If you are looking for the best “lazy river” in the Orlando area, you found it here at Rock Springs in Kelly Park. With crystal clear water, a jungle-like canopy, and even hiking, this well-known park is one of the premier experiences in central Florida. This complete guide will cover everything you need to know.
Quick Facts
- Location: 400 E Kelly Park Rd, Apopka, FL 32712
- Water Temp: 72°F year-round
- Entrance Fee: $3/vehicle for 1-2 people, $5/vehicle for 3-8 people
- Hours: Summer: 8am-8pm, Winter: 8am-6pm
- Activities: Swimming, Tubing, Hiking, Picnicking, Camping
- Wildlife: Turtles, Fish, Deer, Raccoons, Otters, Bears, Birds, Occasional alligators
- Best For: Families and couples who want to go tubing!
Overview
Rock Springs is one of the most unique springs in Central Florida and is the source of the famed Emerald Cut and 9-mile Rock Springs Run. This spring pumps out 26,000 gallons per minute to feed the Wekiva River, one of only two Wild and Scenic Rivers in Florida.
Rock Springs sits in the middle of Kelly Park, a 355-acre Orange County park with swimming, hiking, and tubing opportunities. Entrance here is challenging, as the park fills up almost every day.
You will need to get up early to secure your spot in line for entry to this natural gem. Visitors travel from around the world to experience it, and it has a maximum capacity of 280 (in the morning) + 50 additional (in the afternoon) vehicles per day.
Terminology: Understanding Wekiva, Rock Springs, and Emerald Cut
Planning a trip to the Wekiva River and Rock Springs can be confusing. There are multiple parks, launch points, and names. Here are the different areas and my favorite way to enjoy each of them:
- Wekiwa Springs: swimming. Accessible via the main state park, this area features a large spring for swimming as well as hiking trails, camping, and a kayak launch onto the Wekiva River. This is the most family-friendly access point.
- Rock Springs: tubing. Accessible via Kelly Park, this is a popular tubing spring with crystal-clear water. Tubes are available to float downstream, but kayaking is limited. This is one of the busiest parks, especially in the summer.
- Rock Springs Run: kayaking. This is a spring-fed paddling trail with clear water and strong current. This is a more adventurous paddle with tight turns, wildlife, and obstacles.
- Emerald Cut: paddling and swimming. Accessible via Kings Landing, this is the most famous section of the Wekiva system. This short stretch features clear, green-blue water surrounded by dense vegetation. It is excellent for both paddling and swimming.
- Wekiva River: kayaking. The main river connecting these areas. It is crystal-clear in the Emerald Cut section, progressing to darker, tannin-stained water as you gain distance from the springs.
- Wekiva Island: partying. A party area with riverside lounging, bars, cabanas, and food trucks. This is a take-out for the river with kayak rentals available. While a great place to relax and end your paddle, it can get busy on the weekends.
- Katie’s Landing: kayaking in solitude. This is a quieter, more natural launch site on the Wekiva River. Katie’s Landing is further down the river and is suitable for a longer paddle.
Things to Do at Rock Springs
Kelly Park offers more than just swimming. Here are the highlights that you can enjoy:
- Tubing the spring run – this is worth getting up early for
- Snorkeling and swimming – the water is crystal clear
- Hiking – multiple park trails with wildlife
- Picnicking – shaded pavilions are available
- Camping
Tubing at Rock Springs
This is the main event, and it totally lives up to the hype. The tubing run is a natural lazy river through a jungle-like canopy. The water is cool and totally clear.
You walk a short path to the spring head, launch your tube, and float down the winding, scenic run for around 25 minutes. You will pass the swimming area on your journey, and as you continue, the end is clearly designated by a bridge spanning the whole river. Simply walk up the ramp to leave the water, and travel the path back past the swimming area to the spring head to float again.
Tubing is possible 5-10 or even more times in a single day, there is no limit except for time.
