Lake Dorr Cabin in Altoona provides a secluded waterfront accommodation with private lake access and basic amenities. The cabin includes a full kitchen, multiple sleeping areas with bunk beds and a queen bed, and electricity. One camper shared, "Super cute secluded cabin directly on the lake. You have your own private boat slip, 100ft long dock for fishing & swimming, canoes/paddles/life jackets on site." The property comes with canoes for guest use, a fire pit, and a picnic table in the yard, making it suitable for families wanting a nature retreat about an hour from Orlando.
Rustic cabin options near Altoona vary in amenities and size. Lake Dorr Cabin sleeps 6-8 people comfortably and includes two tent sites for additional guests. Reservations are essential, especially during peak seasons, and the nightly rate is considered good value by most visitors. While some nearby campgrounds like Wekiva Falls RV Resort and Blue Spring State Park also offer cabin rentals, Lake Dorr provides more seclusion. According to reviews, "It worked out well as some family members like the cabin experience and others were able to stay in tents near the cabin."
Most cabins in the area come with basic cookware, dishes, and some furnishings, but guests typically need to bring their own linens and towels. As one reviewer noted, "You'll need to bring your own towels and linens but all cookware, dishes, etc. are supplied." The Lake Dorr Cabin includes firewood (two bundles provided at check-in), and the kitchen is fully equipped for meal preparation. Supplies and groceries are available in nearby communities, though stocking up before arrival is recommended as the cabin's location is relatively remote. The cabin has electricity but limited cell phone service, with reception available only in certain spots around the property.
$24 / night
"This state park has good camp sites with fine hard packed sand. All sites have picnic tables and fire rings. Two circles make up the camp sites."
"The youth camp is secluded from the family campground, and the cabins are nicely spaced among beautiful pines. The cabins are clean and have comfortable mattresses--some cabins have a bathroom."
$24 - $95 / night
"It was still very hot and buggy in Florida so be warned If this is an issue for you. Large campsites with a picnic table, electric, and water."
"As for the pet-friendly campground specifically, each of the 51 sites has its own picnic table, water and electric as well as fire ring, while the ground itself is laden with powdery grey sand (so leave"
"Nice Encore park. Parking all back in on grass with no cement, table or fire pit. Next to a highway so it can be noisy."
"The park isn’t the best park we have been to but the surrounding area and safety and nice people make up for it. The bathroom is very nice and modernized."
$18 / night
"Tight roads, nice big campsites full hookups with picnic table and fire ring. Restrooms clean but need some touch ups. Two nice trails and playground. Pet friendly. Boat ramp."
"PROS Dark sky friendly-no street lights in campground
100% gravel site
Metal fire ring with cooking grate
Moveable wood and metal picnic table
2 hook lantern pole
Security gate that closed"
$40 - $73 / night
"There are beautiful walking trails, beautiful and refreshing cool springs, kayak rentals for $20. There are also some small caves there for anyone who free dives or snorkels."
"Needed a place to stay to go to the Winter Park Art Fest. The people at check in were extremely friendly and had great customer service."
$38 - $70 / night
"We were walking distance to bbq and volleyball nets. So the common area to grill and play was nice and spacious. There were some beautiful trails for a hike."
"Canoe rentals are available. Nearby in the town of Salt Springs you will find a grocery store, gas station, restaurants, post office and laundromat."
$300 / night
"I was surprised to see this awesome cabin listed, but I’m happy it is :) We went here with family since many relatives were in town doing touristy stuff it was a great ‘base camp’ for everyone to stay"
"Super cute secluded cabin directly on the lake. You have your own private boat slip, 100ft long dock for fishing & swimming, canoes/paddles/life jackets on site."
$15 - $18 / night
"Great little spot in Kelly Park with access to Rock Springs Unfortunately the springs were closed due to COVID, but Wekiwa Springs is down the road so we were able to check that out!"
"Most sites have trees around them and had shade. Kelly Park is shared with daily visitors so it can get crowded. Their campground is separate from the public areas so is nice and private."
$56 - $201 / night
"Behind concrete pad is gravel, this is where the picnic table and grill is. There is plenty of room for chairs and a fire pit in the graveled area."
"There are trash bins and fencing directly across the street and it makes backing in very difficult."
$24 - $110 / night
"All sites were gravel and level and had water, electric, and (I believe but we didn’t use) sewer hookups, a bbq grill, a fire ring, and a large picnic table."
