Not free. $6 for a carload up to 8 people. Other fees listwd here. https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/wekiwa-springs-state-park/hours-fees
No there is a area where its blocked for other activities but i have never heard of alligators being there if you ever feel uncomfortable let staff know or get out of the water
Hi Chris,
I was there in the past week. Signs seemed to indicate that dogs are allowed in the park, but not in the spring area, the spring waters, or on the river/run waterways, so no taking them out in your canoe etc.
There is a grassy knoll which leads to the spring from which you can see the spring. There were families that laid out on the lawn on blankets or in bag-chairs which had dogs with them.
As an aside, Recently, I saw some youngsters violate the rule & encouraged their dog to jump in. It seemed to almost drown, maybe the cold spring water was to much of a shock?, but it started choking and gasping, and the dogs owners had to swim after it and help it back on land. They insisted it was a normally good swimmer, but it did not seem well afterward & they left carrying it with their towels around it. Just an fyi.
Hope this helps.
Mac
Yes, you could set up on a nice spot. Just remember you have to get here early, cause spots fills up fast and once park reaches its max capacity they close it.
Yes, there are two boardwalks leading to a sidewalk. The sidewalk leads to concession. The 3rd ADA walkway down to the actual spring head and ADA lifts is behind concession.
Camping is highly affordable and by reservation only. This is not a pull up and ask spot and likely never will be. Prepare accordingly if you're the freewheeling no reservation type and be willing to travel to nearby private facillities that cost more but have higher capacity.
There is only one spot u r allowed to set up tents & csnopy. It is not on the water. But, just a short walk. The rental cabanas r fantastic! Check out the website.
Hi, I agree alligators are more active in the warmer waters. People do swim in the springs pool area but not byond that. I don't know about kayaking though didn't see anyone doing that.
I think the primitive camp sites are right where the rv campsites are. they aren't the traditional primitive campsites like I think you are thinking. It's an RV campsite where you put your tent and it has a fire ring
When we went the parking lot was right down the sidewalk from the kayaks, like a two minute walk from our car past the swimming area. You launched off a small Sandy bank and returned to the same spot and then just walked right back up to the car.
Danielle, I'm sure you'll have figured out it's open by now, but I wanted to let you know that the best spring, in the area, is only a few miles away at Rock Springs. It has a winding run, from the head, that runs for about a half mile that you can float, or swim down!
It is $6.00 per car. You are not charged per person. Go early as it really gets busy at noon. We arrived about 10 and were ready to leave by 1230 ir 1 o'clock. The line up of cars coming in was unbelieveable. It is a beautuful place and well worth the $6.00. Enjoy.
well behaved pets that do not present a nuisance or danger to others are all welcome. 6 foot leash is the primary requirement. This is a heavy activity black bear and hawk park. Bears and dogs do not mix. Keeping your animal on the 6ft lead thru-out the park is for the safety of the pet. Bears do periodically appear in the main use area even during times of high traffic.
6ft leash recommended. Trails, camping and picnic area are open access for pets. Orange county health has restrictions on Pets near bathing/pool spaces for people, slapping a service animal vest on your pet does not supercede local health code. Don't be that guy that forces your unsocialized pet into a crowd or on a forced 4 mile march thru the sandhill. If you've never been out to WSSP with your pet before, please plan to make that first trip with fido shorter and more enjoyable for them. Remember, its literally 100+ degrees in the shade right now once you adjust for relative humidity.
The water is clear throughout the springs and spring water in Florida stays about 72 degrees F all year.
Easiest way to get used to the cool temperature, is to get in quickly.
Once in the water, you can expect to see sandy bottom with some fossils and head springs with cavern, which to water flows from. Be mindful of the water current and rocks if diving into the cave. Water throughout swimming area is around 5-6 feet deep. There is a shallow area for small children to stand and enjoy. For little ones, the water temp can been a little cold. I recommend bringing a flotation device and raft/floating lounge chair.
