Kelly Park/Rock Springs Orlando
A natural spring paradise near Orlando, offering a refreshing lazy river float and crystal-clear waters at an unbeatable price.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxing
Kelly Park/Rock Springs Orlando
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A natural spring paradise near Orlando, offering a refreshing lazy river float and crystal-clear waters at an unbeatable price.
"This natural spring is like a hidden paradise for only $5 a vehicle. "
🎯 Arrive by 5 AM on Weekends
Seriously, get there before sunrise on weekends to guarantee entry. Capacity is 280 cars!
🧳 Bring Your Own Tube!
Save money and hassle by bringing your own float. Rentals are available but can add up.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Rock Springs Run Float
The natural lazy river
Float downstream on a 25-minute lazy river ride through crystal-clear, cool spring water.
Springhead Swimming
The main springhead
Jump into the refreshing springhead, a natural pool with a constant cool temperature year-round.
Picnic & Play Areas
Designated park areas
Enjoy family time with picnic spots, grills, playgrounds, and volleyball nets.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Arrive Before Sunrise
Bring Your Own Tube & Essentials
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive by 5 AM on Weekends
Seriously, get there before sunrise on weekends to guarantee entry. Capacity is 280 cars! +1
🧳 Bring Your Own Tube!
Save money and hassle by bringing your own float. Rentals are available but can add up.
👟 Water Shoes Recommended
Protect your feet from slippery rocks and sharp objects in the spring.
🚗 Leave Valuables in Car
Lock up your belongings securely in your vehicle; theft has been reported.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive by 5 AM on Weekends
Seriously, get there before sunrise on weekends to guarantee entry. Capacity is 280 cars! +1
🧳 Bring Your Own Tube!
Save money and hassle by bringing your own float. Rentals are available but can add up.
👟 Water Shoes Recommended
Protect your feet from slippery rocks and sharp objects in the spring.
🚗 Leave Valuables in Car
Lock up your belongings securely in your vehicle; theft has been reported.
💧 Check Water Quality Updates
Occasionally, parks close due to fecal contamination. Check local park advisories.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Kelly Park at Rock Springs is a beloved natural spring offering a refreshing lazy river float at an incredibly low cost. Visitors rave about the clear water and fun tubing experience, but the park's extreme popularity means arriving before sunrise is essential to avoid disappointment due to strict capacity limits. +1
"Beautiful area and easy to tube down the river and hike back up! The hike back was paved and only took maybe 5 minutes at most.
They do limit the number of cars that can come in so get there early, probably before they open the gates to make sure you can get in!
It felt safe, family friendly, and had lots of shade and places to park and set up for the day!"
Mike R
"Absolutely love this park. Beautiful national forest, cristal clear spring water. One thing I would recommend is to arrive to the park early, so that you can secure a parking spot. The last time we went, we arrived at 7am. The line to enter the park was already 0.3 miles from the gate. Aside from that, everything was amazing! There are lifeguards on site, bathrooms, and a spot to get food and ice cream. There are also quite a few grills and tables."
TinkaKartinka Pakholok
"1st time going. The ambiance was amazing. God's creation can't be messed with. The water was very very cold, but I'm from the island so I got used to the river water. Will go again."
Lizzy Pierre
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kelly Park is located in Apopka, Florida, approximately 30-40 minutes northwest of downtown Orlando.
Driving is the most common method. Parking fills up extremely early, so plan your arrival accordingly. Ridesharing services might be an option, but check with the park regarding drop-off policies.
Public transportation options to Kelly Park are limited. It's best to have your own vehicle or arrange a ride.
Kelly Park typically opens at 8 AM. Summer hours can extend to 8 PM, while winter hours may end at 6 PM. Always check the official park website for the most current hours.
If the park reaches its 280-car capacity, you may be able to get a ticket for entry after 1 PM if space becomes available, but this is not guaranteed. Arriving early is the surest way to get in. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry fees are typically $3 per vehicle for 1-2 people and $5 per vehicle for 3-8 people.
Reservations are generally not required, but the park has a strict capacity limit. Arriving very early is crucial to secure a spot.
