, goggles/mask to view aquatic life, sunscreen, and ideally a small speaker for tunes.
  • Young children imo should opt for the tubes w/ bottoms. Seems safer & less stressful for adults supervising
  • Disposable items are prohibited. Ie bring a thermos instead of plastic bottles and use Tupperware instead of baggies.
  • Alcohol is prohibited when Rainbow River Tubing
  • You cannot bring your own tube on the KP Hole float. You can bring your own at the State Park Tubing Facility…though must be a single and less than 60” diameter.
  • Yes, you may see an alligator off in the distance, however it’s a very busy river, lots of people floating each day.
  • Kayaks and life jackets can be rented (or bring your own).
  • I suggest renting one extra tube with a bottom. This was priceless on both of our trips, giving us a place to secure cooler, food, drink and kids masks.
Addresses
  • KP Hole: 9435 SW 190th Avenue Rd, Dunnellon
  • State Park Tubing Facility: 10830 S.W. 180th Ave Rd, Dunnellon

I’m a Tampa Bay Area Realtor, with over 32K people following my LovingStPete Guide on Social Media! You’ll receive up to $10K at closing when you use my LovingStPete Team to buy or sell a property! My past includes developing a vacation rental advertising business that I ran for more than a decade, then sold to HomeAway/VRBO. I’d love to help you buy or sell a property, simply contact me.

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Written by : St Petersburg Realtor, Mike Braswell

Mike Braswell is a Tampa Bay Realtor, serving St Petersburg, Clearwater, all nearby beaches and more. Mike started LovingStPete in October of 2020 after a difficult year took its toll on local businesses. After being cooped up for portions of 2020 (lockdown) Mike and his son decided to get out and explore, helping spread the good word about the local area he loves so much. Often even doing gift card giveaways to support local. LovingStPete is now followed by over 48 thousand people on social media! The majority of posts are informative on fun parks, activities, day trips, great restaurants, and in general provide a comprehensive tour of the area!

Soon after receiving his bachelors in Management Information Systems, Mike developed and then operated a vacation rental advertising business for 10+ years as CEO/Owner. The business was eventually acquired by VRBO. Mike has earned the trust of many large clients over the years. Such as NFL, Wynn Resorts, Blue Cross Blue Shield, VISA, Genuine Parts Company (NAPA Auto Parts), AT&T, and other Fortune 500 companies.

When not spending time with his beautiful wife and energetic son, Mike enjoys boating and is also an avid tennis player. An interesting fact about Mike is that he grew up on an avocado farm with over 15 varieties, some of which you can find in our local Publix/Winn Dixie as his dad still farms the same farm at 87 years old!

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