KP Hole County Park

Rainbow River's Premier Launch Point

KP Hole County Park sits on the banks of the Rainbow River in Dunnellon, Florida, approximately 25 minutes west of Ocala. Managed by Marion County Parks and Recreation, KP Hole serves as the primary public access point for kayaking, canoeing, tubing, and motorized boating on the Rainbow River and its confluence with the Withlacoochee River. The park's name refers to a natural feature along the riverbank, and it has been a gathering spot for river recreation in this area for decades.

The Rainbow River is a first-magnitude spring-fed waterway, meaning it produces more than 100 cubic feet of water per second from its headspring at Rainbow Springs State Park. This constant flow of spring water keeps the river at a steady 72 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year, creating a uniquely comfortable environment for swimming and paddling regardless of the season. The water clarity is exceptional, often offering visibility to the sandy bottom even at depths of 15 to 20 feet. Aquatic plants sway in the current, fish are easily visible beneath the surface, and the overall experience of being on the Rainbow River has been compared to floating through a natural aquarium.

KP Hole provides a paved boat ramp that accommodates motorized vessels for access to the Withlacoochee River, as well as a separate launch area for kayaks and canoes. The kayak and canoe launch puts paddlers directly onto the Rainbow River, where they can paddle upstream toward the headspring at Rainbow Springs State Park or downstream toward the Withlacoochee confluence. This flexibility makes KP Hole appealing to paddlers of different skill levels and interests. Those seeking calm, clear spring water head upstream, while those looking for a longer, more varied paddle continue downstream into the Withlacoochee.

During tubing season, which runs from April 1 through September 30, KP Hole operates a tube rental concession. Visitors rent tubes on-site and float downstream on the river before being shuttled back to the park. Personal tubes are not permitted; all tubers must use the park's rental equipment. The tubing operation at KP Hole offers a longer float than the tubing entrance at Rainbow Springs State Park, typically lasting around four hours. This extended float time, combined with the group discount pricing, has made KP Hole a popular choice for families and groups seeking a full-day river experience.

Beyond water activities, KP Hole County Park features picnic pavilions, restroom facilities, and shaded areas along the riverbank. The park is a popular spot for family picnics and casual gatherings, particularly on weekends during the spring and summer months. The natural setting, with moss-draped oaks and river views, provides an attractive environment for an afternoon spent outdoors. Wildlife sightings are common, including wading birds, turtles, and the occasional manatee that swims upriver from the Gulf of Mexico, particularly during cooler months.

KP Hole County Park is part of a broader network of outdoor recreation opportunities in the Dunnellon area, which includes Rainbow Springs State Park, Blue Run Park, and access to the Withlacoochee State Trail. For visitors combining a day on the Rainbow River with other activities in Marion County, KP Hole serves as an ideal starting point for exploring one of Florida's most beautiful spring-fed rivers.