Quick FactsOverview
About Rock Springs Kelly Park
Rock Springs Kelly Park, Florida is a freshwater spring recreation area managed by Orange County Parks and Recreation, located at 400 E Kelly Park Road in Apopka, approximately 20 miles northwest of Orlando. The park is centered on Rock Springs, a natural spring that produces water at a constant temperature of 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit year-round at an average flow of approximately 26,000 gallons per minute. This steady flow feeds a natural spring run that winds through shaded subtropical woodland, forming one of Central Florida's most popular natural tubing experiences. The spring run functions as a gentle natural lazy river, carrying swimmers and tubers downstream through a canopy of palms and mixed forest before reaching a take-out point where visitors walk back along a trail to tube again.
The park covers 355 acres and is the second oldest park in Orange County. Its history traces to 1910, when New Jersey physician Dr. Howard A. Kelly, a founder of Johns Hopkins Hospital, visited Rock Springs and purchased 200 acres around the spring in 1921 for use as a wildlife preserve and bird sanctuary. Kelly and his wife donated the land to Orange County in 1927 for use as a public park. The site has been a publicly accessible natural spring since that time. The surrounding land is within an environmentally protected corridor that connects to extensive green areas, supporting a range of Florida wildlife including pileated woodpeckers, bobcats, barred owls, wild turkeys, gopher tortoises, and white-tailed deer.
The park has a strictly enforced daily vehicle capacity of 280 vehicles in the morning. On busy summer and spring weekends, the park frequently fills within one hour of its 8am opening time. After midday, 50 vehicles may enter using vouchers distributed to the first 50 cars in the overflow queue. On peak days, visitors have been known to queue as early as 4:30am. For visitors looking for natural soaking pools in Florida near Orlando, Rock Springs at Kelly Park is the most accessible and best-known option in the immediate region.
Location & Access
Getting to Rock Springs Kelly Park
Rock Springs Kelly Park is located at 400 E Kelly Park Road, Apopka, FL 32712, approximately 20 to 25 miles northwest of downtown Orlando. From Interstate 4, take exit 92 and follow State Road 436 west for approximately 4.7 miles, then turn right onto Wekiva Springs Road. Continue 2.2 miles and turn left onto Welch Road, then right onto Rock Springs Road. Alternatively, from I-4 exit 92, follow SR 436 west 6.5 miles, merge into US 441 north for 0.7 miles, turn right onto Park Avenue (SR 435) at the Walgreens in Apopka, and follow SR 435 north 5 miles to the park entrance. The GPS coordinates are 28.7439 degrees North, 81.4894 degrees West.
The park opens at 8am daily. Before visiting, call the capacity hotline at 407-254-1906 to check whether the park has reached its vehicle limit. On typical summer days the park fills within one hour of opening, and the first 50 cars in the overflow queue receive vouchers for 1pm re-entry. Arriving before 8am is the most reliable strategy for weekend visits. The park does not accept advance reservations for day use. Parking capacity is 280 vehicles in the morning session; after 1pm, 50 additional vehicles may enter using vouchers. The entrance fee is charged per vehicle: three dollars for one or two people, five dollars for three or more, and one dollar for walk-ins, cyclists, and motorcycles.
Inner tube rentals are not provided within Kelly Park. Private tube rental vendors operate near the park entrance on Rock Springs Road and are a common stop for first-time visitors. The park does not provide canoe, kayak, or paddleboard rentals, but private vessels may be launched from Camp Joy adjacent to the park for a fee. Vessel launch requires completing a Kayak and Canoe Launch Form at the park office on arrival; launch hours are 8am to 12pm with a mandatory return by 5pm. For visitors researching hot springs near Orlando, Rock Springs is the closest and most frequently cited spring option within a short drive of the city.
Suitability & Accessibility
Who Can Visit Rock Springs Kelly Park
Rock Springs Kelly Park suits families, swimmers, tubers, and nature visitors of all experience levels. The spring run is a gentle, slow-moving waterway that carries most visitors without effort, making it accessible to adults and older children who are comfortable in moving water. The spring temperature of 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit is refreshing in Florida's warm climate, notably cooler on entry than the ambient air in summer. Children under the age of approximately 12 should be accompanied by an adult in the water, particularly in sections where the spring run deepens or narrows. Life jackets are not required but are permitted and recommended for weaker swimmers.
Wheelchair access is well-supported at Rock Springs Kelly Park. The park's official visitor information states that most pathways are wheelchair accessible, and a lift is installed in the main swim area to assist guests in and out of the water. Visitors with mobility needs can contact the park directly at 407-254-1902 to confirm current access details and request specific assistance. The Kelly Loop Trail and general park grounds are also designed for accessible movement.
No pets are permitted at Kelly Park under any circumstances, with the exception of ADA-recognised service animals. This is one of the most firmly enforced rules at the park and applies throughout the entire 355-acre site. Visitors with dogs should make alternative arrangements before arriving. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted in the park. The concession stand operates from spring break through early October and serves food and drinks; outside food is welcome in the picnic areas. Pavilions and campsites require advance reservation by email at KellyCamping@ocfl.net, up to 45 days in advance. For accessible soaking pools in Florida near Orlando with full facilities and strong family infrastructure, Rock Springs Kelly Park is the most developed natural spring option in the area.
Safety & Etiquette
Safety and Etiquette at Rock Springs Kelly Park
Rock Springs Kelly Park requires particular awareness of alligators, which are present throughout Florida waterways and have been documented at Rock Springs and the surrounding region. There is at least one recorded incident of a serious alligator attack near the spring, and the park has been closed to swimming and tubing on prior occasions due to alligator activity. Always notify park staff immediately if you see an alligator in or near the spring or spring run. Do not approach, feed, or enter the water near a visible alligator. Follow all posted warnings and any closure announcements from park personnel.
The spring run water temperature of 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit is noticeably cold, particularly at the spring headwaters where temperature is at its lowest. Enter the water gradually to avoid involuntary gasping. Prolonged immersion can cause significant heat loss in children and individuals with low body weight; monitor for shivering and exit the water to warm up when needed. The spring run is a moving waterway; swimmers should be aware of their position relative to the current and exit at the designated take-out point. Do not attempt to swim upstream against the spring flow. Stay within designated swimming and tubing areas and do not exit the run at unmarked points, as the surrounding land is environmentally protected and should not be disturbed.
No pets are allowed on site under any circumstances except ADA service animals. Glass containers are not permitted in the water or on the beach areas. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted. Do not leave food unattended; the park is in an active wildlife corridor and food waste attracts animals. The spring run ends at a take-out area; walk the provided trail back to the start for subsequent runs. Do not litter; use provided bins or carry out waste. Private canoe and kayak users must register at the park office, launch between 8am and 12pm, and return no later than 5pm. The park closes entirely at capacity and re-entry is not guaranteed once you leave, so plan your visit timing carefully.
