Activities at Wekiwa Springs State Park
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BicyclingCyclists of all levels can find a challenging and enjoyable ride in the park (see some pictures in the Photo Gallery/Visitor Photos of portions of this trail). The bicycle trail is approximately 9 miles long, but bicycles are also permitted on the 8 miles of horse trails. Please refer to the Trails Map link on the right side of the screen. Because these are multi-use trails, be prepared to meet the occasional hiker, horseback rider, or park vehicle. Please stay on designated trails, ride responsibly, and respect the park and wildlife. The park closes at sundown and you must exit the park at that time, so please plan your ride accordingly. Please note that portions of the trail may be strenuous. Due to dry conditions, sandy roads and trails can sometimes be difficult to traverse. The trails are located in a wilderness area. |
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Campfire CirclesCampfire circles are only available to registered youth campers and are located in the Youth Camp and Primitive Youth Camp. There are no campfire circles available to visitors not camping in the park. |
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Canoe CampingThere are two campsites in Wekiwa Springs State Park that can only be accessed by canoe or kayak. Otter Camp and Big Buck Camp are located on beautiful Rock Springs Run. Travel to either site can begin from any livery along the Wekiva River or inside Wekiwa Springs State Park. Picture of Big Buck Please see the Canoe Map on the right side of this screen for site locations. These campsites are primitive. Both sites have fire rings and can accommodate up to ten people each. Pets are not permitted at these campsites. Rates are $4.00 per person, per night plus tax. Reservations for these sites are required and can be made no more than 60 days in advance. Call 407-884-2009 to make reservations. Campers are required to be at the canoe camp site at least two hours before park closing to be permitted to camp. Campers have no vehicle access to these sites. Canoes and kayaks can be rented inside Wekiwa Springs State Park or at other liveries along Rock Springs Run and the Wekiva River. You can even plan trips to include other canoe sites located in Rock Springs Run State Reserve. Further information on overnight canoe or kayak rentals, shuttles, or guided trips can be obtained by calling our canoe rental stand at (407) 884-4311 or visiting their website, Nature Adventures. Please see the travel times provided in the Canoeing and Kayaking section below which can be used in conjunction with the Canoe Map to help plan your trip. |
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Canoeing & KayakingEnjoy one of the most beautiful areas of the park by canoe or kayak out on the Wekiva River or Rock Springs Run. You can begin your trip inside the park or enter the park from any launch site along the Wekiva River or Rock Springs Run. Entrance fees are just $2.00 when entering via Wekiwa Springs Run. Canoe and kayak rentals are available at our concession. Guided trips and shuttles are also available. Visit their website, Nature Adventures, or call them at (407) 884-4311. Please canoe or kayak responsibly and respect the park and wildlife. The travel times provided here can be used in conjunction with the Canoe Map on the right side of this screen to help plan your trip. These are approximated downstream travel times. To approximate travel upstream, multiply the downstream travel time by one and a half. APPROXIMATE CANOE/KAYAK TRAVEL TIMES The trails are located in a wilderness area. Please take water, a compass and a map when utilizing them. |
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Concession/RestaurantSnacks and cold drinks are available at the concession stand and hot dogs are available occasionally. This building has ADA access.
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FacilitiesThe Recreation Hall and Dining Hall can be rented individually on a daily basis by any group when the Youth Camp is not in use by another group. Both buildings can accommodate up to 150 people, have full bathroom facilities and ADA accessibility. Rental of these buildings is for the day and during normal park operating hours. Park entrance fees are not included in the rental price. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (407) 884-2006.
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FacilitiesThe day use facilities at Wekiwa Springs State Park contain three restrooms. One in the picnic area, one at the rear of the Nature Center/Concession Store and one at the swimming area. The swimming area restroom contains changing rooms as well. All restrooms are ADA accessible either by sidewalk or boardwalk. The family campground contains restroom and shower facilities in each campground loop. These are ADA accessible as well.
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FishingFishing is available at Sand Lake and on the Wekiva River. Fishing license is required. Do you need a Fishing License? |
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Full Facility CampingWekiwa Springs State Park has sixty (60) campsites. Each campsite has water, electricity, in-ground fire circle with a grill and a picnic table. ADA accessible camp sites are available. If ADA accommodations are desired, please request them at the time of reservation. There are two restroom facilities with showers. The sites do not have sewer hook-ups but there is a dump station conveniently located at the campground. Reservations can be made up to eleven (11) months in advance of the day you wish to arrive. All reservations for campsites except for next day reservations must be made by calling Reserve America, toll free, at (800) 326-3521. Next day reservations can be made by calling the park at (407) 884-2008. Wekiwa Springs State Park also offers the Bedtime Story Camper Lending Library of picture books for campers aged four to nine. From black bears to insects, the Lending Library is a fun way to enhance your child's experience in the Real Florida. For a quiet afternoon or bedtime, share a story with your child to help explain the sights and sounds of Wekiwa Springs. Ask the Ranger Station for more information.
