Unearth The Voyage
Florida has no shortage of springs, but every now and then, one manages to stay just a little bit off the beaten path despite being absolutely worth the trip. Tucked away in Apopka, this 355-acre park along a natural spring offers something rare: cold, crystal-clear water, a lazy river that practically floats your worries away, and a surrounding forest full of wildlife you did not expect to see on a Tuesday morning.
I showed up not entirely sure what to expect, and left genuinely impressed. From the spring-fed run winding through ancient trees to the surprisingly well-kept facilities, every corner of this park had something to offer.
If you have been searching for a low-key Florida escape that feels more like a nature documentary than a theme park, keep reading, because this one is for you.
Where to Find This Hidden Florida Gem
Kelly Park, home to the famous Rock Springs run, sits at 400 E Kelly Park Rd, Apopka, FL 32712, right in Orange County, Central Florida. The park is managed by Orange County and covers a generous 355 acres of natural Florida landscape.
Getting there is straightforward. From Orlando, the drive takes roughly 30 to 40 minutes, making it an easy day trip without the stress of a long haul.
The park sits close to the Rock Springs Wildlife Management Area, so the surrounding scenery is green and wild before you even pass through the gate.
Arriving prepared makes the whole experience smoother, especially on busy weekends when things move fast at the entrance.
The Spring That Keeps Things Cool Year-Round
Rock Springs maintains a steady water temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit all year long. That means whether you visit in the blazing heat of July or the milder days of October, the water stays refreshingly cold and consistently clear.
The clarity of the water is genuinely striking. You can see straight to the bottom, watching fish dart between rocks while sunlight filters through the trees above.
It feels less like a public park and more like something you stumbled across deep in the wilderness.
The spring itself emerges from a rock formation near the head of the run, which is actually visible from a nearby walkway. You can peer into the cave-like opening where the water pushes out, a small but fascinating natural detail that most visitors stop to appreciate before hopping in.
The whole setup is quietly spectacular in the best possible way.
The Lazy River That Actually Delivers
The spring run at Kelly Park functions like a natural lazy river, and the whole float from the spring head to the end point takes roughly 20 minutes at a relaxed pace. The current does most of the work, so you can sit back, look up at the tree canopy, and let the water carry you along.
The first half of the run moves a little faster and has more rocks close to the surface, so water shoes are a smart call for that stretch. The second half opens up into calmer, slightly deeper water with a sandy and pebbly bottom that feels much gentler underfoot.
Bringing your own tube is the most budget-friendly option, and many visitors pick one up at a nearby store before arriving. Rentals are also available just outside the park entrance for around nine dollars each, which is a solid backup plan if you forget yours at home.
Arriving Early Is Not Optional, It Is Essential
The crowds at Kelly Park are no joke. On summer weekends, the parking lot can fill up before 9 in the morning, and once it is full, the gate closes entirely.
There is no waiting list, no overflow lot, and no second chances that day.
Getting there by 6:15 AM on a Sunday is not unusual for regulars, and some visitors have reported lining up as early as 5 AM just to secure a spot. On weekdays when school is in session, the situation is far more relaxed, and arriving around 7:45 AM is usually plenty early enough.
The sweet spot for a crowd-free visit is a weekday in late summer or early fall when school is back in session. The wildlife is more active, the water is just as beautiful, and you will not be jostling for space on the run.
That kind of peace is genuinely hard to put a price on.
Wildlife That Shows Up Without an Appointment
One of the unexpected highlights of a visit here is how much wildlife you encounter without even trying. On a quiet weekday morning, wild turkeys have been spotted wandering through the parking area, completely unbothered by the presence of humans nearby.
Along the trails and near the spring run, otters, deer, raccoons, great egrets, largemouth bass, sunfish, and even gopher tortoises have all been spotted by regular visitors. The park borders the Rock Springs Wildlife Management Area, which means the natural corridor for animals is wide and well-connected.
There are also reports of the occasional black bear sighting on the trails, though encounters are rare and the animals generally keep their distance. A waterproof phone case or a GoPro is a great tool for capturing the underwater fish life while floating the run.
The wildlife here is a genuine bonus that turns a swim into a full nature experience.
