Clermont camping areas feature diverse terrain from lakeshore sites to wooded settings at elevations ranging from 105 to 307 feet, higher than most Florida regions. The area receives approximately 54 inches of annual rainfall with summertime high temperatures averaging 92°F from June through September. Campgrounds vary from expansive RV resorts with over 800 sites to intimate county parks with fewer than 20 sites.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lake Carlton offers excellent catch opportunities for multiple species. "You can put in your kayak or electric boat on this more remote lake" according to a camper at Lake Louisa State Park Campground. The park also features "great trails for hiking and biking, boat launches, fishing, or just relaxing."
Water activities: Kayaking is available at several area lakes including Turkey Lake. A reviewer at Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake noted the park "offers hiking, biking, day swimming, a food grill, a canoe/kayak launch and rental, plus tons of wildlife!" Despite being in Orlando, the area remains surprisingly natural.
Biking trails: Paved paths connect many camping areas to local attractions. At Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground, "The park offers hiking, biking, day swimming, a food grill, a canoe/kayak launch and rental, plus tons of wildlife!" The park roads throughout many campgrounds are suitable for casual riding.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings provide best opportunities. "We were serenaded by the cackle of wild turkey, the squeals of wild pig, the yip and yap of coyotes, hoots from resident owls and the occasional shrill from the bobcat," reported one Lake Louisa camper. Many campgrounds post wildlife sighting boards at their welcome centers.
What campers like
Lakefront sites: Multiple options allow camping directly on water. "Most sites are waterfront with all sites being spacious, flat and nicely shaded, courtesy of all the ancient and live Oaks dripping with Spanish moss," writes a camper at Trimble Park Campground, which features only 15 total sites.
Pet-friendly facilities: Designated areas for dogs exist beyond just walking trails. At Thousand Trails Orlando, "They have a fenced in dog park with sand surface and waste bags, though visitors should bring their own water for pets," while one camper noted, "There is a dog park but it was on the other end of the campground... It's sand and has poop bags. But no water for drinking so take your own."
Spacious sites: Level pads accommodate various camping setups. A visitor to Lake Louisa State Park Campground commented, "All of the sites seemed level, most are quite private with a fair amount of trees/foliage in between sites, have a sizable picnic table and nice fire ring with grate."
Quiet locations: Despite proximity to attractions, many campgrounds remain peaceful. At Trimble Park Campground, "This is a beautiful and well maintained county park. Several of the sites are right on the water, great walking trails + clean restrooms. The sites are super private, but the lake view makes it totally worth it!"
What you should know
Reservation timing: Book well ahead for popular parks. "Book well in advance. We got good reception with our verizon and only ok with our sprint," advised a camper at Lake Louisa State Park Campground.
Wildlife precautions: Alligators inhabit many waterfront locations. "Keep animals away from the water's edge. We only saw baby gators right off the water's edge, but never any longer than your arm the entire time we were there," noted a visitor at Trimble Park.
Space limitations: Some sites have challenging access for larger vehicles. At Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, "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."
Weekend crowds: Popular springs and lakes reach capacity early. "If you go on a weekend, make sure you go EARLY! Line of car starts around 9am and park will close at capacity," warned a visitor to Wekiwa Springs State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Entertainment options: Multiple activities keep children engaged. At Orlando/Kissimmee KOA, "Very Friendly staff. Several activities possible for children eg pool, skating jumping etc," reports a visitor. The campground includes "a great playground and jump pad" near family-friendly areas.
Swimming access: Public pools provide alternatives to lake swimming. Bill Frederick Park features "a swimming pool, disk golf, horseback riding and cabins for rent," while one camper noted, "This campground is very small and very quiet. It is attached to a park and they have a swimming pool."
Safety measures: Nighttime lighting varies by campground. A visitor to Orlando/Kissimmee KOA mentioned, "We like that the campground is just lit enough at night to walk the dogs after sunset. The lamps look like little Mickey Mouse heads!"
Tent-specific amenities: Preparation needed for primitive sites. "If you choose primitive campground ($10) you will have to walk a little bit. The car parking is far away from the actual campsite. Huge plus are free showers with hot water," advised a Bill Frederick Park visitor.
Tips from RVers
Hookup specifics: Full connections vary widely between parks. "The sites at Fort Wilderness are clean and have great hookups," though a visitor noted "our campsite was 1709. We were walking distance to the pool, arcade, trading post, and campfire/sing along."
Navigation challenges: Interior roads may have tight turns. A Fort Wilderness visitor warned, "My only problem with wilderness camping. There is not a lot of room in the loops to pull your rv into the spot... Holy moly did it take a lot to get this into our spot."
Site selection: Campground sections often have different amenities. At Thousand Trails Orlando, "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."
Utility concerns: Water pressure and electrical service vary. "The sites are large enough and have most have full hook ups. Not many trees for shade, but it is in Florida so that is to be expected," reported a Thousand Trails Orlando camper.