"Silver Springs Silver Springs SP Beautiful Florida campground with 60 sites, many pullthrus. The sites are huge with lots of space and privacy. Lush surroundings."
TravelerBest site around. Outdoor kitchen and shower both with hot water! Flush toilets. Adorable tiny cabin rental is available. Social distancing is being practiced. Creativity is bounding. Artists and musicians are highly encouraged to visit. You'll wish you came sooner.
LegendLocated at the southern tip of Rodman Reservoir, which is one of the major water tributaries that you can float around the NE perimeter of the Ocala National Forest, you’ll discover that this backwater camping outpost sits on 7+ acres of heavily forested woods and offers up 3 distinct types of camping opportunities: RV / 5th Wheeler, primitive tent-camping and cabin rentals. While apparently long a bastion of this particular area, dating back to the mid-80’s, Ocklawaha Canoe Outpost has been under new management for the past few years. Unlike many of the CG's in the area, this river-front, nature-embracing outpost is smaller than most with only 22 sites available.
Situated just west of the tiny hamlet of Eureka in Fort McCoy, you will first spot the area designated for RVs, 5th Wheelers and trailers a moment or two before arriving to Ocklawaha Canoe Outpost as this spot sits alongside the roadway with 2-3 gravel pathway access points before actually making your arrival to the main office and beyond it, the main parking area. In all, there’s some 11 slots available with FHUs offering 30 / 50 amp electric, water and sewage connections along with a picnic table and fire ring at each site. Being next to a main artery of Rodman Reservoir, one always needs to be aware of elevation, in case of flooding, so what we noticed immediately, even before arriving to the Ocklawaha main office is that both the RV-designated area as well as the main office sit on more elevated land, which is a bonus in case of flooding. Unlike the cabin and primitive tent camping areas, the RV-designated area does not possess much of any shade. At $40 / night (and $45 / night including bath house) and $240 / week ($270 / week including bath house), we found the pricing here to be just about right.
For those of you thinking about renting one of the 6 log cabins that exist here, what I liked most about this particular set-up is that all of these units are located in close proximity to one another – we’ll call this the cottage enclave – which combined, share the community amenities specific to this community. Bear in mind, these cabins are not pet-friendly, so leave your 4-legged friends at home, or look to one of the other 2 modes of camping here. You have your choice between a one- or two-room cabin, both of which offer heat, A/C, furnished with bedding, towels, dishes, pots, pans, microwave, mini-fridge, small cook top and coffee pot. Each cabin also comes with a porch offering semi-privacy to take your morning coffee as well as brand-new Weber charcoal grill that sits in front of each cabin along with an in-ground fire pit. At $134 / night for the single that sleeps 5 (with 7 being the max) and$154 / night for the double-cabin that also sleeps 5 (with 6 being the max), considering the location of where you are at, combined with the amenities provided and the relative quality of the cabins, I found the pricing to be fairly economical. The prices decrease substantially to $109 and $129/ night respectively if one books multiple nights, which makes this a no-brainer for even a short stay.
With mi tent-pitchin’ bredren in mind, you’ll appreciate that of the 3 available types of camping here, the area reserved for setting up your own non-mobile, semi-permanent nylon camping haven will place you closest to the river, where within 50-60 yards you’ll easily be able to access the Rodman Reservoir from a decent-sized tributary. While obviously that’s a huge plus, you also want to be careful about knowing when it’s going to rain and for how long as this also would be the area that gets the most flooding if there was any. Another bonus is that the tent-sites ARE pet-friendly, so you can smile as those cabin campers stroll past your sites (while your mutt barks at them). As for the grounds themselves, there’s 2 different areas that the pathway to the river’s edge dissects in half with 4-5 sites being available on the one side and only 1-2 sites being available on the other, which will provide you with just slightly more privacy. There’s not a whole lot to these sites, where you’ll simply have a picnic table and fire ring, but you’ll be surrounded by a great tree line and solid brush, albeit you won’t have sheltered views between sites. You’ll also want to take note that, again, the pathway to the river runs through the primitive tent camping area, so while not heavily trafficked, you will certainly experience pedestrians and fellow campers coming and going. Cost per night for tent camping is an acceptable $25/ night (up to 4 people, and $5/ pp after that), which again, scouting the area and staying in a few other places, seems about right.
