Summary

KP Hole Park is a Marion County–managed access point to the Rainbow River located in Dunnellon, Florida. The park serves as a primary launch site for drift diving, snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, and tubing on one of Florida’s clearest spring-fed rivers. Unlike Rainbow Springs State Park, which protects the headspring complex, KP Hole functions primarily as a river access facility with staging docks, boat ramps, and shuttle-supported downstream recreation.

Location and Overview

KP Hole Park is located in Dunnellon, Florida and provides direct access to the Rainbow River. It’s one of the most commonly used entry points for both upriver paddling and downstream drift experiences.

The facility includes swimming areas, picnic space, a public boat ramp, kayak launching docks, restrooms, and concession services. The park operates year-round, with extended summer hours.

Summer Hours
April 1–September 30
8 a.m.–8 p.m.

Winter Hours
October 1–March 31
8 a.m.–5 p.m.

Role Within the Rainbow River System

KP Hole sits downstream from the Rainbow Springs headspring complex. From this access point, visitors may paddle upriver toward the clearer upper sections near Indian Creek and the headspring lagoon, or float downstream toward the Withlacoochee River.

Upriver paddling typically takes approximately 20–40 minutes depending on conditions and experience level. Indian Creek, a shallow and clear side channel, is a popular destination for paddlers seeking calm water and visible spring boils. After exploring upstream, visitors can drift back to KP Hole with the natural current.

Downriver trips continue toward the darker, tannic waters of the Withlacoochee River and require shuttle transport back to KP Hole from the designated exit ramp.

Drift Diving and Snorkeling

KP Hole is one of the primary staging areas for Rainbow River drift dives.

Divers and snorkelers typically launch via water taxi upstream, then enter the river in the clearest section near the headspring influence. From there, participants drift naturally downstream with the current back toward KP Hole.

Typical dive characteristics include:

• Maximum depth approximately 20–21 feet
• Average depth around 8–12 feet
• Visibility frequently exceeding 100 feet
• Water temperature near 72–73°F year-round
• Numerous sand boils and spring vents
• Limestone shelves and aquatic grass beds

The river’s gentle current allows extended bottom time and relaxed exploration. A large spring vent commonly referred to as a “cave” is located along the route; it extends only a short distance and discharges strong flow from the aquifer.

Diver-specific entry fees apply at KP Hole, and personal dive flags may be required depending on activity and local regulations.

Tubing

KP Hole operates a seasonal tubing program from April 1 through September 30.

The tubing package includes park entry, tube rental, and return shuttle service. Tube rentals are available from 8 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., or until the park reaches capacity.

Key tubing rules include:

• Must be 18 years or older to rent
• Children must be at least three years old to tube
• Personal tubes are not permitted
• Disposable items and alcohol are not permitted

Group tubing rates are available when four or more participants book together.

Paddle Craft Rentals and Shuttle Services

KP Hole offers year-round canoe, kayak, and paddleboard rentals. Both hourly upriver rentals and downstream shuttle packages are available.

Seasonal cutoff times apply for downriver trips and shuttle purchases. During peak summer months, launch windows close earlier in the day to allow safe return before park closing.

Visitors using personal paddle craft may purchase shuttle return service for designated downstream exit points.

Fees

Entrance fees are charged per park user.

Current general fees include:

Per park user: $7 plus tax
Paddle-craft launch: $10 plus tax
Per diver: $30 plus tax
Per motorized vessel: $20 plus tax

Tubing package (April 1–September 30): $30 plus tax
Group tubing package: $25 plus tax

Park passes are available for residents and non-residents, with individual and family options.

All fees are subject to change and are listed before tax.

Facilities and Amenities

KP Hole provides:

• Public boat ramp
• Canoe and kayak launch docks
• Picnic pavilion
• Restrooms
• Concessions
• Swimming access
• Wildlife viewing
• Monofilament recycling station

The facility may reach capacity during spring and summer weekends. Early arrival is recommended during peak visitation.

History

KP Hole was established in the early 1920s as a boys’ retreat. In the late 1930s, access expanded to include women. Marion County purchased the property in 1953 and dedicated it to Knights of Pythias member Andrew L. Neville.

The park was operated by private contractors until 1993, when Marion County assumed direct management. Renovations in the mid-1990s focused on protecting the waterway, and infrastructure improvements have continued since.

Environmental Designations

The Rainbow River is designated as:

• An Outstanding Florida Water by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection
• An Aquatic Preserve
• A National Natural Landmark

These designations reflect the river’s ecological importance and water quality protections.

Resources

• Google Maps
• Visit KP Hole Park – Marion County
• Marion County Facility Directory listing
• Ocala Marion County

FAQs About KP Hole Park

Where is KP Hole Park?

KP Hole Park is located in Dunnellon, Florida, along the Rainbow River. It is one of the main public access points for paddling, tubing, snorkeling, swimming, and drift diving on the river.

Is KP Hole the same as Rainbow Springs State Park?

No. Rainbow Springs State Park protects the headspring area of the Rainbow River, while KP Hole is a Marion County park located downstream. KP Hole mainly serves as a river access point, with launch docks, a boat ramp, rentals, tubing, and shuttle services.

Can you kayak or paddleboard from KP Hole?

Yes. KP Hole offers canoe, kayak, and paddleboard rentals year-round. Visitors can paddle upriver toward the clearer upper sections of the Rainbow River, then drift back with the current. Downriver paddle trips are also available with shuttle service.

How long does it take to paddle upriver from KP Hole?

Paddling upriver from KP Hole typically takes about 20 to 40 minutes, depending on river conditions and paddling experience. Many visitors paddle toward Indian Creek or the clearer upper sections near the headspring influence, then float back downstream.

Can you go tubing at KP Hole?

Yes, generally from April 1 through September 30. The tubing package includes park entry, tube rental, and return shuttle service. Personal tubes are not permitted. Tubers must be at least three years old, and must be 18 or older to rent tubes.

Is KP Hole a good place for snorkeling?

Yes. KP Hole is a popular access point for snorkeling on the Rainbow River. Many snorkelers use shuttle-supported trips to enter upstream in the clearest sections, then drift back downstream with the current.

Can you scuba dive at KP Hole?

Yes. KP Hole is one of the main staging areas for Rainbow River drift dives. The river is shallow, clear, and spring-fed, with typical depths around 8 to 12 feet and maximum depths around 20 to 21 feet. Divers may need to pay a diver-specific fee and follow local dive flag requirements.

Are there fees to enter KP Hole Park?

Yes. KP Hole charges entrance fees, and additional fees may apply for launching paddle craft, diving, motorized vessels, tubing packages, rentals, and shuttle services. Fees can change, so visitors should check the current Marion County information before planning a trip.

What facilities are available at KP Hole?

KP Hole has a public boat ramp, canoe and kayak launch docks, picnic areas, restrooms, concessions, swimming access, and wildlife viewing opportunities. The park may reach capacity during busy spring and summer weekends, so arriving early is recommended.

Photo: “Rainbow River: KP Hole Park” by Aaron Kelly, via Flickr, licensed under CC BY 2.0.