Wekiwa Springs is a common stomping ground for me -- since the water is clean because of the spring, my friends and I often go there to play around in our whitewater kayaks. Wekiwa Springs is about 45 minutes away from East Orlando in Apopka. It is one of the only parks so far that, rather than being in the middle of nowhere, actually has several suburbs full of well-t0-do homes. It is also minutes away from stores and restaurants you would find anywhere. I actually stayed there because I had a taekwondo competition at the Wide World of Sports in Disney and we were only about 25 minutes away.A warning for this park: in the summer, it closes often. We went to Lower Wekiva River Preserve (which is a park within a park, if you will) over the 4th of July weekend, and the park closed every day. It is only $6 a carload, which is a great deal for a bunch of kids in the summer. When we went camping, I was very suprised at the amount of tent campers I saw -- the most I have ever seen at any park. The next day was the fall festival and that may have had something to do with it.
I also have two fun facts about Wekiwa Springs:
1. The name "Wekiwa" is Creek Indian for "bubbling water". The name Wekiva is Creek Indain for "flowing water". Therein lies the difference between Wekiwa Springs and Wekiva River.
2. Because of the overcrowding at the park, Wekiwa Springs purchased a tram that would take campers from the campground to the spring (because it was too long to walk), thereby freeing up parking spaces for others. However, people did not like waiting for the tram and the idea basically flopped. However, if you ever take the tram tour at Colt Creek -- guess where the tram came from?? Everything happens for a reason.
This park is also a great canoe. It is a little bit of a walk to launch your canoe/kaya
k, but not as long as Silver River. Then, it is about an hour canoe ride to Wekiva Island, which is a nice bar on the side of the river. We often stop there for a break. The owners changed over the summer and they really spruced the place up. I would recommend it. It is also usually easy to canoe back up river, as the current is not very strong. You will see many beginning canoers doing it.
k, but not as long as Silver River. Then, it is about an hour canoe ride to Wekiva Island, which is a nice bar on the side of the river. We often stop there for a break. The owners changed over the summer and they really spruced the place up. I would recommend it. It is also usually easy to canoe back up river, as the current is not very strong. You will see many beginning canoers doing it.Well, I guess that is about it, a great and busy park to visit! Note: The pictures are from several Wekiwa trips. Thanks Dan for their use!
Until next time,
The camping bug
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