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Group CampingGroup camping is available for organized youth groups. Organized youth groups meeting the necessary requirements may make reservations for the Youth Camp or Primitive Youth Camp.
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HikingTake as short or as long of a hike as you wish, enjoying the wilderness and wildlife on 13.5 miles of hiking trails. Please see the Trails Map on the right side of this screen for more information. The 5.3-mile Volksmarch trail is marked with orange diamonds. Please stop at the Ranger Station for Volksmarch check-in materials. Because some of the hiking trails are multi-use trails, be prepared to meet the occasional bicyclist, horse-back rider, or park vehicle. Please stay on designated trails and hike responsibly. Please respect the park and wildlife. The park closes at sundown and you must exit the park at that time, so please plan your hike accordingly. The trails are located in a wilderness area. |
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Horse TrailsHorseback riders will enjoy the Tram Bed Horse Trail which is named for it's western portion-the bed of an old railroad line. The trail is approximately 8 miles long and divided into two loops. It is marked with a Green Blaze and/or Horse and Rider Emblems on wooden posts at all crossroads. Please refer to the Trails Map on the right side of this screen. This trail was constructed by hand about 100 years ago for use as a passenger line. Rails were never laid for the passenger line. Instead, the rail bed was used to haul pine logs on a narrow gauge line in the early 1900's. Because these trails are multi-use, be prepared to meet the occasional hiker, bicyclist, or park vehicle. Horses and riders are required to stay on the designated horse trails. A corral is provided at the start of the trail for trailer parking. Water for horses only is available at one location, Camp Big Fork (see trail map). Camping is also available at Camp Big Fork (reservations are required). Please ride responsibly and respect the park and wildlife. The park closes at sundown and you must exit the park at that time, so please plan your ride accordingly. Proof of Negative Coggins is required. The trails are located in a wilderness area. |
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Interpretive ExhibitSelf-guided tour of the Nature Center. Saturdays & Sundays. Stop by the Nature Center to see the live animal exhibits and learn how the land provides for them. The Nature center is located next to the concession stand in the spring area. |
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Nature MuseumWe are delighted to announce that the newly-renovated Nature Center is now open. Come see live native wildlife and learn about their habitats and the many ways we can protect our valuable natural resources. The Nature Center is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00 noon to 3:00 p.m. The Nature Center is ADA accessible.
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Nature TrailsEnjoy a leisurely walk on the boardwalk nature trail next to the spring. It is approximately 1/8-mile beginning at a bridge that overlooks the spring and lagoon. This trail will take you through the swamps of a river hammock to a dry sandhill ending at the trail head of the main hiking trail. This trail is ADA accessible at the bridge entrance-please see the Park Map on the right side of this screen for location. Please enjoy the nature trail responsibly and respect the park and wildlife.
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Pavilion
There are two pavilions that are available for groups, such as family outings and company picnics. Each pavilion holds up to 100 people. There is electricity, water, a double charcoal grill and picnic tables in each pavilion. The Live Oak pavilion is ADA accessible and is located near the playground. The Sink Hole pavilion is closer to the spring than the Live Oak pavilion and is near a restroom facility. Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance. Park entrance fees are not included. If ADA accessibility is desired, please specify at the time of reservation. The park does close on busy days when the park reaches maximum capacity.
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Pet CampingPet camping is available at Wekiwa Springs State Park. Pets must be confined, leashed (not to exceed six feet in length) or otherwise under the physical control of a person at all times. Tethered pets must not be left unattended for more than 30 minutes. Quiet hours must be observed from 11:00 p.m.--8:00 a.m. Pet owners must pick up after their pets and properly dispose of all pet droppings in trash receptacles. Florida law requires that pets be vaccinated against rabies. Any pet that is noisy, dangerous, intimidating or destructive will not be allowed to remain in the park. Non-furbearing pets, such as reptiles, birds, or fish must be confined or under the physical control of the owner. Some animals may be prohibited on park property. Failure to abide by these rules may result in the camper being asked to board the pet outside the park or to leave the campground.
