RV parks near Grand Island, Florida offer several options for campers seeking year-round access to central Florida attractions. Sites in this region typically feature grass parking pads instead of concrete, with most parks accommodating big rigs and offering full hookups. Summer visitors should prepare for afternoon thunderstorms typical of central Florida weather patterns, while winter camping requires advance reservations as parks fill with seasonal guests.
What to do
Explore springs and waterways: Just 30 minutes from Wekiva Falls RV Resort, guests can experience natural springs for swimming and wildlife viewing. "Rent a canoe or kayak and explore the Wekiva River," notes a visitor who appreciated the outdoor activities. The spring-fed lagoon provides refreshing swimming opportunities during hot weather.
Play golf on-site: Encore Clerbrook combines camping with an 18-hole golf course. "There are so many amenities and even a full golf course!" writes a camper. The first nine holes are complimentary with a visit to the Pro Shop, according to reviewers, making it a convenient activity for RVers without leaving the campground.
Visit nearby towns: Downtown Winter Garden offers a charming small-town experience with restaurants and shops about 3 miles from campgrounds. "We loved being close enough to ride our bikes to downtown Winter Garden. The kids enjoyed ice cream, the bike trail, and the splash pad, all while the parents enjoyed the brewing company and coffee shop," shares a family who stayed at Winter Garden RV Resort.
What campers like
Convenient lake access: Hide-A-Way Harbor RV Park provides direct water access for boating enthusiasts. "Beautiful waterside sights, perfect place to bring the boat too. The lake it's connected to a handful of other lakes where you could boat to a different town everyday," explains one visitor. Sites have ample space for parking and launching watercraft.
Spacious sites in some parks: Thousand Trails parks generally offer more room between sites than standard commercial RV parks. "Sites were huge!! Semi shaded with picnic tables and great full hookups," reports a camper at Thousand Trails Three Flags in Wildwood. This park sits among oak trees with shaded sites available in the back section.
Organized activities: Many Grand Island area RV parks schedule regular events for guests. "We were surrounded by empty sites which was probably due to the pandemic. This was a great central location to visit lakes, gulf coast, springs and historic towns," shares a visitor at Southern Palms, who also mentioned the Thursday farmers market next door with "many awesome bargains to be found."
What you should know
Variable bathroom conditions: Bathroom facilities receive mixed reviews at parks throughout the region. "The bathroom is very nice and modernized. Laundry is more pricy than any other but they take card so it's nice not having to get cash or quarters every time," notes one camper at Southern Palms, while others report maintenance issues.
Seasonal crowding: Winter months bring significant crowds to central Florida rv parks. "We stayed at this campground almost 2 months," wrote one reviewer about their extended stay experience, which is common practice among snowbirds visiting the region from northern states.
Horse-friendly options: Fiddlers Green RV Ranch accommodates equestrians with specialized facilities. "You can camp with or without horses. They have a Recreation building with pingpong, games and DirectTv. The trailhead for Ocala National Forest horse is just down a dead end road," explains a visitor who enjoyed the combination of RV camping with horse access.
Tips for camping with families
Seek parks with child-friendly amenities: Not all parks cater to families with young children. "For some this might be great but if you have small kids I don't think this is the camp ground for you," cautions a reviewer about Southern Palms, suggesting families research age-appropriate activities before booking.
Consider pool access: Swimming pools provide essential recreation during hot months. "Has a pool, mini golf, horshoes, bookstore, billiards, and more!" shares a visitor at Thousand Trails Three Flags, describing amenities that keep children entertained during their stay.
Look for playgrounds: Ocala Sun RV Resort offers facilities suitable for families. "The dog park was amazing! The cite was grass pull through but spacious! I loved the feel of this place," reports a recent visitor, mentioning the family-friendly atmosphere that appeals to guests traveling with children.
Tips from RVers
Site placement considerations: Request specific areas when booking. "Don't like being towered the front of the park right next to the road. Love to be in the back where all the shady trees are," advises a camper at Southern Palms, highlighting the importance of site selection for noise reduction and comfort.
Utility management: Several parks experience electrical capacity limitations. "We kept tripping the 30A breaker with AC on and a hot plate or microwave," reports a camper at Winter Garden RV Resort, suggesting visitors manage power usage carefully and expect occasional outages during system upgrades.
Reservation strategies: Book well ahead for winter stays. "This place is gargantuan and has so many roads and alleyways that I got lost navigating the place at least a couple of times," notes a Southern Palms visitor, emphasizing the large size of many parks and importance of knowing your site location before arrival.