Wekiwa Springs State Park Orlando
A refreshing natural oasis near Orlando, offering crystal-clear spring swimming and scenic river kayaking amidst lush Florida landscapes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Wekiwa Springs State Park Orlando
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A refreshing natural oasis near Orlando, offering crystal-clear spring swimming and scenic river kayaking amidst lush Florida landscapes.
"This place is an ideal spot to spend time with the family, offering swimming, hiking, and kayaking for just $6 per car."
🎯 Book Your Reservation Online
Mandatory for entry! Book your day-use reservation in advance to guarantee your spot.
⏰ Arrive Early for Parking
Even with reservations, parking fills up fast. Aim to arrive before 8 AM on weekends.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Main Spring
Springhead
Crystal-clear, cool spring water perfect for swimming and refreshing dips. A natural oasis near Orlando.
Wekiwa River Kayaking
Wekiwa River
Explore the serene Wekiwa River by kayak or canoe, surrounded by lush vegetation and abundant wildlife.
Hiking Trails
Various trails throughout the park
Wander through diverse ecosystems on well-maintained trails, offering opportunities for wildlife viewing and nature immersion.
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Entry in Advance
Arrive Early for Best Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Your Reservation Online
Mandatory for entry! Book your day-use reservation in advance to guarantee your spot.
⏰ Arrive Early for Parking
Even with reservations, parking fills up fast. Aim to arrive before 8 AM on weekends. +1
💰 Affordable Entry Fee
Just $6 per vehicle for a full day of fun. Bring cash for convenience.
🛶 Kayak & Canoe Rentals
Rentals available for exploring the Wekiwa River. Consider Wekiwa Island for easier access.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Your Reservation Online
Mandatory for entry! Book your day-use reservation in advance to guarantee your spot.
⏰ Arrive Early for Parking
Even with reservations, parking fills up fast. Aim to arrive before 8 AM on weekends. +1
💰 Affordable Entry Fee
Just $6 per vehicle for a full day of fun. Bring cash for convenience.
🛶 Kayak & Canoe Rentals
Rentals available for exploring the Wekiwa River. Consider Wekiwa Island for easier access.
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Bring your own food and drinks (non-alcoholic) to save money and enjoy a scenic meal.
🥽 Bring Goggles for Swimming
Explore the underwater world of the spring with goggles. It's like an underwater forest!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Wekiwa Springs State Park for its beautiful, clear spring water and affordable entry fee, making it a perfect natural escape near Orlando. The opportunity to kayak the serene Wekiwa River is a major draw. However, the mandatory reservation system and the need to arrive very early on weekends to secure parking can be a point of frustration for some.
"Wekiwa Springs State Park is a beautiful and well-maintained spot to enjoy nature. The entrance process was very organized, and reservations are required, which helps keep the park from becoming overcrowded and ensures a better experience for everyone.
The springs themselves are crystal clear and refreshing, perfect for swimming or just floating around. I highly recommend bringing your own flotation devices to make the most of your visit. While the park store does sell some, they come at a higher (but convenient) price if you forget yours.
Overall, it’s a wonderful place to relax, enjoy the outdoors, and spend time with family or friends. Definitely worth visiting!"
Jose Arriaga
"We had a great time at Wekiwa for Father's Day. I highly recommend booking a parking spot in advance on their website. It was $6 for my family of 4 the day we booked. Great opportunities for swimming and kayaking. (We only swam, but there appeared to be kayak rentals as well as people bringing their own.) I recommend bringing a pool noodle or floatie as parts of the swimming area get deep, but there were some shallow parts as well. As typical with the Florida springs, prepare for the water to be quite cold, though refreshing. There is also a snack shack and a small store near the swimming area, and restrooms nearby as well. Some pavilions and picnic tables are also available. I can't wait to return again soon!"
SSherman Esq
"I visited three natural springs in the area and Wekiwa Springs was my least favorite. I liked Rock Springs/Kelly Park nearby the best, but here you can actually properly swim, which you can't do there. The biggest tip here is to GET A RESERVATION online beforehand, several days beforehand if you want to visit on a weekend! I recommend doing both parks, go to Kelly Park when it opens, then come here after with your reservation, which is good all day.
The vibe here is more like a public pool. It's basically a swimming hole, just with cool, clear water and some rocks you can perch on. Most folks arrange themselves around the edges and while it's pretty deep, an adult can still touch in most places. Folks bring everything from pool floats to stand up paddleboards here. There is a nice boardwalk trail that you can pretty much walk barefoot just behind the pool. There are also bathrooms, a gift shop, and a snack stand. The good thing is that with a reservation system, the parking lot and pool don't ever get too crowded.
Rock Springs is where this water originates, and Wekiwa is basically where it ends, and in between is the "rock springs run" which you can rent kayaks or canoes for. There's a rental dock here and I think another put in close to Kelly Park, but I don't think you can kayak the entire thing, I'm not sure."
Sara Beth Wade
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Wekiwa Springs State Park is located about 30 minutes north of Orlando. You can drive there via I-4 West and then take exit 94 for FL-434 E towards Longwood. Follow signs for the park.
