Camping options near Babson Park offer more variety than RV-only facilities. The region sits at an elevation around 115 feet amid rolling hills and citrus groves that characterize central Florida's Ridge District. Winter temperatures typically range from 50-75°F, making it popular for northern visitors escaping cold weather, while summer heat often exceeds 90°F with high humidity and frequent afternoon thunderstorms.
What to do
Fishing and water activities: Lake Pierce and Lake Kissimmee provide excellent bass fishing opportunities within 15 miles of Babson Park. At River Ranch RV Resort, campers can enjoy canal fishing from their sites. "My fiancé and I went for a local, weekend, staycation. We had a beautiful spot in Phase 5, on the canal. The critters weren't awful, very serene sunrises/sunsets and spacious spots," notes one visitor.
Horseback riding: River Ranch offers guided trail rides suitable for all experience levels. "There is a lot to do here... It's costly but it worth it. Have to watch out for the mosquitoes so bring a lot of bug spray," mentions a camper who enjoyed the equestrian activities.
Mini golf and swimming: Many RV parks feature recreational facilities for families. Cypress Campground & RV Park provides both. "The mini-golf was a fun activity, the bathrooms were clean and adequate, the campsites were not huge but just fine," reports a camper who visited with family.
Farmer's markets: Some campgrounds host regular markets with local vendors. "They even have a big farmers market on Sundays with tons of vendors," explains a visitor to Camp Margaritaville RV Resort about the weekly event.
What campers like
Swimming pools with extras: Many campers appreciate pools with additional features. Camp Margaritaville RV Resort stands out with "two big pools (the back one is quiet) with bars, yummy drinks and good food. They are pet friendly & have dog poo stations along the roads."
Wildlife viewing: Several campgrounds offer opportunities to observe local wildlife. "We look forward to returning but will do so as a special trip not regular camp trips. Only disappointment was that I did not realize there were no fire rings/pits/grills," notes a camper who enjoyed watching birds and animals at Lake Magic.
Convenient location: Encore Sherwood Forest earns praise for its strategic location. "Hidden Gem... The park is quiet the neighbors are cool and there's even security for that added sense of safety. It's close to many restaurants and grocery stores and even Disney," writes one reviewer.
Dog-friendly amenities: Many parks cater to pet owners with dedicated facilities. According to a Camp Margaritaville visitor, "The dog baths and parks are awesome. The trees are small so no shade yet."
What you should know
Site conditions vary seasonally: Florida's rainy season affects ground conditions significantly. At Sherwood Forest, "all the sites are on grass. While you can't blame the park for the weather, recently there's been a lot of rain and rigs of all sizes are up to their rims in muck. Seems to be a draining problem as the water stands for several days."
Concrete pad availability: Only certain sites at some parks feature concrete pads. "Except for the few concrete pads up front, all the sites are on grass," warns a camper about potential mud issues during wet weather.
Winter booking challenges: The seasonal influx makes advance planning crucial. "The park is clean, it's the midsized Thousand Trails Park in Florida. Peace River is really pretty, very green and has a wooded section, a tropical section, and a flood section. We have seen Class As sink, so if you have a heavy diesel pusher, make sure you find a spot safe for your RV," advises an experienced visitor at Thousand Trails Peace River.
Long-term residents: Many parks have permanent or seasonal residents. "Be aware, many sites in this park have park model mobile homes and some are rented out to some interesting characters," notes one reviewer about Sherwood Forest.
Tips for camping with families
Look for kid-specific activities: Campgrounds with dedicated children's facilities make family trips easier. "We had a BLAST at this camping retreat 3 miles from Legoland! The owners/employees were very nice and accommodating. The pool was just what we needed, the playground looked fun but was closed due to Covid."
Schedule around crowds: Pool areas can become congested during peak times. At Camp Margaritaville, one camper noted "the only negative was that the pool area seemed a little small for the number of people there. Very crowded."
Consider tent camping limitations: Not all RV parks offer ideal tent camping conditions. "I booked this for a first time car camping with my 4 year old. The tent spots are ok just placed on corner spots with traffic. The spot I got was close to restroom with kids is a must if you don't have other options," explains a visitor to Sherwood Forest.
Plan for entertainment beyond the campground: Encore Lake Magic provides access to nearby attractions. "Clean and quiet. Close to old town. Went to Medieval times and the attractions. Will certainly stay again," reports a family who enjoyed venturing out for entertainment.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Many sites require work to achieve proper leveling. "Really unlevel, lots of full timers and some of their units have become run down. Good amenities but bad sites. I could not get my unit close to level and it was late so I just stayed the night," warns a visitor to Central Park RV Resort.
Sewer hookup placement: Position can affect usability at some parks. "We stayed here for a week. The park had a lot of permanent residents living here but it wasn't ran down really bad like other parks. Good power. Good water pressure. Sewer location was very far away," notes a camper at Central Park RV Resort.
Check cellular coverage: Signal strength varies throughout the region. "FYI, We have T-Mobile and there is zero signal, no bars for T-Mobile in this park," reports a visitor at Butch's RV Hideaway, highlighting the importance of researching connectivity options before arrival.
Propane availability: Some parks offer on-site refills at competitive prices. "They do propane refills for only 2.50 a gallon," mentions a camper about the service at Central Park RV Resort.