Kayaking King’s Landing Emerald Cut on Rock Springs Run in Apoka, Florida
May 29, 2025
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Kayak King’s Landing
King’s Landing provides a serene kayaking adventure in Apopka, Florida where you will find the crystal-clear waters of Rock Springs Run. This location is a short drive from Orlando but offers a natural setting for kayaking and immersing yourself in Florida’s untouched beauty as you kayak the springs while admiring the wildlife along the way.
King’s Landing provides the perfect location for kayaking and is suitable for all skill levels. Whether you are an experienced kayaker or just starting out, this is the perfect place to spend in the natural setting of this beautiful area. Here you can paddle through the famous Emerald Cut which is noticeable by its clear waters and canopy-covered pathways. You will spend about 4-hours here kayaking or paddleboarding through the springs.
What you need to know
Once you arrive at King’s Landing, you will find free street parking along the road. You can drive into the entrance to unload your vessel if you are bringing your own and then return to the street for parking.
Address: 5722 Baptist Camp Road, Apopka
Hours: open daily from 8am to 5pm
Reservations are required but some walk-ins are available although not guaranteed.
Pets and children under the age of 2 are not allowed at King’s Landing.
Coolers are allowed but no glass bottles or alcohol.
Speakers are not allowed at this park.
Check in at the office
Before heading into the waters, you will need to check in at the office for your reservation. Once inside you can find water gear and souvenirs and right outside the door you can find a cooler with free drinks.
Kayak rentals and tour options
At king’s Landing you are able to rent vessels if you do not have your own. Rental fees vary based on tour. All prices are per person.
Self-Guided day paddle
4-hour kayak rental allows for a self-guided tour of the Emerald Cut. Plan accordingly as you must be off the water by 4:30pm.
Double Kayak - $69
Single kayak - $49
Canoe - $59
Stand-up paddle board - $69 (cooler seat included)
Bring your own vessel - adults $10 per person, children (12 and under) $5 per person. Life jacket and whistle are required for each person. These items can be rented inside the office for $5 per person.
Self-Guided Shuttle Run for experienced kayakers only
4.5 hour, 8.5 miles runs from the King’s Landing dock to Wekiva Island. The shuttle will meet you at Wekiva Island at 3:30pm sharp to return you to King’s Landing. Bring your own vessel or you can rent one for this trip.
Double kayak - $79
Single kayak - $59
Bring your own vessel adult $30, child $25
After hours Guided Sunset Tour
This 2-hour guided tour offers after hour exploration of Emerald Cut of Rock Springs Run.
Adults $69, children 12 and younger are $39
Children ages 2-12 must be in a double kayak with an adult
Eco River Adventure Shuttle Run
This 5-hour guided tour will have you kayaking the entire Rock Springs Run starting at the Emerald Cut and running downstream to the wild part of this run where the water is darker and you will find more wildlife, yes, even alligators. Prices are $109 per person.
Emerald Cut Guided Tour
This 2-hour guided tour starts upstream and then glides gently downstream along Emerald Cut. Prices are $59 per person.
Kayak and Paddleboard drop off
There is a large area you can park your vehicle temporarily to drop off your vessel. Once unloaded, you will head back to the streets to park. In this location you will also find a food truck, picnic tables and water spigots for your convenience.
Rocks Springs Run and King’s Landing maps
Take a picture of the water trail prior to your start to help guide you on your trip although it isn’t necessary as the water is easy to navigate. The picture on the left is displayed in the store at the counter.
Vessel launch area
Locate the vessel launch area where you can launch your own vessel or pick up your rented vessel. There are staff there to answer any questions and offer help if needed.
From here you will head straight down the canal until you reach the open waters where you will either paddle to the left to the wild side full of lush greenery and wildlife or to the right for the Emerald Cut of Rock Springs Run which is the path we took.
Emerald Cut of Rock Springs Run
The natural beauty of the setting along the Emerald Cut is so peaceful and relaxing. You will start out paddling upstream which is pretty easy to navigate. You will pass several cabins and wildlife along the way. Slip underneath the lush jungle-type environment as you continue to glide slowly through the waters. There are several spots along the way you can stop to have a snack or quickly get out and enjoy the cool waters in the narrow pathways.
Downstream Rock Springs Run
Once you get to the end which will be noticeable by the barricade, you will turn around and glide downstream back to the beginning or continue onto the wilder side of the springs depending on the time as you will need to be back to the canal by 4:30pm the latest.
We stopped several places on the way back to have a snack and just enjoy the beauty and peacefulness of the springs. The later you start your journey, the busier it will be.
Snacks on our kayak trip
We always bring snacks when we are kayaking. A few of our favorite snacks include:
Hydrapeak water bottle with water or other favorite drink
Kayaking essentials
We brought our kayak’s we purchased from Dick’s Sporting Goods, but we also use our inflatable kayaks often when we kayak.
Whistle - this is a multipack, I put them on our kayak and life jackets
Bug Soother Bug Spray - all-natural and made in the USA
Restrooms and Snack Shack
Find restrooms outside the office where you can also visit with the tortoises before or after your trip. Snack Shack on the premises but unsure if it was open during our visit.
Other local outdoor activities
Camping at King’s Landing
Two camping options are available at King’s Landing.
Eagle Boy Scout Retreat Campground
Open when not in use by the boy scout troups
Primitive lots, no hookups or water
Up to 2 tents are allowed per site.
Sites have a picnic table and fire pit
No pets or generators allowed
7-day limit
$30 per night and an additional $10 for a second tent
River Camping
Three primitive camp sites along Rock Springs Run. Indian Mound, Otter, and Big Buck
Each spot allows up to 10 people
Fire ring
Reservations are required and are made through Wekiwa Springs State Park
Launch your kayak from King’s Landing to get to the campsite
Parking permit required which can be obtained at King’s Landing
Kayak rental $79, bring your own vessel $29. Prices are per night. Shuttle service is available once you are done camping
Camping location map below courtesy of King’s Landing
Leave King’s Landing with memories
As we left King’s Landing it left us with some wonderful memories as we remember gliding through the Emerald Cut of Rock Springs Run. This little hidden gem offers the perfect blend of lush wilderness and wildlife and serenity. This peaceful experience is the perfect escape from the ordinary and provides a little slice of paradise as you soak in the beauty of the crystal-clear waters.
Add this to your bucket list when you are near Orlando. This park is located about 40 minutes from Orlando and offers a different experience than visiting all things Disney!
Enjoy the journey,
Meet the author: Jennifer
I am a girl who loves to travel and enjoys sharing expert family travel advice. I am a content creator and influencer on Instagram with years of travel experience and provide readers with advice, tips, and details on adventurous travel and tips on saving money while boondocking or traveling across the US. You can find me dreaming up our next epic vacation or outside exploring natural landscapes. I am a fearless roadtripper who isn’t afraid to explore new and off the path adventures.
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King’s Landing provides a serene kayaking adventure in Apopka, Florida where you will find crystal-clear waters of Rocks Springs Run. This location is a short drive from Orlando but offers a natural setting for kayaking and immersing yourself in Florida’s untouched beauty as you kayak the springs while admiring the wildlife.