Glamping near Davenport, Florida combines outdoor adventure with the comforts of modern living. With elevations around 150 feet above sea level, this Central Florida location stays warm year-round but can be surprisingly buggy during summer months. Rainfall averages 52 inches annually, making site drainage an important consideration when booking campsites in the region.
What to do
Horseback riding options: Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground offers unique equestrian opportunities within minutes of major attractions. "We took the boat to the marina area for dinner at the buffet, to watch the fireworks/light show, and to see Cinderella's horses and carriage," notes Samantha O., highlighting the special experiences available beyond typical theme park visits.
Wildlife viewing excursions: Lake Louisa State Park Campground provides excellent opportunities for wildlife encounters on its numerous trails. One camper recounts, "On one such hike, we were able to spot a bobcat in pursuit of dinner, which was a delight to see firsthand." The park's diverse ecosystem supports various Florida wildlife including wild turkeys and coyotes.
Kayaking adventures: Multiple lakes at Lake Louisa State Park Campground offer peaceful paddling opportunities. "We were easily able to roll our Kayaks to Dixie lake from our campsite," shares one reviewer who appreciated the convenient water access. For those without equipment, rentals are available at the Dixie Lake camp store.
Local attractions beyond Disney: While many visit for the theme parks, Thousand Trails Orlando provides convenient access to lesser-known attractions. "The park is very busy though but if you going to Disney World makes sense to hang here. Took the little boats out on the lake," notes Mike M., highlighting alternative activities beyond the major theme parks.
What campers like
Evening entertainment: Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground offers unique nighttime activities not found at other area campgrounds. One camper shares, "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." This provides entertainment for children without having to visit the main parks.
Spacious sites: Lake Kissimmee State Park Campground stands out for its well-designed camping areas. A visitor explains, "Like all state parks the bathrooms were spotless and rivaled those of a Marriott. We enjoyed the common areas, the observation deck and the hiking." This state park offers a more natural experience compared to commercially-oriented camping options.
Pool facilities: Orlando Southwest KOA Holiday provides excellent aquatic amenities that campers consistently praise. "Staff and work campers were great... pool and clubhouse is clean and nice. Shop is well stocked," notes one reviewer. The swimming facilities offer a refreshing alternative to crowded water parks in the area.
Convenient location: Orlando/Kissimmee KOA earns high marks for its strategic position near attractions. "This is quite possibly the nicest KOA we have ever been to. The staff is super friendly, the interior roads and many sites are paved with level pads... and they are convenient to Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld," explains Rick B.
What you should know
Site challenges: Some RV parks experience drainage issues during Florida's frequent rain. At Sherwood Forest RV Resort, one camper reported: "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."
Reservation timing: Popular glamping sites book quickly, especially during peak tourist seasons. "We stayed in site 19 for one night in early February. This site was very large, mostly level, with beautiful trees surrounding the site and great privacy," notes a camper at Lake Kissimmee State Park, highlighting the importance of securing reservations for preferred sites.
Connectivity concerns: Cell service varies dramatically between parks, impacting remote workers. At Lake Kissimmee State Park Campground, one camper warns, "Two things to watch out for - be careful of low hanging tree branches when backing in, and be aware that we had no cell service (this actually made us cancel another stay we had planned since we needed cell service for remote work)."
Transportation options: Getting around larger resorts often requires additional planning. "Rent a golf cart if you don't have one. Transportation was OK and the Tavern was very nice," advises Donald M. about Fort Wilderness, where the extensive property size makes internal transportation necessary.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground offers multiple family-friendly activities in one location. "Wekiwa was an amazing place to camp and spend our weekend. The park offers hiking, biking, day swimming, a food grill, a canoe/kayak launch and rental, plus tons of wildlife!" shares Jenn B. This diversity of options helps keep children of different ages engaged.
Accessibility considerations: Some parks offer excellent accommodations for families with special needs. "Being handicapped, the springs were a mile from the campground, which is a problem for people having difficulty walking... once we got there, Jane, one of the park rangers informed us about the ramp for wheelchairs, and a lift into the water!" recounts Lauren W. at Wekiwa Springs.
Budget options: Camping provides affordable alternatives to hotel stays near theme parks. "This campground was nice with all the amenities, showers, water, and power hookups for RVs, or in my case to charge my phone and camera," notes Zackari S., demonstrating how even budget campers can access essential amenities.
Timing strategies: Plan park visits during off-peak times for a better experience. "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, highlighting the importance of timing for popular destinations.
Tips from RVers
Site selection guidance: Hillsborough River State Park Campground earns praise for its layout and amenities. "The campground is just lit enough at night to walk the dogs after sunset. The lamps look like little Mickey Mouse heads! The staff is friendly and helpful," notes one RVer, emphasizing the importance of nighttime safety when selecting a site.
Hookup details: Different parks offer varying levels of hookup services. "Only 30amp hook up and no sewer, but there is a dump station. The spots are pretty level and the pads are crushed shells. Spot 9 is fully concrete," shares Corey K. about Lake Kissimmee State Park, providing specific information valuable to RV campers.
Size considerations: Not all sites accommodate larger rigs. "We have a 45' with tow. These spots are tight and small and people tend to park everywhere they can. Leaves pulling in and out difficult," cautions Tami B. about Orlando Southwest KOA Holiday, though she still praised the amenities and dog area.
Setup challenges: Some parks present unique challenges for RV setup. One camper at Fort Wilderness notes, "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. We have a 27' RV that is 33' from top to top. Holy moly did it take a lot to get this into our spot."
