While located a bit off the beaten path in a part of Florida that few find themselves in, Magnolia Park Campground, featuring 56 acres of pristine Florida wilderness, is located on an elbow curve where if you don’t look close enough or slow down and look to the right(heading NW), you’re gaze will be captured by the awesome view of Lake Apopka (and isn’t the name just fun to pronounce?!). So plug Magnolia Park in your GPS and follow the directions to arrive at this pristine little campground jewel.
You’ll be greeted by a well-appointed sign and newly fresh paved roads where there’s the main ranger station where you’ll check-in immediately to your left – here, you’ll check-in and be given information about the campground, park and local area by quite possibly some of the nicest, well-meaning park rangers I have ever met.
As this is a county managed campground and park, you’ll be impressed by just what an amazing job these guys do in keeping everything well organized, cleaned up and seemingly brand new. From a camping perspective, this sight is perfect for both tent-camping as well as those with RV’s. In fact, I like how they separate these two populations, preserving a real sense of solitude and communion with nature for us tent campers, while providing all the typical hook-ups and amenities for the RV crowd.
Of course, you’ll discover each site comes with a nice flat area to plant your tent or roll your RV onto, picnic table and BBQ grill. One of the huge assets of this campground is the tons of park amenities that exist here: playground, scattered picnic areas, dog walking trails, lakeside pavilions, dedicated fishing areas, basketball courts, baseball fields, small pond for catch & release fishing, decent number of restrooms, volleyball court, boat ramps … and the list goes on. For those looking for something a bit different from most campgrounds, this place has its very own butterfly garden, which my kids absolutely loved.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) There still exists some heavy road construction in this area, along South Binion Road, so expect slight delays and just remember to take it slow as there was lose gravel when we drove through; (2) The new Eco Education Center that they have been building for over a year now is finished and features a playground, fishing piers, dock, pavilion and some of the cleanest restrooms; (3) For one of the greatest biking trails I’ve ever taken, get your bicycle on the Lake Apopka Trail, where you’ll be impressed by the views as well as the pristine conditions of the trail itself; (4) For the best campsites, if you want close access to restrooms / showers, then I’d recommend sites #14–17, but if you’re looking for a quieter, more remote vibe, I would recommend sites #7–13 and if you’re RV’ing it, you’ll have to duke it out for a spot between #1– 4; and (5) When you get tired of roasting hot dogs fireside, I recommend either Nauti Lobstah for some good old New England seafood fun or Porkie’s BBQ for some decent central Florida smoked meats.
Happy Camping!
