Kelly Park (Rock Springs) Apopka: The Complete 2026 Guide (Tubing, Fees & Tips)
kelly park
Overview
Kelly Park, widely known as Rock Springs, is a 355-acre Orange County park in Apopka, Florida, about 20 miles northwest of Orlando. The park is built around a first-magnitude natural spring that pumps roughly 26,000 gallons of crystal-clear, 68-72°F water per minute, forming a gentle spring run that's become one of Central Florida's most popular natural tubing spots.
Beyond the tubing run, Kelly Park includes the 2.6-mile Kelly Loop Trail, a campground, picnic pavilions, a playground, and a boat launch, making it a genuine day-trip or weekend destination rather than just a swimming hole. Because it's a spring-fed, year-round attraction, it draws heavy crowds, especially in summer, and has a hard daily capacity limit.
History of Kelly Park
Kelly Park dates back to 1927, when it was gifted to the people of Apopka by Dr. Howard Atwood Kelly, one of the founding physicians of Johns Hopkins Hospital. It's been a beloved local swimming hole for nearly a century, and while tubing on Rock Springs Run is the main draw today, the park's Kelly Loop Trail and campground have quietly built their own following among Central Florida hikers and campers.
Hours & Admission Fees
Kelly Park is open daily from 8 a.m., closing at 8 p.m. in summer and 6 p.m. in winter, with waterfront and trail access closing an hour before the park itself. Admission is $3 per vehicle for one or two people, $5 for three to eight people, and $1 per additional person, walk-in, motorcycle, or bike; buses pay $10 plus $1 per person. Fees can be paid by cash or credit card, though American Express is not accepted. Pets are not permitted anywhere in the park, with the exception of ADA service animals.
Tubing on Rock Springs Run
Tubing down Rock Springs Run is the reason most people visit Kelly Park. The spring run acts like a gentle natural lazy river, carrying tubers downstream through a canopy of palms and mixed forest to a take-out point, where visitors walk back along a trail to tube again. The park itself does not rent inner tubes, but private vendors typically operate along Rock Springs Road near the entrance, so plan to bring your own or arrange a rental in advance, since operators can change from year to year.
Kelly Loop Trail
The 2.6-mile Kelly Loop Trail circles the high ground surrounding Rock Springs, showing off the park's best scenery beyond the swimming area. It's a solid option for visitors who want to combine a hike with their tubing trip, or for anyone visiting outside of swim season who still wants to see the park's natural side.
Camping & Pavilions
Kelly Park has a developed campground in its uplands suited to both tents and RVs, with camping fees varying by residency and site, generally in the $17-36 range depending on the specific campsite and whether you're an Orange County resident. Picnic pavilions can be reserved for group events by calling the park directly or emailing KellyCamping@ocfl.net with your name, requested date, phone number, and expected group size.
Best Time to Visit
- Weekday mornings: Best chance of avoiding the capacity cap and long entry lines.
- Summer: Peak tubing season and also the most crowded, with the park regularly reaching capacity by mid-morning.
- Winter: The spring stays a constant 68-72°F year-round, making it a comfortable swim even on cooler days, with shorter park hours.
- Off-season weekends: Noticeably easier access than in peak spring and summer months.
Wildlife & Safety
Alligators and snakes are occasionally spotted in the water, though not a common occurrence. If an alligator is seen, staff verify the sighting and activate the park's safety protocols. A wheelchair pool lift is available at the swimming area for visitors with mobility needs.
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Location & Parking
Kelly Park is located at 400 E Kelly Park Road, Apopka, Florida 32712, about 20 miles northwest of downtown Orlando. Parking is on-site within the park, included in the per-vehicle admission fee described above.
Family, Pets & Accessibility
The park is wheelchair accessible and includes a wheelchair pool lift at the swimming area, plus a large playground that makes it a solid stop for families with younger kids who aren't tubing. Pets are not permitted anywhere in the park except ADA service animals, so plan accordingly if you were hoping to bring a dog along.
Nearby Attractions
Rock Springs Run State Reserve, Wekiwa Springs State Park, Kings Landing, and Wekiva Island are all nearby and popular add-ons for anyone building a longer Central Florida springs-hopping day. Rock Springs Bar & Grill sits close to the entrance for a post-swim meal, with a Publix and Ace Hardware also nearby in Apopka for supplies.
What Visitors Say
Visitors regularly describe it as one of the best springs in Florida for a family day out.
First-time guests often say the experience exceeded their expectations, praising both the scenery and helpful staff.
Some reviewers note that arriving early is essential in summer, since the park reaches capacity quickly on weekends.
Campers frequently mention enjoying the uplands campground as a quiet base for exploring the trails and springs.
Insider Tips & Common Mistakes
- Call the capacity hotline (407-254-1906) before leaving home on busy weekends to check if the park is still accepting entries.
- Arrive as early as possible in spring and summer; some visitors line up before 5 a.m. to guarantee entry.
- Rent tubes from a private vendor along Rock Springs Road before entering, since the park itself doesn't rent them.
- Bring cash or a non-Amex card for admission, since American Express is not accepted.
- Leave pets at home; only ADA service animals are permitted.
- Common mistake: assuming a weekend afternoon visit will work. On peak days the park can reach capacity by 9 a.m., so plan around that.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to enter Kelly Park?
Admission is $3 per vehicle for 1-2 people, $5 for 3-8 people, and $1 per additional person, walk-in, motorcycle, or bike.
What are Kelly Park's hours?
The park opens at 8 a.m. daily, closing at 8 p.m. in summer and 6 p.m. in winter, with the waterfront and trails closing an hour earlier.
Can you rent tubes at Kelly Park?
No, the park itself doesn't rent inner tubes. Private vendors typically operate near the entrance along Rock Springs Road.
Are pets allowed at Kelly Park?
No, pets are not permitted anywhere in the park, with the exception of ADA service animals.
Does Kelly Park reach capacity?
Yes, on busy spring and summer weekends the park can fill within an hour of opening. Call the park's capacity hotline before heading over to check current status.
Can you camp at Kelly Park?
Yes, there's a developed campground in the park's uplands for both tent and RV camping, with fees varying by site and residency.
Where is Kelly Park located?
It's located at 400 E Kelly Park Road, Apopka, Florida 32712, about 20 miles northwest of downtown Orlando.
