Canoeing & Kayaking

Starting at the state park and flowing into the Withlacoochee River at Dunnellon, the 5.7 mile long Rainbow River is truly an outstanding waterway. The crystal clear water flowing past moss-draped cypress trees competes for your attention with the river otters and large numbers of wading birds. Launching access to the river is somewhat limited. Many boaters launch at The K.P. Hole County Park, approximately 1-¼ miles downstream from the headwaters. Privately owned boats launched at the headsprings must be carried from the parking area approximately 1,000 feet to the canoe launch. Campers may rent or launch their own canoes or kayaks at the state park campground.

Canoes and kayaks, including paddles and all safety equipment, are available for rent in the park all year within seasonal hours. There are no reservations required and all rentals are on a first come first served basis. All ages are welcome but one person must be at least 18 to rent any canoe or kayak for their group. Children under 18 must have a parent or guardian with legal authority to sign for them and accompany them on the river trip.

Summer (April 1st - October 31st.) hours are 10:00am - the last rental will be at 4:00pm and all rentals are due back by 5:00pm each day.
Winter (November 1st - March 31st.) hours are 10:00am - the last rental will be at 3:00pm and all rentals are due back by 4:00pm each day.

•  $25 deposit per group; cash, MasterCard or Visa.
• One person per group must have a valid I.D. (Drivers license, state ID card, passport or temporary/permanent resident card.
• 1 person Kayak: $10 per hour.
• 2 person Kayak $10 per hour.
• 2 person Canoe is $10 per hour.
• 3 person Canoe is $10 per hour plus $5 for the third person.
• 4 person Canoe is $10 per hour plus $5 for third person and $5 for the fourth person who must be a small child. Four adults are not allowed in one canoe.
• Additional time used can be paid at the end of the rental period.

Optional Items:

• Seat backs for canoe paddlers: $2
• Canoe loungers for canoe passengers: $2
• Dive flags for snorklers paddling down-river: $5 - HOWEVER Snorkeling OR Swimming is not allowed within 1700 feet of the headsprings.

The Park recently constructed a new canoe launching facility making access to the Rainbow River easier and more convenient to guests of the Park.

There are a number of regulations that apply to the Rainbow River, so be sure and review the river rules prior to any boating activities.

Contact the park for more details.

Rainbow Springs State Park
19158 S.W. 81st Place Road
Dunnellon, FL 34432
(352) 489-8555

Canoe Dock at the Headsprings: (352) 465-2100

The address is: 19158 S.W. 81st Place Road, Dunnellon, FL 34432.
For detailed maps, routes and satellite views click the address link.

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