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Kelly Park wilderness guide
Public Park · FL

Kelly Park

Kelly Park is a popular public park in Apopka, Florida, known for its clear, cold springs and lush environment that attracts visitors for a variety of outdoor activities.

Public Park3253+ Trails

Designation

Public Park

Total Wilderness Area

325

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Kelly Park

Kelly Park is a popular public park in Apopka, Florida, known for its clear, cold springs and lush environment that attracts visitors for a variety of outdoor activities.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Kelly Park, located in Apopka, Florida, is a 325-acre public park famed for its natural beauty and the Rock Springs Run, a crystal-clear, free-flowing spring that maintains a refreshing temperature around 68 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. The park, established in 1927, offers a diverse ecosystem with lush landscapes, providing habitat for numerous species of birds and wildlife native to the Central Florida region. Visitors enjoy swimming, tubing, and kayaking in the spring or exploring the park's scenic trails on foot, with ample opportunities for wildlife photography. The park has a rich history as a community retreat, and its serene setting makes it a favored spot for family gatherings, picnics, and camping. Access is relatively convenient, being only about a 30-minute drive from Orlando, making it an ideal day trip destination.

Field Guide · Public Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Kelly Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

Snorkeling in the Crystal-Clear Rock Springs Run and Orlando★ 7.8⌖ 1 miSnorkeling
Tubing Kelly Park

Snorkeling in the Crystal-Clear Rock Springs Run and Orlando

Explore the crystal-clear waters of Rock Springs Run at Kelly Park near Apopka, Florida. This easy-access site offers year-round snorkeling in spring-fed waters. Family-friendly and scenic, it's popular during summer. Expect to see fish and turtles while swimming.

SnorkelingView Details→
Swimming at Rock Springs at Kelly Park in Apopka★ 7.2⌖ 1 miSwimming
Apopka

Swimming at Rock Springs at Kelly Park in Apopka

Enjoy swimming at Rock Springs in Kelly Park, Apopka, FL. With its easy access, this natural swimming area features crystal-clear water at a consistent 68 degrees. Families can indulge in swimming and tubing year-round, but expect crowds on summer weekends.

Camping at Kelly Park in Orlando★ 7.8⌖ 1 miCamping
Kelly Park

Camping at Kelly Park in Orlando

Camping at Kelly Park, located 25 miles from Orlando, FL, offers a serene experience with activities like tubing, swimming, and hiking. Enjoy the natural springs and diverse wildlife. Ideal in spring and fall for a relaxing family getaway.

Hiking the Springs Trail Loop in Orlando★ 7.5⌖ 1 miHiking
Orlando

Hiking the Springs Trail Loop in Orlando

Explore the 5.3-mile Springs Trail Loop near Orlando, Florida. With moderate difficulty, this hike offers views of Wekiwa Springs and chances to spot deer and gopher tortoises. Enjoy birdwatching and natural swimming areas along the way.

Trail Running at Wekiwa Springs State Park in Apopka★ 8.0⌖ 2 miTrail Running
Apopka

Trail Running at Wekiwa Springs State Park in Apopka

Wekiwa Springs State Park in Apopka offers over 25 miles of scenic trail running routes, from easy to challenging. The dynamic terrain and abundant wildlife make it a rewarding experience. Best enjoyed in fall-spring, this location is accessible by car and ideal for adventure seekers.

Trail RunningView Details→
Paddling the Wekiva River in Orlando, Florida★ 7.8⌖ 2 miPaddling
Wekiwa Springs State Park

Paddling the Wekiva River in Orlando, Florida

Explore the scenic Wekiva River in Orlando, FL. Ideal for paddling, birdwatching, and wildlife encounters. Enjoy this serene waterway with family, accessing it via Wekiwa Springs State Park.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Rock Springs – A natural free-flowing spring popular for tubing and swimming.✦ Lush Ecosystem – Home to diverse flora and fauna offering excellent wildlife viewing.✦ Camping Opportunities – Offers a campground suitable for tents and RVs with basic amenities.✦ Picnic Facilities – Multiple areas equipped with tables and grills for day use visitors.
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Kelly Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Kelly Park
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Kelly Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Kelly Park
Park Recreation

Paddle Sports

Available in Kelly Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Kelly Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Kelly Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Entrance fee required.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Kelly Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Kelly Park Campground

Located within the park offering sites for tents and RVs with water and electric hookups.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Kelly Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Apopka
⌖ 5.72 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Apopka, Florida

A vibrant destination characterized by rich wildlife offerings and diverse outdoor activities, with easy access to the best of Central Florida's natural landscapes.

Mount Dora
⌖ 8.66 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Mount Dora, Florida

A charming small town offering relaxed lakeside recreation and mild outdoor activities with a scenic historic atmosphere.

Fall through SpringExplore Town
Altamonte Springs
⌖ 10.22 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Altamonte Springs, Florida

A vibrant suburban gateway to Central Florida’s lakes and urban greenways, offering accessible outdoor pursuits from paddling tranquil waters to biking scenic trails.

Winter through SpringExplore Town
Longwood
⌖ 10.69 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Longwood, Florida

A tranquil suburban town offering easy access to Florida’s natural parks, lakes, and trails, perfect for relaxed outdoor activities and nature exploration.

Fall through SpringExplore Town
Lake Mary
⌖ 11.48 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Lake Mary, Florida

A quiet suburban town offering relaxed outdoor activities with access to lakes, parks, and nearby Florida natural preserves.

Winter and SpringExplore Town
Casselberry
⌖ 11.99 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Casselberry, Florida

A refreshing suburban oasis with accessible lakes and greenways offering paddling, biking, and birdwatching in Central Florida’s mild climate.

Fall through SpringExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Kelly Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

12 bookable experiences

Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.