Additional community amenities not already mentioned include: community bathhouses with impeccably clean restrooms and well-maintained showers, ping pong, recreation room with board games, corn hole, canoe & kayak rentals w/ shuttle service, horseshoe pit, kid’s playground and a small pond that is stocked for simple, yet enjoyable ‘catch & release’ as well as firewood available for sale @ $5/ bundle.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) This CG is right on the Ocklawaha River populated with dense wetlands, marsh and semi-tropical forests sprouting sable palms, swamp maples, the odd pencil-thin towering pines and submerged cypress, so the owners are very smart to have organized a few different river experiences that you should definitely take advantage of with 2 different outfitters being Gores Landing and Rays Wayside, both of which offer up canoe ($52 / $85), solo ($42 / $75) and tandem ($62 / $95) kayak rentals as well as transport ($25 / $60) with respective pricing and seasonal availability. There’s even overnight river trips that Ockalawaha will help you set up, where pricing depends upon the specific drop point and number of nights you might be interested in. Please note that all of the above runs everyday except Tuesdays; (2) While you of course can get on a kayak, canoe or boat to catch some fish, if you don’t want to, you can simply cross the road from Ockalawaha CG and access the Wildlife & Fishing Area that has its own set of public docks and piers that you can cast a reel from – and in fact, these spots are very well-maintained and offer up some magnificent views of the head of the 100-mile Ocklawaha River as she flows southernly from Rodman Reservoir; (3) If you want to indulge in one of Florida’s greatest treasures, you’ll need to visit a natural spring and the good news is that there’s several of the state’s best springs surrounding you here, including: Salt Springs, Homosassa Springs, Deleon Springs, Silver Glen Springs, Alexander Springs, Juniper Springs, Silver Springs and Rainbow Springs; (4) If you’ve got fishing on your mind while in these parts, expect to be hauling in crappie, sunfish, small- and largemouth bass, catfish and bream; and (5) The owners Lance & Theresa are absolutely wonderful people that will do whatever it takes to ensure your stay is flawless!
Happy Camping!
LegendWhy contemplate leaving the creature comforts of home when you can just haul everything that you love most to a place that provides all of the concrete paved, easy-to-access amenities that you likely have at home in the first place? If you find yourself in this dilemma, no worries, Orlando/ Kissimmee KOA has all of your manufactured outdoor camping needs covered … and what’s perhaps most interesting is that you won’t even have to drive out of the concrete jungle to encounter this experience, in fact, it’s right off a major 4-lane highway (HWY 192).
So, if you are dreaming of escaping your domesticated life for the thrills of an outdoor camping adventure that will have you appreciating the best of what nature has to offer, then just be forewarned, this is not that place. But if you are simply looking for a change of scenery and want to be near all of the action and attractions here in Central Florida’s ‘Magic City’ and want a different experience than paying overpriced rates at Tiki-hut themed entertainment hotels and relish the idea of dusting off your RV or unpacking your tent in a pseudo nature environment complete with all the astro turf your dog can poop on within a confined, fenced-in setting, then this KOA (and let’s be frank, ANY KOA) has you covered.
As far as amenities go, it’s a KOA, so there’s going to be more amenities here than you can shake a stick at. These include: heated in-ground medium-sized pool complete with tiled patio, lounge chaise chairs, tables with umbrellas and regular chairs, water-rinsing station, as well as a jacuzzi / spa, propane refilling station, bike rentals, 134’ max length slots, WiFi, pavilion, Kamp K9, firewood for sale, 24 hour laundr-O-mat, picnic tables, community fire pits, on-site market, recreation office, life-size Jenga, designated trash areas, fitness center, playground, dog wash, public bus service, basketball court, EV chargers, jump pad, taxi service back-in and pull-through perfectly paved, level concrete RV sites with full hook-ups (30 / 50 amp electric, water and sewage). There’s even RV sites that are dubbed ‘Deluxe,’ which are larger and come with a paved connected patio.
