Groveland, Florida sits at an elevation of around 100 feet above sea level in central Florida's Lake County, characterized by its freshwater lakes, wetlands, and subtropical climate. The area experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F, while winter temperatures typically range from 50-75°F. Camping season runs year-round, though many travelers prefer October through April when humidity levels drop and evening temperatures become more comfortable for tent camping.
What to do
Swimming in natural springs: At Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground, visitors can enjoy clear 72-degree spring water. "The park offers hiking, biking, day swimming, a food grill, a canoe/kayak launch and rental, plus tons of wildlife!" notes Jenn B., who recommends visiting on weekdays when "there were tons of people in the park" during weekends.
Kayaking on connected lakes: The lake systems near Groveland provide extensive paddling opportunities, particularly at Trimble Park Campground where campers can launch directly from waterfront sites. "I paddled my inflatable kayak around lake Carlton and the adjoining lake that has the boat ramp. I launched directly from my campsite," writes Ryan S., highlighting the convenient water access.
Golfing: For campers who enjoy golf, several RV resorts in the area offer on-site courses. Stuart K. notes that "if you're a golfer, you're in luck as there are a ton of golf courses near Bee's with Clerbrook Golf course located just across the street," making it easy to combine camping and golfing in one trip.
Fishing for bass and catfish: Local waters provide productive fishing spots, especially at Hideout at The Green Swamp. Kyle J. mentions, "I stayed at Raphael's campground for a few days during spring turkey season. I was very impressed with how clean the grounds were," noting the property has a large pond for fishing.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the spacing between campsites in the area. At Lake Louisa State Park Campground, "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," according to Cyndi B.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The region's diverse ecosystems support abundant wildlife. At Lake Griffin State Park Campground, campers can observe various native species. Perry J. writes that "the real gem however is the adjacent park, boat/kayak launch and paddling run to Lake Griffin. Very beautiful. Amazing actually."
Trail systems: Many parks feature extensive trail networks for hiking and biking. Lake Louisa State Park offers "great trails for hiking and biking, boat launches, fishing, or just relaxing," says Cyndi B., who visited in February and "had no problems with bugs."
Clean facilities: Campground cleanliness is frequently mentioned in reviews. At Magnolia Park Campground, Felix A. notes it's "small, but cozy and accommodating. It's well-maintained and inexpensive," while also mentioning you can check out "the peacocks all over the park."
What you should know
Seasonal crowds: Many campgrounds near Groveland become crowded during peak seasons. Hannah S. warns about Wekiwa Springs: "If you go on a weekend, make sure you go EARLY! Line of car starts around 9am and park will close at capacity."
Reservation requirements: The most popular dog friendly campgrounds near Groveland require advance planning. Stuart K. explains that Trimble Park has "a non-sensical process that involves booking 45 days in advance, so you have to time the precise days you want to camp here and be the first person to reserve a spot at 12:01am on the day that those spots become available."
Site selection matters: At Thousand Trails Orlando, Laura H. advises, "In a few rows, you share the yard patch with another camper, and the pie is small," suggesting campers carefully review site maps when booking.
Wildlife encounters: Campers should be prepared for wildlife interactions. At Trimble Park, Kristi B. warns to "beware of the raccoons, they are not afraid to steal your buns right off the picnic table with you sitting there," while also noting campers should "keep animals away from the water's edge."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and recreation: Several campgrounds offer family-friendly amenities. Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground provides extensive recreation options. Samantha O. describes, "We were walking distance to the pool, arcade, trading post, and campfire/sing along," noting that "the sing along was fun. Chip and dale walk around to everyone."
Accessibility features: Some parks offer accommodations for visitors with disabilities. Lauren W. appreciated Wekiwa Springs' commitment to accessibility: "Jane, one of the park rangers informed us about the ramp for wheelchairs, and a lift into the water! she was so helpful."
Transportation considerations: When camping at larger resorts, consider internal transportation needs. At Disney's Fort Wilderness, Samantha O. suggests, "Rent a golf cart, it's worth it!" while Donald M. concurs, stating "Very big place! Rent a golf cart if you don't have one."
Pet-friendly trails: For families camping with dogs near Groveland, several parks offer pet-friendly hiking options. Charity G. at Bee's RV Resort notes, "they do have a short nature trail that we used multiple times a day and the dogs really liked that."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have uneven sites. At Lake Griffin State Park, Charles B. notes, "Roads were dirt and gravel and many sites were very tight. Site 7 was quite undeveloped. Thanks to Anderson levelers we were fine."
Maneuvering space limitations: Several reviewers mention tight access at certain parks. At Disney's Fort Wilderness, Samantha O. explains, "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."
Hookup placement: Check site layouts before arrival. Ralph L. found at Clerbrook Golf and RV Resort that "on check in we were given a back in site (fine) only to find the the hook up we're on the WRONG side! We pulled in front first so hook up could be achieved."
Laundry facilities: For extended stays, note the availability of laundry services. Samantha O. describes that at Disney's Fort Wilderness, "the laundry facility had about 6 washers and dryer. It was a laundry room nothing crazy. They did have a vending machine to buy laundry detergent."