The Beautiful Wekiwa River slowly moving through Wekiwa Springs State Park in Opapka, Seminole County, Florida

Beautiful Wekiwa Springs State Park is located in Apopka, Florida, just 16 miles north of Orlando. This lush 7,000 acre recreational area is home to Wekiwa Springs, a natural tourist attraction since the 1850s.

Visitors to this Florida state park enjoy exploring the many miles of trails on foot, mountain bike or horseback and paddling along the Wekiva River. Plus swimming, fishing, camping, birdwatching and more.

Activities

Wekiwa Springs State Park has plenty to offer day visitors as well as those who are hoping to escape to the wilderness for an extended stay. The day area near the main spring has a picnic area with tables and grills, a playground, volleyball court and horseshoe pit. The nearby Nature Center contains exhibits, artifacts and native wildlife.

Here are some of the many activities that you can do during your visit to Wekiwa Springs State Park:

Boating at Wekiwa Springs State Park

Explore the area around the Springs by paddling your canoe or kayak along Rock Springs Run or Wekiva River. Canoe and kayak rentals are available at the park’s concession – Wekiwa Springs State Park Nature Adventures.

Be prepared to carry your canoe or kayak, some of the area around the springs are sloping and uneven.

Swimming at Wekiwa Springs State Park

Swim in clear and cool (72 degrees year round) water during your visit to Wekiwa Springs State Park. Bring a picnic and make a day of it. Snorkeling is allowed at the Wekiwa Spring only.

Hiking at Wekiwa Springs State Park>

Explore the peaceful countryside of Wekiwa Springs State Park. Trails range from pedestrian to multi use (this includes bikes and horses) and in lengths of 0.8 to 13.5 miles. View wildlife, woods, swamps and the peaceful river and springs as you wander leisurely or athletically.

Wear your most comfortable and sturdy hiking shoes, take along a snack, a bottle of water and a trail map/guide and set out for an adventure.

Here a brief description of each of the hiking trails at Wekiwa Springs State Park:

  • Main Hiking Trail – A moderate 13.5 mile trail through the wilderness.
  • Volksmarch Trail – An easy 5.3 mile trail through the park’s varied ecosystems. May be muddy at certain times of the year but is an ideal path for nature lovers. Visit America’s Walking Club website to learn more. You can also pick up information at the ranger station inside the park.

Biking at Wekiwa Springs State Park

The park has an off-road wilderness bike trail that is 9 miles long and somewhat challenging. Bikes are also allowed on the 8 mile multi use horse trail, just be aware of riders and hikers.

Horseback Riding at Wekiwa Springs State Park

Tram Bed Horse Trail is 8 miles long and separated into 2 loops for a more enjoyable ride. The trail is named for the old railroad line bed that was constructed by hand 100 years ago.

These trails are also multiuse and so open to hikers and mountain bikes. Please stay on the designated trails when riding and be prepared to show a negative Coggins report for each horse brought into the park.

Fishing at Wekiwa Springs State Park

Fish at Sand Lake and along the Wekiva River for smallmouth bass, largemouth bass and crappie. Be sure to pick up a Florida fishing license and learn about fishing regulations inside the park ahead of time.

Birding at Wekiwa Springs State Park

Bird lovers include Wekiwa Springs State Park on their list of places to visit, because the park is part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail.

You’ll definitely get a glimpse of native and migrating birds during your visit. Keep an eye out for a variety of songbirds, raptors, waterfowl and wading birds.

Nature and Wildlife at Wekiwa Springs State Park

During your visit to Wekiwa Springs State Park you’ll have plenty of opportunities to see birds, mammals, reptiles, plants, wildflowers and more. If you’re hoping to spy some white-tailed deer keep a look out either early in the morning or right before sunset.

Some other types of wildlife you may see are squirrels, turtles, snakes, butterflies, wild turkeys, bobcats and an occasional Florida black bear.

Pets at Wekiwa Springs State Park

Pets are welcome at Wekiwa Springs State Park, so no need to leave your dog at home (or in a kennel). Just make sure that your pet is on a (no longer than) 6-foot leash and supervised at all times. Pets are not permitted in the swimming area or inside any park buildings.

Camping at Wekiwa Springs State Park

Set up camp in one of the 60 spacious sites located on the pine covered hills inside of Wekiwa Springs State Park.

Each of these sites has electric and water connections, a picnic table and a fire ring/grill. Some sites also have sewer hookups.

The park also has equestrian campsites, primitive campsites and group camping. Big Fork (the equestrian site) and Camp Cozy (one of the primitive sites) lie along the main hiking trail in the peaceful wilderness.

Each of these sites has a picnic table, fire pit, grill and benches, and can accommodate up to 10 campers. And each of these sites is only accessible by foot, 1 mile to Big Fork and almost 3 miles to Camp Cozy.

If you prefer to kayak rather than hike then reserve one of the 2 primitive campsites accessible only by water: Otter Camp and Big Buck Camp located on Rock Springs Run. Both sites have fire rings and can fit up to 10 people.

A cabin area is available for youth groups only. There are 13 youth cabins for up to 10 children each and 6 leader cabins that can accommodate up to 30 people total. A pavilion, recreation hall, kitchen and dining area are part of this campsite.

Park Location

Wekiwa Springs State Park
1800 Wekiwa Cir
Apopka, FL 32712
Phone: 407.553.4383

Website
Reservations

Map

Video

Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Wekiwa Springs State Park: