Florida Launches Reservation System for Wekiwa Springs State Park
Starting this March, visitors to Florida’s Wekiwa Springs State Park will need to make reservations to manage the growing number of tourists. This new pilot program by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection aims to enhance visitor experience by reducing traffic congestion and entry wait times.
Photo by Randy B. Schmidt.
Effective March 12, 2025, all day-use visitors, including annual passholders, will be required to reserve their entry up to 60 days in advance. This change addresses the long lines that form even before the park’s official opening hours.
Chuck Hatcher, Director of Florida State Parks, commented, “Wekiwa Springs State Park is a true natural wonder. I’m very proud of our team for finding a way to make it easier to visit this incredible park. These reservations will give guests the opportunity to see the Real Florida while reducing long lines and wait times.”
The reservation system will be in place during the peak season from March 12 to September 1, 2025. There are no additional costs for reservations beyond the standard park entry fee, which will be processed online at the time of booking.
Camping guests will remain unaffected as their entry is already handled through campground reservations. Since its establishment in 1969, Wekiwa Springs State Park has operated on a first come, first served basis. Recently, it has experienced over 400,000 annual visitors, with monthly figures peaking between 40,000 and 60,000 during the summer months.
Located a short drive from downtown Orlando, Wekiwa Springs State Park offers diverse activities such as swimming, paddling, and camping. The park, known for its pristine springs and scenic tropical hammocks, stands as Orange County’s longest-running tourist attraction.
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