Everything You Need to Know For a Fun Visit at Wekiwa Springs State Park

Updated March 6, 2025

Are you looking for a Florida spring close to Orlando? Wekiwa Springs State Park is your perfect escape into nature!

Whether you’re planning a day trip or a longer stay (up to 14 days!), Wekiwa offers endless activities like swimming, snorkeling, hiking, fishing, and paddling, all while surrounded by abundant wildlife. This historic park is a favorite among locals and tourists, and it’s easy to see why. If you’re a nature enthusiast, Wekiwa Springs will captivate you.

I may not have tried every activity during my visit, but I soaked in the essence of a day at Wekiwa Springs State Park. Backed by thorough research on Florida State Parks and the park’s official website, I’m excited to share my insights with you. Stay tuned as I continue to explore and update this guide with my firsthand experiences.

Keep reading to discover why Wekiwa Springs should be your next adventure!

Table of Contents

• Where is Wekiwa Springs State Park?
• Beware of Crowds
• Do I Need Reservations?
• Is Wekiwa Springs Accessible?
• What are the Hiking Options at Wekiwa?
• Is There Wildlife at Wekiwa Springs?
• Are Dogs Allowed at Wekiwa Springs?
• What’s Swimming Like at Wekiwa Springs State Park?
• Can I Snorkel and Scuba at Wekiwa?
• Can I Paddle at Wekiwa Springs?
• Are There Boat Tours at Wekiwa?
• Can I Go Boating at Wekiwa Springs?
• Is Fishing Allowed at Wekiwa Springs State Park?
• Can I camp at Wekiwa Springs?
• Is There a Playground?
• Can I Picnic Here?
• Skip the Picnic and visit the Wekiwa Springs Concession Stand 
• Is There a Visitor Center at Wekiwa Springs?
• Sample Summer Weekend Day Trip Itinerary
• Are you ready to Visit Wekiwa Springs State Park?

Where is Wekiwa Springs State Park?

Wekiwa Springs feeds into the scenic Wekiwa River, and the entire area is surrounded by lush tropical hammocks. It is a second-magnitude spring and produces around 43 million gallons a day.

Conveniently located just 30 minutes north of Orlando and about an hour southwest of Daytona Beach, this natural haven at 1800 Wekiwa Circle, Apopka, FL, offers a perfect escape from city life.

Pro Tip: Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a good spot near the spring and avoid the crowds.

Now let’s talk about things to do!

Beware of Crowds

is very popular. Park rangers close the park when it reaches capacity, so get there early. Especially during summer, holidays, and weekends, the park can fill up quickly!

I visited on a May afternoon in the middle of the week and was surprised at the number of people swimming. I had expected it to be empty. 

Do I Need Reservations?

Maybe! Starting March 12, 2025, day-use visitors will need to reserve a spot and pre-pay before arriving. This is part of a pilot program running through September 1, 2025, and it could become permanent. You can check the latest details on the Florida State Parks website.

Is Wekiwa Springs Accessible?

The park has accessible features, including a chair lift and ramp to enter the spring, accessible campsites, and an interpretive pavilion. 

The boardwalk portion of the Wet-to-Dry Trail is ADA-compliant.

It’s always a good idea to call ahead to check on accessibility or ask for special accommodations.

The chair lift, which supports up to 400 lbs, requires park staff to operate, so give them a heads-up. The chair can stay in the water while you enjoy the spring, making it super easy to get out when you’re ready. 

What are the Hiking Options at Wekiwa?

The park has 25 miles of trails, ideal for hikers of all levels and their dogs. 

We did not get to hike on the day that we went because there was a prescribed burn along some of the trails inside the park. 

• The Wet-to-Dry Trail is a short 0.4-mile loop that crosses a charming boardwalk and footbridge over the spring swim area.* 
• The Mill Creek Loop Trail is a 3.6-mile loop through dunes and flatland ecosystems, showcasing palmettos and wildlife.*
• For a longer trek, the 6-mile Volkmarch Trail with orange blazes (it’s part of the Florida Trail) offers a route through forested areas with occasional sun exposure.* 
• The 12.5-mile Main Hiking Trail with white blazes can get muddy but is rich in wildlife and sandy terrain.*

*This information comes from the Wekiwa Springs State Park map I was given during our visit. I have seen different trail names and distances.  

You can download the Wekiwa Springs State Park Trail map, but always double-check with a ranger before heading out to ensure the trails are open and the information provided on the maps is accurate. 

If you are new to hiking in Florida, check out my Florida Hiking Guide blog post. 