No RV? And REALLY don’t want to have an experience that is different than living at home? Even here at this KOA, that’s not a problem, where the proprietors will easily rent you a deluxe cabin, if there is one available. These 1BR or 2BR A/C cooled Deluxe Cabins sleep 4, 6 or 8 people and come with bunk bed set, futon / sofa sleeper and a queen-sized bed along with a private bath and shower, TV with cable offering over 20 channels, some with EV chargers, patio w/ charcoal or gas BBQ grill and fire pit, front porch with patio furniture and chairs, refrigerator, fresh linens, paw pen for the pups and a partial or full kitchen. They even have rustic cabins that are cheaper and don’t come with all the thrills for those that want some degree of ‘roughing’ it, so this means no kitchen and no bathroom or showers, although there is full bed, bunk bed, TV, mini-refrigerator, A/C patio furniture, brick fire pit with cooking grate.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) To continue with the simple, easy-to-access, manufactured experience theme here, for those that grow tired of trying to conjure up that next meal for the kiddos, who are grumbling about making every meal, head on over to any one of these nearby drive-thru windows or curb-side meal offerings: McDonald’s, Panda Express, Applebee’s, Steak ‘n Shake and Wendy’s; (2) If you want to heighten that suburban culinary experience you all have been craving though, I really do rate the silverware-free dining experience that is Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament, which is literally just down the road and is actually a lot of fun for the kiddos and adults alike; (3) Should you find yourself in need of anything that you either forgot or may have run out of, then fear not, there’s a Sam’s Club that is in walking distance from this KOA and further south that definitely requires a drive, there’s a Walmart Supercenter; (4) I’ve noticed that this place has SIGNIFICANT discounts if you simply plan in advance – so for example, during the months of March OR April (it’s January now), they’re offering a whopping 25% discount; and (5) If you are looking for a slice of nature’s paradise, then I highly recommend driving a bit north to Wekiwa Springs, where you’ll be able to enjoy one of the most amazing springs in all of Florida where the water is 72 degrees year round.
Happy Camping!
LegendIf you’ve landed on this review hopefully its because of a primary decision to visit one of the greatest beach communities in all of Florida – New Smyrna Beach. This super-slim archipelago boasts some of the most perfect white sugar sand beaches anywhere – plus, the best part is that this beach is a proper ‘drive-on’ beach, so whatever you would normally have to haul in a cart or wheeled by trolley to the beach, you can simply keep in the trunk or bed of your SUV / car / truck. And if you are here, hopefully you have planned to be here for some time – or, upon seeing how simply amazing New Smyrna Beach is, have decided that you need a place to stay ... but unfortunately, you and a couple thousand other people have come to the same conclusion. So what do you do?
Well, you look for simple and affordable accommodations nearby, and that’s what will attract you to Sugar Mill Ruins Travel Park, which is conveniently located only 15 minutes drive or so from beachside bliss. While this is definitely an RV-laden outpost, the vibe here is quite contagious, with its main office greeting you immediately upon arrival, where just past this wooden log cabin structure pure hedonism awaits with vibrant bouncing beach balls popping up and down in this overgrown campside Florida shaped-pool bursting with loud southern country music (yee-haw!) and nearly everyone en towe brandishing a coozie with some cheap domestic beer and endless “hey y’all’s” and smiles to boot at the ‘Tiki Hut’ (warning – there’s nothing here that resembles a ’Tiki Hut’ apart from the drinks they pour, although even here, no umbrellas!). This place feels like Spring Break for the adults toting 2-3 kids with them as they dwell in their mobile manufactured temporary housing.
With all the proper hook-ups being provided (30 / 50 amp electric, sewer, water), this oversized RV menagerie feels like it’s been carved out of a forest of tall needle-pine trees sheltering its residents from the sweltering heat of NE Florida. The family-friendly restrooms and shower facilities are fairly clean and there’s picnic tables and BBQ grills sporadically littered all over the place. Sugar Mill Ruins also rents out very affordable cabins (12 x 20) with twin bunk beds and fold-out futon (nice) complete with mini-fridge, table, chairs, microwave and even a porch with deck chairs. There’s more than 200 sites to choose from complete with a playground for the kiddos, game room with 2 billiards tables, plus 3 acres of lake fishing along with a cool pavilion with games and events (this is the main building that you’ll first encounter).
Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) While not exactly a destination, Sugar Mill Ruins is so dang convenient to some of the best beach experiences you might ever encounter, depending upon your leaning, leave early and spend as much time as you can at New Smyrna Beach; (2) If you’re looking for a different place to soak some suds, I highly recommend Norwood’s Treehouse Bar, which has fantastic cocktails and local live music; and (3) For simply sublime food, check out Outriggers Tiki Bar& Grille, which has a pretty gracious happy hour where you can spot manatees and dolphins while biting down on some of the freshest catch in Florida, but with outstanding accoutrement, like key lime coconut beurre blanc and sticky bamboo rice or pineapple and peppadew rhum butter infused fish entrees.
Happy Camping!