Keep the following in mind:
- Tubes are supposed to be less than 5 feet in diameter (This is posted in several places, but we did see many larger tubes when we visited)
- There are no tubes available for rent in the park. Bring your own or rent from Rock Springs Bar and Grill (they will probably be out and make it easy for you as you wait in line)
- No tubing is allowed past the wooden bridge (this is Emerald Cut, accessible by kayak/canoe/paddleboard via King’s Landing)
- No alcohol is permitted in the park
Swimming at Rock Springs
Swimming here is super refreshing in the cool, clear water during the summer, which feels warm in the winter. The main swimming area has stairs and concrete embankments, as well as a sandy bottom.
It is harder to swim near the spring vent, as the current is flowing really hard and the water is deeper and rocky. I would not recommend this unless you are a strong swimmer. Jumping and diving are not allowed as the submerged rocks are dangerous.
We found swimming and snorkeling to be best along the tube run. We enjoyed floating down and looking at the fish and clear water, though you do have to be strategic about dodging the rocks and the tubers.
Kayaking and Paddling
Kayaking and paddleboarding are not allowed in Kelly Park. Nearby access points are Camp Joy or our favorite: King’s Landing.
Best Time to Visit
Rock Springs is open year-round, and they say that is a great escape in the cold weather, when the 72°F water is warmer than the air. In the spring, summer, and fall, the cool water is an excellent reprieve from Florida’s heat.
Weekdays from October-March will have the smallest crowds, shortest lines, and most peaceful experience on the spring run.
Weekends (especially Saturdays) in the spring and summer will be the busiest. Lines will be formed by 6am, 2 hours before opening.
I would recommend balancing between warm weather and short lines, with a visit in either October or March.
Entrance Fees, Hours, and Reservations
The fees here are minimal:
- 1-2 people per vehicle is $3
- 3-8 people per vehicle is $5
- Buses are $10 + $1/person
Hours:
- Summer (usually March-November): 8am-8pm
- Winter (usually November-March): 8am-6pm
- Waterfront and trails close an hour before the park does
- Please note that you cannot just show up at opening and get in, due to limited capacity you should arrive early to secure a spot in line
There are no reservations for Kelly Park/Rock Springs. Admission is purely first-come, first-served. For reservations on different areas of the Wekiva River, try Wekiwa Springs State Park or King’s Landing.
Camping fees vary based on your age and whether you live in Orange County, FL.
If you need to leave for a medical reason, to get food, rent tubes, etc., stop by the gatehouse to get a re-entry stamp on your receipt before leaving.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, view the park website.
How to Get There
Kelly Park is located 30 miles from downtown Orlando at 400 E Kelly Park Rd, Apopka, FL 32712. You can’t miss it, there will be a line. There is no overflow parking or shuttle service.
What to Bring
I would recommend the following:
- Shoes for hiking and traction on the rocky bottom as you launch on the tube run
- Tevas or Chacos are ideal so you only need to bring one pair
- Swimsuit
- Your own tube (renting is expensive)
- A small hand or battery operated air pump
- Mineral sunscreen
- Dry bag for your phone and keys
- Towels
- Water
- Snacks, lunch
- Bug Spray
- Mask and Snorkel
- Money for entry
- Change of clothes if you don’t plan to hang out to dry off
What Not to Bring
- Alcohol
- Glass Containers
- Drones
- Pets
Tips to Avoid Crowds
This is impossible in summer and a tall order in spring and fall. Here are my best tips:
- Arrive early (you have to do this anyways to secure a spot)
- Visit on a weekday, Tuesday and Wednesday being best to avoid crowds.
- Go in the winter between October and March
- Come prepared with your tube, snacks, etc.
- Skip holidays, especially Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day
- Check capacity status before making the trip. As a rule of thumb, if you are not in line by 7 am, you are unlikely to get in. In the summer, this is 6 am.
- For a more remote experience, skip Kelly Park, and try the Wekiva River paddle from King’s Landing to Wekiva Island. Better yet, paddle from Wekiva Island to Katie’s Landing.
Where to Stay Nearby
If you are in Orlando for the theme parks, stay near them and make a day trip out here. Hotels are available everywhere in Orlando, local to Apopka you might try Lake Mary/Sanford or Altamonte Springs/Maitland.