Is There Wildlife at Wekiwa Springs?

Absolutely! The best times to spot wildlife are in the early morning and around sunset. Watch for gopher tortoises, white-tailed deer, and turkeys on the trails. You might catch a glimpse of black bears and bobcats throughout the park, though sightings are rare.

Will I see Alligators or Manatees at Wekiwa?

In the water, you can see fish, turtles, and, yes, alligators. The park is vigilant about keeping alligators out of designated swim areas, but swim areas may be closed occasionally due to alligator activity. You can find out about alligator safety at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website.

Although the Wekiva River connects to the St. Johns River, don’t expect to see manatees here. There have been occasional sightings, but it’s not a regular occurrence. 

Are Dogs Allowed at Wekiwa Springs?

When visiting Wekiwa Springs, remember that your furry friends are welcome only in the campgrounds and hiking trails. Dogs must always be on a 6-foot leash and can’t be left unattended.

They are not allowed in the swim area.

Service animals are allowed everywhere in the park! You can find out more about the state park pet policy here.

What’s Swimming Like at Wekiwa Springs State Park?

The constant 72°F spring water is ideal for a refreshing swim.

The swimming area at Wekiwa is around ½ acre big and an average of 4 feet deep. Because it’s so shallow, no jumping or diving is allowed. Plenty of signage notes this, but we saw someone get out of the water, stand right in front of a ‘no jumping’ sign, and jump into the water. 

Swimming is allowed at the spring source from 8 am to park closing, but there is no lifeguard. Visitors cannot swim in the spring run or the Wekiva River. Even though swimming is restricted to the swimming pool and there is signage clearly prohibiting swimming elsewhere, we saw folks swimming in the spring run. 

Go ahead and bring your pool inflatables, but they need to be small and fit one person. 

What Other Visitors Think of Swimming at Wekiwa

I found mixed reviews on Trip Advisor about the swimming area. Some people absolutely love it, and others hate it. 

Momma T said, “Way too many people. Not just the small floats for a personal float on as is allowed, but giant multi-person floats. Forget trying to use goggles and a snorkel. There are no fish or plants to see. Then you go to the kayak side where no one is supposed to swim and float at and it is wall-to-wall people swimming and floating where you need to launch your kayak.” She gave it a 2 out of 5.

Steveadventuregy said, “After our 90-minute paddle, we had lunch at the cafe (good food and priced right) and then had a quick dip in the swimming area in the clear 72 degrees F spring water. I highly recommend the adventure.” He gave it 5 out of 5.

Can I Snorkel and Scuba at Wekiwa?

You can snorkel at Wekiwa, but only in the spring pool, not the spring run or beyond.

This is a popular spring, so if you want good snorkeling, try visiting during non-peak seasons and hours. 

There is no scuba diving at Wekiwa. 

Please note that jumping and diving are not allowed because the swim area is shallow, only about  4 feet deep. 

Can I Paddle at Wekiwa Springs?

Yes! Wekiwa Springs State Park is perfect for both short and long trips. Enjoy a 1-mile paddle to Wekiva Island for a 2-mile round trip or venture 3 miles to Otter Camp for a 6-mile round trip. Experienced paddlers can explore routes up to 10 miles. 

Launch from the Wekiwa River inside the park (1800 Wekiwa Circle, Apopka, FL), where there is a $6 per vehicle fee, or from Wekiva Island (1014 Miami Springs Drive, Longwood, FL) for $10 on weekdays and $20 on weekends. Both locations offer convenient amenities like bathrooms and concessions, with Wekiva Island also featuring a full bar and food truck (yes, there’s only one).

You can rent paddleboards from Wekiwa Springs State Park Nature Adventures or Wekiva Island and enjoy the calm, shallow waters, which are ideal for all skill levels. Although they rent boards and other vessels, they do not offer guided tours. 

For more details, including where to launch and why it’s a good choice, see my paddling guide for Wekiwa Springs State Park. 

Are There Boat Tours at Wekiwa?

No, there are no boat tours like eco-tours on a pontoon boat led by a knowledgeable captain. If you would like to go on an eco-tour, consider the Fountain of Youth Tour at De Leon Springs State Park or the St. Johns River Nature Cruise at Blue Spring State Park. 

The Wekiva River is relatively small and mostly has non-motorized kayak, canoe, and paddleboard traffic. 

The only motorized boats are tiny, 25 HP or less, and are allowed on the Wekiva River, not the spring run. Motorized boats cannot launch from or dock at Wekiwa Springs State Park.  