Trails Worth Exploring Before or After the Water
Kelly Park has more to offer than just the spring run. A handful of well-maintained trails wind through the park, and they are a great way to warm up before getting in the cold water or thaw out after a long float.
One trail runs from the main swimming area all the way to the spring head, where you can watch the water push out from the rock formation up close. Another trail runs along the border of the park adjacent to Wekiwa Springs State Park, offering a longer and more immersive walk through native Florida forest.
The trails are not overly demanding, making them accessible for most fitness levels and enjoyable for families with older kids. The shade from the canopy keeps things cooler even on hot days, and the sounds of birds and rustling leaves make the whole walk feel like a proper nature reset.
Sturdy shoes are all you really need.
Camping Under the Stars at the Park
Kelly Park offers more than a day trip. The park has over 20 RV sites with generous spacing to accommodate large rigs, as well as tent camping areas that give you a proper overnight experience in the middle of Central Florida nature.
The sites are well-maintained and include access to a dump station near the exit, though full sewage hookups are not available at individual sites. The camping areas are not right next to the spring, so bringing a bicycle or a scooter is a practical idea for getting back and forth without a long walk.
Camping here puts you in a completely different relationship with the park. Morning visits to the spring before the crowds arrive, campfires in the evening, and the sounds of owls and other wildlife at night all add up to something that a day visit simply cannot replicate.
Campers have reported seeing deer and wild turkeys right at their sites.
Family-Friendly Facilities That Actually Work
The facilities at Kelly Park are surprisingly solid for a county park. Clean restrooms and changing areas are available and well-maintained throughout the day, which makes a real difference when you are spending hours at a water-based destination with kids in tow.
The playground is large and gives younger children something to do while parents set up or take a break from the water. Plenty of BBQ grills and picnic tables are spread throughout the park, making it easy to set up a proper cookout without feeling crowded next to other groups.
A concession stand on-site sells food and ice cream, though hours can vary and it is sometimes closed depending on the season. Bringing your own snacks and food is always a reliable backup plan, and the park allows outside food without any issues.
Raccoons, however, are crafty and will investigate unattended bags, so keep an eye on your cooler at all times.
Safety Measures That Put You at Ease
For a natural spring park, Kelly Park has an impressive safety setup. Lifeguards are posted at multiple points along the spring run and swimming area, which is reassuring for families with young swimmers or anyone who just wants an extra layer of comfort in the water.
Park staff and a police presence on-site help keep things organized and running smoothly even on the busiest days. The overall vibe is well-managed rather than chaotic, which is a credit to how Orange County handles the operation of the park.
Wildlife awareness is also part of staying safe here. While alligator sightings in the spring run are uncommon because of the cold water temperature, staying alert and following posted guidelines is always the right call in any Florida natural waterway.
The park staff are approachable and happy to answer questions about conditions or any safety concerns before you head in.
What to Pack for the Best Possible Visit
A little preparation goes a long way at Kelly Park. Water shoes are strongly recommended, especially for the upper portion of the spring run where rocks are close to the surface and can be rough on bare feet.
Flip-flops will not cut it once you are in the water.
A float tube is essential if you plan to do the spring run. Bringing your own from a general retail store saves money compared to renting, and you will not have to worry about availability on busy days.
A waterproof case for your phone or a GoPro is a smart add-on for capturing the underwater scenery.
Sunscreen, plenty of water, and a bag of snacks round out the essentials. The spring water is cold enough that spending long stretches in it can sneak up on you, so a towel and a dry change of clothes at the end of the day will feel like a luxury well earned.
Best Times of Year to Plan Your Visit
The park is open year-round, and the spring stays at 72 degrees no matter the season, which means there is genuinely no bad time to visit from a water temperature standpoint. That said, the experience changes significantly depending on when you show up.
Summer is the most popular season, and crowds can make the run feel more like a water park than a nature escape. Weekdays in late summer or early fall, particularly after school resumes, offer a noticeably quieter experience with more wildlife activity and easier parking.
October through early spring tends to bring smaller crowds and a more relaxed atmosphere overall. The water may feel colder on a cool morning, but the trade-off in terms of peace and access is worth it for most visitors.
Checking the Orange County Parks website before your trip helps confirm hours and any temporary closures that might affect your plans.
