Oh, the beauty of Florida’s crystal-clear springs! I have to tell you that I’m one of those people who are deeply fascinated by the springs. Although the cold 70-degree spring water is not for everyone, an adventure like river tubing in Central Florida certainly can be.
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In most cases, people refer to this as lazy river tubing. Here, we just call it tubing! There are many springs where you can enjoy tubing in Florida. Some of these are Rainbow Springs, Ichetucknee Springs, and of course, Rock Springs.
Tips for Tubing in Central Florida at Rock Springs Kelly Park
Rock Springs is one of the most popular springs in Central Florida. And with popularity comes the crowds–especially during the summer months. Therefore, to get through the gates, here’s what you need to know.
1. Arriving early is imperative
If you’re visiting Rock Springs over the summer, and on a weekend, early means being in ‘line’ by 6:30 am (at least). The park opens up at 8 am but there is a capacity limit.
The park allows only 280 vehicles during the morning and 50 more vehicles after 1 pm.
Here’s how it works. A limited amount of 280 vouchers are handed out each morning, no one other than those with vouchers on hand will be allowed to enter the park.
A limited amount of 50 vouchers will also be handed out for a 1 pm park entry. If you weren’t lucky enough to get any of these vouchers, you would have to try to get in another day.
TIP: If planning to go later in the day, save time and check if the park is at capacity.
If you prefer to visit on a weekday, being in line before 9 am should be good enough to get you through the gates.
On the other hand, if it’s a weekend (especially during the summer), try and be in line at least by 6 am.
Be sure to visit the park’s website for updated information on how to get into the park.
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2. Rent the tubes BEFORE driving past the gates
Once you’re inside the park, you will not be able to rent any tubes. The only place to rent the tubes is Rock Springs Tube King and it’s located on the right-side corner just before making a turn to the park entrance road.
Tube rental is $7 each and you must leave an ID with them as part of the rental requirements. This ID can be a library card, insurance card, or any other card with your full name.
Can you bring your tube to Rock Springs? Yes!
3. Prepare to spend the whole day tubing in Central Florida
Since it’s so hard to get in during the summer, you might as well make it a day trip and spend the whole day tubing and enjoying the springs.
How Long is the Tubing Adventure in Rock Springs?
From start to finish, it can take you anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes. It’s a beautiful, serene, and epic adventure. The crystal-clear, turquoise water in Rock Springs will even make it feel like paradise.
Getting in will always be the hardest part, mostly because the water is cold! But if you relax and prepare to enjoy it, you will have one heck of an adventure!
Plan your visit to Rock Springs
Hours: 8 am to 8 pm during the summer, and 8 am to 6 pm the rest of the year.
Fees: $3 per vehicle for up to 2 people and $5 per vehicle for up to 8 people.
Address: 400 E Kelly Park Rd., Apopka, FL 32712
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Would you go tubing in Central Florida? Let me know in the comments!
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Yanitza Ninett
Yanitza is an avid adventurer with 15+ years of hiking experience and outdoor travel. As a PADI-certified scuba diver, she's also passionate about ocean conservation. When she's not exploring the great outdoors, Yanitza obsesses over The Vampire Diaries and dreams of traveling to Mallorca, Spain.
I’ve done something similar to this. It’s actually really fun.
Right? It’s super fun!
Wow, Such a great place and amazing. I might really enjoy it there If am there.
I’m sure you will!
That must be so much fun. Especially when it’s a hot day.
Oh, yes. Definitely!
I love ‘lazy’ river tubing. Never tried it here yet. Thank you for the handy tips!
Thank you!