You Can Float Down A Lazy River And See 17-Million-Year-Old Fossils At This Apopka Park

• Attraction: Kelly Park/Rock Springs
• Location: 400 E Kelly Park Rd, Apopka, FL 32712
• Industry: Recreation Park
• Website: https://www.orangecountyfl.net/CultureParks/Parks.aspx

Central Florida harbors a breathtaking secret that feels like stepping into a postcard – except this paradise flows with 26,000 gallons of pristine spring water every single minute.

Kelly Park, also known as Rock Springs, offers visitors an extraordinary escape where crystal-clear turquoise water bubbles up from limestone formations dating back 17 million years, creating what many consider the state’s most perfect natural lazy river experience.

This 355-acre wonderland sits just 45 minutes from Orlando’s theme parks, yet delivers an entirely different kind of magic. The spring maintains a refreshing 68-degree temperature year-round, making it an ideal retreat whether you’re escaping Florida’s summer heat or seeking a unique winter adventure that doesn’t require a wetsuit.

The Ultimate Tubing Experience

The Lazy River Journey: Your float down Rock Springs Run takes approximately 25-30 minutes of pure bliss, drifting through a tree-canopied waterway that feels like nature’s own theme park ride.

The three-quarter-mile journey winds through lush Florida wilderness where ancient oak trees and towering pines create a living tunnel overhead, filtering sunlight into dancing patterns on the water’s surface.

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Crystal Clear Waters: The spring’s remarkable clarity allows you to see straight to the bottom, where you’ll spot fish, turtles, and fascinating rock formations covered in 17-million-year-old fossils. The water is so transparent that many visitors bring snorkeling gear to explore the underwater landscape, though the visibility is excellent without any equipment.

Multiple Runs: Unlike longer spring floats that require shuttles, Kelly Park’s contained design lets you easily walk back to the starting point in about 10-15 minutes, making multiple runs effortless. Most visitors enjoy three to four trips down the spring, with each journey revealing new details and wildlife sightings.

Swimming Areas: The float concludes in a large, natural swimming pool where you can dive, swim, or simply relax in the refreshing water. This central hub becomes a perfect meeting spot for families and groups, with shallow areas for children and deeper sections for confident swimmers.

Natural Beauty & Wildlife

Pristine Environment: Rock Springs flows from limestone caves that have remained virtually unchanged for millennia, creating an ecosystem so pure that the spring water has been described as “sweet” since the early 1900s.

The surrounding landscape features diverse habitats including oak hammocks, pine flatwoods, and wetlands that support an incredible variety of Florida wildlife.

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Wildlife Encounters: Keep your eyes peeled for native Florida creatures including river otters, turtles, various fish species, and an impressive array of birds.

Lucky visitors might spot white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, or even the occasional black bear along the hiking trails. The spring’s clarity makes wildlife viewing exceptional, especially for aquatic species.

Historic Significance: The area holds deep cultural importance, having served as a sacred site for Florida’s Timucua Indians and later as the location of a 19th-century grist mill powered by the spring’s flow.

Dr. Howard A. Kelly, a founder of Johns Hopkins Hospital, recognized the area’s ecological value in 1910 and purchased 200 acres to preserve it as a wildlife sanctuary before donating it to Orange County in 1927.

Additional Activities & Amenities

Hiking Trails: Beyond the famous spring float, Kelly Park offers approximately 7 miles of nature trails including the 2.75-mile Kelly Loop Trail, perfect for peaceful walks through diverse ecosystems. These well-maintained paths feature boardwalks over wetland areas and provide excellent opportunities for bird watching and photography.

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Camping Options: The park features 26 campsites with picnic tables, fire rings, water, and electricity, allowing visitors to extend their spring experience overnight. These wooded sites provide a perfect base camp for multiple days of floating, hiking, and relaxation in one of Florida’s most beautiful natural settings.

Picnic & Family Areas: Numerous picnic pavilions, charcoal grills, and open grassy areas make Kelly Park ideal for family gatherings and group events. A playground, volleyball court, and concession stand add convenience without disrupting the natural atmosphere.

Planning Your Visit

Timing Strategy: Kelly Park’s popularity means arriving early is essential – many visitors line up by 6:30-7:00 AM for the 8:00 AM opening, as the park often reaches capacity by mid-morning. The daily limit of 280 vehicles helps preserve the natural environment but makes advance planning crucial, especially on weekends and holidays.

Tube Options: You can bring your own flotation devices or rent tubes for about $7 from Rock Springs Bar & Grill just outside the park entrance. The rental includes shuttle service back to the park after your float, though availability can be limited during peak times.

Pricing Value: At just $3 per vehicle for 1-2 people or $5 for 3-8 people, Kelly Park offers exceptional value for a full day of natural recreation. Parking is included, and the affordable admission makes it accessible for families seeking budget-friendly outdoor adventures.

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Best Visit Times: Spring and fall provide the most comfortable weather with smaller crowds, while summer offers perfect conditions for cooling off in the spring’s 68-degree water. Winter visits can be magical with fewer people, though the air temperature contrast makes the water feel especially refreshing.

Kelly Park/Rock Springs
📍 400 E Kelly Park Rd, Apopka, FL 32712