WEKIWA SPRINGS STATE PARK
Located at the headwaters of the Wekiva River, the beautiful vistas within this park offer a glimpse of what Central Florida looked like when Timucuan Indians fished and hunted these lands. Just one hour from most central Florida attractions, Wekiwa Springs offers visitors the opportunity to relax in a natural setting, enjoy a picnic, or take a swim in the cool spring. Canoeists and kayakers can paddle along the Wekiva River and Rock Springs Run. Thirteen miles of trails provide opportunities for hiking, bicycling, and horseback riding. Options for camping include a full facility campground and primitive camping areas. Canoe and kayak rentals are available. For information about rentals, call (407) 884 4311.
HISTORY OF THE AREA
Early Indians are believed to be the first to live in this area, beginning around 8500 BC and continuing until they were forced out in the 1800?s. They left a number of mounds that are still visible today
In the mid 1800?s, this area was used primarily for farming and milling. After the Civil War, the tourism industry arrived and a hotel and other attractions were constructed at the spring. These operated until the Great Depression.
Turpentining was an important economic activity in the late 1800?s and continued until the late 1930?s. The grooves turpentiners cut into the tree to make their extractions resemble a cat?s whiskers. These "Cat faces" can still be seen on some of our very old pine trees. This area was heavily timbered in the 1930?s as well. Old logging roads and railroad grades left by the logging companies can still be seen today.
In 1941, the Apopka Sportsmen?s Club purchased the property from the Wilson Cypress Company and maintained the area for recreational use. In 1969, the state of Florida purchased the property for use as a state park and since it opened in 1970 visitors from all over the country and all over the world have been enjoying this patch of the "Real Florida"!
CAMPING
Full Facility Camping:
Wekiwa Springs State Park has sixty (60) campsites. Each campsite has water, electricity, in-ground fire circle with a grill and a picnic table. There are two restroom facilities with showers. The sites do not have sewer hook-ups but there is a dump station conveniently located at the campground. Reservations can be made up to eleven (11) months in advance of the day you wish to arrive. All reservations for campsites except for next day reservations must be made by calling Reserve America, toll free, at (800) 326-3521. Next day reservations can be made by calling the park at (407) 884-2008. Wekiwa Springs State Park also offers the Bedtime Story Camper Lending Library of picture books for campers aged four to nine. From black bears to insects, the Lending Library is a fun way to enhance your child's experience in the Real Florida. For a quiet afternoon or bedtime, share a story with your child to help explain the sights and sounds of Wekiwa Springs. Ask the Ranger Station for more information.
Canoe Camping:
There are two campsites in Wekiwa Springs State Park that can only be accessed by canoe or kayak.
Otter Camp and Big Buck Camp are located on beautiful Rock Springs Run. Travel to either site can begin from any livery along the Wekiva River or inside Wekiwa Springs State Park. Please see the Canoe Map on the right side of this screen for site locations.
These campsites are primitive. Both sites have fire rings and can accommodate up to ten people each. Pets are not permitted at these campsites. Rates are $4.00 per person, per night plus tax.
Reservations for these sites are required and can be made no more than 60 days in advance. Call 407-884-2008 to make reservations.
Campers are required to be at the canoe camp site at least two hours before park closing to be permitted to camp. Campers have no vehicle access to these sites.
Canoes and kayaks can be rented inside Wekiwa Springs State Park or at other liveries along Rock Springs Run and the Wekiva River. You can even plan trips to include other canoe sites located in Rock Springs Run State Reserve. Further information on overnight canoe or kayak rentals, shuttles, or guided trips can be obtained by calling our canoe rental stand at (407) 884-4311 or visiting their website, Nature Adventures.
Please see the travel times provided in the Canoeing and Kayaking section below which can be used in conjunction with the Canoe Map to help plan your trip.
SWIMMING
Swim or snorkel in crystal clear Wekiwa Springs where the water is a refreshing 72 degrees year-round. The spring is located in a natural setting perfect for spreading a blanket and having a picnic. Individual size flotation devices are allowed in the swimming area. Children and non-swimmers should be accompanied by an adult swimmer at all times. Diving and jumping are not permitted. Swimming is not permitted in Wekiwa Springs Run, Rock Springs Run or the Wekiva River. The swimming area is open from 8:00 a.m. until park closing.
No lifeguards are on duty. Snorkelers and swimmers do so at their own risk.
