Camping near Davenport, Florida offers easy access to Central Florida attractions while providing options for outdoor recreation. Located in Polk County at an elevation of about 146 feet, the area experiences a humid subtropical climate with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F from June through September. Most campgrounds in the region feature level sites with full hookups, making it convenient for both tent campers and RVers.
What to do
Wildlife viewing: Lake Kissimmee State Park offers abundant opportunities to spot native Florida species. "Lake Kissimmee State Park Review This was our first visit to Lake Kissimmee State Park and it was a big surprise... We enjoyed the common areas, the observation deck and the hiking," notes one camper who rated the experience 4 stars. The park features multiple lakes and hiking trails where visitors can spot wild turkeys, eagles, and occasionally bobcats.
Biking trails: Nearby Clermont provides excellent biking options. A visitor to Lake Louisa State Park Campground mentioned, "This stage park has lots to offer - great trails for hiking and biking, boat launches, fishing, or just relaxing... The bath house was very clean and modern, with spacious shower stalls and plenty of hot water." The park has "totally awesome park roads for biking, trails for mountain biking and hiking, and equestrian trails."
Water activities: Fishing and boating are popular in the region. One camper noted about Lake Kissimmee State Park Campground: "Nice spot to just get away and relax. Lots of hiking trails and some wildlife. Deers all around even among the campsites. Some tours available close by for airboats." Lake Tohopekaliga offers additional water recreation opportunities with excellent bass fishing.
What campers like
Private, spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer good separation between sites. A visitor to Lake Louisa State Park Campground remarked, "Having stayed at Lake Louisa State Park serval times we've enjoyed very spacious sites with beautiful views and an exceptionally clean property. The multiple lake views where so peaceful, I think the beach was my favorite by far."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses are consistently mentioned in reviews. One camper at Camp Margaritaville RV Resort and Cabana Cabins Auburndale commented, "We love this Margaritaville location! The staff is always friendly, they've got a great splash pad and playground for the kids, a water slide, and two larger pools for kids and adults. There are nice bathrooms with showers (soaps provided) and a laundry room."
Location convenience: Proximity to major attractions is a significant advantage. A visitor to Orlando/Kissimmee KOA shared, "This was the perfect location for our touristy vacation! The Orlando Kissimmee KOA Holiday is great park to visit when staying in the Orlando area. Most shopping and restaurants are within a 5-10 minute drive. And all the tourist attractions are within 30 minutes."
What you should know
Limited shade at newer resorts: Many recently developed campgrounds lack mature trees. A reviewer of Sun Outdoors Orlando ChampionsGate observed, "What I like most about Sun Outdoors Orlando is that this spot is recently completely refurbished... all of the buildings, sites and amenities look fairly brand spanking new, especially the club house and adjoining in-ground heated pool... every single piece of nature, be it grass, bushes or trees, has been surgically removed leaving a very barren, sterile environ."
Cell service varies by location: Coverage can be spotty at more remote parks. One camper mentioned about Lake Kissimmee State Park: "Cell service is practically non existent in the park and within 10 miles from the park. Keep an eye on gas, there's one place about 6 miles from the park and town is about 15 miles away."
Weather considerations: Florida's climate affects camping comfort. A visitor to Lake Louisa noted, "We stayed here in June and bugs were only bad at nightfall. We got good reception with our verizon and only ok with our sprint."
Tips for camping with families
Water features: Pools and splash pads provide kid-friendly entertainment. A camper at Camp Margaritaville RV Resort mentioned, "Margaritaville is so clean & spacious!! The store has so much great stuff and there is always entertainment. They even have a big farmers market on Sundays with tons of vendors. There are two big pools (the back one is quiet) with bars, yummy drinks and good food."
Scheduled activities: Many resorts organize family events. "We had a great time. The camp sites and the whole resort area is very clean and safe. I felt comfortable with my kid running around on her scooter. They had a lot of activities for the kids during spring break," wrote a visitor who gave Camp Margaritaville 4 stars.
Educational opportunities: Wildlife viewing can be educational. A family who visited Lake Kissimmee State Park wrote, "We went during Spring Break! we were there four nights. We took our two grandchIldren, and they had alot of fun! It was fantastic! we had the handicapped site, plenty of room, wonderful neighbors."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: For pet-friendly camping near Davenport, Florida, consider site location carefully. A reviewer of Thousand Trails Orlando advised, "They have approximately 850 sites depending on the tortoises (sometimes they get a whole spot if their best is there). They are adding about 180 sites on the south side of the park. Full hook ups, generous yards, decent landscaping... The park is about 2.63 miles all the way around the outer loop."
Accessibility challenges: Some parks have tight navigation. One RVer noted about Orlando Southwest KOA Holiday: "We have. 45' with tow. These spots are tight and small and people tend to park everywhere they can. Leaves pulling in and out difficult. However it is a super nice place and good location if you want to do Disney. Lots of great and clean amenities and an amazing dog area. Just tight for us big buses."
Level sites: Site conditions vary across campgrounds. A camper at Orlando/Kissimmee KOA reported, "Site was a little small for our tent (14 x 14 foot though). Other than that, campground was great! Had rental bikes and a pool. Bathrooms were nice and clean."