LegendLocated in north central Florida just south of Florida’s agricultural heartland in Palatka, you’ll spot 333 Fish Camp if you are driving slow enough on Highway 17 heading north out of Crescent City, but only if you have your eyes peeled looking for the place. Apart from an oversized relatively new roadside sign that somehow sits back from view, an entirely thick shrubbery and tree line and 30 degree downgrading, albeit well-paved lane block this waterfront oasis from passing-by view.
The best part about 333 Fish Camp? If you’re an angler or simply want to be out on the water, then this place is a perfect spot as it offers easy-to-maneuver and immediate access to Crescent Lake along with the St. Johns River, which through its many intracoastal waterways, will grant you access to the Atlantic Ocean if you so choose. As for the layout of the place itself, 333 offers up Deluxe Waterfront RV Sites (adjacent to marina and pool, but with direct views of Lake Crescent) and Premium RV Sites (offer both back-in and pull-thru sites and are located further up the hill and further away from the lake, but still offer great views, just a slightly longer walk to the water). All sites offer dedicated BBQ grill, fire pit and 50 amp hookups, except the Premium, which offer 30 and 50 amp. In addition to these 2 types of RV accommodations, 333 offers up (6) Efficiency Cottages, (1) Vacation Home and even a couple Waterfront Tiny Homes (all are perfect for 2 Adults / 2 Children, save the Vacation Homes, which are larger and may accommodate more people), which I thought were particularly amazing. All of these alternative modern housing rentals feature kitchenettes, private restrooms and showers, refrigerators (with freezer), coffee machines, TV’s, A/C and screened in porches.
Amenities: Pet-Friendly, General Store (fishing apparel, bait, tackle, rods & reels, lures, baits, basic groceries, sodas, beer, sunscreen, bug spray, etc.), Full Marina (w/ 3 dedicated slots), Lakeview Wooden Dock (w/ pristine, elevated views of Lake Crescent, along with a jumbo TV for watching your favorite game), Hillside Heated Pool (complete with lounge chairs, gazebos and even views of Lake Crescent), River House (offering TV, seating, office space, WiFi, meeting space, kitchen / bar area, bathroom, shower facilities and even a laundr-O-mat), Fishing Pier (there’s even a standing prize for anyone who catches the largest fish on the pier!), Boat Fuel Station, Boat Ramp, Charcoal Grills & Fire Pits, Efficiency Cottages, RV & Trailer Storage and Complimentary Hi-Speed WiFi.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) If you are a beginner fisherman like me, I highly recommend booking a pro fishing guide and Cole Hewitt is the on-sight angling ombudsman who will not only educate you on how to fish, but he knows Lake Crescent like the back of his hand, so you’ll benefit from also knowing WHERE to catch bass; (2) While we always go camping with our kayaks and canoes entowe, if you forgot yours or simply want to try out a true angling kayak, then you’re in luck as 333 offer up a handful of rentals, and even if they are fully-booked up, you can head back into town where there’s plenty of spots that will rent you some watercraft; and (3) When you get tired of trying to figure out what’s next for dinner or simply want to try out the local fare, I highly recommend the fun and vibrant 3 Bananas, which basically serves up some fairly decent glorified American bar food, of which I highly recommend the grilled, blackened Mahi Mahi as well as their buffalo wings – but don’t forget to order the fried banana cheesecake– it’s out of this world!
Happy Camping!
LegendLocated due north of Crescent Lake here in Putnam County within north central Florida and just off Highway 17, you’ll come across a very well-appointed RV gated community that sits atop a rolling hill with tons of tall needle pines, palms and ancient oaks shrouding this unassuming hidden oasis in both privacy as well as shuddering it from the nearby highway traffic. In fact, if you’re driving too fast, you might just miss this little hidden gem … but something tells me, that’s not really a concern for the good folks here at Cherry Blossom, who were completely booked up when we stopped by one sunny afternoon in January.
As for the layout of this place, it’s quite simple. To begin with, the moment you turn onto Cherry Blossom’s main entrance, you will be greeted by perfectly paved roads that feature on the right, the main office building, where you’ll check in, along with this RV resort's beautiful in-ground heated swimming pool as well as main restrooms and shower facilities (which are as immaculate as they come!), indoor and outside laundry facilities behind and to the side of the building. On the left, there’s a newly planted pickleball court, open air gazebo with freshly poured concrete (although you’ll have to bring your own chairs, table and BBQ), 2 sets of cornhole, which is all fenced in, providing for a nice doggie park environ. You’ll also discover a full-on propane service area before arriving to the key-guarded lift gates that provide a huge plus-up in security for this RV haven, which is located right on a fairly busy highway.
