Cool Things To Do and See at Wekiwa Springs State Park

If you’re looking for a fun day trip or a weekend getaway, look no further than Wekiwa Springs State Park. This beautiful park is located in Apopka, Florida, and offers plenty of activities for visitors of all ages.

Located just minutes from Orlando, Wekiwa Springs State Park is a popular recreation area to enjoy the outdoors and cool off on a hot day.

From hiking and biking trails to picnic areas and swimming holes, Wekiwa Springs State Park is one of the best Central Florida attractions.

The park is open year-round from 8 am until sundown with reasonable admission fees. Wekiwa Springs State Park is located at 1800 Wekiwa Circle, Apopka, FL 32712.

Get there early. It fills up fast, especially on the weekends.

Here are some fun things to do while you’re there.

Swimming

Wekiwa Springs offers visitors a perfect place to take a dip and cool off on a hot day. Swimming is one of the most popular activities at Wekiwa Springs State Park. The natural spring is crystal clear, and the water is a refreshing 72 degrees year-round.

The spring is surrounded by a beautiful natural setting, making it a great place to have a picnic or spend the day relaxing.

You can spend the day or a few hours swimming. The park is open from 8 am, so you can get there early to beat the heat and the crowds.

There is also a playground, picnic pavilions, and a concession stand if you need a break from swimming.

Individual size flotation devices are allowed in the swimming area. However, all children and non-swimmers should be accompanied by an adult swimmer.

There are no lifeguards on duty, so taking precautions and swimming with a buddy is important.

Wekiwa Springs State Park is the perfect place to cool off this summer. So load up your backpack with your swimsuit and sunscreen and head over for a fun day in the sun.

Paddling

Wekiwa Springs State Park is located in Apopka, Florida, on the Wekiva River. Paddlesports are a perfect way to enjoy the outdoors, and Wekiwa Springs State Park has plenty of waterways for you to try.

Visitors can paddle along the Wekiwa River or Rock Springs Run with a canoe or kayak and explore this beautiful natural spring-fed habitat.

The park has canoe or kayak rentals available, and you can pay at the concession stand (Wekiwa Springs State Park Nature Adventures) or bring your own. Rentals are available on a first-come-first-served basis.

There are plenty of places to launch your canoe, kayak, or SUP. If you’re new to paddling, never fear. The water is calm and slow-moving.

No matter your skill level, paddling is a great way to explore the park and get some exercise. Whether you prefer kayaking or canoeing, this is a fantastic spot to paddle.

Paddling is a great way to get some exercise while enjoying the scenery. Don’t mind the alligators. Just admire them from a distance.

So, grab a paddle and get out on the water. If you are interested in other spots to paddle, check out kayaking near Orlando.

Hiking

Wekiwa Springs State Park is a fantastic spot to explore if you are into hiking.

The park has plenty of trails for exploring and picnic areas along the riverside for relaxing. So whether you’re looking for a short day trip or a longer camping getaway, Wekiwa Springs State Park is the perfect place.

Trails range from less than 1 mile to over 13 miles to find the perfect trail for your skill level.

Some of the trails are multi-use, so be prepared to share the trail with bikers and horseback riders.

Hiking is a great way to explore the park and see fantastic wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for deer, bobcats, and birds, to name a few. If you are lucky, you might spot a Florida black bear, a native to the park.

Whatever trail you choose, you’re sure to have a great time. Just be sure to follow the posted rules and regulations, and most importantly, have fun.

All of the trails are well-marked. Take plenty of water and sunscreen with you, as Florida summers can be brutal.

So, grab your hiking shoes and hit the trails.

Fishing

Wekiwa Springs State Park is a great place to cast a line for the anglers. In addition to the Wekiva River, Sand Lake is a great place to catch small and largemouth bass and crappie.

All fishing within the park must follow state regulations on size, number, and season. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started, fishing is a great way to enjoy the outdoors.

Be sure to get your Florida fishing license before going, and please follow all the rules and regulations.

Wekiwa Springs State Park is great for relaxing and enjoying the day fishing.

Snorkeling

If snorkeling is your jam, the crystal clear waters of Wekiwa Springs State Park make it the perfect place to explore. The waters are a refreshing 72 degrees year-round, and you can snorkel any time.

Snorkeling is a great way to explore the park and see fantastic wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for fish, turtles, and gators, to name a few. If you haven’t seen an alligator, admire them from afar, and you will be fine.

