Wekiwa Springs State Park
A Major Outdoor Recreational Area in the Heart of Florida
Florida's Wekiwa Springs State Park is an oasis of opportunity for campers, hikers, and backpackers, as well as anyone who enjoys activities in the great outdoors.
The Wekiwa Springs State Park, located approximately 20 miles north of Orlando, Florida, is approximately 7,000 acres in size and offers visitors an opportunity to see how the area looked when the Timucuan Indians speared fish in the springs and hunted wildlife in the surrounding wilderness. The main spring, which now serves as a swimming and snorkeling area, pumps about 42 million gallons of water each day. The water is surprisingly cold, which is a welcome respite in the typical Florida heat. "Wekiwa" is derived from the Creek Indian word meaning "spring of water" or "bubbling water."
Here are a few high points for campers and backpackers who want to experience Wekiwa Springs State Park:
General Campsites - The campground area is comprised of 2 "loops" which contain 60 campsites suitable for tents, pop-ups, and RV's. Each site has electric and water hookups, a picnic table, grill, contained fire ring and lantern pole. Both campground loops are near the hiking trail loop and the outdoor pavilion where rangers give scheduled presentations and informative talks about various aspects of the park including Florida wildlife, trail highlights and plants to avoid. Hot showers and restrooms are nearby and reservations are required.
Backpacking Campsites - There are 2 backpacking campsite areas located along the park's 13 mile hiking trail. Maximum site occupancy at each site is 10 people. These are excellent for solitary campers or those who wish to avoid the noise and activities that typically occur in the family camping areas. All water, food, and firewood must be packed in and all trash must be packed out. Fires are allowed only within the provided ground grills. Tents must be pitched at designated campsites only. These sites are first-come first-served only; no reservations are taken.
Canoe and Kayak Camping - There are 5 designated canoe/kayak campsites along the Wekiva River (approximately 17 miles in length) and Rock Springs Run (approximately 9 miles in length). The closest is the Otter Campsite, which is about a mile upstream on Rock Springs Run, The farthest is Katie's Landing, which is almost 11 miles downstream on the Wekiva River. The river is a living system, so no matter how often your travel its waters, you can always see and experience something new. Maximum site occupancy is 10 people. All water, food, and firewood must be packed in and all trash must be packed out. Fires are allowed only within the provided ground grills. Tents must be pitched at designated campsites only. No restroom facilities or potable water are available. Reservations are required and canoe and kayak rentals are available at the park concession area.
Hiking/Backpacking - The park has a large 13.5 mile hiking/backpacking trail loop that lets hikers enjoy a variety of Florida's plant and animal life (deer, foxes, bobcats, bears, gopher tortoises, egrets, herons and eagles, among others) as well as various eco-systems and conditions (dry and sandy to wet and swampy). Some of the hiking trails are multi-use trails, so be prepared to meet the occasional bicyclist, runner-in-training, horse-back rider, or park vehicle. The long trail will take you near Sand Lake and right up next to Lake Prevatt, both good opportunities at the beginning and end of the trail to cool your feet in the water (as long as you keep an eye out for alligators). Within the large hiking trail loop is a smaller loop that is 5.3 miles long, for those who need an easier hiking/backpacking experience. This trail also takes you right next to Lake Prevatt near the end of the loop. All trails are carefully marked, but hikers/backpackers should always carry a map (available at the park station) and compass.
Wekiwa Springs State Park in Central Florida is a great place to camp, hike or backpack, as well as a place to enjoy a wide variety of outdoor recreational activities by yourself or with family and friends.
