Florida has a lot of hidden gems but possibly the most unique attractions are the stunning blue springs scattered throughout the state. There are over 1,000 springs in total, each with their own identifying features and appeal. My mom and I head down pretty frequently to see family, and have made it our goal to check out a new spring each time we head down for a visit. This year our spring of choice was Kelly Park Rock Springs, and I think it may be a new favorite!
Finding Kelly Park Rock Springs
Kelly Park is located in Apopka Florida, about 30 minutes north of Orlando. It should come up on your GPS device but in case it doesn’t you’ll want to take Exit 38 off of FL-429 onto W Kelly Park Rd. Follow this road for about 10 minutes until you reach the park entrance.
Facilities
The park has both restrooms and showers available for visitors. These are open during all park hours which are 8 AM to 8 PM in the summer and 8 AM to 6 PM in the winter.
Exploring the Park
Once you’ve walked past the restrooms you’ll find yourself in the central swimming area (scroll to park map here). This will probably be the most populated area in the park and is located at the center of the spring. There are plenty of fish to watch in this section of the park, and it’s a great shallow area for the kids.
You’ll probably notice there is a current flowing from the right to the left of the pool. In order to explore the entire spring, you’ll want to walk down the path to your right until you come to the start of the spring. You’ll know you’re there when you see the platforms and staircases leading down to the swimming area. This is probably the most photographed area in the park. At the start of the spring it’s deep enough to jump, and you’ll find that the current is it’s strongest here. It will swiftly bring you through an opening in the rocks and under the bridge before it settles to about the same strength as it was in the main swimming area. The full run is about 3/4 of a mile long and takes about 30 minutes to travel.
Flotation Devices
You’ll probably notice quite a few visitors with tubes or other flotation devices. There aren’t any tubes for rent within the park so you’ll want to bring your own if you want to use them to float down the river, or you can rent tubes from Rock Springs Bar & Grill just outside the entrance of the park for $7. Don’t worry if you don’t have any, we just floated on our backs or slowly swam until we reached the end of the spring and had a great time!
Other Activities
Once you’ve floated down to the end of the spring, you’ll see an exit ramp for swimmers. Past this point is a scenic 8.5 mile river run, however, it is only accessible to kayaks, canoes, and SUPs.
Back at the center of the park they have volleyball and basketball courts (volleyballs and horseshoes available for loan at the gatehouse), and a playground. Pavilions are available to rent for a fee, you can find more info by contacting the park at KellyCamping@ocfl.net.
There are campsites available which include a picnic table, fire ring, grill, water and electricity. Each site is also within close proximity to restrooms and hot showers. Regular campsites allow for up to 6 people and family sites 12 people. Prices are listed below!
Orange County Resident
Camp Site – $18.00
Family Site – $36.00
Senior (55+) – $13.50
Non-County Resident
Camp Site – $23.00
Family Site – $46.00
Senior (55+) – $17.25
When to Visit
In the spring and summer busy season the park is usually packed, and for good reason. The spring remains at 68 degrees year round and can be quite refreshing. So, if you’re looking to cool of somewhere in the summer this is a great choice. However, the park has a daily maximum of 280 vehicles in the morning and an additional 50 vehicles after 2 PM so be sure to arrive early to ensure you’ll be let in. If you’d prefer to see the spring when it’s less crowded fall is the way to go!
We had very unfortunate weather on our last trip and came between a couple hurricanes that were passing through the area in the middle of November. We had clouds, rain and cool temps so we visited on the hottest day during our trip which was only 70 degrees and cloudy. It was a bit chilly but we only saw about 20 people there the whole day, and usually we get better weather during that time of year!
If you still have any questions about Kelly Park please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below and I’ll do my best to answer it. Have you visited any of the Florida springs? I’d love to hear about them!
When visiting Kelly Park Rock Springs and other beautiful places in nature please remember to always leave no trace. If you are unfamiliar with these principles you can check them out here. https://lnt.org/why/7-principles/
Land Acknowledgement: Land of the Seminole, Timucua, Miccosukee, and Mascogo People. You can learn more about whose land you’re using by referencing the Native Land app. Please consider taking some time to look into the history of the area, and if you’re able, donating to local indigenous organizations.
Park Map
