Wekiwa Springs Florida
A Relaxing Day Out in Beautiful Surroundings.
Wekiwa Springs State Park is famous for its' crystal clear springs that
flow to the Wekiva River.
Most visitors enjoy bringing a picnic and having a cool dip in the
springs. Hiking, canoeing and kayaking are also popular here. If you're
the adventurous kind, there are superb camping and lodging facilities.
Locals know that it's the ideal place to escape the crowds during the
hot summer months. The springs stay at a pleasant 72 degrees year
round, ideal for a refreshing dip!
Activities at Wekiwa
Springs
Picnicking - why not pack a lunch and
bring it to the park? There are numerous picnic tables in the Sand Lake
area. There is also a playground and volleyball court near the picnic
area.
There are picnicking pavillions available for large groups or company
outings. They're equipped with electricity, water and a double grill.
They cost $60 per day to hire, you must call and make reservations in
advance - Phone: 407-884-2088.
Kayaking & Canoeing - is one of
the best ways to see wildlife up close and at your own pace. Each time
you take a trip down the river you're bound to see different birds and
animals each time.
Kayaks and canoes can be rented at the park for a minimum 2 hour
rental:-
Single kayak - $15 (each additional hour - $3)
Double Kayak - $20 (each additional hour - $3)
Single canoe - $15 (each additional hour - $3)
Alternatively, you can book a guided canoe/kayak excursion with a
knowledgable guide. The 2.5 hour tour along the Wekiva river will
enable you to see areas of the park unseen by most visitors. You'll
have an expert guide who will tell you about the areas diverse flora
and fauna as well as inform you of the area's history.
The tours cost $35 per person, they're run by Wekiwa Springs State Park
Nature Adventures, call 407-880-4110 for further details.
Here's a great short video of a canoe trip down the Wekiva river, it
shows some of the wildlife that you can see up close including
alligators, herons and gopher tortoise.
Hiking/Biking - there are 13.5 miles of
trails that weave through many different ecosystems. From sandy and dry
to wet and swampy, you're sure to spot some native Floridian wildlife
(tortoises, eagles, owls, egrets, herons, black bear, deer and many
more).
There's a long trial loop that takes you up past Sand Lake and to Lake
Prevatt - both good opportunities to cool your feet on the way. Pats of
this trial are multi-use, so you may come across cyclists, horse back
riders and park vehicles.
There is a shorter trial of 5.3 miles which also takes you by Lake
Prevatt. All trials are marked and signposted, but you may wat to bring
a map or make sure to pick up a trial guide before you leave.
Camping - Wekiwa Springs State Park has a
full-facility campground for Rvs and tents, primitive camping and
private furnished cabins for rent.
How do I find Wekiwa
Springs State Park?
Wekiwa Springs State Park is located approximately 20 mins drive north
of Orlando and 40 mins drive from the major theme parks. The map below
shows the location of the park near Apopka, Orange County.
You can use the map to zoom in and out of the area using the left hand
navigation bar. You can also hold down your right mouse button and drag
the map in all directions.
Address:
1800 Wekiwa Circle
Apopka, Florida 32712
Get Directions
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Phone: 407-884-2008
Opening Hours: 8 A.M. till sundown every day of
the year (including holidays). The nature center is open Saturday and
Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Admission fees to the
park are:
Vehicles with 2 to 8 people - $5.00
Single Occupant Vehicles - $3.00
Pedestrians, Bicyclists, Extra Passengers, Passengers In Vehicles With
Holder of Annual Individual Entrance Permit-$1.00
Camping Fees
Family campground sites - $20.00 plus tax per site, per night.
Primitive camping - $4.00 plus tax per person, per night
Organized Youth and Adult Group Camping - $1.00 per youth; $2.00 per
adult chaperon plus tax, per night.