Florida’s Lazy River

Lazy rivers aren’t just a fun way to spend the day at a waterpark or hotel pool — they can actually be found in nature. Enjoying a natural waterway, like Kelly Park’s Rock Springs in Orange County, Florida, is an outdoorsy traveler’s dream.

Spend the summer day relaxing, floating down the warm-but-refreshing spring while taking in Florida’s lush flora and fauna. You’ll feel completely secluded in the ruffage, minus the like-minded swimmers, floaters and kayakers on the water with you.

This free-flowing spring is a natural pool with a slight current — nothing too fast, but be prepared to move. The water is typically 68–70 degrees, year-round.

Locals and in-the-know travelers can bring their own tubes, noodles and floats, which must be five feet or less in length and width. Out-of-towners can rent from outside vendors before entering the water.

The park offers full-service concessions and picnic pavilions with a playground for kids. Parking is also available for $3–5 a car.

While this water is free-flowing and a natural occurrence, there are some safety rules and procedures for the waterfront. The springs have open and closing hours (independent of the park) and, during the summer, inclement weather can affect park operations — this means thunderstorms shut the park down at the first sign of lightning.

Read more about the parks rules, regulations and hours.