Have fun
Nothing. I have actually seen a gator in the spring area. It was late in the day and everyone was out of the water. Been to Wekiwa many times and have never seen one in the spring area while people are actively swimming.
It ranges from around 2-3 feet in the kiddie corner, to 4-6 feet in the majority of the swimming area. There’s a small area with a rock/cave that goes to at least 12 feet (but I’m estimating).
It is a natural area so you can come across a snake but it's really rare.
They do have alligators but they are separated from the swimmers.
You could have seen an article or two mentioning someone getting hurt. But those insistence accord due to not paying attention to there surroundings.
Hope you have a great time. The water is so refreshing.
There are 3 person Kayaks which in my opinion are better than a canoe for your young family. They seem a little more enclosed and steady than the openness of a canoe. Hope that helps. Go early it fills up fast. They will take you in a van to the designated area. (entrance off US-19)
Place to rent kayak if you have one you can take it and canoes. crystalline spring of cold water there are alligators, snakes, birds and other species 🐻 bear in its environment Place for snacks, meals, beer 🍺 other areas for swimming
Rafael Figueroa | Sep 15, 2021
Tania Suarez | Sep 15, 2021
It is a beautiful relaxing park to enjoy with the family
Dogs are allowed until certain point in the park. Although I did see a family who had a dog with them next to the spring, when they weren't supposed to have the dog in that area, but no one said anything about it, everyone just kept going about their day and had fun, I personally didn't care either.
Yes, pets are not allowed on the grassy mound. I had my dog with me there a few weeks ago and I put her on a leash and stayed with her at the edge of the grassy area. There are signs that tell you where pets are not allowed.
No. They are limiting the number of guests to the park due to covid, but swimming was not restricted. There was plenty of room for people to spread out on the lawn
Is there a river part of the springs? Or is it all just a standing water swimming area? If there is a river, do you have to kayak it or can you float on a tube down the river?
Bryn Hudson | Sep 15, 2020
Carl Allen | Sep 15, 2020
Swim area and River part that is fun to paddle. You can rent or bring your own.
How much are canoe rentals, and operating hours?
ken kolberg | Sep 15, 2020
marc | Sep 15, 2020
Canoes are $35/day. Call or go on their website for more information.
How is the equestrian trail? Is there somewhere to let the horses play in water?
cheri brown | Sep 15, 2020
Danielle Watson | Sep 15, 2020
The trail itself was nice. Rolling terrain, some sun and some shade. So open areas and some wooded area. I am not sure about letting the horses play in water though.
There are several areas with restrictions for pets, it would be best not to be concerned.
I am so upset. I just went to this park, and they said they where full. I called before going no answer! How do I reserve a spot if no one answers the phone?
Lxvely | Sep 15, 2020
Carla Casela | Sep 15, 2020
When I called they suggest me to go before opening since they fill up pretty quickly. The park opens at 8:00am, I was there at 7:15am. Hopefully this will help.
So the primitive camping...do you have to hike there to get to your site or is it just a site without water or electricity hookup?
Amanda Taylor | Sep 15, 2020
Juan David Velez | Sep 15, 2020
Neither. Just get there, park and you'll find all the rest areas with water, electricity and bathrooms.
How is this place to visit in December?
Milton Orozco | Sep 15, 2020
Jessica Evans | Sep 15, 2020
Everything is open year-round as far as I know. The water in the springs stays about 70° all the time, so if it's cold outside, the water will feel warm. The pleasantness of your trip will just depend on the weather that day.
Once you get through the entrance, take left and keep looking at your left, you will see comp ground sign.
As Jay said they don't rent any tents but you can get your own!!
We brought our own kayak because its cheaper that way and they have a kayak launch area. Its a bit of a hike from the parking lot. But i think it was 30 bucks per hour.
Not if you enter the spring at the state park. At other entry points you can have a dog on your vessel, But no dogs allowed in the water at all due to the manatees and wildlife if you enter the spring from a different dock.
Is the entrance still $ 6 per car? And does it work every day? Did you want some information if there's anything to pay there or if it's all without paying anyway? Thank you.
