When to go
Weather, crowds, and what the season changes about the trip.
Spring
Warm and pleasant, with rising weekend demand at the swimming basin.
Pack Swim gear, sun protection, and a reserved day-use entry time.
Summer
Hot and humid with afternoon storms, but the 72-degree spring is the main draw.
Pack Swim gear, water, repellent, and an early arrival before the lot fills.
Fall
Easing heat and humidity, with strong paddling and hiking conditions.
Pack Sun layer, water, and light insect protection.
Winter
Mild and dry, with cool air but a spring that stays a constant 72 degrees.
Pack Layers for cool mornings and a wetsuit or quick-dry plan for swimming.
Top things to do
Wekiwa Springs swimming basin
The headspring stays a constant 72 degrees year-round and is the main reason most people come. Get there early on warm weekends before the lot fills.
Wekiva River paddle
Rent a canoe or kayak on-site and paddle the spring run into the Wekiva River past cypress, hammock, and abundant wildlife.
Multiuse trails
Miles of trail for hiking, trail running, biking, and horseback riding through sandhill, hammock, and pine flatwoods.
Make Wekiwa Springs swimming basin the timed anchor
Put the timed or highest-demand stop first, then keep the rest of the day close and low-friction. For one day in Wekiwa Springs State Park, time Wekiwa Springs swimming basin first, then keep Wekiva River paddle and Multiuse trails close enough that the visit still feels relaxed.
- 1Start with Wekiwa Springs swimming basin: The headspring stays a constant 72 degrees year-round and is the main reason most people come. Get there early on warm weekends before the lot fills.
- 2Add Wekiva River paddle: Rent a canoe or kayak on-site and paddle the spring run into the Wekiva River past cypress, hammock, and abundant wildlife.
- 3Use Multiuse trails as the slower finish before leaving the area.
Plan your trip
Turn Wekiwa Springs's conditions into water, pack, and sleep-system decisions.
Build around conditions
Let season, elevation, and weather set the plan.
Plan your trip
4 quick tools, already seeded for Wekiwa Springs State Park. Tune the numbers around temperature swings, footing, layers, and how much margin the route needs.
What to pack
Start with the gear decisions this park changes: footing, weather, camping, and water.
Kit Authority
Wekiwa Springs State Park packing list
0 of 21 packed. Check items as you pack, then take this list to the store, trailhead, or campsite.
Pack planning
Decide what Wekiwa Springs State Park asks of your kit before you start checking boxes.
Use this as a constraint check while you are still shaping the trip. The active checklist becomes useful once your route, dates, and sleep plan are set.
- First constraintHydration and exposureWater, Electrolyte mix, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, 4 more
- Route realityFooting and tractionTrail running shoes, Hiking socks, Trekking poles
- Load choicePack and carry systemDaypack
- If overnightSleep and shelterTent, Sleeping bag, Sleeping pad
Checklist mode
21 items, grouped for the trip you are actually taking.
- Dates and season are set.
- Primary route, campground, or lodge is chosen.
- Water, footwear, and overnight needs are sized.
One researched pick
The first gear decision for Wekiwa Springs
A properly fitted paddling PFD is the first purchase to settle before the boat, dry bag, or accessories.
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THE PADDLING PICK
Onyx MoveVent Dynamic
- Approval
- USCG Type III
- Back
- Mesh lower back, sits above kayak seats
- Ventilation
- Vented chest and shoulder channels
- Pockets
- Zippered front pocket, lash tab
- Sizing
- XS/S through XL/2XL, women's cut available
The MoveVent Dynamic is the vest that solved the real PFD problem: people own one and leave it in the car. The mesh lower back sits above a kayak or SUP seat, the arm cuts clear a full paddle stroke, and the venting keeps it tolerable in July. A life jacket only works if you wear it, and this is the one people wear.
- Mesh lower back works with kayak seats and SUP kneeling instead of riding up
- Ventilated panels keep it wearable through a hot afternoon
- Sizing runs athletic; broad-chested paddlers should size up
Best for
Kayakers and paddleboarders who want the vest they will actually keep on, at a family-friendly price.
