The Orlando area offers a variety of glamping options in state parks and private resorts within a 30-60 minute drive from major attractions. These luxury outdoor accommodations provide air conditioning, comfortable beds, and modern amenities while maintaining accessibility to natural Florida landscapes. Visitors seeking an upscale outdoor experience can choose between canvas structures, cabins, and yurts depending on their comfort preferences and budget.
What to do
Night wildlife viewing programs: Lake Kissimmee State Park Campground offers exceptional nocturnal wildlife experiences where campers regularly encounter native animals after dark. "Deers all around even among the campsites. Some tours available close by for airboats. We will be back here again," notes one visitor about the accessible wildlife viewing opportunities.
Kayak fishing on multiple lakes: At Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground, visitors can launch kayaks and canoes directly into the park's waterways. "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 a camper who appreciated the diverse water activities.
Shuttle services to theme parks: Many glamping accommodations coordinate with theme park transportation. At Orlando/Kissimmee KOA, "most shopping and restaurants are within a 5-10 minute drive. And all the tourist attractions are within 30 minutes: Walt Disney World 15 minutes, Universal Studios 23 minutes, SeaWorld 17 minutes," according to one reviewer who documented the convenient proximity.
What campers like
Site privacy despite crowds: Even during peak season, certain campgrounds maintain site separation. At Lake Kissimmee State Park, campers appreciate that "sites are far enough apart for privacy with lots of shades trees. Each site has a firepit. Bathrooms were clean. Lots of small trails to explore and tall watch tower climb for observation."
Family entertainment beyond parks: Thousand Trails Orlando provides on-site activities that reduce the need for constant theme park visits. According to one camper, "They have 2 Pools, 1 Hot Tub, Mini Golf, Tennis Courts, Pickle Ball Courts, Shuffle Board, Club House, Mail Room, Camp Store, A small Lake with Kayak rental, Alligators, Sand Hill Cranes, Tortoises, A Garden, Basketball, Kids play room and play area, Arcade, Gym, Several pretty ponds and a giant lagoon."
Evening entertainment programs: Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground offers structured nighttime activities. A visitor notes, "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."
What you should know
Seasonal capacity limitations: State parks fill quickly during peak seasons. A Wekiwa Springs visitor advises, "If you go on a weekend, make sure you go EARLY! Line of car starts around 9am and park will close at capacity."
Cell service limitations: Lake Kissimmee State Park has limited connectivity. "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," warns a camper who experienced the isolation.
Site differences within same property: At Boggy Creek Resort & RV Park, glamping accommodations vary significantly by location. "This park is impeccable with newly updated bath houses, laundry facilities, 2 pools, playground, camp store, mail room, pickle ball and tennis courts, new basketball court and dock to launch kayaks, boats or fish from," notes a visitor who appreciated the amenities despite site variations.
Tips for camping with families
Rent transportation within larger resorts: For sprawling properties, consider additional transportation. At Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort, a visitor recommends, "Rent a golf cart, it's worth it!!!" This investment significantly improves mobility around larger glamping resorts, especially with children.
Schedule early morning activities: Many attractions become congested by mid-day. "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 a Fort Wilderness camper who found early mornings ideal for water activities.
Use resorts as educational bases: Lake Louisa State Park Campground offers natural learning opportunities. "This stage park has lots to offer - great trails for hiking and biking, boat launches, fishing, or just relaxing," shares one visitor who appreciated the blend of recreation and education.
Tips from RVers
Book early for concrete pad sites: Many Orlando area glamping sites have variable surfaces. At Orlando Southwest KOA Holiday, "Except for the few concrete pads up front, 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."
Request sites away from event areas: Some areas experience evening noise. An Encore Sherwood Forest visitor notes, "This location is very good if your here to see all the attractions. You are only 10 to 15 min away from all the area parks, and lots of shopping, restaurants just minute away."
Monitor seasonal water table changes: Florida's glamping sites can experience dramatic seasonal shifts. "The park is big but your close to others. The lake is nice and peaceful, with areas to sit and watch wildlife and also a dock to walk out on. Very quiet at night considering it's close to a major highway," reports a Thousand Trails Orlando visitor who stayed during a drier period.
