Kelly Park East
A natural lazy river paradise with crystal-clear waters, perfect for tubing, picnicking, and watersports.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Kelly Park East
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A natural lazy river paradise with crystal-clear waters, perfect for tubing, picnicking, and watersports.
"Beautiful local park and a great place to put the jet skis in."
🎯 Arrive Before 7 AM
To guarantee entry, especially on weekends, aim to be in line by 7 AM. The park fills up fast!
🛟 Bring Your Own Tubes
Don't rely on rentals; bring your own tubes for the best experience on the lazy river.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Rock Springs Run Lazy River
Kelly Park
Float down a crystal-clear, gentle river perfect for tubing and wading. A natural lazy river experience!
Bioluminescence Kayak Tours
Indian River (near Kelly Park East)
Experience the magical glow of bioluminescent waters on a night kayak tour.
Riverside Park Amenities
Kelly Park East
Enjoy grills, restrooms, a playground, volleyball, and a small beach area. Great for picnics and watersports.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds: Arrive Early!
Tubing Essentials & Park Rules
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Before 7 AM
To guarantee entry, especially on weekends, aim to be in line by 7 AM. The park fills up fast! +1
🛟 Bring Your Own Tubes
Don't rely on rentals; bring your own tubes for the best experience on the lazy river.
💰 Entry Fee Per Vehicle
Expect to pay $3-$5 per vehicle, depending on the number of occupants. Cash is often preferred.
⚠️ Check for Closures
Gator activity or other wildlife can cause temporary park closures. Always check updates before heading out.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Before 7 AM
To guarantee entry, especially on weekends, aim to be in line by 7 AM. The park fills up fast! +1
🛟 Bring Your Own Tubes
Don't rely on rentals; bring your own tubes for the best experience on the lazy river.
💰 Entry Fee Per Vehicle
Expect to pay $3-$5 per vehicle, depending on the number of occupants. Cash is often preferred.
⚠️ Check for Closures
Gator activity or other wildlife can cause temporary park closures. Always check updates before heading out.
✨ Bioluminescence Tours
Book night kayak tours for a magical experience seeing glowing waters. Best on darker nights.
🧺 Picnic & Play
Pack a picnic, games, and enjoy the playground and open beach areas. Great for families.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Kelly Park is a beloved local spot for its crystal-clear river and family-friendly amenities, offering a refreshing escape. Visitors appreciate the natural beauty and opportunities for watersports and picnics. However, the park's immense popularity leads to significant crowding and parking challenges, and some facilities like restrooms could use updates.
"Beautiful local park and a great place to put the jet skis in. Saw manatees right off the dock, plenty of parking, easy access to the river."
Lisa Michelle Houston
"Nice riverside park that can accommodate almost any watersport. Ramps for both motorized and non-motorized watercraft. Very small beach area. Several covered pavilions. Restrooms are a little rough. Sign at entrance says no dogs allowed, but it appears to be a “pet friendly” place - there were several dogs running around off-leash."
Carson S Miller
"Great spot of your want to grill, take the jetski out, play at the park, and have a small beach vibe."
Ariel Paholski
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kelly Park Rock Springs is located in Apopka, Florida, about 40 minutes from Orlando. The address is 400 E Kelly Park Rd, Apopka, FL 32712.
Yes, there is parking available, but it fills up extremely quickly. Arriving early is crucial to secure a spot. +1
Yes, Kelly Park is a popular day trip from Orlando, easily accessible by car.
Kelly Park East is a launch point for bioluminescence tours, often accessed via specific tour group parking. Check with your tour operator for exact meeting points.
Public transport options are limited. Driving is the most convenient way to reach Kelly Park.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry is typically $3-$5 per vehicle, with the price potentially varying based on the number of people in the car.
Kelly Park generally opens at 8 AM. In summer, it can close by 9 AM due to reaching capacity. Winter hours may differ, closing earlier.