Camping is available at Kelly Park, Wekiwa Springs State Park, and along the Wekiva River on the run between King’s Landing and Wekiva Island.
For more small-town charm, try an AirBnB in the Mount Dora Historic District.
Nearby Things to Do
Rock Springs Run is centrally positioned for a central Florida outdoor adventure.
On the same river you can enjoy:
- Wekiwa Springs State Park – another stunning spring with swimming, hiking, and canoeing
- King’s Landing to Emerald Cut and Wekiva Island Paddle – a great day-trip balancing crystal clear water just downstream of Kelly Park with the wild and scenic Wekiva River
Other highlights nearby are:
- Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive
- Gatorland
- Leu Gardens
- Cocoa Beach
- Kennedy Space Center
- New Smyrna Beach
Other Springs Near Rock Springs
If you loved Rock Springs, make sure to check out other nearby central Florida springs:
Wekiwa Springs State Park is located 15 minutes south along the Wekiva River. This is a crystal clear spring with a large swimming area, canoe rentals, and great hiking trails.
Blue Spring State Park is around 45 minutes away and features tubing and a powerful first magnitude spring.
Silver Glen Springs, a favorite for boating and snorkeling, is located under an hour away in the Ocala National Forest.
De Leon Springs State Park is under an hour from Emerald Cut. It features the Old Sugar Mill Pancake House, a memorable way to dine with the family before jumping in.
Silver Springs State Park is around 1.5 hours away and also offers excellent kayaking, and there are even wild monkeys.
Hiking Trails Near Rock Springs
Rock Springs Yellow Trail (Kelly Park) – 1.9-mile trail packed with deer and turkeys. This trail had a surprising amount of elevation, as well as what seemed to be sinkholes. We strongly recommend this trail to work up a sweat before jumping in.
Oakhill and Prairie Lakes Trails (Kelly Park) – 1.7-mile trail along a dirt road, this would be a less crowded option compared to the red trail.
Wekiwa Springs Volksmarch Trail – 5.9-mile trail in Wekiwa Springs State Park exploring woodlands and water features.
Rock Springs Lake Trail – 5.5-mile trail in Rock Springs Run State Reserve through pine scrub, pine flatwoods, and bayheads.
Restaurants Near Rock Springs
If you can get into Wekiva Island, eat there at the food trucks, and then jump in the water and take another swim in the Wekiva River.
There are plenty of other restaurants near the Wekiva River, and many enjoy the Without a Paddle Café in Longwood. Just up the road in Apopka is the Rock Springs Bar & Grill, where you may have rented your tubes from.
For a splurge, I recommend driving 20 minutes to the Goblin Market in Mount Dora. You may need a reservation, but trust me it is worth it.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Some of the best tubing in central Florida, better than any waterpark
- Affordable entry at $3-$5 per car
- Crystal-clear spring water is a constant cool temperature
- Family-friendly environment with shallow areas for kids to swim
- Camping available
- Close to Orlando
- Hiking contains lots of wildlife
Cons:
- No reservations
- You need to show up very early to wait in line for potential entry
- Crowded, especially in the summer
- No pets allowed
- Tube rentals require leaving the park
Sample Itinerary
We recommend that you spend at least a half day on your Kelly Park adventure:
- 5:30am: Pick up coffee and breakfast on the way.
- 6:00-6:30am: Arrive and secure your spot in line. Eat breakfast and drink your coffee while hanging out in line. Inflate your tube while you wait, or rent one while you wait in line.
- 8:00am: Park gates open, wait in line again to pay and park.
- 8:30am: Hike the 1.9-mile Rock Springs Yellow Trail, seeing sinkholes and wildlife and getting the lay of the land.
- 9:15am: Check out the spring head and main vent.
- 9:30am: Bring your phone in a floating waterproof bag on your first tube run to snag some pics with your family.
- 10:00am: Hike back to the start, drop off your phone in a locker or your car. Do another tube run.
- 10:45am: Snorkel the swimming area and tube run if you are a good swimmer.