CANOEING
Canoeing & Kayaking
Enjoy one of the most beautiful areas of the park by canoe or kayak out on the Wekiva River or Rock Springs Run. You can begin your trip inside the park or enter the park from any launch site along the Wekiva River or Rock Springs Run. Entrance fees are just $2.00 when entering via Wekiwa Springs Run. Canoe and kayak rentals are available at our concession. Guided trips and shuttles are also available. Visit their website, Nature Adventures, or call them at (407) 884-4311. Please canoe or kayak responsibly and respect the park and wildlife. The travel times provided here can be used in conjunction with the Canoe Map on the right side of this screen to help plan your trip. These are approximated downstream travel times. To approximate travel upstream, multiply the downstream travel time by one and a half.
PICNICKING
A picnic area including picnic tables and grills is located near the spring. A playground, volleyball court and horseshoe pit are also located in this area. Picnic tables are also provided at Sand Lake.
There are two pavilions that are available for groups, such as family outings and company picnics. Each pavilion holds up to 100 people. There is electricity, water, a double charcoal grill and picnic tables in each pavilion. Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance. Each pavilion rents for $75.00 per day plus tax. Park entrance fees are not included. The park does close on busy days when the park reaches maximum capacity.
Reserving a pavilion does not guarantee your party's entry or re-entry into the park if closed once maximum capacity is reached.
The park may reopen at set intervals throughout the day. Park closings usually occur between Memorial Day and Labor Day. For further information or to make reservations please call 407/884-2008.
TRAILS
Bicycling
Cyclists of all levels can find a challenging and enjoyable ride in the park. The bicycle trail is approximately 9 miles long, but bicycles are also permitted on the 8 miles of horse trails. Please refer to the Trails Map link on the right side of the screen. Because these are multi-use trails, be prepared to meet the occasional hiker, horseback rider, or park vehicle. Please stay on designated trails, ride responsibly, and respect the park and wildlife. The park closes at sundown and you must exit the park at that time, so please plan your ride accordingly.
Nature Trails
Enjoy a leisurely walk on the boardwalk nature trail next to the spring. It is approximately 1/8-mile beginning at a bridge that overlooks the spring and lagoon. This trail will take you through the swamps of a river hammock to a dry sandhill ending at the trail head of the main hiking trail. This trail is ADA accessible at the bridge entrance-please see the Park Map on the right side of this screen for location. Please enjoy the nature trail responsibly and respect the park and wildlife.Persons under the age of 16 are required by State Law to wear a helmet while bicycling.
Hiking:
Take as short or as long of a hike as you wish, enjoying the wilderness and wildlife on 13.5 miles of hiking trails. Please see the Trails Map on the right side of this screen for more information.
The 5.3-mile Volksmarch trail is marked with orange diamonds. Please stop at the Ranger Station for Volksmarch check-in materials.
Because some of the hiking trails are multi-use trails, be prepared to meet the occasional bicyclist, horse-back rider, or park vehicle. Please stay on designated trails and hike responsibly. Please respect the park and wildlife. The park closes at sundown and you must exit the park at that time, so please plan your hike accordingly.
The trails are located in a wilderness area.
Horse Trails
Horseback riders will enjoy the Tram Bed Horse Trail which is named for it's western portion-the bed of an old railroad line.
The trail is approximately 8 miles long and divided into two loops. It is marked with a Green Blaze and/or Horse and Rider Emblems on wooden posts at all crossroads. Please refer to the Trails Map on the right side of this screen.
This trail was constructed by hand about 100 years ago for use as a passenger line. Rails were never laid for the passenger line. Instead, the rail bed was used to haul pine logs on a narrow gauge line in the early 1900's.
Because these trails are multi-use, be prepared to meet the occasional hiker, bicyclist, or park vehicle. Horses and riders are required to stay on the designated horse trails.
A corral is provided at the start of the trail for trailer parking. Water for horses only is available at one location, Camp Big Fork (see trail map). Camping is also available at Camp Big Fork (reservations are required).
Please ride responsibly and respect the park and wildlife. The park closes at sundown and you must exit the park at that time, so please plan your ride accordingly.
Proof of Negative Coggins is required.
Please take water, a compass and a map when utilizing them.
AREA ATTRACTIONS
Snorkeling
Snorkel in crystal clear Wekiwa Springs where the water is a refreshing 72 degrees year-round. Children and non-swimmers should be accompanied by an adult swimmer at all times. Diving and jumping are not permitted. Snorkeling is not permitted in Wekiwa Springs Run, Rock Springs Run or the Wekiva River. The swimming area is open from 8:00 a.m. until park closing.
No lifeguards are on duty. Snorkelers and swimmers do so at their own risk.
DIRECTIONS
Wekiwa Springs State Park is approximately 20 minutes North of Orlando and approximately 45 minutes North of the attractions. It is easily located off Interstate 4 at exit 94. Take State Road 434 West to Wekiwa Springs Road. Turn right on Wekiwa Springs Rd. and travel approximately 4 miles to the park entrance which will be on the right. Please call the park if additional directions are needed.
