Cabin camping near Clermont, Florida offers diverse accommodations within a rolling hill landscape unusual for Florida, with elevations reaching 307 feet above sea level. The area features cypress-lined lakes with blackwater streams and pine forests providing habitat for wildlife including sandhill cranes, alligators, and gopher tortoises. Winter temperatures typically range from 50-70°F, making December through March the peak reservation period for cabin rentals.
What to do
Kayaking on multiple connected lakes: At Hide-A-Way Harbor RV Park, visitors access Lake Harris which connects to several other bodies of water. "The lake it's connected to a handful of other lakes where you could boat to a different town everyday," notes Keith R.
Wildlife observation along trails: Pine forests provide excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. "On one such hike, we were able to spot a bobcat in pursuit of dinner, which was a delight to see firsthand," explains Dave V. at Lake Louisa State Park Campground, who also heard "the cackle of wild turkey, the squeals of wild pig, the yip and yap of coyotes, hoots from resident owls."
Mini golf and recreation facilities: Thousand Trails Orlando provides extensive on-site activities. "They have mini golf, tennis courts, pickle ball courts, shuffle board, club house, mail room, camp store, a small lake with kayak rental," explains Laura H., adding "most of all we come here repeatedly because we love to see our friends."
What campers like
Natural spring swimming: Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground offers year-round 72°F spring water for swimming. "Wekiwa was an amazing place to camp and spend our weekend. The park offers hiking, biking, day swimming, a day grill, a canoe/kayak launch and rental, plus tons of wildlife," shares Jenn B., adding "the campground was quiet and the restrooms fairly clean."
Evening entertainment: At Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, campers enjoy scheduled activities. "The sing along was fun. Chip and dale walk around to everyone. They ask that you don't leave your spot and they will come to you and really they do. They stopped at every spot to take pictures," explains Samantha O.
Spacious lakefront sites: The camping areas feature water views and privacy. "Lake Louisa State Park has lots to offer - great trails for hiking and biking, boat launches, fishing, or just relaxing. All of the sites seemed level, most are quite private with a fair amount of trees/foliage in between sites," reports Cyndi B.
What you should know
Primitive camping limitations: At Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake, primitive camping requires planning. "At the tent sites you are not allowed to have campfires which is kind of a bummer. The sites are on a slight slope that goes down to the lake," notes Billy A.
Weekend crowds at popular areas: State parks with springs can become extremely busy. "If you go on a weekend, make sure you go EARLY! Line of car starts around 9am and park will close at capacity," warns Hannah S. about Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground.
Transportation within larger properties: Fort Wilderness is expansive and requires planning for mobility. "Rent a golf cart if you don't have one. Transportation was OK and the Tavern was very nice," advises Donald M., while others mention "bus service throughout the campground with bus and boat service to the Parks."
Tips for camping with families
Accessible swimming options: Some locations offer adaptive facilities. "Once we got there, Jane, one of the park rangers informed us about the ramp for wheelchairs, and a lift into the water!" shares Lauren W. about Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground.
Activity-packed resorts: Family-friendly amenities vary by location. "The Orlando Kissimmee KOA Holiday is great park to visit when staying in the Orlando area. This park has 3 types of Motorhome/Camper sites; back-in, pull-through and deluxe patios," explains Brandie B., adding "on the other side of the park is a great playground and jump pad."
Budget-friendly options near attractions: Some parks offer value with proximity. "Bill Frederick is a nice close getaway in the middle of the city," says Samantha B., while David L. notes it's "central to major attractions in the Orlando area... The price is ridiculously low at about $25/day."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: At Thousand Trails Orlando, choosing the right section matters. "They have many sections. A- Lots of pull throughs, B- Giant Field where the kids play, D- Jungle, Secluded, Private, also with snakes but a lot more shade, E/F/G- Normal RV Park in the grass, some shade in some parts," advises Laura H.
Leveling and parking considerations: Some parks present challenges for larger rigs. "There is not a lot of room in the loops to pull your rv into the spot. There is plenty of room between your rv and your neighbor next to you but not a lot of room across from your spot," cautions Samantha O. at Fort Wilderness.
Full hookup availability: Utilities vary by location and site. "The older sites could use some resurfacing," notes Brandie B. about Thousand Trails, while at Encore Clerbrook, Ralph L. discovered "on check in we were given a back in site (fine) only to find the the hook up we're on the WRONG side!"