Canoeing and Kayaking Rock Springs Run and King’s Landing

Paddling to the Wekiva River

Close up of a man kayaking.

Brett Sayles/Pexels

While the Wekiva River gets all the press and attention, the Rock Springs Run leading into the Wekiva River is often the draw for serious paddlers. Rock Springs in Kelly Park, which is run by the county government, is a beautiful natural spring where 30 million gallons of water fill the river each day. Tubing, swimming, and snorkeling are allowed in the Kelly Park, but kayaks and canoes can only be put in downstream at King’s Landing. From here, it is an amazing paddle down to the Wekiva River where your journey can come to an end, or it could be just the beginning of the adventure for serious paddlers.

Rock Springs Run Starting at King’s Landing

  • Trip Length: 0-8 miles (or more)
  • Trip Time: 3.5-4.5 hours
  • Difficulty: Class I current of 3-4 mph
  • Hazards: Alligators, monkeys, down trees, floating vegetation, wilderness run, narrow turns, tight bends, swift current at high water, strainers
  • Address: 5722 Baptist Camp Road, Apopka, Florida 32712
  • River Level: Fluctuates based on water from the headspring
  • Laws: PFD (personal flotation device) and whistle are required. Swimming is restricted in certain areas in the state park.

Getting Started

Upon arriving at King’s Landing, find the marina and follow signs to the dock. Pay the launch fee before heading out on the water. If you want a shuttle back, that also costs money.

King’s Landing Take-Outs

The most common option for taking out is at Wekiva Island Resort. You can run your own shuttle beforehand, which takes about 30 minutes round trip and two cars. And of course, it will have to be done twice, once to initially drop a car off and then to pick one up at the end of the day. There is a launch fee that must be paid at Wekiva Island to use their boat ramps. You can also take out at Wekiva Island.

Upon launching at King’s Island, you can pay for the King’s Landing staff to pick you and your gear up from Wekiva Island. Their shuttle runs daily, even on weekends and some holidays. There is a fee per boat for the shuttle back.

Paddle down Rock Springs Run and then up to Wekiwa River State Park. You are able to enter the park for an entrance fee to swim and hang out. If you drive your car in, you don’t have to pay the fee.

You can also make it a much longer paddle, run shuttle, and take-out somewhere further downstream. Also, there are multiple campsites along the Rock Springs Run where you can spend the night, which would lengthen your trip. You can rent canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards from the launch site.