Wekiwa Springs State Park: A Natural Paradise 20 Minutes from Orlando

As spectacular as the man-made theme parks in Orlando are, nothing quite compares to the beauty of what Mother Nature can provide. That’s why when you are enjoying a vacation in Orlando, it would also be a good idea to visit some of the beautiful state parks in the region. The Wekiwa Springs State Park, located 20 minutes north of Orlando offers a wide variety of outdoor activities in a stunning natural setting.

Wekiwa Springs State Park covers approximately 7,000 acres of wild scenery that will give you a glimpse of what Florida looked like when the Timucuan Indians speared fish in the spring-fed creeks and hunted in the surrounding forests. The natural spring for which the park is named is powerful and pumps 42 million gallons of water daily.

The spring is one of the important geologic features of this region. Its name is derived from the Creek Indian word "Wikiwa" which means "bubbling water." Within the park there are also other springs creating streams which form the boundaries of the park.

As the park is blessed with abundant water, it has a diverse plant life which in turn supports a wide variety of animals including: deer, bobcats, raccoons, opossums and black bears.

This wonderful location is perfect for outdoor recreational activities such as swimming, canoeing, fishing, camping, picnicking, horseback riding, youth camping and backpack camping. Let’s take a look at what is on offer.

The big attraction of this park is the Springs. You can swim in 72 degree water (20 degree Centigrade) year round. The swimming area varies in depth from under a foot to five feet, and a small 15-20 foot deep cavern at the source of the spring.

Canoe rentals are available, and a concession stand provides refreshments. Canoe rates and information are available by calling 407/880-4110. Picnic areas and shelters are provided in the spring and Sand Lake areas. A museum and visitor center houses exhibits on natural and cultural history.

Picnic areas and shelters are provided in the spring area and the Sand Lake area. A playground is located in the spring picnic area along with a volleyball court and horseshoe pit.

Groups can take advantage of two pavilions. Each pavilion holds up to 100 people. There is electricity, water and a double grill in each pavilion. Reservations can be made up to 60 days in advance. Each pavilion rents for $60.00 per day. This fee does not include the entrance fee into the park. The park does close on busy days due to the lack of parking spaces. Reserving a pavilion does not guarantee your party entrance into the park if it closes. The park will reopen throughout the day as people exit. Park closings usually occur between Memorial Day and Labor Day, thus it is good to make reservations by calling 407/884-2008.

Several types of camping are available at this park. For general family camping

Wekiwa Springs State Park has sixty campsites. Each campsite has water, electricity, in-ground fire circle with a grill and a picnic table. There are hot showers and restrooms for your use. None of the sites have sewer hook-ups but there is a dump station located at the campground. Reservations are taken for one hundred percent of the campsites.

Another possibility is backpack camping. There are two backpacking campsites located along the 13-mile hiking trail. Maximum site occupancy is ten people. You must pack in all water, food, and firewood and pack out all trash. Fires are allowed only within the provided ground grills.

You can also go canoe camping along the Wekiva River and Rock Springs Run and there is even an area for horse camping along the Tram Bed Horse trail.

To find out more about this park you can contact them call 407/884-2008 or write to:

Wekiwa Springs State Park, 1800 Wekiwa Circle, Apopka, Florida 32712. Their website is: http://www.floridastateparks.org/WekiwaSprings/

Mark Whichard and his wife Susan are the proprietors of Orlando’s Finest Vacation Homes LLC and are experts in the field of Orlando vacation rentals with experience dating to 1998. Visit their website: http://www.disneyhomerentals.com for more information about renting a condo, home or villa in the Orlando area.