Double-check your GPS address before leaving Kissimmee! Rainbow Springs has two completely separate entrances 9 miles apart that do not connect inside the park: use 19158 SW 81st Place Rd for swimming, waterfalls, and kayaking, or 10830 SW 180th Ave Rd specifically for tubing.
Only about 1 hour and 40 minutes northwest of Kissimmee near Dunnellon, Rainbow Springs State Park feeds the crystal-clear, sapphire-turquoise Rainbow River. Before becoming a state park, the headwaters operated as a 1930s–1970s roadside attraction—leaving behind lush terraced gardens, azalea trails, and picturesque man-made waterfalls overlooking the spring.
Option 1: Main Head Springs (Swimming, Gardens & Kayaking)
- Address: 19158 SW 81st Place Rd, Dunnellon, FL 34432.
- Hours & Fees: Open daily 8:00 AM to sunset. $5.00 per vehicle (2–8 people), $4.00 single occupant, $2.00 pedestrian/cyclist.
- 2026 Reservation Rule: Advance day-use reservations are required for the Head Springs entrance through the Florida State Parks portal.
- Kayak & SUP Rentals: Single kayaks/SUPs run ~$19/hour (~$56/day), and tandem kayaks/canoes run ~$26/hour (~$67/day) at the headsprings outfitter.
Option 2: The 2-Hour River Tubing Float (Separate Entrance)
- Address: 10830 SW 180th Ave Rd, Dunnellon, FL 34432.
- Tubing Season: Open daily Memorial Day–Labor Day (8:00 AM–4:00 PM), and weekends only from early April to Memorial Day and Labor Day through early October (closed Oct–March). Last tram runs at 4:30 PM.
- Cost: $25.00 per person for the Tube & Tram pass (plus $5 vehicle parking).
- Zero-Disposables Law: No disposable items—including plastic water bottles, zip-top bags, or food wrappers—are allowed on the river. Bring reusable bottles only, or face a steep fine.
Want to compare Florida’s top spring experiences? Check out our Blue Spring State Park guide for winter manatee season just north of Orlando.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can you drive between the Head Springs and Tubing area inside Rainbow Springs State Park?
No. The Head Springs entrance (swimming, gardens, kayaking) and the Tubing entrance are two completely separate locations about 9 miles apart on public roads.
How much does tubing at Rainbow Springs State Park cost?
The Tube & Tram ticket is $25.00 per person (which covers your tube or personal float and the return tram ride after the ~2-hour float), plus the $5.00 per-vehicle park gate fee.
Do you need a reservation for Rainbow Springs State Park in 2026?
Yes, day-use reservations are required for the main Head Springs entrance via the Florida State Parks system. The separate Tubing entrance does not require the Head Springs day-use reservation.