FL Rainbow River Camp and Kayak

[sunsetkayaker]

We had a great time on Rainbow River. We kayaked most of the spring run. The water was clear and the birds were out. The spring water seemed warm in relation to the air which was a pleasant surprise.P2021254sm.JPGP2031286sm.JPGP2031282sm.JPGP2031280sm.JPGP2031279sm.JPGP2031278sm.JPGP2031277sm.JPGP2031275sm.JPGP2031274sm.JPGP2031272sm.JPGP2021261sm.jpgP2021260sm.JPGP2021266sm.JPGP2021255sm.JPGP2031287sm.JPG

[twentybelow]

Very nice! Awesome crystal clear water. Thanks for posting! My wife and I kayaked the Rainbow back in 2012 and might have a chance to run it again next month. Where did you camp? I remember it being bordered by private property most of the way down to the Withlacoochee.

[ObdewlaX]

That's awesome how clear that water is, like looking through glass... amazing.

Thanks for posting.

[sunsetkayaker]

We camped at the rainbow river state park campground. It is on the East side of the river about 1 1/2 miles down from the spring headwaters. We launched from the headwaters (there is about a 1/4 mile portage) in the morning. You can also launch from the campground easier, but we wanted to see the whole spring run. We took out at Swampy's and had lunch. We used an outfitter to shuttle drivers. I don't remember the name but it is open year round and their parking lot is the same lot as Swampy's. It was a great time, and the good thing with springs is, the water level is not so much based on rain and is always moving.

[Pheonix6579]

How hammock friendly is the campground? Any sites there you would suggest for multiple hangers?

[sunsetkayaker]

Not hammock friendly. The camp ground was clean and well maintained, but campers (tents and RVs) have to stay ON the prepared pad (gravel drive surface and very compact) I wouldn't call it very tent friendly either since stakes were very hard to drive in. That is where we wanted to be though, so we camped there.

[johnspenn]

Looks like a great trip. Beautiful area and love the clear springs!