Once inside the compound, there’s a simple long and narrow loop to follow that is dissected in the middle, so after passing by the administration office, keep heading towards the right and you’ll circumnavigate the entire place. At the top of the loop, you can turn right, which is essentially a short lane with a dozen or so RV slots on the left and a half dozen cabin lodges on the right. While most of the slots on the periphery of the loop and the lane are fairly well-shaded and offer very good (not great) privacy, those slots located on the interior of the loop are fairly open with scant brush, save a few isolated palms or oaks, so needless to say, you and your camp will be in complete view of the entire campground. My personal recommendation, if you have the opportunity to do so (note below, there is no reserving specific sites, which seems absolutely Proletarian to me!), is to pick one of the RV slots that is located on the lane at the top of the loop – these are deluxe sites, have more space as well as greater privacy.
Prices for Standard RV slots are$55 ($350 / wk and $575 / mo), whereas the Deluxe RV sites are$60 ($400 / wk and $675 / mo), with the only difference being Standard has grass & gravel w/ cement patio, whereas the Deluxe features asphalt pads and in addition to picnic table and BBQ, offers up a fire ring. Me thinks for $5 more, it’s a deal go Deluxe and drop anchor on a solid patch of land, plus, who doesn’t love a fire ring?! All slots come with 30 / 50 amp, metered electric and complimentary cable TV& WiFi. Don’t have an RV? Not a problem, Cherry Blossom will rent you one of their 1BR/ 1BA lodges for $1,050 by the month (but read the fine print: no pets, no smoking, no kids and only 2 adults (so no fun!).
Amenities: Back-In and Pull-Through RV Sites w/ Full Hook-Ups (30 / 50 electric, water & sewage), Doggie Park, Corn Hole, Pickleball Courts, Heated In-Ground Swimming Pool w/ Patio & Chaise Lounge Chairs, Indoor & Outside Laundr-O-Mat, On-Site Market, Club House with Foosball, Billiards Tables, Game Room and Exercise Room, Playground, Propane Fueling Station, Turtle-Gazing(there’s 3 beautiful tortoises named Browser, Crush and Rafael who guard Cherry Blossom RV Resort day and night!), Designated Trash & Recycling Bins
Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) When you book at Cherry Blossom, they won’t guarantee you a specific site – you will only know exactly where you are staying when you arrive and are assigned a specific spot. My HUGE recommendation would be to arrive as early as you can so that you can understand what spots will become available that day, have yourself a little tour of the place and then go back to office and let them know which spot(s) you prefer; (2) You should note that the fee you’ll be paying for the night covers 2 people only and after this, a $2.50 per day or $30 per month fee charge is incurred; (3) There are no cancellation refunds here – once booked, you are immediately charged and that money is gone forever; but if you do need to cancel or postpone, you are offered a camping credit - major bummer IMHO!; and (4) When you get tired of trying to figure out what that next meal is and want to sample some local fare, just head due south to Crescent City, where there’s a few decent restaurants to choose from like 3 Bananas, Crescent City Diner and Palmeras.
Happy Camping!
RangerTight roads, nice big campsites full hookups with picnic table and fire ring. Restrooms clean but need some touch ups. Two nice trails and playground. Pet friendly. Boat ramp. Great for kayaking and fishing.
LegendOK, let’s just cut to the chase here. You are likely considering Sun Outdoors Orlando Champions Gate due to its proximity to the ‘Most Magical Place on Earth’ or one of the other themed amusement parks here in the Orlando area. And maybe you’ve got an RV and shrugged your shoulders and said ‘why not?’ And to this I say, if proximity and accessibility are key criteria for you on this particular trip and locking down a spot to park your RV for a few days while you (and likely the kids) are wanting to enjoy all of the entertainment and endless lines of all-you-can-eat buffets, then Sun Outdoors will certainly be a very good option for you.
What I like most about Sun Outdoors Orlando is that this spot is recently completely refurbished, so everywhere you go, while the place itself looks like it has recently been cleared of all vegetation (definitely a negative in my mind - as it looks as though every single piece of nature, be it grass, bushes or trees, has been surgically removed leaving a very barren, sterile environ), all of the buildings, sites and amenities look fairly brand spanking new, especially the club house and adjoining in-ground heated pool, which is definitely the best aspect of this particular paved campground. Here they have plenty of level, asphalt-paved or grassy RV pads, spots for tent camping as well as even cottages and cabins that they’ll rent to you in case you’ve not come prepared with any overnight preparations of your own.
