
Rainbow Springs State Park Tubing Entrance
Float down pristine, cool springs and discover unique waterfalls at Rainbow Springs State Park. A refreshing natural escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds

Rainbow Springs State Park Tubing Entrance
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Float down pristine, cool springs and discover unique waterfalls at Rainbow Springs State Park. A refreshing natural escape.
"Beautiful crystal clear water that feel wonderful to swim in. The cold spring waters really relieve your aches and pains."

🚗 Arrive by 8 AM
Beat the crowds and secure your spot for tubing. Arriving early is key for a relaxed experience.
🛟 Tube Rental & Tram
Rent tubes on-site; they'll shuttle you to the start. Or, if staying at the campground, use their tram service.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Crystal Clear River Float
Rainbow River
Drift down the pristine, cool waters of the Rainbow River for a refreshing and scenic tubing experience.

Healing Spring Waters
Main Headspring Area
Immerse yourself in the wonderfully cold spring waters, known for their refreshing and pain-relieving qualities.

Hidden Waterfalls
Walking Trails
Discover unique and gorgeous waterfalls tucked away on walking paths, offering a sense of adventure.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Arrive Early for the Best Experience
Tube Size & Container Rules
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Rainbow River Tubing
🚗 Arrive by 8 AM
Beat the crowds and secure your spot for tubing. Arriving early is key for a relaxed experience.
🛟 Tube Rental & Tram
Rent tubes on-site; they'll shuttle you to the start. Or, if staying at the campground, use their tram service.
Rainbow springs tubing question
Rainbow River, Dunnellon FL questions
💰 All-Day Ride Pass
With your own tubes, consider the $14 all-day pass for unlimited rides. Check prices with the campground store.
🚫 No Plastic Containers
Leave plastic containers behind; they're not allowed in the river. Check all limitations before you go.
Agreed to go diving at Rainbow River this weekend before I realized it was a holiday. How screwed am I?
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Arrive by 8 AM
Beat the crowds and secure your spot for tubing. Arriving early is key for a relaxed experience.
🛟 Tube Rental & Tram
Rent tubes on-site; they'll shuttle you to the start. Or, if staying at the campground, use their tram service.
💰 All-Day Ride Pass
With your own tubes, consider the $14 all-day pass for unlimited rides. Check prices with the campground store.
🚫 No Plastic Containers
Leave plastic containers behind; they're not allowed in the river. Check all limitations before you go.
⏳ Allow 1.5 Hours for Float
The float trip typically takes about 1.5 hours. Plan your last ride accordingly to enjoy the full experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunningly clear, cool waters and the refreshing relief they provide. The unique waterfalls are a surprising highlight, offering a sense of adventure. While the natural beauty is consistently praised, one negative experience involved staff unhelpfully responding to a medical emergency, contrasting with other accounts of exceptional staff assistance.
"Beautiful crystal clear water that feel wonderful to swim in. The cold spring waters really relieve your aches and pains. Makes you feel refreshed. But the most unique and surprising and gorgeous part about Rainbow Springs are the waterfalls. I went after kids went back to school during the summer. So the walk to see the Waterfalls had No one around but my friend and I so it really felt like you were on an adventure. I highly recommended going. We want to go back to take the floats down the river."
Maribelle Garcia
"You can go directly to the tubing area and rent their tubes. They will drive you to the campground to enter the river with their rented tubes and you float back to this location.
If you stay at the Rainbow Springs River Campground you can bring your own tubes and buy a ticket that the campground store to get a tram ride back.
They give you a bracelet and you can buy a single ride or all day rides $14 with your own tubes. Check out the prices with the campground store. They also have tube rental options available.
Then the tram drives you back to the campground when you’re done.
Your tubes are limited to a maximum size so check that out also.
No plastic containers are allowed in the river. Again check out the limitations. We had such a wonderful time!!
There is also a LAST RIDE time - so ask. It takes approximately 1.5 hours for the float from the campground so give yourself time to enjoy!"
Rita Loeding
"Tubing down the spring was awesome. Took about 2 hrs. Very easy access with tram. Friendly staff. The main headspring is a 13 min. drive away. The headspring swimming area was roped off & felt like a community pool (see pic), a lot of restricted areas we couldn't explore unless we rented a kayak. Walking areas have sidewalks, concessions stand, plenty of tables and chairs, a couple of large gazebos, and picnic grass areas were nice."
MARI
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The main tubing entrance is often accessed via the Rainbow Springs River Campground. You can drive directly to the tubing area to rent tubes and catch the shuttle, or if you're staying at the campground, you can use their tram service.
