Blue Run of Dunnellon Park
Kayak access, a boat ramp and a popular tubing exit point on the Rainbow River at this city park in Dunnellon, about 25 miles southwest of Ocala.
About Blue Run of Dunnellon Park
Blue Run of Dunnellon Park sits along the banks of the Rainbow River in Dunnellon, Florida, providing one of the most accessible public entry points to one of the state's clearest spring-fed rivers. The Rainbow River originates at Rainbow Springs, a first-magnitude spring group that the Southwest Florida Water Management District says discharges an average of 493 million gallons a day. The water, which averages 72 degrees at the headsprings, flows 5.7 miles through lush riparian corridors before joining the Withlacoochee River near Dunnellon, and Blue Run Park sits along this stretch, giving visitors direct access to one of the most scenic float trips in all of Florida.
The park is operated by the City of Dunnellon, which acquired it in 2008 with a Florida Communities Trust grant and made significant improvements in 2015. The city lists walking and birding trails, a 3-acre pond and river access for kayaking, and the Withlacoochee-Dunnellon Trail connector now runs through the park. The Florida DEP lists Blue Run as a public boat ramp and paddle-craft launch. There are no restrooms yet: the city says a restroom facility is being planned. Blue Run is a popular exit point for tubers, and Marion County's KP Hole Park runs its tubing return shuttle from here.
The Rainbow River earned designation as a National Natural Landmark in 1972, and the aquatic preserve status it holds underscores its ecological significance. The river supports beds of native aquatic vegetation and more than 20 fish species, according to the Southwest Florida Water Management District, which also lists river otters, wood ducks, turtles, snakes and alligators. Visibility near the headsprings can exceed 250 feet, which makes snorkeling and underwater observation popular alongside tubing and paddling.
To protect this fragile ecosystem, Marion County and the City of Dunnellon enforce specific regulations on river use. Marion County ordinance Sec. 5-52 bans food and drinks in disposable containers on the river, with a $50 fine, and the county says alcohol is not permitted on the river. Sec. 5-54 makes the entire river a no-wake, idle-speed zone, and the Florida DEP asks boaters to raise their motors over protected seagrass. Blue Run of Dunnellon Park, located approximately 25 miles southwest of downtown Ocala, makes for an easy and rewarding day trip from anywhere in Marion County, whether you are visiting for the first time or returning for another float down one of Florida's natural treasures.
Things to Do at Blue Run
Tubing the Rainbow River
Blue Run is where many tubers get out. Marion County's KP Hole Park rents tubes April 1 to Sept. 30 in a $30-plus-tax package that includes entry and a return shuttle from Blue Run; the average float takes about 4 hours. See our Rainbow River tubing guide.
Kayaking & Paddleboarding
The city lists river access for kayaking, and the Florida DEP lists Blue Run as a paddle-craft launch and public boat ramp. The whole Rainbow River is idle speed only for boats. Bring your own craft or rent from outfitters in Dunnellon.
Trails & the Pond
The city lists walking and birding trails and a 3-acre pond, and the Withlacoochee-Dunnellon Trail connector runs through the park. There are no restrooms yet; the city says a restroom facility is being planned.
Wildlife Viewing
The Rainbow River is a state aquatic preserve. The Southwest Florida Water Management District lists river otters, wood ducks, turtles, snakes, alligators and more than 20 fish species, and the clear water makes it easy to watch them from above or while snorkeling.
Visitor Information
Access & Fees
- No fee listed on the City of Dunnellon parks page; check with the city
- KP Hole tubing package with return shuttle from Blue Run: $30 plus tax per person
- Kayak rentals available from local outfitters
- Bring your own kayak or boat and launch from the public ramp
Hours & Rules
- Sunrise to sunset (the city's hours for most parks)
- Tubing season (KP Hole rentals): April 1 to Sept. 30
- No disposable containers on the river (reusable only)
- No alcohol on the river; idle speed only for boats
- About 25 miles southwest of Ocala
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Blue Run of Dunnellon Park?
Blue Run of Dunnellon Park is a City of Dunnellon public park at 19680 E. Pennsylvania Ave. on the Rainbow River. The city says it provides walking and birding trails, a 3-acre pond and river access for kayaking, and it is a popular exit point for people tubing the Rainbow River. The Florida DEP lists it as one of the river's public boat ramps. The city says a restroom facility is being planned.
How much does it cost to use Blue Run of Dunnellon Park?
The City of Dunnellon does not list a fee for Blue Run of Dunnellon Park on its parks page; check with the city before you go. Marion County's KP Hole Park sells a tubing package for $30 plus tax per person (April 1 to Sept. 30) that includes entry, a tube and a return shuttle from Blue Run of Dunnellon Park.
When is the best time to go tubing at Blue Run?
Tubing on the Rainbow River is seasonal: KP Hole Park rents tubes from April 1 to Sept. 30, and Blue Run of Dunnellon Park is a popular place to get out at the end of the float. Summer weekends are the busiest. The water at the Rainbow Springs headsprings averages 72 degrees year-round, so kayaking and canoeing work in any season.
How long is the tubing float that ends at Blue Run?
Marion County says the average float from KP Hole Park, which ends at Blue Run of Dunnellon Park, takes about 4 hours. KP Hole's tubing package includes a return shuttle from Blue Run back to KP Hole. Children must be at least 3 years old to tube from KP Hole.
Can I launch my own kayak at Blue Run of Dunnellon Park?
Yes. The City of Dunnellon lists river access for kayaking at Blue Run, and the Florida DEP lists the park as both a paddle-craft launch and a public boat ramp on the Rainbow River. If you paddle downstream from another launch to Blue Run, you will need your own shuttle or a second vehicle.
Are there rules or regulations for tubing the Rainbow River?
Yes. Marion County ordinance Sec. 5-52 bans food and drinks in disposable containers on the Rainbow River (a $50 fine), and the county says alcohol is not permitted on the river. Sec. 5-54 makes the whole river a no-wake, idle-speed zone all year. The Florida DEP asks boaters to raise their motors over seagrass, which is protected in the aquatic preserve.
How far is Blue Run of Dunnellon Park from Ocala?
Blue Run of Dunnellon Park is in Dunnellon, about 25 miles southwest of downtown Ocala, at 19680 E. Pennsylvania Ave. on the Rainbow River. (The spot where the Rainbow meets the Withlacoochee River is the city's separate Chaplin A. Dinkins III Memorial Park, known as City Beach.)
Plan Your Rainbow River Adventure
Blue Run of Dunnellon Park is located in Dunnellon, approximately 30 minutes from Ocala. Whether you're tubing, kayaking, or just enjoying the scenery, the Rainbow River is a must-visit natural destination.