Amenities: large heated in-ground swimming pool with patio and deck chairs, umbrellas and chaise loungers, pristine bathroom & showers, shuffleboard court, game room, horseshoe pit, WiFi, pet-friendly, coin-operated laundr-O-mat, dog park, bingo hall, basketball, volleyball, stand-up BBQ grills, religious services, Adirondack chair encircled fire pits, cornhole as well as back-in and pull-through RV slots with concrete patios, picnic table and all the traditional hook-ups (20 / 30 / 50 amp electric, water and sewage).
Insider’s tips: (1) When we visited, there was a solid amount of road construction going on right in front of Sun Outdoors Orlando, so unless that has changed (call ahead if this is of concern), then I would highly suggest booking a spot furthest away the front of the campground, which sits right in front of the roadway where the work is being done; (2) If you grow weary of opening up your on-board fridge or half-empty roto-molded Cordova cooler and want to check out a nearby restaurant, I recommend nearby Miller’s Ale House, Marco’s Pizza, Mondo di Gelato or Reunion Gyro; (3) While this campground will tell you on-line and on-site that you can tent camp here, even if you could, I don’t know that you would want to, unless your idea of a good tent camping experience is being sandwiched between 2 oversized RV’s and pitching your tent on asphalt; (4) Some of these sites for large RV’s and even 5th wheels appear to be a bit too small (several were either parked beyond the asphalt limits on the grass, or the width was too large and overhung the concrete pad itself, creating unstable situation for some RV’s) ;(5) If you actually care to grab a slice of nature while you are here at Sun Outdoors Orlando, then go for a day trip to Lake Tohopekaliga, which has some pretty amazing bass fishing as well as a few choice places to drop your boat into, like Twin Oaks or Cherokee Point Conservation Areas (and if you don’t have your own kayak, canoe or boat, contact Wild Willys Airboat Tours and they’ll show you around); and (6) There’s a Publix, CVS and Aldi so close to this campground that you can walk there, in case you run out of anything.
Happy Camping!
LegendThe cabins at Blue Spring State Park offer a rare way to experience one of Florida’s most iconic spring-fed rivers without camping by RV or tents. Tucked well away from the busy springhead and day-use crowds and surrounded instead by hardwood hammock and palmetto flats. Arriving is straightforward via Orange City, just a stone's throw from I-4, and once you’re checked in, the cabins feel intentionally removed from the main campground loops, trading generator hums and tent zippers for solid walls, screened porches along with a noticeable sense of calm once the park gates close for the evening.
Each cabin is simple but thoughtfully laid out with climate control, real beds, a small kitchen setup, picnic tables and screened outdoor space that invites slow mornings with a freshly brewed cup of Colombian coffee and unhurried evenings over a nice iced glass of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. While these are not luxury accommodations by any stretch of the imagination, they are very clean, well maintained and ideal for families or couples who want immersion in nature without having to 'rough' it. Restrooms and showers are integrated into the cabin setup rather than shared campground facilities and nearby trails make it easy to step directly into the woods for a walk without ever starting the car.
Beyond the cabins themselves, Blue Spring’s broader amenities shine. Hiking trails wind through shaded forest and along the St. Johns River while the spring run offers some of the clearest freshwater paddling in the state. A small concession area and nearby Orange City like Fire on the Bayou, The Salted Goat and Orange Social provide tempting and hyper-local dining options, but most guests will find themselves lingering longer at the cabins, listening to owls at dusk or catching early morning river mist before the park stirs back to life.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a handful: (1) If you’re visiting during manatee season, the cabins are a ‘golden ticket’ for early and late viewing when crowds thin and the river feels most deserted and almost reverent; (2) For kayaking, launch at the Blue Spring Run canoe and kayak launch and paddle upstream early in the morning for glassy water, manatee sightings in season and wading birds like blue and grey heron, kingfishers, bald eagles and ospreys along the river banks; (3) The cabins closest to the interior trail network tend to feel the most secluded and quiet compared to those nearer service roads; (4) Plan simple meals rather than elaborate cooking, as kitchens are functional but hoestly, quite modest (read: just bare bones); and (5) If you want a true Old Florida day trip, head a short drive north to DeLeon Springs after breakfast for swimming and pancakes at the local restaurant there.
Happy Camping!
