Rivers to go tubing? (Ocala, Hernando: rent, camping, restaurant)

[claurenzo]

Hey all, we are looking for fun party atmosphere rivers to go camping for my birthday next month. I saw rainbow river by Ocala, but it seems they are very strict on not drinking on the river. We moved from Ohio and used to go on a river called Mohican...it was a shallow river that people tubes and kayaked on. There was no sheriff patrol and some times of the year it's so shallow you can sit in the water in some places so thats probably why. There are campgrounds the whole length of the river and again, drinking is allowed!

Are there any rivers within 2 1/2 hours or so from here that are fun like that? Thanks all!

[Ken E]

The Santa Fe River up by High Springs is nice.

[crazynip]

The Hillsborough River just south of the dam at Rowlett Park is excellent for tubing.

[Badbird2000]

Icheetucknee (sp?) up near High Springs is nice too.. no camping right on the river that i know of, but you can camp at O'leno S.P.

[BucFan]

Am I invited?

[Keeper]

Originally Posted by Badbird2000

Icheetucknee (sp?) up near High Springs is nice too.. no camping right on the river that i know of, but you can camp at O'leno S.P.

I don't think they allow drinking on the river though. The water is 'cold' and beautiful.

I don't know of any place where it is allowed to bring alcohol if you rent any tubes or kayak. You can kayak on the Hillsboro river.

[rich67]

you can tube, kayak or boat the Weeki Wachee in Hernando County, we have brought beer and coolers before, and there is rarely a police presence unless it's on a holiday weekend. Furthermore, the water is crystal clear, haven't seen one gator out there, and it's a chilly 72-75 year round...may be a bit cold even on a hot day to be sitting in a tube for some people, though. Lots of manatees are in the area also. Places to kick back all along the river to jump from rope swings or just enjoy the scenery.
Drop off at the headspring located in a back parking lot by the Weeki Wachee mermaid show (I think there's a water park there too), and float the river all the way down to Rogers Park. You'll need to shuttle it and park two cars, or just pay one of the kayakers to drive you back up to your car. There's a kayak outfitter next to the Upper Deck restaurant there at Roger's, and they are really cool with giving a lift back for some tip $$.

[crazynip]

Originally Posted by Keeper

I don't think they allow drinking on the river though. The water is 'cold' and beautiful.

They dont allow drinking there because it's a state park. You can drink and tube on the santa fe river, put in at Ginne Springs park. You also may be able to on the rainbow river, I know you used to be able to, but I have not been there in years and the state took over that, so who knows.

[Not_liking_FL]

Originally Posted by BucFan

Am I invited?

Haha, that is the first thing that popped into my head when I read this post. Also snakes.