If the park reaches capacity, you might be given a ticket for a later entry time (often after 1 PM), or you may be turned away. It's best to arrive before opening. +1
The per-vehicle fee is already very affordable. Specific discount information is not widely advertised, but the low entry cost makes it accessible.
Some visitors suggest that if someone drops you off, you might be able to walk in after paying the entry fee, potentially bypassing the car line.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The main draw is the 25-minute float down the natural lazy river of Rock Springs Run, fed by a cool, clear spring.
The water temperature is consistently around 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, making it refreshing, especially during warmer months.
Yes, as with most natural Florida waterways, there is a possibility of encountering alligators. It's advised to stay aware and avoid areas with dense vegetation.
Besides tubing, you can swim in the springhead, enjoy picnic areas with grills, explore hiking trails, and there are playgrounds for children.
Yes, visitors are encouraged to bring their own food, drinks, and picnic supplies. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no formal restaurants inside Kelly Park. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own food and picnic supplies.
Apopka, the nearby city, offers various dining options. Some Reddit users have recommended a restaurant called 'Crave' for good food.
Yes, Kelly Park provides picnic areas with grills, making it a great spot for a barbecue.
Given the outdoor setting and tubing activity, easy-to-eat picnic foods, snacks, and plenty of water are ideal.
While not a full restaurant, there might be a concession stand for basic snacks or drinks, but it's best to come prepared with your own provisions.
📸 📸 Photography
The crystal-clear water of Rock Springs Run, the lush natural surroundings, and the springhead itself offer beautiful photo opportunities.
It's advisable to use a waterproof case or a floating lanyard for your phone or camera if you plan to take it on the river.
Early morning light can be beautiful, but the park can be crowded. Mid-day offers bright light, but be mindful of harsh shadows.
There are no specific restrictions mentioned for personal photography, but always be respectful of other visitors' privacy.
Drone usage is typically restricted in state and county parks. It's best to check the park's official regulations regarding drone operation.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Bring plenty of snacks and drinks, utilize the picnic areas and grills for a family meal, and don't forget swim diapers if needed. The playground offers another way for kids to burn off energy. Remember to arrive very early, especially on weekends, to ensure you can get a spot for the whole family.
💰 Budget Travelers
Pack your own food and drinks to save even more, and bring your own tubes to avoid rental costs. This allows for a full day of natural recreation without the high price tag of theme parks or water parks.
🌿 Nature Lovers & Outdoor Enthusiasts
+1Enjoy the lazy river float, explore the nature trails, and appreciate the unique ecosystem. It's a great opportunity to connect with nature and experience Florida's springs without the crowds of more developed attractions (if you time your visit right!).
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Famous Rock Springs Run Float
To enjoy the float, you'll typically enter at the springhead and ride the current to the end of the run. From there, it's a short walk back up a nature trail to the springhead to repeat the experience. Many visitors enjoy floating multiple times in a single visit. The water temperature remains a consistent 68-72°F, making it a perfect escape from the Florida heat.
While the float is generally family-friendly, it's important to be aware of your surroundings. As with any natural Florida waterway, there's a possibility of encountering wildlife like alligators, especially in denser vegetation. Wearing water shoes is also recommended for navigating the springbed.
Navigating Kelly Park's Capacity
When the park reaches capacity, officials may stop allowing new vehicles in or offer tickets for later entry, often after 1 PM. This can lead to long lines of cars waiting on the road. Some visitors have noted that even arriving at 8 AM (park opening) might be too late on busy days. Weekdays during the school year are generally less crowded and offer a more relaxed experience.
If you miss out on getting in, consider visiting a nearby spring like Wekiva Springs State Park, which offers a different experience but is also a popular natural attraction. Planning your visit outside of peak seasons and times is key to a smoother experience at Kelly Park.
Budget-Friendly Fun
+1This low cost allows visitors to spend an entire day enjoying the natural beauty and recreational opportunities without breaking the bank. Bringing your own food and drinks further enhances the budget-friendly aspect, allowing for a full day of picnicking and relaxation.
Compared to other Orlando attractions, Kelly Park offers significant value. The natural spring and river provide hours of entertainment, from tubing to swimming and exploring. It's a perfect example of how to experience Florida's natural wonders affordably.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit