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.
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"!
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.
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 & 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.