- 11:30am: Stop for a picnic lunch.
- 12:00pm: Continue your adventure somewhere else or continue doing tube runs until an hour before the park closes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rock Springs worth visiting? 100%. This is one of the most beautiful and affordable experiences in central Florida. The water clarity is unbelievable, this is upstream of Emerald Cut. The tube run is one of the best lazy rivers in the state.
Can you swim year-round? Yes, and the water is always 72°F. In the summer, the water is cool, and in the winter, the water is warm.
Are there alligators? Occasionally, but not often. The swimming area may temporarily close due to alligator presence.
Do you need reservations? There are no reservations, entry is first-come, first-served. Entry is limited to 280 vehicles in the morning and in the summer will be full by the time it opens. You should arrive very early to secure a spot in line. Even locals have a hard time getting in.
Are there bathrooms available? Yes.
Can I bring my dog? No, unless it is an ADA-certified service animal.
Can I kayak here? No, head up the road 2 minutes to King’s Landing to kayak, canoe, and paddleboard on the Emerald Cut.
What time should you arrive at Rock Springs? Early, by 6am in peak season. On weekdays, 7am may be sufficient.
Our Experience at Rock Springs
Despite growing up less than an hour from Rock Springs, I had never been there. Every time I drove past, it was too late, and the line was too long. It was time to change that.
My wife and I, along with a couple of friends met up in the line for Kelly Park around 6:45 am. We were pretty far back in the line, but several people arrived after us. We hung out, ate breakfast, drank coffee, and relaxed until the park opened.
A few minutes before 8am, a police officer handed each car a ticket for entry. The ticket had instructions that told us to avoid fights and let people cut in line if they try, as no entry is possible without a ticket. At 8am, the line started moving, and when we reached the entrance we handed our ticket to a different police officer.
At 8:30, we finally paid the attendant and parked. We started off with the short Yellow Trail. This was great, as we were the first people of the day hiking it. The trail had a turkey and 3 deer that we saw, along with numerous squirrels. The elevation on the trail was a welcome surprise, along with the sinkholes. Seriously, this was a 5/5 trail!
My wife and I walked up to the main spring vent, and unfortunately you cannot enter the cave where the spring starts. Luckily, you can swim in the very small pool between the rocks where the run starts. You must be careful not to get pushed under or between rocks by the current if you snorkel here like we did.
Swimming/Tubing
I have never been to a spring quite like Rock Springs, with the water pushing through a series of large rocks. We grabbed our tubes and jumped back in. The tube run was awesome, through lush jungle-like canopies of trees.
We got to the swimming area and were slightly confused whether or not we should exit the river here. Taking the risk, we pressed on to the slightly less crowded rest of the spring run.
Luckily, the real end is very well-marked. There is a bridge and fence stopping you from continuing, along with a ramp to help you exit the water. The run takes about 25 minutes.
We left the water and hiked the short, paved trail back to our stuff. After dropping off our phones, we took the tube run another time, taking in the sights. We saw a large turtle at the end of the run.
Snorkeling
We decided it was time to swim down the length of the tube run and snorkel our way to the end. This was a little bit tougher, and there is definitely an area where you need to be careful to not hit rocks in the swift, shallow river.
Snorkeling was incredible, with a lot of fish and plants along the way. We saw tons of shells and cool rocks. We liked snorkeling so much, we did the run again.
After 4 runs, we got out and hit the snack bar. I think they were having a bad day when we were there, because the food tasted like they made it without love. Luckily, we brought subs to eat.
After our picnic, we left the park. This was a good call because we were starting to get cooked by the sun. We had a great time at this local gem and will absolutely come back – this winter. After seeing the lines in April I do not believe I will be arriving at 5am to guarantee summer entry.
Final Thoughts
While only a county park, Rock Springs at Kelly Park is a national treasure. Access to a national-level lazy river costs less than a cup of coffee – for the whole family. The hiking trails are well-maintained, diverse, and packed with wildlife.
Come early, bring your own tube, and enjoy this natural remedy to the overpriced theme park economy in Central Florida.
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