Yes, parking is available at the tubing entrance, especially if you plan to rent tubes there. Arriving early is recommended to ensure parking availability.
If you are renting tubes from the tubing entrance, they will provide transportation to the launch point. If you are staying at the campground and using their tram, you'll likely park at the campground.
Driving is the most common way to reach Rainbow Springs State Park. Use GPS navigation to the specific entrance you plan to use, whether it's the main park or the tubing entrance via the campground.
Public transport options are very limited for reaching state parks like Rainbow Springs. It is highly recommended to have your own vehicle for convenient access.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
If you bring your own tubes, you can purchase a ticket for the tram ride back from the campground store, which might be around $14 for all-day rides. Tube rentals are also available on-site. Check with the campground store for current pricing.
It's generally not necessary to buy tickets in advance, but arriving early is crucial to avoid long lines and ensure you can get tubes or a spot on the tram.
Operating hours can vary, and there's a 'last ride' time for the tram. It's best to inquire about the specific hours and last ride time upon arrival to plan your float accordingly.
Yes, you can bring your own tubes. If you're using the campground's tram service, you'll need to purchase a ticket for the tram ride back.
Yes, you can buy a single ride ticket or an all-day ride pass if you have your own tubes. The pricing can be found at the campground store.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The spring waters are consistently cool, around 72°F (22°C) year-round, providing a refreshing escape, especially on hot Florida days.
The float down the Rainbow River typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the current and how much you stop to enjoy the scenery.
Yes, plastic containers are not allowed in the river. It's advisable to check for any other specific restrictions on items before you go.
The tubing area often has concessions, picnic tables, gazebos, and grassy areas. The main headspring park also offers walking paths, sidewalks, and swimming areas.
Tubing is generally suitable for most ages, but it's a natural river environment. Those with mobility issues or who are not strong swimmers should exercise caution and consider assistance.
📸 📸 Photography
The waterfalls are unique photo opportunities. The crystal-clear water itself is also very photogenic. Consider capturing the natural beauty of the river and surrounding landscape.
Yes, you can take photos while tubing, but ensure your device is waterproof or secured in a waterproof case to prevent damage. Be mindful of other tubers and the natural environment.
Generally, there are no specific photo restrictions, but always be respectful of other visitors and the park's natural state. Avoid disturbing wildlife or vegetation.
A waterproof camera or a smartphone with a waterproof case is highly recommended for capturing moments on the river. For the waterfalls and general scenery, a standard camera or phone will work well.
Drone usage is typically restricted in state parks to protect wildlife and ensure visitor safety. It's best to check the official park regulations regarding drone operation.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing your own tubes to potentially save money and have more flexibility. The tram service from the campground can be a convenient option for families. While the river is generally calm, always supervise children closely. The park also has picnic areas, making it easy to spend a full day enjoying the natural beauty.
♿ Visitors with Disabilities
💰 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Rainbow River Tubing Experience
It's important to note that the river is a natural environment. While the staff are generally helpful, one review mentioned a negative interaction during an emergency, highlighting the importance of bystander assistance and clear communication with staff. Visitors are reminded to check for any restrictions on tube size and to avoid bringing plastic containers into the river. The experience is designed to be relaxing, allowing you to float and enjoy the serene surroundings.
For those who prefer to bring their own tubes, staying at the Rainbow Springs River Campground allows access to a tram service that brings you back to the campground after your float. This option can be cost-effective if you plan on multiple floats. The park also offers an all-day ride pass for those with their own tubes, providing great value.
Exploring the Headsprings and Waterfalls
The waterfalls at Rainbow Springs are a unique and surprising feature. Visitors who went after the summer rush found the walk to see them to be an adventure with no one else around. These man-made waterfalls, remnants of the park's past as a tourist attraction, add a touch of charm and offer picturesque photo opportunities. The walking areas around the park are well-maintained with sidewalks, making them accessible for exploration.
For those seeking to explore more of the park's aquatic offerings, kayaking is an option that allows access to areas not reachable by tubing or swimming alone. This can provide a more comprehensive experience of the park's natural beauty and historical elements.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit