Wekiwa Springs State Park Apopka, FL
Clear Water, Full Hookups & A Few Honest Thoughts
There are some parks you visit for convenience, and others you visit for beauty. Wekiwa Springs State Park manages to be both — with just enough quirks to keep things interesting.
More than half of the sites are full hookup and for Florida state parks, that’s a treat. Water, sewer, electric makes settling in easy and comfortable, especially for longer stays.
The Campground
The campground itself is spacious and shaded, and you feel tucked into real Florida woods. That said, it didn’t feel as manicured or organized as I expected. There was quite a bit of dead weeds, underbrush, and scruff that could use clearing. It felt a little less polished than other parks we’ve visited. However, the area is experiencing drought and on top of that they recently had an attic blast with freezing temps that killed a lot of the lush tropical plants. So, I think my criticism of the landscape is rough and out of place.
Interestingly, while one hardworking staff member was blowing leaves and clearly doing her best to keep things tidy, another camp host was pushing her pet bunny around in a baby carriage. It was… memorable. Let’s just say the park has personality.
Hands down, Wekiwa Springs has the nicest and cleanest bathhouse we have ever seen. It looks like it had a recent update with nice shiny tile and clean and shiny fixtures that looked new - not worn and kinda rusty like a lot of other state parks. And it was pristine! So, high-five to the staff who maintain the restrooms. The shower was a wand that hung on the wall so you were able to get your whole body and the pressure was great. Funny how the bathhouse experience can make or break a campground with me.
The Spring — The Star of the Show
The real reason to come here is the spring itself.
Pack your bathing suit and pack your lunch and head to the spring! The water stays a crystal-clear 72 degrees year-round, which means it’s refreshing in summer and still completely swimmable in winter. The swimming area is well maintained, clean, and absolutely beautiful. The color of the water is that soft turquoise that makes you stop mid-sentence. Oh, and bring goggles too. We weren’t able to get in the water but we sat and watched people swimming and there ‘s apparently a very interesting world under the water, with caverns and aquatic life. We saw fish that were riding in the current flowing from the springs, which was pretty cool.
Even better? It’s only about a mile and a half from the campground — an easy bike ride or a pleasant walk along either trail or paved road.
There are also miles of hiking trails, which wind through pine flatwoods and shaded hammocks. If you like stretching your legs after a drive, this park delivers.
Dining & Amenities
Near the spring area, there’s a casual restaurant serving standard American convenience cuisine — burgers, sandwiches, fries — along with beer and wine. The food was just ok and could use a little improvement, but the French fries were genuinely good (and sometimes that’s enough after a swim). It’s not cheap either, fifty bucks for a hotdog and hamburger and two beers. I think a picnic lunch would be a much better idea, so pack food before you head out from the campground.
There’s also a small gift shop, though it mostly carries basic necessities and a few souvenirs. Don’t expect charming local artisan finds — it’s more practical than curated.
Location, Location, Location
One of Wekiwa’s strongest advantages is its location. It feels woodsy and peaceful, yet it’s not far from city conveniences and sits in a very central part of Florida. If you need groceries, restaurants, or supplies, or basically anything you want is right up the street. For RV travelers who like a balance between nature and accessibility, that’s a major plus.
The One Big Disappointment (For Us)
As dog lovers traveling with our pups, the strict pet policy was hard for us. Dogs are not allowed anywhere near the spring or swimming area. We absolutely understand not allowing dogs in the water — protecting the ecosystem makes sense — but it would have been nice to sit and enjoy the spring with them nearby.
For those of us who travel everywhere with our four-legged companions, that limitation takes a little shine off the experience.
Final Thoughts
Wekiwa Springs State Park is worth visiting for the spring alone. The full hookup sites, hiking trails, and central Florida location make it an easy and practical stay. It’s not the most manicured park we’ve experienced, and the organization felt a bit loose — but the water is stunning, and that 72-degree clarity is hard to beat.
Would we return? Maybe — for the water and the convenience.
Would we bring our expectations down just a notch? Also yes. And then, there’s always hope for a better experience in the future.
If you’re looking for clear springs, easy RV setup, and access to both nature and nearby city comforts, Wekiwa deserves a stop on your Florida wanderings.
