Kelly Park wilderness guide
Public Park · FL

Kelly Park

Kelly Park is a popular public park in Apopka, Florida, known for its clear, cold springs and lush environment that attracts visitors for a variety of outdoor activities.

Public Park3253+ Trails
DesignationPublic Park
Total Wilderness Area325
Elevation / TerrainDiverse Wilderness
Field Editorial Guide

About Kelly Park

Kelly Park is a popular public park in Apopka, Florida, known for its clear, cold springs and lush environment that attracts visitors for a variety of outdoor activities.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Kelly Park, located in Apopka, Florida, is a 325-acre public park famed for its natural beauty and the Rock Springs Run, a crystal-clear, free-flowing spring that maintains a refreshing temperature around 68 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. The park, established in 1927, offers a diverse ecosystem with lush landscapes, providing habitat for numerous species of birds and wildlife native to the Central Florida region. Visitors enjoy swimming, tubing, and kayaking in the spring or exploring the park's scenic trails on foot, with ample opportunities for wildlife photography. The park has a rich history as a community retreat, and its serene setting makes it a favored spot for family gatherings, picnics, and camping. Access is relatively convenient, being only about a 30-minute drive from Orlando, making it an ideal day trip destination.

Field Guide · Public Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Kelly Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Rock Springs – A natural free-flowing spring popular for tubing and swimming.✦ Lush Ecosystem – Home to diverse flora and fauna offering excellent wildlife viewing.✦ Camping Opportunities – Offers a campground suitable for tents and RVs with basic amenities.✦ Picnic Facilities – Multiple areas equipped with tables and grills for day use visitors.
Wilderness Visuals & Gallery

Visual Guide to Kelly Park

Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Kelly Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Kelly Park
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Kelly Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Kelly Park
Park Recreation

Paddle Sports

Available in Kelly Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Kelly Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Kelly Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Entrance fee required.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Kelly Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Kelly Park Campground

Located within the park offering sites for tents and RVs with water and electric hookups.

Reserve on Recreation.gov
Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Kelly Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Apopka, Florida
⌖ 5.72 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Apopka, Florida

Apopka, FL, is a thriving hub for nature enthusiasts seeking hiking, bird watching, and paddling adventures. With diverse wildlife and scenic vistas, it's a must-visit for explorers.

Spring
Explore Town
Mount Dora, Florida
⌖ 8.66 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Mount Dora, Florida

Mount Dora combines small-town charm with relaxing outdoor activities like kayaking, biking, and fishing on its scenic lakes. Its mild climate and preserved nature areas provide a peaceful escape for outdoor lovers.

Fall through Spring
Explore Town
Altamonte Springs, Florida
⌖ 10.22 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Altamonte Springs, Florida

Altamonte Springs offers easy access to lakeside kayaking, scenic bike trails, and relaxing park strolls. This Central Florida town is perfect for those seeking outdoor adventures close to an urban hub.

Winter through Spring
Explore Town
Longwood, Florida
⌖ 10.69 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Longwood, Florida

Longwood, Florida offers easy access to peaceful hiking trails, paddling on the Wekiva River, and lakeside fishing. Perfect for slow-paced outdoor fun surrounded by Florida’s natural beauty.

Fall through Spring
Explore Town
Lake Mary, Florida
⌖ 11.48 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Lake Mary, Florida

Lake Mary offers a peaceful outdoor escape with accessible hiking, biking, and paddling on serene lakes and trails. Ideal for families and casual adventurers, it combines natural beauty with small-town charm in Central Florida.

Winter and Spring
Explore Town
Casselberry, Florida
⌖ 11.99 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Casselberry, Florida

Casselberry, Florida, invites outdoor lovers to paddle pristine lakes, bike forested trails, and birdwatch in lush preserves. With its mild climate and peaceful green spaces, it’s a refreshing Central Florida escape for nature-filled adventure.

Fall through Spring
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Kelly Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Dawn on the Emerald Cut: A Silent Paddle from King's Landing
ADVEXPEDITION
Apopka, Florida
Boat TourADV Bookable

Dawn on the Emerald Cut: A Silent Paddle from King's Landing

A two-hour Sunrise Kayak Adventure that guides paddlers upstream through the famed Emerald Cut for a quiet, wildlife-rich float back along Rock Springs Run — this guide explains what to expect, what to bring, and who should go.

Boat TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Self-Guided Day Paddles: Rock Springs Run’s Quiet Mile
ADVEXPEDITION
Apopka, Florida
Water ActivitiesADV Bookable

Self-Guided Day Paddles: Rock Springs Run’s Quiet Mile

A compact, 4-hour paddle from King’s Landing that lets you explore one mile of Rock Springs Run either way—this guide explains what to expect and how to plan.

Water ActivitiesPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Bike Rental
ADVEXPEDITION
Apopka, Florida
City TourADV Bookable

Bike Rental

From late May to early September, Wekiwa Springs invites riders to cruise along scenic coastal paths on beach cruisers built for smooth terrain. Discover a spirited way to engage with Florida’s vibrant outdoors just outside Apopka.

City TourHourly Rentals • Adult & Kid Bikes AvailableCertified Outfitter
From$15
Book Trip
Float the Spring: Self-Guided Paddle at Wekiwa
ADVEXPEDITION
Apopka, Florida
SUPADV Bookable

Float the Spring: Self-Guided Paddle at Wekiwa

Self-guided paddle board rentals at Wekiwa Springs let adults explore the spring at their own pace—rentals run 2–8 hours and include board, paddle, life jacket, map and whistle.

SUPPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Rock Springs Clear Kayak Tour
ADVEXPEDITION
Apopka, Florida
Guided TourADV Bookable

Rock Springs Clear Kayak Tour

Paddle transparent waters and spot wildlife on the Rock Springs Clear Kayak Tour in Apopka. Discover why this guided adventure is perfect for nature lovers and paddlers alike!

Guided TourCLEAR KAYAKS - Crystal Clear Water!Certified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip