Bicycling

Cyclists 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 off road 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.

Persons under the age of 16 are required by State Law to wear a helmet while bicycling. The trails are located in a wilderness area.

It is recommended to take water, a compass, cell phone and a map when utilizing them.

Birding

Wekiwa Springs has a large number of birds...see how many you can identify. Wekiwa Birding Check List

Campfire Circles

Campfire 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.

Camping, Equestrian

Camp with your horses at Big Fork, a spacious site with easy access conveniently located off the horse trail. Picture of Camp Big Fork.

Each site will accommodate up to 10 people. The trails to these sites are located in a wilderness area. Please take water, a compass and a map. 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. Pets, except horses, are not permitted. Reservations are required and can be made no more than 60 days in advance. Call (407) 884-2009 to make reservations.

Camping, Full Facility

Slopes of gently rolling hills supporting longleaf pine among other specialty plants is the Sandhill habitat where the 60 spacious campsites are located. Each wooded site has water and electrical hook-up, a fire ring with grill and a picnic table. ADA-accessible camp sites can be requested at the time of reservation. Two ADA accessible restrooms with showers are located in the camping area. A dump station is located at the campground. Firewood is available at the Ranger Station. Well behaved pets are allowed in the campground.

Maximum RV length = 50 ft.

NOTE: In order for us to improve our services to our guests we are going to make some improvements in the campground starting September 6th, 2011.  We will continue to accept reservations until that time.  Please contact our central reservation system at 1-800-326-3521.   Please bear with us while we attempt to improve our services.

Camping, Group

Three primitive youth group camping sites each accommodate up to 20 people. Amenities include ground grill, picnic tables, a restroom and an open-air shower. For reservations call the park at (407) 884-2009.

Camping, Primitive

Hike out to Camp Cozy (approximately 3.5-miles from the main trailhead) located just off the main hiking trail and enjoy the wilderness of Wekiwa in peaceful seclusion. Picture of Camp Cozy.

Each site will accommodate up to 10 people. The trails to these sites are located in a wilderness area. It is recommended to take water, cell phone, a compass and a map.

For your safety, 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. 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.

Camping, Youth

Two youth group camp options are available.

The tent camping area accommodates up to 60 people. Amenities at the site include fire rings, picnic tables, outdoor shower and restrooms with sinks and hot water. This camp is open to organized youth groups. Chaperones must be at least 21 years old. Reservations can be made up to 60 days in advance. There are three sites in this area that accommodate up to 20 people each. Parking is limited to five vehicles in this camp. Adult groups may use this area if a youth group has not already reserved it. Adults may make reservations no more than 30 days in advance. Call (407) 884-2008 for questions and reservations.
Picture of Primitive Youth Camp Site #1
Picture of Primitive Youth Camp Site #2
Picture of Primitive Youth Camp Site #3
Picture of Primitive Youth Camp Shared Cold Showers
Picture of Primitive Youth Camp Shared Restrooms
Picture of Entrance to Primitive Youth Camp Area from Parking Area

The youth group cabin area is used for environmental education and groups reserving the area must meet eligibility requirements. The camp accommodates up to 160 people. Thirteen youth cabins with bunk beds each accommodate 10 people. Six leader cabins will accommodate up to 30 people. The camp also includes a pavilion, recreation hall, kitchen and dining hall. The youth camp is ADA accessible. Make your reservations early. Cabins are booked months in advance. 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 more information, call the park at (407) 884-2009. 

The Youth Camp is not available during June and July.  The Florida Federation of Garden Clubs has a summer camp program during this time.  For additional information please go to  http://www.ffgc.org/youth/camp_wekiva.html 

Canoeing & Kayaking

Enjoy 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 per person 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

            2 hours-King's Landing to Big Buck Campsite

            3 hours-King's Landing to Otter Campsite

            5 hours-King's Landing to Wekiwa Springs State Park

            6 hours-King's Landing to Wekiva Marina

            8 hours-King's Landing to Buffalo Tram (Rock Springs Run State Reserve)

            1 hour-Wekiwa Springs State Park to Wekiva Marina

            4 hours-Buffalo Tram (Rock Springs Run State Reserve) to (formerly) Katie's Landing

            4-5 hours-(formerly) Katie's Landing to High Banks Boat Ramp

            The trails are located in a wilderness area. Please take water, a compass and a map when utilizing them.

Camping

There 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

            Picture of Otter Camp

            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 $5.00 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 above, which can be used in conjunction with the Canoe Map to help plan your trip.

Concession & Restaurant

The park concession is open for your convenience daily from 9am-5pm.  Snacks and cold drinks are always available and on busy summer weekends, hot grill items are also sold such as hot dogs and hamburgers.  The concession stand usually has any item that you may have forgotten to make the most of your visit to the park, stop by for insect repellant, sunscreen, an underwater camera, towel or a snorkel mask.  You can also pick up a souvenir to remember your visit to Wekiwa such as a Wekiwa t-shirt or hat.

Fishing

Fishing is available at Sand Lake and on the Wekiva River. A Florida fishing license may be required.

Geo-Seeking

Explore the park in a new and challenging way. Experienced Geocachers have requested permission to hide caches containing trinkets, treasures, or information in various places around the park.  Please check the Geocaching website for the most current and up-to-date information and clues to locate these caches.  Seeking Geocaches in the park may take you to areas you have not visited before or teach you a new fact about the park; either way, you are sure to have a memorable adventure!

Hiking/Nature Trail

There are several trails available here at Wekiwa Springs, ranging in length from 1/8th of a mile to 13 1/2 miles.  Our shortest trail has a boardwalk that allows an opportunity to observe the beauty of a river hammock.  The boardwalk portion of this trail meets ADA standards as well.  For those feeling more adventurous, our longest trail provides an opportunity to see several plant communities ranging from river swamp to dry sandhill.  Some of the animals you may encounter while enjoying the trails here at Wekiwa include the Florida black bear, white tailed deer, bobcat, gopher tortoise, turkeys and many many other bird species.

Some of our trails are designated as multi-use, so be prepared to encounter the occasional bicyclist or horseback rider.  We also recommend that you take some items such as water, snacks, insect repellant, map, compass and cell phone.  Please enjoy the nature trails responsibly and respect the park and wildlife.  A trail map may be found on this park's webpage under "Additional Info", as well as at the park Ranger Station and at the trail heads.

Horse/Equestrian Trail

Horseback riders will enjoy the Tram Bed Horse Trail which is named for its 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).

Picture of Big Fork

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.
Please take water, a compass and a map when utilizing them.

Guided Trail Rides

Guided Trail rides are now available starting near the Sand Lake parking area and meandering through scenic trails. Trail rides take place at Wekiwa every Saturday and Sunday starting at 9:00 a.m. and running until 3:30 p.m. Visitors should first check in with the concession building near the spring to pay for their ride before reporting to the trail head at Sand Lake to start their ride. Rides are $25/person and last about an hour. Riders must be age 6 or older. Hand led pony rides may be available for children under 6. For more information, please call the concession at Wekiwa Springs at (407) 884-4311 or the ranch at Rock Springs (352) 735-6266.

Interpretive Exhibit

We are so fortunate to have a volunteer-operated Nature Center here at Wekiwa Springs.  The Nature Center has examples of wildlife that occur within the Wekiva River Basin and some historical artifacts.  Visitors have the opportunity to get up close and personal with snakes, turtles and an alligator.  The Nature Center is ADA accessible.  Being fully operated by volunteers, we are always looking for qualified individuals to become members of our volunteer work force.

Meetings & Retreats

The 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 restroom facilities and ADA accessibility. Rental fees are $200.00 for the Recreation Hall and $300.00 for the Dining Hall, which includes the kitchen. Rental of these buildings is for the day and during normal park operating hours. Park entrance fees are not included. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (407)884-2006.

Pets

Pets 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.

Picnic 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.
Reserving a pavilion does not guarantee your party's entry or re-entry into the park if closed once maximum capacity is reached.
The park may reopen at set intervals throughout the day. Park closings usually occur between Memorial Day and Labor Day. For further information or to make reservations please call 407/884-2008.

Picnicking

A 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.  Consumption of alcohol beverages is prohibited, except during park-sanctioned events where alcohol is permitted wihtin designated areas.

Playground

A small playground is located near the picnic area.

Restroom Facilities

The 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.

Snorkeling

Snorkel 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.

Swimming

Swim 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.

A swim lift is now available at the water’s edge. The lift is intended to enable visitors who need assistance entering and exiting the spring water. The lift is hydraulically powered and rated for use by people weighing up to 400 pounds. The user has plenty of stable, flat ground to transfer into the seat of the lift. The lift slowly lowers the user in a seated position into the spring and stops with the water around the user’s chest level. The seat may remain in the water until the user is ready to get out of the spring. When needed, the lift will slowly raise the user out of the water to the sidewalk at the edge of the spring. A second person is required to operate the lift by simply turning a lever. If you would like the assistance of the swim lift to enter the water, please notify park staff as you enter the park or once you are in the park so that we may turn on the device and make it available to you. Park staff can also provide assistance upon request. Photo of Swim Lift

Visitor Center

The 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.

Wildlife Viewing

Visitors 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.