It’s too hot! Time to go to Kelly Park and tube in Rock Springs

August 22, 2011 by LadyCC.

August 19-21, 2011

We loaded up this weekend and went down the road 30 minutes to a local county park in Apopka, called Kelly Park/Rock Springs. This is our 4^th stay at this park and we still enjoyed it. It is so hot here in Central FL so going to the springs is very refreshing.

About the campground:

There are 26 sites but seven are without power. 1 pull-through site but it has no power. Two Family sites, one with power. No pets or alcohol allowed in the park and they DO check. On duty sheriff deputy on site entire time park is open. Very family, group oriented park. No loud music, cursing or fighting going on. I even saw some loud mouthed kids at the springs get their entire family ejected for loud cursing. This is a very family friendly park where they don’t put up with rule breakers! Really appreciate that this park is so nice.

Only 15/30A at elec sites. Most sites were big enough for a 40 ft RV. The water hookups were to the back and left of the site (leftover from when it was only tenting) and the electric was at the front of the sites. Be sure to bring long enough hoses/cords.

Bathhouse was old but seemed clean. They have tried to update counter tops and stalls but showers have not been updated. You have to exit shower to get dressed- there is no dressing area, and nowhere to hang your towel or put your soap, etc. No A/C either. There is a small swing set in camping area next to bathhouse but park has two larger playgrounds in day use area that are updated and very nice.

Campground road is dirt and sites are limestone with concrete pads for the picnic tables. Site has a combo fire pit/grill. Dump station is very rustic but workable. Busy weekends you might get blocked on the road by an RV using it. Campground also has a pavilion for campers use with several tables and grills. There is a separate entrance/exit for campers once they check in because there is usually a long line at ranger station for day use persons and they let one car in as one exits especially in summer. Park closes in summer at 10 am and re opens at 3 pm for crowd control. There was enough privacy in campsites and a concrete sidewalk that led from the bathhouse to the springs swimming area.

Tubing was awesome. Get tubes outside of park on your way in- park does not rent them- or bring your own. River shallow enough to walk so it’s good for little ones. There is also a beach sand area near the swimming area. Water was between 68-72 degrees, felt great in August. Nice boardwalks to get you back to beginning or you could use hiking trails. Tubing takes about 25 minutes if its not too crowded. Plenty of lifeguards in tube run and swimming area. Concession stand had all kinds of food and was reasonable.

We saw birds, alligators, turtles, raccoons, and plenty of fish and the largest grasshoppers ever. There was a young bear going through the picnic area checking trash cans. They have added bear proof cans in the camping area since our visit last year.

No online reservations but park does take credit cards over phone.

Our site was shady as are most. It looks like they might have cut back some vegetation in some of the sites. We were able to get many stations on our digital converter box so TV viewing was ok and clear. Maybe in the winter so we can do some hiking as we haven’t had a chance to get to that yet. Park has a permanent orienteering course set up and several hiking paths to wander.

As a camper you can walk the spring trail after the park closes and see lots of wildlife come out. Our site was HUGE and next to the walkway. Lots of shade and they also sell firewood for campers now. Apopka is close by with many stores if you forget anything. Best value in Central FL in our book.

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