There is a designated swimming area for snorkeling, and we recommend that you stick to this area. For example, snorkeling is prohibited on Rock Springs Run, the Wekiva River, or Wekiwa Spring Run.

Make sure you are confident in your swimming abilities before snorkeling, and always swim with a buddy. Unfortunately, there are no lifeguards on duty, so it’s essential to take precautions.

Just be sure to follow the posted rules and regulations, and most importantly, have fun. An underwater camera or waterproof phone case will serve you well.

You’re sure to have a great time with plenty of fish and wildlife to see. So, grab your snorkel gear and head on over for a fun day in the sun.

Note: Scuba and other tank-assisted systems are prohibited.

Camping

If you’re looking for a great place to camp in the Orlando area, you have plenty of options at Wekiwa Springs State Park. The park offers primitive camping areas (tent camping), equestrian, and full facility RV camping to find the perfect spot.

RVs up to 50 feet are allowed in the park. The full-facility campground has sewer hookups and a dump station is available in the campground. In addition, restrooms with showers are available and well-behaved pets.

Primitive camping areas are also available for tents campers. In addition, you can hike to Camp Cozy or Big Fork, just off the main hiking trail.

Each campsite can accommodate up to 10 people and are complete with a fire pit, grills, picnic table, and benches. These campsites are perfect for family camping. Firewood is available from the Park Ranger at the ranger station.

If kayak or canoe camping is your thing, there are secluded campsites with fire rings only accessible by water, including Otter Camp and Big Buck.

Camping is a great way to get away from it all and enjoy nature. Just be sure to follow the posted rules and regulations, and most importantly, have fun.

Pack up your camping gear, head on for a fun weekend away, and cozy up to a campfire after swimming or paddling.

Biking

If you’re in the Orlando area and are looking for a great place to bike, Wekiwa Springs offers visitors the perfect spot. Whether you are just getting started or are a seasoned bicyclist, Wekiwa Springs State Park has plenty of trails and opportunities for cyclists at all levels.

Well-marked trails provide opportunities to enjoy the outdoors on two wheels.

In addition to 9 miles of off-road trails, bicycles are free to use the horse trails. These trails are multi-use, so you share the trails with hikers and horseback riders. Just like hikers need to keep an eye out, so do cyclists.

Just be sure to follow the posted rules and regulations, and most importantly, have fun. So, grab your bike and hit the trails for a great day of biking.

Plan your ride because the park closes at sundown, and you must be out at that time.

Check Out the Wildlife

Wildlife viewing is a popular activity, and there is a ton of wildlife to see at Wekiwa Springs State Park.

It’s not every day you get to see alligators, bobcats, deer, bears, and turtles all in one place. But, these are just some of the animals that call the park home.

You’re likely to see some of these animals while enjoying other activities in the park, but there is also an excellent opportunity to see them on Main Park Drive.

Biking, hiking, snorkeling, and paddling offer great opportunities to see wildlife, which is a great way to see some animals you might not see otherwise.

In addition, birds, river otters, and wild turkeys are some other animals you might see while enjoying the park.

So, keep your eyes peeled and your camera ready because you never know what you might see.

Horseback Riding

Wekiwa Springs State Park is the perfect place to go horseback riding. You’re sure to find a trail that fits your skill level and interests with plenty of trails to choose from.

Tram Bed Horse Trail is about eight miles and consists of two loops. Originally built as a railroad that was never finished, you can enjoy horseback riding instead.

This is an excellent trail for experienced riders, as it can be challenging in places. But, it is also a great trail to take your time and enjoy the scenery.

Trailer parking is available at the start of the trail.

The trails are multi-use, so watch for hikers and cyclists as you enjoy the trail.

Be sure to follow the posted rules and regulations and have fun. So, saddle up and head on over for a great day of horseback riding.

Conclusion

Wekiwa Springs State Park is an excellent place for a day trip or a weekend getaway. There’s something for everyone at this state park with plenty of activities to choose from. So, pack up your gear and head on over for a great time.

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About the author
Steve Morrow
Steve Morrow owns Paddle About, an outdoor recreation and travel blog. Steve loves to travel, kayak, paddle board, camp, hike, and spend time outdoors with his wife and two kids. When he's not exploring the great outdoors, Steve enjoys writing about his adventures and sharing tips for getting the most out of your outdoor experiences. He has a lot of interesting stories to share, and he's always happy to help others get more out of life.