Our research is editorially independent but we may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.

Rock Springs Run is Florida’s Natural Lazy River

There’s no better way to relax on a hot summer day than floating down a lazy river with a cold drink in your hand. While you have endless choices of man-made lazy rivers at hotels and amusement parks, there’s a natural lazy river right here in Florida that’s perfect for escaping the heat on a hot summer day.

Tubing down the river at Rock Springs Run
Credit: Tubing down the river at Rock Springs Run by Bigstock.com

Rock Springs Run is part of Kelly Park in Apopka, Fla., and this free-flowing spring is a tubing paradise. Float down the swift, clear creek as it winds through the natural scenery of Central Florida. The clear, blue water stays at a constant 68 degrees and a leisurely trip down stream will take you about 25 minutes.

Rock Springs Run
Credit: Rock Springs Run by Paul Clark via Flickr

You can bring your own tube, as long as it’s under 5 feet long, or you can rent a tube from a vendor outside the park. As you float along the river’s gentle current, you’ll come across large pools that are perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Overall, the tube run is about three-fourths of a mile long with a few stops along the way.

Rock Springs Run at Kelly Park
Credit: Rock Springs Run at Kelly Park by Rain0975 via Flickr

While tubing is certainly the main attraction, other activities at the park include swimming, hiking, snorkeling and kayaking, and there’s even a volleyball court and playground. However, if a day at the spring isn’t long enough, tent and RV camping also is available at Kelly Park.

Swim area at Rock Springs Run
Credit: Swim area at Rock Springs Run by Paul Clark via Flickr

Admission to the park costs about $5 and parking is $3 per vehicle, making it a relatively inexpensive day trip for some fun in the great outdoors. Arriving early is recommended, as the park tends to fill to capacity by mid-morning in the warmer months. The park opens from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. during the summer and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the winter, with the waterfront closing one hour prior to the park’s closure.

    • Address: 400 E Kelly Park Rd, Apopka, FL 32712
    • Phone: (407) 254-1902
    • Hours: Open daily 8 AM -8 PM in Summer and 8 AM – 6 PM in Winter

Watch Video

On The Map

Travel Deals

7-Day Irish Pub Tour in Luxe Vehicle w/ Private Driver

$1829+

Non-Stop Business Class Fare Sale | Up To 70% Off

$2125+

Med Cruises | Up to 45% Off, Ship Credit up to $300

$779+

$300 Off | Air & 8-Day Dubai & Abu Dhabi Guided Tour

$1399+

Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall All-Inclusive Resort | Jamaica

$197+ pp/pn

Wyoming Inn of Jackson Hole | 17% Discount

$150+

9-Day Highlights of Spain and Portugal Escorted Tour

$2499+

Caribbean Cruises Up to 45% Off + Up to $300 Credit

$249+

Air & 14-Day Norwegian Fjords Tour | Up to $400 Off

$3799+

6-Nt Spooktacular Irish Getaway | Save $50

$1959+

Sandals Royal Barbados | Up to 65% Off

$373+ pp/pn

Royal Caribbean | 7-Nt Caribbean Cruise w/ Ship Credit

$682+

7-Day Guided Tour of Italy: Rome to Venice

$2299+

Jewel Grande Montego Bay All-Inclusive Resort & Spa

$190+ pp/pn

7-Day Italy Guided Tour: Rome, Spoleto & Florence

$1919+