APOPKA, Fla. – Wekiwa Springs State Park will soon require day-use reservations, making it the first Florida state park utilizing a reservation program.
The pilot program will kick off on Wednesday, March 12, and run through Sept. 1. Day-use park guests and annual passholders will be required to make a reservation online if they’re planning to visit.
Recommended Videos
"The switch to a reservation pilot program from March 12, 2025, to Sept. 1, 2025, is intended to reduce entrance lines at Wekiwa Springs State Park that currently stretch into traffic, causing significant disruptions and long wait times for visitors trying to enter the park," Florida State Parks said in a release.
According to Florida State Parks, this program is only being implemented at Wekiwa Springs State Park and it will "assess the success of the pilot program at Wekiwa Springs to determine whether it should be continued or expanded."
Advanced day-use reservations can be made starting on Monday, March 12.
How does it work?
If you’re planning to visit the park, you can head to the park’s reservation website. There is no fee to make the reservation, but the park entry fee will be due when you make the reservation online
If you’re an annual passholder, you will just select “Annual Passholder” as the payment option and show your pass when you enter the park.
Click here for the park reservation site.
When can you make a reservation?
Florida State Parks said reservations can be made up to 60 days before your visit. Same-day reservations can be made as well until the reservation limit for the day has been reached.
“The number of available reservations is based on the maximum number of visitors the park can accommodate,” a release said.
What do you need to bring to the park after making a reservation?
After you make your online reservation, you will need to bring proof of your reservation receipt (digital or printed).
Annual passholders will need the reservation proof as well as their pass.
Can you get into the park without making a reservation in advance?
Florida State Parks said, “During the pilot program, visitors must have a day-use reservation, a camping reservation or a concession reservation to enter the park.”
Can you get a refund?
You’ll be able to receive a refund if you’re unable to make your reservation. However, if you do not show up without notice, you will not be refunded.
For more information on the pilot program, click here.
If you’d like to provide feedback on the program, you can email ReservationPilotProgram@FloridaDEP.gov.