Rock Springs - Kelly Park

The main attraction at Kelly Park/Rock Springs is a gorgeous natural Florida spring and spring run, which is great for family tubing.

Rock Springs/Kelly Park is less than 30 miles away from Orlando, but it feels like you are in a different world. The spring and park are surrounded by beautiful, peaceful nature and lots of Florida Wildlife.

Rock Springs starts flowing from its spring vent, located inside Dr. Howard A. Kelly Park. After rising from the spring vent, it forms a small, clear river known as Rock Springs Run.

Many people describe Rock Springs as Orlando’s natural lazy river, which is a great description - the water was absolutely beautiful. Water wasn’t deep except in a few areas. There are lots of big rocks, so I would suggest good water shoes.

Rock Springs Run flows downstream for 8 miles. There, it merges with another spring run to form the Wekiva River.

Most people who visit Rock Springs do so for the amazing tubing.

The process for tubing Rock Springs is that you float from the top of the spring run, to the bottom, then repeat as much or as little as you want.

Tubes are available for rent outside the park, but they aren’t available from inside Kelly Park. The concessionaire does have other stuff for sale, but they don’t rent tubes.

You are allowed to bring your own tubes and pool noodles. Note: If you bring your own tubes, remember that tubes can’t be more than 5 feet long or wide!

To tube Rock Springs, you launch your tube at the top of the spring run, near the spring’s vent.

This is where all of the water flows out of, into Rock Springs Run.

There are wooden stairs which go down toward the river, and it is very easy.

Some people launch their tubes a bit further upstream, above the bridge, and closer to the spring vent.

This requires navigating through rocks, though. It is best to launch from the tube launching point downstream from the bridge.

You will float through a beautiful natural lazy river, and under a beautiful canopy of trees. It almost feels like a jungle. There are many places along the run where small children can stand and play in the water. You can see through the water because is so clear, you can swim with the fish around you. You will often see wildlife on the sides of the spring run: occasionally they will have to shut the springs down for a stray gator or otter.

About 15-20 minutes after launching you will get to a bridge, which is the end of the tubing run. There is a long, easy ramp out of the river.

After you float the river you can walk back up along a paved path to float down again, or take a break. The walk back up is beautiful and shaded the whole way. Many people float the spring run over and over, spending all day on the river. Lifeguards are on duty.

Note: Kayaking is allowed in the spring run below the bridge, but swimming and tubing are prohibited past the wooden bridge and exit.

This video shows the entire process for tubing Rock Springs, from entering the park to exiting the spring run.

Picnic benches are available along with grills, pavillion rentals as well. There is a playground with swings and an open area to play in.

This place is a real hidden gem - it is closer than the beach for central Floridians, much cooler because of the trees and water temperature, and a whole lot of fun! Pro tips: get there super early, like before the gates open! We barely got in arriving at 8:30 on a weekday. There’s only one place in town (on the way) that rents tubes and they sell out quick. But you can always bring your own - just remember to bring a portable inflator.

I can’t recommend this spring enough for its beauty, accommodations and affordability. We will try to camp next time so we can enjoy the spring early and later in the day. Campers can use the spring even if it is at capacity.

I recommend checking their homepage for more details.