From the Orange County Newsroom
Orange County’s Kelly Park is far more than a picturesque getaway — it’s a place where Florida’s natural beauty and rich history converge. For more than a century, this beloved destination in Apopka has welcomed locals and travelers alike to swim, float, and explore under the shade of ancient trees and alongside waters flowing for millennia.
Related: Preserved Lands: More than 1,700 acres of environmentally sensitive land protected by Orange County’s Green PLACE Program.
At the heart of Kelly Park is Rock Springs, a crystal-clear spring that emerges from limestone beds layered with fossils dating back 17 million years. Long before modern visitors arrived, the area held deep cultural and spiritual meaning for Florida’s original inhabitants, including the Timucua Indians. In the mid‑1800s, war veteran William S. Delk built a grist mill, sawmill, and cotton gin powered by Rock Springs Run, leaving behind an early chapter of Florida’s agricultural heritage.
The park’s namesake, Dr. Howard A. Kelly, first visited the site in 1910. A renowned physician, naturalist, and one of the founding professors at Johns Hopkins Hospital, Kelly instantly recognized the ecological value of Rock Springs. He purchased the land to protect it as a wildlife preserve and bird sanctuary. In 1927, he and his wife donated 200 acres to Orange County with the condition that it remain a public park forever.
Today, Kelly Park spans 355 acres and offers something for every type of nature lover. Families drift down the mile-long lazy river on inner tubes or rafts, while others swim in the spring’s refreshing 68-degree water, which stays cool year-round. Remote campsites, hiking trails, and shaded picnic areas invite visitors to linger, connect, and recharge.
The park’s popularity is a testament to its charm — many guests line up before dawn, often by 5 a.m., to secure a spot before the park reaches its daily capacity. Kelly Park operates on summer hours from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., with the waterfront closing at 7 p.m. Admission is an affordable $3 per vehicle, and float rentals are available just outside the park.
Some 26 campsites include a campfire ring, grill, picnic table, water, and electric. For group camping reservations or pavilion rentals, email KellyCamping@ocfl.net. For non-county residents, campsites are $23 and $17.25 for seniors 55+. Orange County residents can enjoy savings of $18 and $13.50.
A visit to Kelly Park is more than a day in the sun — it’s a journey through time, nature, and the legacy of those who sought to preserve its beauty. As part of Orange County’s expansive network of 113 parks and trails, Kelly Park continues to welcome more than 13 million visitors each year, proving that its crystal waters and storied past remain as captivating as ever.
Kelly Park is located at 400 East Kelly Park Road, Apopka, FL 32712.
For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/OCKellyPark.
