Swimming at Rock Springs at Kelly Park in Apopka
Adventure Destination

Swimming at Rock Springs at Kelly Park in Apopka

Enjoy swimming at Rock Springs in Kelly Park, Apopka, FL. With its easy access, this natural swimming area features crystal-clear water at a consistent 68 degrees. Families can indulge in swimming and tubing year-round, but expect crowds on summer weekends.

Swimming7.2/10Easy
Photo Gallery

Category

Swimming

Typical Duration

2-4 hours

Difficulty

Easy

About This Adventure Destination

Introductory Overview

Rock Springs at Kelly Park in Apopka is one of Florida’s most scenic natural swimming areas, offering crystal-clear, 68-degree water flowing from a free-flowing spring. This location is ideal for visitors seeking a refreshing swim in a pristine environment surrounded by lush greenery. The park is a popular weekend getaway due to its shallow, gently flowing waters that make it perfect for families, swimmers of all ages, and tubing enthusiasts.

Editorial Assessment

Swimming at Rock Springs in Kelly Park offers a beautiful natural setting with clear, refreshing water surrounded by lush vegetation, making it a great spot for outdoor adventure. While it's a popular and appealing location, it isn't as globally distinctive as the world's most iconic natural landmarks.

Swimming at Rock Springs at Kelly Park in Apopka

Adventure Guide to Swimming at Rock Springs at Kelly Park in Apopka

1

1. Rock Springs Run – The Swimming Area

  • Location: Main swimming area within **Kelly Park**
  • What Makes It Special: This clear spring run is about 8 feet deep in some spots, offering an enjoyable swim in a natural, cool environment.
  • Key Features: Sandy-bottomed sections, small gentle rapids, and slower-moving sections ideal for lounging. Designated swimming spots ensure safety. **2. Tube Floating & Wading Areas**
  • Location: Start at the **spring head** and float down approximately ¾ mile.
  • What Makes It Special: Unlike many Florida rivers, this section of **Rock Springs Run** provides a gentle, slow float with shallow, safe areas for wading.
  • Key Features: Inner tubes aren’t available for rent inside the park, so visitors should bring their own or rent from vendors outside. The float lasts about 25 minutes before reaching the main swimming lagoon. **3. Picnic & Relaxation Zones**
  • Location: Designated picnic areas near the springs.
  • What Makes It Special: Visitors can take breaks between swims at shaded pavilions.
  • Key Features: Picnic tables, charcoal grills, and restroom facilities are available, making it a great spot for day-long visits.
2

Local Insights

  • Wildlife Spotting: Turtles and small fish can often be seen in the water.
  • Cultural Note: **Kelly Park** is a county-maintained public park, emphasizing conservation efforts to keep the spring pristine.
3

Visitor Tips

  • Best Time to Visit: Arrive **before 8 a.m.** on weekends as the park reaches capacity early.
  • What to Bring:
  • Details: Swimsuits and water shoes (rocky areas in the spring).
  • Details: Sunscreen (reef-safe options preferred).
  • Details: Inflatable tubes or floats.
  • Directions: From Orlando, take FL-414 W to **Rock Springs Road**, about **35 minutes** by car.

Reviews

W
Willow Wamboldtin the last week

Great destination! Enjoyed the open trail and peaceful outdoor atmosphere.

J
Judith Phillipsin the last week

Amazing but super packed! The water was beautiful. The park was clean and it was only a few dollars to get in.

R
RONALD BATISTAin the last week

Lugar lindo e com boa infra para famílias

R
Ramon Pietxin the last week

Great destination! Enjoyed the open trail and peaceful outdoor atmosphere.

L
Linzee Ottin the last week

I was blown away by this park. Not only is it massive, but it has everything—tons of parking, a huge concessions building, awesome playground, miles of trails, wildlife, a really nice campground, and the most gorgeous springs I’ve seen in the state of Florida. We camped for two nights at the Kelly campground and had a terrific experience. The office staff were great, super helpful. Every inch of the park is super well maintained and clean. We hiked most of the Kelly Loop Trail and LOVED the springs head. Definitely make a trek via trial or staircase to the springs head, it was one of the most beautiful spots I’ve ever seen. The boardwalk is all paved and accessible. The rest of the trails are natural sand. You can tube down the the run from the springs head a good distance. You can bring your own tube, but make sure it’s not bigger than 5’. The park also has a great covered picnic pavilion. The park staff were all incredibly active maintaining the park and interacting with visitors. You might even spot wild turkeys during your visit! Don’t miss out on Kelly Park! Well worth a trip. We were so impressed!

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Camping at Kelly Park, located 25 miles from Orlando, FL, offers a serene experience with activities like tubing, swimming, and hiking. Enjoy the natural springs and diverse wildlife. Ideal in spring and fall for a relaxing family getaway.

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Snorkeling in the Crystal-Clear Rock Springs Run and Orlando7.80.16 miEasy
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Snorkeling in the Crystal-Clear Rock Springs Run and Orlando

Explore the crystal-clear waters of Rock Springs Run at Kelly Park near Apopka, Florida. This easy-access site offers year-round snorkeling in spring-fed waters. Family-friendly and scenic, it's popular during summer. Expect to see fish and turtles while swimming.

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Explore the 5.3-mile Springs Trail Loop near Orlando, Florida. With moderate difficulty, this hike offers views of Wekiwa Springs and chances to spot deer and gopher tortoises. Enjoy birdwatching and natural swimming areas along the way.

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