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PetsPets are allowed in the Park at Wekiwa Springs State Park. All pets must be on a hand-held, 6 foot leash at all times. Pets may not be left unattended. You may walk your pet along the trails, and in use areas, but they are not allowed in the swimming area. Pet owners must pick up after their pets and properly dispose of all pet droppings in trash receptacles. |
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PicnickingA picnic area including picnic tables and grills is located near the spring. A playground, volleyball court and horseshoe pit are also located in this area. Picnic tables are also provided at Sand Lake. |
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PlaygroundA small playground is located near the picnic area. |
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Primitive CampingHike out to Camp Cozy (approximately 3.5-miles from the main trail head) located just off the main hiking trail and enjoy the wilderness of Wekiwa in peaceful seclusion. Or camp with your horses at Big Fork, a spacious site with easy access conveniently located off of the horse trail. Please see the Trails Map on the right side of this screen for locations of these sites. Each site will accommodate up to 10 people. Pets are not permitted at either site (horses are permitted at Big Fork). Reservations are required and can be made no more than 60 days in advance. Call 407-884-2009 to make reservations. Campers are required to be at the primitive camp site at least two hours before park closing to be permitted to camp. Campers have no vehicle access to these sites. The trails to these sites are located in a wilderness area. |
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RV CampingWekiwa has 60 very comfortable sites for RV and Travel Trailer Campers. The Campground is located near the front of the Park in a wooded area with mixed Longleaf Pines and Oaks. Each site is level and comes with 35 amp service, water, a picnic table and grill. Most sites are large enough to accommodate large RV’s.
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SnorkelingSnorkel in crystal clear Wekiwa Springs where the water is a refreshing 72 degrees year-round. Children and non-swimmers should be accompanied by an adult swimmer at all times. Diving and jumping are not permitted. Snorkeling is not permitted in Wekiwa Springs Run, Rock Springs Run or the Wekiva River. The swimming area is open from 8:00 a.m. until park closing. No lifeguards are on duty. Snorkelers and swimmers do so at their own risk. |
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SwimmingSwim or snorkel in crystal clear Wekiwa Springs where the water is a refreshing 72 degrees year-round. The spring is located in a natural setting perfect for spreading a blanket and having a picnic. Individual size flotation devices are allowed in the swimming area. Children and non-swimmers should be accompanied by an adult swimmer at all times. Diving and jumping are not permitted. Swimming is not permitted in Wekiwa Springs Run, Rock Springs Run or the Wekiva River. The swimming area is open from 8:00 a.m. until park closing. No lifeguards are on duty. Snorkelers and swimmers do so at their own risk. |
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Wildlife ViewingVisitors may see many types of wildlife throughout the park and a good place for viewing is right along Main Park Drive. Early morning and right before sunset are typically the best times for viewing White-tail deer. Wild turkeys can be seen throughout the day in all areas of the park. The best places to see Sherman's fox squirrels are on the trails that go through the Youth Camp. |
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Youth CampingWekiwa Springs State Park has a primitive youth camping area as well as a Youth Camp facility with cabins. The Primitive Youth Camp is only open to organized youth groups (ex. Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, church youth groups, etc.). The organized groups must be non-profit associations. Chaperones must be at least 21 years of age. Reservations for this area can be made up to sixty days in advance. There are three sites in this area. Picture of Primitive Youth Camp Site #1 Picture of Primitive Youth Camp Site #2 Picture of Primitive Youth Camp Site #3 The maximum number of people in each site is twenty. Each site has a fire circle, benches and a picnic table. There are two restrooms and cold showers. Picture of Primitive Youth Camp Shared Cold Showers Picture of Primitive Youth Camp Shared Restrooms Parking is limited to five vehicles per site. Picture of Entrance to Primitive Youth Camp Area from Parking Area Adults and groups other than organized youth groups can reserve the primitive youth camp area if not already reserved by an organized youth group but can do so no more than 30 days in advance. Campers must make arrangements to arrive and be checked into the site no later than 3:00 pm. Groups arriving later than this will not be permitted to camp. All campers must be in camp and quiet by 11:00 pm. Sites must be clean and orderly before leaving. All regular park camping rules and regulations apply to these campsites. To obtain further information please call (407) 884-2008. The Youth Camp facilities are available to all organized groups using the camp to teach nature appreciation, conservation, and preservation. Programs are required to encompass these subjects by at least fifty percent (50%). The Youth Camp accommodates up to 166 people and must be rented as a whole. There are 20 cabins, a recreation hall, a dining hall, a swimming pool, an amphitheater, a pavilion, and a baseball field. The Dining Hall, Recreation Hall and two cabins are ADA accessible. Please see the Youth Camp Information Link for a map that shows the layout of the Youth Camp and indicates the sleeping capacities of each cabin. There is a minimum nightly charge which includes the first sixty (60) people. There will be an additional charge for each additional person. A deposit is required for all reservations and will be applied to the final balance. For further information, please contact 407-884-2006. The Youth Camp is not available in the months of June and July.
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