Kelly Park, home to the popular Rock Springs Run, is a natural spring in Apopka, Florida, offering year-round recreation. This guide covers everything you need to know about visiting Kelly Park, from tubing down Rock Springs to camping and other activities.
Planning Your Visit to Rock Springs
Before heading to Kelly Park, understanding the park’s rules and preparing for your visit is essential. Here’s what you need to know:
Park Admission and Hours
- Entrance Fee: $3 per vehicle (1-2 people), $5 per vehicle (3-8 people), $1 for each additional person/walk-ins/motorcycles/bikes. Busses are $10 per bus plus $1 per person.
- Payment: Cash, Visa, MasterCard, or Discover with valid photo ID.
- Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (March to early November), 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (November to March). Waterfront and trails close one hour before park closing.
- Capacity Limits: The park limits daily visitors to manage crowds and preserve the natural environment. 280 vehicles are allowed in each morning, and an additional 50 with an afternoon parking pass after 1 p.m. Arrive early, especially during summer and holidays, as the park often reaches capacity within an hour of opening. Parking passes for 1 p.m. entry are distributed to the first 50 cars in line after the park reaches capacity.
Reservations and Contact Information
- Pavilion Reservations: Call 407-254-1902 or email [email protected] (include your name, requested date, phone number, and number of attendees).
- Group Campsites and Camp Joy Dormitory: Email [email protected] (include your name, phone number, and desired dates).
- Individual Campsites: Reserve online through the Orange County Parks and Recreation website.
- General Information: Call 407-254-1906 for capacity updates and other inquiries.
Activities at Kelly Park: Beyond Rock Springs
Kelly Park offers more than just tubing. Here are some other activities to enjoy:
Tubing on Rock Springs Run
Rock Springs is a constant 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit, making it a refreshing escape year-round. Tube rentals are available from vendors outside the park. Guests can bring their own floats, but they must be smaller than five feet in length and width. The swimming area closes one hour before park closing and may be closed due to lightning or inclement weather. No alcoholic beverages or pets are allowed. Only ADA service animals are permitted.
Camping
Kelly Park offers tent and RV camping. Common areas and the waterfront are closed after hours, requiring campers to stay in the designated campground.
Kayaking, Canoeing, and Paddleboarding
A launch for kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards is available at Camp Joy for a fee ($3 for 1-2 people, $5 for 3-8 people, $1 per additional person). Launching hours are 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., with a 5 p.m. return deadline. Commercial activity is prohibited at the Camp Joy launch.
Other Amenities
Kelly Park features a concession stand (open seasonally), picnic pavilions, a playground, and lockers (available on a first-come, first-served basis with lock rentals from the concessionaire). Grilling is allowed in designated picnic areas (no charcoal dumping). Pop-up tents (10×10 feet maximum) are permitted in picnic areas, but not near the waterfront. No camping-style tents are allowed outside the campground.
Enjoying Rock Springs and Kelly Park
Kelly Park, with its refreshing Rock Springs Run, offers a fantastic natural escape for individuals and families. Plan ahead, arrive early, and be prepared for a fun-filled day of outdoor recreation. Remember to respect the park’s rules and help preserve its natural beauty for future visitors.
