Orlando's Best Hidden Gem: Wekiwa Springs
Explore one of Orlando’s best hidden gems at Wekiwa Springs. This post features our favorite things to do at Wekiwa Springs State Park.
Wekiwa Springs State Park is one of Central Florida’s most beloved gems and one of the first camping trips we took in our RV. It’s numerous outdoor activities make it a great place for all ages to explore the beauty and wonder of Florida’s fresh water springs. It’s proximity to the city of Orlando makes it an easy place to stop and explore.
We’ve spent many weekends camping at the Wekiwa Springs Campground exploring all that the park has to offer. If you find yourself in the Orlando area Wekiwa Springs State Park is a great place to spend the day exploring.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
About Wekiwa Springs
Getting to Wekiwa Springs
When to Visit
What to Bring
Things to Do
ABOUT WEKIWA SPRINGS
Wekiwa Springs is a 7,000 acre park located just 30 minutes North from the popular city of Orlando. It was discovered in 1860 and originally names Clay Springs for the owner at the time. It’s known for its massive swimming hole, incredible kayaking and wildlife viewing.
The water is a crisp 72 degrees year round making it a popular hangout spot in the summer. Wekiwa is a second magnitude spring dispelling 43 million gallons of water per day. It’s a part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail with opportunity to see alligators, river otters, turtles, and herons.
There is a entrance fee of $8 per vehicle or you can use the Florida State Park Annual Pass.
GETTING THERE
Wekiwa Springs is located in Apopka Florida just outside the city of Orlando. The park is open 365 days a year providing year long access to explore. It gets very busy in the summer months so best to arrive early before the park reaches capacity.
25 minutes from Orlando
1.5 hours from Tampa
2 hours from Jacksonville
4 hours from Miami
WHEN TO GO
Wekiwa Springs is open 365 days a year from 8 a.m to sunset.
The water is a consistent 72 degrees year round, making summer, weekends, and holidays the busiest times for the park.
April through October bring the warmest weather with temperatures reaching the high 90’s. November through March bring cooler temps with high 70’s and low 50’s.
TIP | Arrive early, the springs often reach capacity by 10 a.m. during peak season.
WHAT TO BRING
Kayak
One of the best ways to explore the beauty of Wekiwa Springs. Bring your own for grab a rental. Rates are $35 for the first two hours.
Paddle Board
A great way to view the crystal clear blue waters of Wekiwa Springs. Bring your own or grab a rental. Rates are $40 for the first two hours.
Tub
For a leisurely float in Wekiwa Springs.
Snorkel Gear
Great for exploring the diverse underwater life at Wekiwa Springs.
Underwater Camera
For capturing life underwater. We love using our GoPro.
Dry Bag
Great for keeping things you don’t want wet, dry.
Sun Protectant
There is no shade while in the water so it’s best to bring your favorite sunscreen and wear sun protectant clothing when exploring.
Water
Be sure to pack extra water and stay hydrated while exploring. We love using our insulated bottles to have ice cold water for the whole day.
THINGS TO DO
SWIM, SNORKEL, OR FLOAT IN THE HEADSPRING
The main headspring at Wekiwa is a large swimming area with an average depth of 4ft. The clear water provides a great opportunity to snorkel and see the headspring that puts out 43 million gallons of water a day. Bring a floatie of your choice and enjoy the cool waters as you float around the spring. It’s important to note this is the only place you where you can swim in the Wekiwa Spring Park.
HIKE THE TRAILS
There are a variety of trails to explore the surrounding nature of Wekiwa Springs. From a short boardwalk trail to a long 13 miles, there is plenty to explore on foot. Wildlife sightings such as the Florida Black Bear, white tailed deer, bobcat, and gopher tortoise are possible. It’s best to make sure you bring plenty of water, a map, sun protectant, and insect propellent.
Main Hiking Trail - 13.5 miles - White Trail Indicators
Volkmarch Trail - 5.3 miles - Oranges Trail Indicators
Horse Trail - 8 miles - Green Trail Indicators
Bicycle Trail - 8 miles - Red Trail Indicators
Boardwalk Tail - 0.8 miles
PADDLE THE WEKIWA RIVER
Enjoy the beautiful nature of the Wekiwa River by kayak or canoe. Paddling around Wekiwa River gets you up close with countless fish, turtles, and even a few alligators. There are many shallow areas in the Wekiwa River where you cruise right over aquatic grass and get to see the life underwater. From the main launch you can paddle to many different areas.
Wekiwa Springs to Wekiva Island (Wekiva River) – 1 mile
Wekiwa Springs to Otter Camp (Rock Spring Run) – 3 miles
Wekiwa Springs to Indian Mound (Rock Springs Run) – 3.5 miles
Wekiwa Springs to Buffalo Tram (Wekiva River) – 3.5 miles
Wekiwa Springs to Big Buck (Rock Springs Run) – 4 miles
Wekiwa Springs to Kelly Park (Rock Springs Run) – 9.5 miles
Wekiwa Springs to Katie’s Landing (Wekiva River) – 10 miles
If you are looking for an awesome inflatable kayak check out the Intex Explorer K2 Inflatable Kayak. It’s lightweight, compact, and travels easy.
CAMP IN THE LUSH FOREST OF WEKIWA SPRINGS
When visiting Wekiwa Springs State Park a great place to stay is the Wekiwa Springs Campground. It’s a short drive to the headspring from the campground and you have access to the hiking trails throughout the park. Some common sighting are the Florida Black Bear, White Tailed Deer and many different birds. RV and tent site options are available with water, electric, and sewer connections. Each site is spacious and comes with a picnic table and fire ring grill.
Let us know what are your favorite things to do at Wekiwa Springs in the comments below!
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HEY THERE!
WE’RE MIKE & DEANDRA.
Two adventure seekers traveling the U.S in our 37 FT. travel trailer with our two companions, Griffin & Lucy. We share our life on the road and travel guides to our favorite destinations.
This post contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.
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