Enjoy a Relaxing Day at Kelly Park’s Rock Springs

The hustle and bustle of the theme parks can get a little overwhelming at times, so its nice to be able to get back to nature where possible, and there is no better place in Orlando to get away from it all than at Kelly Park’s Rock Springs! Set in 245 acres of picturesque parkland in Apopka, around 35 miles north of the Disney parks, you’ll be treated to some stunning natural sights, including native wildlife, crystal-blue waters and verdant greenery for as far as the eye can see!

In order to protect the inherent beauty of the location, entries are limited to 280 vehicles on a first-come-first-served basis when the park opens, with the following 50 vehicles being given a pass to return at 2pm that afternoon. It is open from 8am all year long,** closing at 6pm in the winter** and 8pm in the summer. Entry is pretty cheap too, with prices at $3 for vehicles for up to two people, $5 for vehicles of up to eight, and $1 for extra passengers, walk-ins, cyclists and motorbikes. It is generally preferred for you to pay cash to enter, but they do accept Mastercard and Visa credit cards with photo ID.

Once inside there is plenty to see and do, with an adventure playground, walking trails and a volleyball court all on offer, in addition to the lush, natural scenery provided by the crystal-clear lagoons, rivers and woodland that surrounds you! There’s always the chance to come face-to-face with wild animals as well, so make sure you keep a camera handy! Notices around the park inform guests that you might be able to see diamondback rattlesnakes, deer, wild turkeys, grey foxes, bobcats, black bears and of course, raccoons! When in the water, keep your goggled eyes peeled for the tortoises, snakes, many species of fish as well as alligators! But never fear, if you think you have spotted an alligator in the vicinity, inform a lifeguard who will then confirm the sighting and activate the necessary procedures for ensuring your safety, in which they are very well-drilled!

Water lovers are truly in for a treat here as inflatables and small watercraft (such as canoes and kayaks) are welcome! Although the park itself doesn’t stock them, you can purchase giant rubber rings from a store located nearby and bring them in. Be warned though, if you wish to leave the premises to buy something and the park is already at capacity, you will not be allowed to return. If the park isn’t full, keep your receipt handy to re-enter. Also, if you want to save yourself a load of breath and a headache, bring a pump! They aren’t available to rent or buy here, so unless you want to spend your first half an hour putting air into things, bring one with you! Canoes and kayaks aren’t hired from here either, you’ll need to bring your own, travel to the nearby Camp Joy, and launch it there for a nominal fee. Check the website for further details. If anyone in your group uses swimming aids, such as a float or noodle, they are allowed, as long as they are under 5ft (152cm) in length or width. Younger members of your group, or those not water confident, can ask to borrow a lifejacket. Lifeguards tend to be around during the busier periods, but parents or guardians are always advised to be responsible for their own charges.

If all of the time spent in the water starts to drain your energy levels, head to the covered or uncovered picnic areas with the family for a bite to eat. You can bring your own food, or look for the cash-only concessions stand (open between Spring Break and early October), where you can chow down on popular favourites such as burgers, hotdogs, snowcones and funnel cakes (think what a doughnut would look like if it were to be stretched out and squiggly)! Also for you to buy here are various condiments, bug sprays and coal for the barbie! Alcohol, as in most public spaces in Florida, is not allowed. For families wanting a bit more space to themselves, the park has pavilions which are available for you to hire. These can hold from 50 guests up to 100 each, with prices starting at $50.

Once you have finished your meal, you could venture out along any of the site’s three trails. They vary in distance, between 1.5 and 1.8 miles (2.4-2.9km) each, but they are the perfect chance to spot some of Florida’s natural natives in their own habitats. You’ll trek through forestry, sinkholes, grassland as well as cross bridges on your relaxing ramble.

The summertime is the park’s busy period and as such will certainly be full an hour after opening, so get here early to avoid disappointment! Some tourists have been known to start queuing at the entrance from 4:30am to be sure of their spot!

As the day comes to a close, those hanging out on or by the water are generally asked to move one hour before the park closes, so that the staff can ensure that the area is clear.

Have you been one of the fortunate ones and managed to pay this stunning locale a visit? Send us some of your incredible pictures, or maybe even some advice on anything we’ve missed here, to the usual social media channels.

Address: 400 E Kelly Park Rd, Apopka, FL 3272

Image credits: Main blog image (Rock Springs at Kelly Park): CC by Paul Clark