Rainbow River Tubing: An Easy Day Trip from Our Park

Rainbow River tubing is one of the best lazy days in Florida, and it starts a short drive from Quail Roost RV Park. The river is spring-fed, so the water stays clear and cool all year. You float under oaks and cypress, watch turtles sun on logs, and look straight down at the sandy bottom. No paddling skills needed. The current does the work.

Our park sits in Citrus County between Crystal River and Dunnellon, so the Rainbow River is close enough for a morning launch and an easy drive home for dinner.

Why the Rainbow River is so clear

The river starts at Rainbow Springs, one of the largest springs in Florida. Millions of gallons of fresh water bubble up from the ground every day. That water stays around 72 degrees all year, which feels cool in July and mild in the shoulder seasons. It's also why the river looks so blue and green on a sunny day.

Where to start your float

Most people tube the upper part of the river from one of two places in Dunnellon:

• Rainbow Springs State Park tubing entrance on the east side of the river. Tubing here is seasonal, so check the park's schedule before you go.
• KP Hole County Park, a Marion County park with a launch, rentals and a swimming area.

Local outfitters also rent tubes and run shuttles, so you can float one way and ride back to your car. Float times run from about one to four hours depending on where you start and get out. Call ahead in summer. Spots fill up fast on weekends and holidays.

Know the river rules

The Rainbow River is protected, and the rules help keep it clear. Disposable food and drink containers aren't allowed on the river, so pack drinks in reusable bottles. Check the launch you pick for its current rules on coolers, food and alcohol, because they can change. Stay off the eel grass and don't stand on the bottom where plants grow. Those plants hold the sand in place and keep the water clean.

What to bring

• Reef-safe sunscreen and a hat. Much of the float is in full sun.
• Water shoes for the launch and the exit.
• A reusable water bottle with a strap.
• A dry bag for your phone and keys.
• A towel and a dry change of clothes for the drive home.

Make a day of it in Dunnellon

After your float, spend an hour in historic downtown Dunnellon. It has small shops and family-owned restaurants, and it's a nice slow end to a slow day. If you'd rather paddle, the Rainbow River is also great by kayak, and you can go upstream toward the springs at your own pace.

Head back to the Roost

When you get back to the park, rinse off at our spotless bath houses, then catch the sunset with your neighbors. Quail Roost has 72 full hookup sites with 30/50 amp service, a heated pool and a clubhouse with something going on most weeks. It's a quiet home base for exploring the springs and rivers of the Nature Coast.

See our nightly, weekly and monthly rates, or read more about life at Quail Roost.