Gear for Wekiwa Springs
The buying guides that match what Wekiwa Springs asks of your kit, with our current top picks across budget and use case.
Where to stay
Camp inside the park if you want to be at the spring before the day-use crowds. The developed campground has electric and water sites, and there are primitive group and backcountry options. Apopka and the greater Orlando area have the broadest hotel and rental inventory, with the park about a 30 to 45 minute drive from downtown Orlando.
Camping reservations
Camping reservations
Reserve Wekiwa camping, and remember day-use entry now needs a reservation too.
Wekiwa has a developed campground plus primitive group and backcountry sites. As of September 2025, a separate reservation is required just to enter for the day, which changes how you plan a swim.
Reviewed June 11, 2026
Booking window
Florida residents may reserve campsites up to 11 months ahead; non-residents up to 10 months. New dates open daily at 8 a.m. Eastern.
- Effective September 2, 2025, reservations are required for day-use entry, not just camping. Book your entry time before driving out.
- RV, cabin, bungalow, and yurt-style units run about $24 per night plus tax, a $6.70 reservation fee, and a $7 nightly utility fee; the entrance fee is included in the camp fee.
- Primitive camping runs about $5 per person per night plus tax.
Where to book or verify
Official park page with the day-use reservation requirement, fees, and amenities.
Statewide reservation rules, the resident window, and the 800-326-3521 booking line.
Check for federal campground, backcountry, tour, and permit inventory tied to this park.
Campgrounds to know
Wekiwa Springs campground
Details- Booking
- Up to 11 months for residents, 10 months for non-residents.
- Sites
- Developed sites with water and electric for tents and RVs.
- Best first check for campers who want early-morning spring access.
Primitive and group camping
Details- Booking
- Reserve through Florida State Parks.
- Sites
- Primitive backcountry and group sites at about $5 per person per night.
- Good for scout groups, backpackers, and budget overnights; carry your own water.
Getting there and practical info
Plan the handoff from arrival to shuttle.
Parking, pedestrian entrances, and shuttle timing decide how calmly the first morning starts.
Getting there
Get to Wekiwa Springs State Park, then remove the first-morning friction.
- Nearest airport
- Orlando International Airport (MCO), about 45 minutes south; Orlando Sanford (SFB) is closer
- Access rhythm
- Reserve before arrival
- Region
- Florida
Fly in
Wekiwa Springs sits in Apopka, about 20 miles north of downtown Orlando and a 30 to 45 minute drive from Orlando International Airport.
Car strategy
A car is the practical way to reach the park, and on warm weekends the parking lot can fill early, which is part of why day-use entry now requires a reservation.
Pair this with lodging: sleep where the park transfer is simple, especially if your route needs an early start.
Can you photograph here? Permit and drone rules
Florida abolished its state film office in 2023; county film commissions issue permits, and state parks run their own DEP photography permit with fees and insurance.
- Permit
- Usually fine for personal shoots; commercial or large productions can need a permit
- Drones
- Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107; Florida preempts most local drone ordinances by statute
- Land
- Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US
From our photography sister site, Aperture Authority. Verified 2026-07-01.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a reservation to visit Wekiwa Springs?
Yes. As of September 2, 2025, day-use entry requires a reservation, not just camping. Book your entry time through Florida State Parks before you drive out, especially on warm weekends.
How cold is the spring at Wekiwa Springs?
The headspring stays a constant 72 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, which feels refreshing in summer and brisk in winter. Many winter visitors bring a wetsuit or a quick-dry plan.
What does it cost to enter Wekiwa Springs State Park?
Entry is $6 per vehicle for 2 to 8 people, $4 for a single-occupant vehicle, and $2 per extra passenger or pedestrian, plus the required day-use reservation.
Can you paddle at Wekiwa Springs?
Yes. Canoes and kayaks are available to rent on-site, and you can paddle the spring run into the Wekiva River through cypress and hammock with frequent wildlife sightings.