The Orange County park is built around one of the Apopka area’s crystal clear springs. Rock Springs bubbles up from a cleft in a rock and, instead of spreading out into a pool, becomes a swiftly running stream that quickly slows to a meander. The activity of choice here, and the major reason for the park’s obvious popularity, is riding down the stream in an inner tube or on a float. Being that the water source is a natural spring, the water is crystal clear and cool, but not too cold. The depth varies between 2 to 4 feet deep, so it is possible to walk in the river, although you have to watch out for rocks and weed.

About two thirds of the way down, the river widens out into a series of pools, surrounded by grassy areas to sunbathe and picnic. Here you can swim and snorkel, or just continue on your way on your tube. The whole tubing trip takes about 25 minutes.

The park area by the lazy river has an excellently maintained system of boardwalks, so it is easy to get out, make your way to the start, and go down again.

Another actiovity loved by children is searching the river bed for fossilized sharks’ teeth, left behind when the area was at the bottom of a shallow sea.

Most of the rest of the park is given over to nicely shaded picnic tables, most with a barbecue nearby. There are restrooms and it is possible to buy very basic food here, but taking a picnic, or a barbecue, would be best.

The park is very popular with locals, so it might be best to avoid weekends.

Don’t make the mistake we made, and drive into the park without your tubes. Tubes are not available in the park, so unless you bring your own, stop at one of the tube rental shops near the park entrance before you go in. They are not expensive.

Another word of warning – alcohol is not allowed in the park, and this is enforced. We saw a couple having to pour their beer away before being escorted unceremoniously out of the park by the Sheriff.

To find the park, take the Rock Springs Road north from Apopka; right onto Kelly Park Road and follow the signs.