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 St Petersburg Realtor, serving St Pete, Clearwater, all nearby beaches and more. He's part of the LovingStPete Team at Keller Williams. Mike, Leah, and Ryan are the trusted real estate team in our area.

Mike's Cell: 727-510-1084

Email: [email protected]

Mike founded a property advertising business and operated for 10+ years as CEO/Owner, eventually acquired by VRBO. Mike enjoys boating and is an avid tennis player. Mike grew up on an avocado farm with 15+ varieties, some of which you can find in our local Publix/Winn Dixie as his dad still farms the same farm at 88 years old!

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