Kelly Park Rock Springs is a true gem of Central Florida! It’s located in Apopka, Florida just 35 minutes from Orlando. Kelly Park Rock Springs is the perfect place to spend a day in nature floating down the natural lazy river (which has a water temperature of 68-72 degrees year round) or having a picnic with a gorgeous view.
Spanning over 350 acres, this expansive park not only features a pristine, free-flowing natural spring but also provides camping options for tents and campervans/RVs, a convenient boat launch, picnic pavilions, and a playground.
Explore my comprehensive guide to visiting Kelly Park Rock Springs, where I’ll cover everything you need to know—from directions and entry prices to a kayak and stand-up paddleboard launch area, opening hours, prime photo spots, and essential tips for a seamless and enjoyable visit.
Kelly Park Rock Springs is a magical place to spend a day.
Nestled just 35 minutes to the north of the bustling city of Orlando, Kelly Park Rock Springs is a serene escape to enjoy nature’s wonders. Whether you’re a local seeking a nearby retreat or a traveler looking to explore the natural beauty of Central Florida, Kelly Park’s convenient proximity to Orlando makes it an ideal destination for a day of relaxation and outdoor adventure.
The address is 400 E Kelly Park Rd, Apopka, FL 32712, United States.
You can find the exact Google maps location here.
Entry fees & Opening times
Entry fees:
Admission to Kelly Park/Rock Springs is $3 per vehicle for 1-2 people, $5 per vehicle for 3-8 people, and $1 for each additional person, walk-ins, motorcycles, or bikes. Fees can be paid by cash or credit card (but not Amex).
Pets are not permitted within the park premises. Only ADA service animals are allowed
Opening times:
- In the summer, the park is open from 8 am – 8 pm
- In winter, the park is open from 8 am – 6 pm
- Park hours change when the time changes.
- The nature trails and waterfront close one hour before the park officially closes.
Additional notes:
During the summer, the park gets extemely busy. I recommend arriving AT LEAST an hour (if not two), prior to the opening time. Although there is typically a queue, it’s preferable to be at the front as opposed to the back due to the park’s daily entrance limit.
Once the park reaches its capacity, no additional vehicles will be permitted. Each morning, 280 vehicles are granted entry, and an extra 50 vehicles are allowed in after 1 p.m. with an afternoon parking pass. If you cannot make it for the opening time, you can refer to the park’s website (which is updated when capacity is reached) or contact 407-254-1906 for information.
I have been to the park numerous times in the summer, and although it’s consistently beautiful, in my experience March and April have been two of the best months to visit. The weather is pleasantly warm without being excessively hot, and during this period, the park tends to be significantly less crowded compared to the summer months.
Related article: The Perfect Florida Road Trip Itinerary (with a stop at Kelly Park/Rock Springs)
Tubing at Kelly Park Rock Springs
Tube rentals are offered by vendors outside the entrance, but I recommend bringing your own tubes or floats! It’s much more convenient and you won’t have to possibly lose your place in line trying to get floats for you and your group.
The park website states that guests are welcome to bring their own pool noodles or floats, provided they are less than five feet in length or width. While it may seem like a good idea to use a pool noodle, I don’t recommend it. There are many rocks in the water and having the buoyancy and ability to float on your tube is the way to go for a relaxing float down the spring.
The tube run at Rock Springs spans just under a mile. I always do the entire run 4 or 5 times, as you can float from one end to the other in 25 minutes or so. To start your tubing adventure, go to the head of Rock Springs, go down the stairs, and enjoy your float to the beach area at the end.
Kayaking & Stand Up Paddleboarding
Kelly Park’s Camp Joy has a launch point for SUPs, kayaks, and canoes, It costs $3 for 1-2 people, $5 for 3-8 people, and an additional $1 for each extra person. Launching is allowed between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m., and everyone must return by 5 p.m. I strongly recommend this experience, if you have a kayak or SUP, as you’ll have a chance to admire nature and animals that you may not get to see on the shorter tube run.
Camping
Nestled adjacent to the Rock Springs Run State Reserve, Kelly Park has 26 individual campsites and 2 group sites.
All single-family campsites have electric hookups, accommodating tents, trailers, and RVs. Each site also has a table, fire ring, grill, and convenient water access. The campground provides amenities such as drinking water, flush toilets, trash collection, and a dump station.
You can enjoy more recreational options with a network of mixed-use trails woven throughout the park.
- A single campsite (2 tents and up to 6 people) costs $18/night for Orange County residents and $23/night for visitors.
- If you need a bigger group site (4 tents and up to 12 people), it costs $36/night for OC residents and $46/night for visitors.
In busier months, the camping fills up quickly so make your reservation here ahead of time!
Wildlife at Kelly Park Rock Springs
The park is home to a diverse range of animals, including deer, snakes, and even alligators and bears. While encounters with alligators or bears are not frequent, they do inhabit the area, making sightings possible. If you happen to spot an alligator in or around the water, make sure to inform the park staff. During our recent visit to the park, we saw many different animals, including deer, snakes, rabbits, and tiny fish swimming alongside us.
There are no manatees at this spring. If you are looking to swim with the manatees, you’ll want to head to Crystal River!
Tips for your visit
- You can bring your own BBQ, as long as you use it in a picnic area.
- Don’t forget a waterproof case for your phone, so you can bring it with you as you float down the spring and snap some photos along the way.
- There are a few lockers that can be rented on a first come, first served basis. You can rent the locks from the concession area.
- The concession stand (open from spring until October) serves hot dogs, hamburgers, funnel cakes, and more. It’s cash only.
- Drones are allowed in the park! They must take off from and land in the designated area (main picnic area that is next to the drop off area).
- The best photo spot is near the beginning of the spring run. That’s where most of the above photos were taken. It can be difficult to get a shot without people in it during the summer, but in non-peak months you can get some great shots!
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