Cabins near Altoona, Florida offer easy access to the Ocala National Forest, which spans over 380,000 acres in north-central Florida. The area sits at a modest elevation of 60-100 feet above sea level with a humid subtropical climate featuring hot summers and mild winters. Rainfall averages 50 inches annually, with the driest months typically being November through February.
Springs exploration: Wekiwa Springs State Park features crystal clear springs perfect for swimming and wildlife viewing. As one visitor noted, "The park offers hiking, biking, day swimming, a food grill, a canoe/kayak launch and rental, plus tons of wildlife!" The spring maintains a constant 72°F temperature year-round.
Kayaking and canoeing: Blue Spring State Park provides excellent water access with rental options. "We spent much of our time kayaking from the park's canoe launch. Here, we were able to see tons of wildlife from all sorts of fish, alligators, and yes, a manatee!" Kayak rentals cost around $20 for a half-day experience.
Hiking nearby trails: Several local parks offer nature trails ranging from easy 1-mile loops to more challenging 4.5-mile trails. "There is a 4.5-mile hiking trail, biking trail, as well as water activities," reports one camper about the recreational opportunities at Blue Spring State Park.
Natural water features: Salt Springs Recreation Area draws visitors with its mineral-rich waters. One camper shared, "The spring is a short walk from the campground or a quick bike ride." The spring's constant 72-degree water temperature makes it accessible year-round regardless of season.
Spacious campsites: Lake Griffin State Park offers well-designed spaces. According to a visitor, "Lake Griffin State Park is a classic case of under promising and over delivering. The sites are mostly all very shaded and afford privacy. The real gem however is the adjacent park, boat/kayak launch and paddling run to Lake Griffin."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The natural areas surrounding Altoona cabin accommodations provide excellent chances to observe Florida's diverse wildlife. As one camper at Blue Spring State Park observed, "During the winter months of November and February you may not be able to swim because of the manatees," pointing to the seasonal wildlife migration patterns.
Reservation requirements: Most cabins and campgrounds in the area require advance booking, especially during winter months when snowbirds arrive. At popular locations, reservations may need to be made 6-11 months in advance.
Seasonal considerations: Winter (November-February) brings cooler temperatures but also increased visitors. One reviewer at Kelly Park Campground warned, "Weekends during the summer are VERY busy. During the winter you may not be able to swim because of the manatees."
Utility variations: Cabin rentals near Altoona vary widely in amenities. While some provide full kitchens, others may have limited facilities. "My only problem with wilderness camping. There is not a lot of room in the loops to pull your rv into the spot," noted one camper about navigating certain campground areas.
Water quality: Some springs in the area have natural mineral content that affects the water's smell. A visitor to Wekiva Falls RV Resort mentioned, "The springs swimming area water has a smell of sulfur, stay up wind..." This is normal for the area's natural springs.
Activity planning: Encore Southern Palms provides multiple recreation options. A visitor shared, "Nice park with plenty of room. This was a great central location to visit lakes, gulf coast, springs and historic towns."
Playground access: Several parks offer dedicated children's play areas. "A short walk leads to a very nice playground with typical park equipment. My kiddos loved that playground," reported one Kelly Park Campground visitor.
Swimming options: Choose locations with shallow swimming areas for younger children. "My favorite part was the springs that also had a little 'beach' where my youngest played in the sand after tubing," noted a Kelly Park visitor, highlighting the family-friendly water features.
Early arrival strategy: Plan to reach popular swimming spots before 9am to avoid crowds. "If you plan to do a day trip keep in mind that you need to get there early! If you have no floating tube there is a rental store just down the road from the park," advised one camper.
Site selection considerations: When booking cabin or RV sites near Altoona, check site length and access details. "Site 7 was quite undeveloped. Thanks to Anderson levelers we were fine. 30 amp at our site," reported one Lake Griffin State Park visitor.
Hook-up variations: Understand the utilities available at your chosen location. "Sites have paved pads but most are not level. Wifi very spotty. Springs are nice," shared a Salt Springs visitor.
Supply stocking: While some cabin rentals provide basic amenities, plan to bring specific supplies. Stock up on groceries in nearby towns like Eustis or Mount Dora before arrival at more remote cabin locations.
Road navigation: Some access roads to cabin rentals in the Ocala National Forest may be narrow or unpaved. A visitor to Silver Springs State Park noted, "The sites are big with gravel, fire pits, grill dining tables and did I say clean."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Altoona, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Altoona, FL is Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 65 reviews.
What is the best site to find cabin camping near Altoona, FL?
TheDyrt.com has all 95 cabin camping locations near Altoona, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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