SUP Rainbow Springs

Rainbow Springs Run KP to State Park – SUP Paddle Boarding

First off, Rainbow River is not just for stand up paddle boarders (SUP)! You can launch kayaks, motor boats, or float down the river in tubes! Or, go diving! Yes, this is a diverse spot. It’s really perfect for anyone who loves the water. Truly!

This post is geared toward paddleboarders, but really, the info is great for anyone planning to head over to Rainbow River. I won’t forget the rest of you kayakers, boaters, divers and floaters. All have a place on this river. I’ve enjoyed this spring-fed river solo, with friends, and with my family. It’s perfect for everyone.

What’s awesome to see

• Gorgeous clear river with springs all along the way.
• Blue water
• Long underwater grasses
• Turtles
• Otters
• Alligators
• Birds and fish aplenty
• Deep spring river
• Divers

What to bring

• Board and paddle (and pump if you have an inflatable like me)
• Life vest
• Sunscreen
• Water

• Optional, but suggested:
  • Hat
  • GoPro with float handle
  • Phone with waterproof/float case
  • Mask/Snorkel/Fins
  • Food
  • SUP leash

What NOT to bring

This spot is really particular about what you cannot bring into the river. It’s all in an effort to keep the water clear, beautiful and clean for all to enjoy! So be smart, be earth friendly, and leave the place better than you found it. Let’s all do our part, and more.

What they do not allow, and often have officers checking for:

• Alcohol
• Anything disposable! This includes:
  • Disposable water bottles
  • Baggies
  • Any food in wrappers

I know it seems crazy, but here’s the solution; take a refillable water bottle (like this one) and unwrap your snacks and put them in reusable containers! Done and done! Just come prepared and you’ll be ok.

Best time to go

Best time of day is anytime. But. If you’re going during a weekend or in the summer, you better be there when they open, way earlier if it’s a weekend during the summer. The parking lot fills up and you get turned away!!! (Been there! We’ve driven 2.5 hours to get there at opening and still…. full!) There are other ways to get there if the parking lot and excess lots are full. Usually those alternate parking and pickups work best if you’re renting the tubes from KP Hole or are able to drop your boards off at the launch area. The shuttle services are provided by private businesses, not associated with KP. If the parking lot is full, ask for alternates, they will give you a paper with some names and numbers of shuttle services with parking lots that can help. No worries. All is not lost.

What can you do

Because this spring is so deep (about 30 ft in most places) and clear, I enjoy the scenery on the way upstream and back. There is no better vantage point than high up on the SUP looking down into the water. Sorry kayakers, it’s the truth. You don’t know how many kayakers have asked me to point out what I can see and they cannot clearly make out from their lower position. The exception to this rule is diving. And you can do that here too.

You’ll come across diving outfitters and PADI certification classes. I always have my mask on my board so that I can take a dip and see it all for myself underwater. (My SUP Must Haves list – coming soon). But hey, I’ve done it plenty of times without the mask (even in the ocean – see this video of some fun in the Gulf). So beautiful!

Tip for taking a dip!
Make use of your SUP leash and when you swim and dive off your board, you won’t lose track of your board no matter how badly your diving and jumping is. SUPs make great diving platforms. But… they do move, and if you don’t want to go swimming after it, use the leash.

How to get there

My favorite place to launch is at KP Hole in Dunnellon. It is about 2 miles downstream from the State Park, which is my destination when I come here. The good news is, although the current in this river is not very strong, I do prefer to do the work on the first half of my paddle trips, and enjoy the float back down. Yes, this run is an up and back run. There are other options, and I will touch on those below, but this post is focused on the paddle up to Rainbow State Park and back to KP Hole.

KP Hole

9435 SW 190th Avenue Rd
Dunnellon, FL 34432
United States

KP Hole is off of a residential street. Lovely homes are located up and down the river. If only I could own one of those homes… these are situated so nicely that would it make me consider moving off the Florida coast for. It’s really beautiful area there.

KP Hole. Launch your board or kayak or boat…

Toward Rainbow Springs State Park: launch and go left (north). The park entrance is about 2 miles up river, against the current. Once you enter the State Park, swimming is prohibited, except in the designated swimming area. It’s roped off. There’s a sign. You’ll know.

Toward Blue Run: This is the direction you would go if you decided to float on a tube. From other vessels, like your SUP or kayak, you can head down river, drifting down stream toward the take out spot for tubes (Blue Run). KP does pickups and drive backs from this location and one further down. Not year round, however. But on a SUP or kayak, you could easily reach this spot and return. I have yet to complete this, so once I do, I will create a new post to include all the details… and, of course, link it here.

Launch Fee: $5

What to know

Facilities. There restrooms at the launch site. And changing rooms. They are not air conditioned. On site KP, has rentals, air to inflate tubes, boat launch area and designated swimming area

For more information on KP Hole, please see their website here: http://www.thekphole.com

Getting into Rainbow Springs State Park

Once you have paddled upstream and reach the State Park, you will see the Rainbow Springs State Park Launch area on your left, the swimming area straight ahead (keep your vessels out of the roped off section). You may, and I urge you to, paddle up there and enjoy the scenery. The water is so perfect as is the foliage surrounding the headspring. When you are done floating here, go back to the launch area, this is your access into the park.

Access to the park from the water

Fee: $2 per person. There is a dropbox for your $2 fee. You may use their launch area, they just ask that you move your SUP or kayak out of the way so that they can launch their rentals, as well. They have racks you can leave your vessels on, or you can just set them to the side out of the way. I recommend taking all your valuables with you when you leave your boards behind. I keep all my necessary items in a dry bag (like this one) that I can easily sling across my boy and go exploring.

It’s well worth the stop and walk through the park. There are waterfalls, beautiful blooming foliage, nature walkways and vantage points, access to the swimming areas, and restrooms!!! There’s also a gift shop, I believe, although I’ve never walked inside to see what all there is. I will make a point to next time.

For more information on Rainbow Springs State Park, check out their website: Rainbow Springs State Park

Thank you so much for joining me on this Rainbow River adventure. This has become one of my absolute favorite places to paddle. I love the deep spring, the miles of crystal clear turquoise water, and the wildlife all around.

Please comment and tell me your favorite places to visit when you #optoutside.

Your favorite SUP adventurer,

X Stacy

**A note about images: In general, all the photos I post are my own. However, one of these trips to Rainbow Springs included some friends of mine, and an extremely talented drone photographer. He is credited in each of his images.

***All photos and video are mine unless noted on images. Please feel free to share and pin, but always be courteous and credit the owner. Thank you