Gigi flamingo | Sep 16, 2019
Elizabeth Stone | Sep 16, 2019
The entrance still $6.00 dollars ,I believe is open every day unless the park is full and they have to close down the entrance.I believe is $6.00 per car.I think as many people you can bring inside your car.
They allow dogs but only up to a certain point and it's not near the water. I saw a lady bring a dog there last time and the ranger asked them to leave the non pet area. So unless it's a service dog, I wouldnt bring your furbaby.
I didn't knew that they have a Horseback riding. But it's a Beautiful Place. It gets crowded pretty early and not much parking space. I will sugest to get there as early as you can be.
From what I've heard and read u can use your metal detector in most areas but not so much in the water. I'm going to look a little deeper into when I get a minute and then I'll reply again. I just wanted to give u something that I read on a state park website just in case u were thinking about going sometime soon.
Ok, pavilions yes other grilling spots no. How ever this time of year there should be no problem, during the summer if your not in the park by 9:30 your not even getting in.
You can bring your own food, no alcohol in state parks. I didnt see any restrictions on glass. Just leave the place cleaner than when you came and use common sense any you will really enjoy!
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.
You can swim and it's safe but you swim at your own risk. The rocks are slippery and some can cut your foot. I recommend water shoes! If there is ever an alligator in the swimming hole, the rangers take care of it and will let you know when it's safe to swim again.
Domestic pets are permitted in designated day- use areas at All Florida State Parks. They must be kept on a handheld leash that is six feet or shorter and be well behaved at all times. Pick up after them and properly dispose of dropping is mandatory. If you are planning to go tomorrow, be there before 9am is summer and spaces fill fast. They stablished new policy of cash only since yesterday. All fees are per vehicle with two to 8 occupants. Children under six are free. $6 x vehicle
it cost $6.oo per carload..
theres not supposed to be alligator in the pool but 🐊🐊🐊YES the day we went the pool was closed and the animal rescue was ther to get the aligator out. 🐊 remember this is a nature park so be careful on the trails 😱🐊🐍🐛🐝☔⚡
7.50 for 2 hours for kayaking, 22.50 for the first 2 hours for canoeing, and 5.00 for each additional hour after that. It's an amazing place, I hope y'all have fun!!! ☺☺
They do have different classes about different subjects weekly. Some are about turtles, some about endangered species and so on and so forth. For more info look the park up under fl state parks
You can not fish in the springs at the park. You can fish at sand lake, which can hike or drive to. Or if you rent a canoe or kayak you can go fishing down the river.
72 year around. It stays the same temp no matter what the weather is like . I have swam in a spring when it was 50 out side and the water felt nice and warm .
Ive lived in Orlando like 5 years now and hadnt Visited any of these Famous Spring water Parks. They were right!!! AMAZING . BEAUTIFUL WATER. 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍🌴☀🎸⛵🐎
Oh my, weekends and a good summer day, if fills up fast. Then same is true for the nearby County Kelly Park. Get there early or camp overnight! The kids will thank you for camping!! Enjoy a Florida wonderful natural Spring!
No, there is a gator fence under the bridge that keeps the snappers out.
This is a wonderful place with plenty of nature if you look around and the springs are safe from gators.
Admission Fee:
$6.00 per vehicle. Limit 2-8 people per vehicle.
$4.00 Single Occupant Vehicle.
$2.00 Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass.
Camping Fee:
$24.00 per night, plus tax, plus a non-refundable $6.70 reservation fee. Includes water and electricity.
Florida residents who are 65 years of age or older or who hold a social security disability award certificate or a 100 percent disability award certificate from the Federal Government are permitted to receive a 50 percent discount on current base campsite fees. Proof of eligibility is required.
Primitive Camping Fees:
$5.00 per person, per night, plus tax.
Organized Youth and Adult Group Camping:
$1.00 per youth, per night, plus tax.
$5.00 per adult chaperon per night, plus tax.