Can I Go Boating at Wekiwa Springs?

There is no boating at Wekiwa Springs, but if you have a 25 HP or less boat, you can launch from Wekiva Island and navigate the Wekiva River towards the St. Johns River. 

The launch fee is $10 during the week and $50 on the weekends. You can get more information about boating from Wekiva Island here. 

Is Fishing Allowed at Wekiwa Springs State Park?

Yes, fishing is allowed within the park. You can fish at Sand Lake from the shore or the Wekiva River via canoe, kayak, or paddleboard. Make sure to follow all regulations regarding size, quantity, etc. 

You can learn about Florida freshwater fishing at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website.  

Can I camp at Wekiwa Springs?

Yes, there’s plenty of camping, with options ranging from primitive to RV sites at Wekiwa. 

The Family Campground

The Family Campground at Wekiwa Springs offers 60 wooded campsites, each equipped with water, electricity, a fire ring with a grill, and a picnic table. There’s also a convenient dump station. The campground can accommodate RVs up to 50 feet.

Here’s a breakdown of the campsites:

• 30 with full hookups with 30/50 amps
• 7 with 30 amps and sewer
• 23 sites provide 30 amps without sewer 

Make your reservations by calling 800-326-3521 or booking online. 

Primitive Camping

The Camp Cozy and Big Fork campsites can accommodate up to 10 people and come with a fire pit and grill, benches, and a picnic table. 

For a unique adventure, Otter Camp and Big Buck Camp are accessible only by water along Rock Springs Run. Each accommodates up to 10 people and has fire rings. 

Make sure to reserve your spot by calling 407-553-4383.

Group Camping

The developed youth cabin area can host up to 160 people, featuring 13 youth cabins with bunk beds for 10 each and 6 leader cabins with five people in each. The camp is equipped with a kitchen, rec hall, pavilion, and dining hall, and it’s fully accessible. 

For a more rustic experience, primitive youth camping sites accommodate up to 20 people and offer an open-air shower, picnic table, ground grill, and restroom. 

To book your group adventure, call 407-553-4383.

Is There a Playground?

Wekiwa Springs State Park features a small playground and picnic area near the pavilions. While most visitors don’t just come for the playground, it’s a great perk for families. 

Little ones might need a break from the chilly spring water, and the playground offers a perfect spot to warm up and play. Plus, it’s a convenient place to have a snack, make sure they’re drinking water, and reapply sunscreen.

Can I Picnic Here?

Yes. Wekiwa Springs offers picnic tables, pavilions, and grills near the spring, plus plenty of space on the hill leading down to the water for spreading out a blanket. 

Picnicking is a fantastic way to keep everyone fueled for a fun day at the spring. On busy summer days and holidays, reserving a picnic spot ensures you have a great place for swim breaks and some rest. Enjoy your meal with a view!

Leave your alcoholic beverages at home, though; they are not allowed!

Skip the Picnic and visit the Wekiwa Springs Concession Stand

Open daily from 9 to 5, the Wekiwa Springs concessions offer snacks and cold drinks, including alcoholic beverages. On weekends, enjoy hotdogs, burgers, and more hot-off-the-grill treats. 

The concession stand also stocks essentials like sunscreen, snorkel masks, souvenirs, and more.

Is There a Visitor Center at Wekiwa Springs?

There is no visitor center at Wekiwa, but there is a Nature Center Interpretive Pavilion at the top of the hill above the spring. The pavilion shows some of the wildlife in the Wekiva River Basin and allows visitors to interact with local reptiles. It is ADA-accessible.

Sample Summer Weekend Day Trip Itinerary

Need a little planning advice? Here’s a possible itinerary for your day.

• 8:00 AM: Set up your picnic spot near the spring
• 9:00 AM: Take a refreshing dip in the spring
• 10:00 AM: Warm up and dry off on the Wet-to-Dry Trail
• 11:00 AM: Cool off in the spring after your short hike
• Noon: Have lunch at your picnic spot
• 1:00 PM: Rent a paddleboard and explore the Wekiwa River
• 2:00 PM: Cool down with another dip in the spring
• 3:00 PM: Visit the Nature Center Interpretive Pavilion
• 3:30 PM: Relax and enjoy a snack from the concession stand before heading home

Are you ready to Visit Wekiwa Springs State Park?

I hope I have shared information that will help you plan your visit to Wekiwa Springs!

If you are looking for other state parks to visit in central Florida, check out my post about the best state parks in the area.