Public transportation options to Wekiwa Springs State Park are limited. Driving is the most convenient way to access the park.
If approaching from the west, be aware that making a left turn into the park can be difficult due to traffic. It's often easier to approach from the east.
Yes, you can paddle from Wekiwa Island to Wekiwa Springs. It's an upstream journey that takes about 45 minutes at a decent pace. You may need to pay an entrance fee upon arrival. +1
If Wekiwa Springs is at capacity, consider Kelly Park (Rock Springs Run) or springs in the Ocala National Forest, which are often less crowded. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a day-use reservation is now mandatory for all visitors, including annual passholders. Book online in advance for free to secure your entry.
The entrance fee is $6 per vehicle. This fee is separate from the online reservation, which is free.
The park is open 365 days a year. While specific hours can vary, it's best to arrive early, especially on weekends, as it can reach capacity quickly.
With a reservation, your entry is guaranteed. However, parking is not assigned, so arriving early is still advisable to secure a spot.
While the park has an affordable per-vehicle fee, annual passholders still need to make a reservation. Check the Florida State Parks website for any potential pass information.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can swim in the main spring, kayak or canoe on the Wekiwa River, hike various trails, enjoy a picnic, and observe wildlife.
Yes, the main spring is a popular spot for swimming and offers a refreshing escape. The water is consistently cool.
Kayak and canoe rentals are available within the park. Alternatively, you can rent them from Wekiwa Island and paddle to the springs.
While there are restrooms, specific changing facilities and lockers are not widely mentioned. It's advisable to come prepared or use restrooms to change.
You might spot various birds, turtles, and potentially alligators along the riverbanks. Bears are also present in the park, so practice bear safety.
🍽️ 🧺 Food & Dining
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages. Picnic areas are available.
There is a snack shack available for purchasing food and drinks within the park.
Some visitors have mentioned BBQ facilities being available, making it a great spot for a cookout.
For more extensive dining options, you'll need to head back towards Orlando or explore nearby towns like Apopka.
Alcoholic beverages are generally not permitted in Florida State Parks. Stick to non-alcoholic drinks.
📸 📸 Photography
The main spring with its clear water, the lush riverbanks during a kayak trip, and the diverse flora and fauna offer great photo opportunities.
With good lighting and a waterproof camera or phone case, you can capture interesting shots of the underwater roots and aquatic life.
Early morning offers softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the natural beauty. Late afternoon can also provide beautiful golden hour light.
Drone usage is typically restricted in Florida State Parks to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Check park regulations before flying.
Keep an eye out for turtles, birds, and potentially alligators. Patience is key for capturing wildlife shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing a picnic to enjoy at one of the designated areas, and bring along some water toys or inflatable rafts for extra fun in the spring. Kayaking on the Wekiwa River can also be an enjoyable family activity, though younger children might need assistance. Remember to book your reservation in advance to ensure a smooth entry for your family outing.
💰 Budget Travelers
To maximize savings, pack your own food and drinks, as dining options within the park are limited to a snack shack. Renting kayaks can be an added expense, so consider bringing your own if possible, or explore the swimming and hiking areas which are included in the entry fee. Booking your reservation online is free, so take advantage of that to avoid any surprises.
🌿 Nature Enthusiasts & Hikers
The Wekiwa River is a prime spot for wildlife viewing, especially for birdwatchers and those interested in aquatic life. Kayaking or canoeing along the river allows for a more intimate connection with the environment. Remember to bring binoculars and a camera to capture the natural beauty.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Reservation System
While reservations ensure you can get in, they don't assign specific parking spots. Therefore, arriving early, ideally before 8 AM on busy days, is still highly recommended to secure a parking space and enjoy the park with fewer crowds. This proactive approach will enhance your overall experience and avoid potential disappointment.
If you miss out on reservations or arrive without one, consider Wekiwa Island as an alternative. From there, you can rent a kayak and paddle to the springs, though this involves an upstream journey and may still require an entrance fee.
Exploring the Wekiwa River by Water
The journey upstream can be a bit challenging but rewarding, taking around 45 minutes at a steady pace. Along the way, you'll be immersed in a lush environment with overhanging trees and diverse aquatic life. Keep an eye out for various species of fish, turtles, and potentially alligators basking on the banks.
For those seeking a more remote adventure, paddling up Rock Springs Run from Wekiwa Island is also highly recommended. This area is known for its abundant wildlife, shallow wading areas, and ample shade, offering a truly immersive nature experience. Remember to pack plenty of water and be mindful of the wildlife.
Wildlife Encounters and Safety
Black bears are also present in the park, particularly in the more primitive camping areas. While they are generally not aggressive and tend to avoid humans, it's crucial to practice proper food storage and bear safety. Use the provided bear boxes, avoid cooking near your sleeping area, and never leave food or scented items unattended. If you encounter a bear, remain calm, make noise, and slowly back away.
When camping, especially at paddle-in sites, be aware of your surroundings. While bears are a concern, some campers report being more wary of alligators, particularly during colder months. Always keep your dog on a leash and supervised, as they can attract unwanted attention from wildlife.
Social
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