Advance booking is not typically required, but due to high demand, arriving very early is essential. Some TikToks mention receiving tickets for later entry if arriving after capacity. +1
If the park reaches capacity, entry will be closed. Some visitors have received tickets for later entry if they were in line early. +1
There are no specific age restrictions for entry into Kelly Park itself, but activities like tubing are best enjoyed by all ages.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can tube down the Rock Springs Run, swim, picnic, use the playground, play volleyball, and enjoy the small beach.
Absolutely! It's very kid-friendly with shallow wading areas, a gentle river, and a playground.
Yes, bringing your own tube is highly recommended as rentals may be limited or unavailable.
Yes, Kelly Park has restrooms and several covered pavilions for picnics.
You might see manatees, dolphins, and various bird species. Be aware of potential gator activity, especially during mating season.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Kelly Park does not have on-site food vendors. It's best to pack your own food and drinks for a picnic.
Yes, Kelly Park has grills available, making it a great spot for a picnic.
Yes, there are restaurants in the nearby town of Apopka. For more diverse options, head back towards Orlando.
Alcohol policies can vary. It's best to check the park's official rules or call ahead to confirm.
The park has several covered pavilions, which are ideal for picnics, especially on sunny days.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the crystal-clear waters of Rock Springs Run, families tubing, and the scenic riverside views.
Yes, you might spot dolphins or manatees from the river or dock, offering great wildlife photography chances.
Early mornings offer softer light and fewer crowds. Evenings can be beautiful, especially if you're lucky enough to catch a sunset.
Drone usage is typically restricted in public parks. It's advisable to check the park's specific regulations before flying.
Photography during bioluminescence tours can be challenging due to low light. Some cameras might capture the glow, but it's best to focus on the experience.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack a picnic and utilize the covered pavilions for a stress-free meal. Bringing your own tubes is a must for the lazy river experience. Be prepared for crowds, especially on weekends, so an early arrival is highly recommended to ensure a good spot and a relaxed day for everyone.
💰 Budget Travelers
Bring your own food and drinks to save on dining costs, as there are no concessions. Packing your own tubes also eliminates rental fees. For an even more budget-friendly experience, consider visiting on a weekday when crowds are smaller and the atmosphere is more relaxed.
🛶 Adventure Seekers
Don't miss the opportunity for a bioluminescence kayak tour on the Indian River. These night excursions offer a unique and unforgettable experience, paddling through glowing waters.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Rock Springs Run
While the main park offers direct access, Kelly Park Rock Springs also has campgrounds that provide guests with direct access to the spring. This can be a great option for those wanting to maximize their time in the water. For those seeking a bit more adventure, the world-famous Emerald Cut at King's Landing is just down the road, offering kayak and paddleboard rentals for exploring further.
It's important to note that the popularity of Rock Springs means it can get very crowded. Arriving early is key to experiencing the run without overwhelming crowds. Some TikToks show people arriving as early as 6:15 AM to get a spot in line for an 8 AM opening.
Bioluminescence: A Magical Night Experience
Several tour operators offer these excursions, and they are often described as perfect for families, couples, or adventurous groups. The glow is most visible on darker nights, away from city lights. While the main Kelly Park might not be the direct launch point for these tours, its proximity makes it a convenient base.
When planning, remember that these are night tours, so be prepared for darkness. Some Reddit users discuss the best put-in spots and the ease of access, noting that some areas might be reserved for tour groups. It's wise to book in advance and confirm meeting points with your chosen tour operator.
Kelly Park East: More Than Just Springs
The park also boasts amenities like grills, restrooms, a playground, and a small beach area, making it a great destination for family picnics and gatherings. Visitors have reported seeing manatees and dolphins right off the dock, adding to the natural appeal. The easy access just off the BeachLine Expressway (SR 528) makes it a convenient stop for those exploring the Space Coast.
While the description mentions a 'small beach vibe,' it's important to note that the restrooms can be a bit dated. Some reviews also mention a discrepancy with the 'no dogs allowed' sign, as dogs have been observed there, sometimes off-leash.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit