S
Sheri T.
Scout
ScoutFishermans cove rv resort
Relaxing
My husband and I love spending time here and overlooking the water, the sunsets and taking our boat out spending time with our family ,everyone there is super nice and friendly 😊
Camping near Astatula, FL
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Central Florida's Astatula region features a diverse array of camping options centered around Lake Harris and the surrounding waterways. Hide-A-Way Harbor RV Park sits directly on Lake Harris, offering full hookups and a fishing pier with covered pavilion. Within a 30-minute drive, campers will find several state parks including Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground near Apopka and Lake Griffin State Park in Fruitland Park. Trimble Park Campground in Mount Dora consistently receives high ratings for its pristine waterfront sites and ancient oak trees draped with Spanish moss. The area balances developed RV resorts with more natural settings, providing options for tent camping, RV sites with full hookups, and cabin rentals throughout the region.
Florida's subtropical climate makes year-round camping possible, though summer months bring high humidity and afternoon thunderstorms. Most campgrounds in the area require advance reservations, particularly during winter months when seasonal visitors arrive. "The sites are spacious and most are shaded," notes one camper about nearby facilities. Sandy soil conditions can occasionally affect access during drought periods, particularly at boat ramps and primitive sites. Cell service varies significantly between developed and more remote locations. The natural springs in the area maintain a consistent 72-74 degree temperature year-round, providing refreshing swimming opportunities even during summer heat.
Water access dominates the camping experience around Astatula, with fishing, boating, and kayaking available at most locations. "Get yourself on Lake Harris for some excellent fishing, boating and kayaking," recommends one visitor to Hide-A-Way Harbor. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with birds, turtles, and occasional alligators common sights. Several campgrounds report issues with weekend crowding and noise, particularly at popular spots like Wekiwa Springs. Campers seeking quieter experiences often prefer weekday visits or more remote locations like those in Ocala National Forest. Shade is a critical amenity in this region, with most highly-rated sites featuring substantial tree cover to mitigate Florida's intense sun.
Best Campgrounds near Astatula (399)
1. Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground
"Close to home and took a drive through one day. Haven't been camping yet this year due to illness but getting ready to get on the road."
"We camp a lot during the summer but since this is Florida it's HOT regularly and sizzling during the summer months."
from $24 / night
Check Availability2. Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
"I love coming here even if I never step foot inside the theme parks. There plenty to do here. You can rent golf carts or bring your own. I love just driving around on the golf carts."
"Big park so lots of walking if you don’t have the cart (or you can bring your own and/or bikes). Our grandsons loved the golf cart!"
from $56 - $201 / night
Check Availability3. Trimble Park Campground
"Just a note of caution: Keep animals away from the water's edge."
"I stayed in site 11 that was positioned so I had a magnificent view of the lake and the little gator that lived at the waters edge."
4. Lake Louisa State Park Campground
"Situated right off of rout 27, a very busy 3 lane state road and not too far from Disney Parks is Lake Louisa State Park."
"Secluded campground in natural Florida. Hookup sites were well kept and at the end of the park so there was no thru traffic. To get to the hookup sites it Is an 8-10 minute drive from park entrance."
from $24 - $120 / night
Check Availability5. Lake Griffin State Park Campground
"This Florida gem is really something! Campsites were cozy and private. Walking trails a plenty. Friendly, helpful staff and courteous neighbors!"
"Lake Griffin State Park in Fruitland Park, FL is a small Florida State Park and small campground as well. There are only 40 campsites."
from $18 / night
Check Availability6. Magnolia Park Campground
"While located a bit off the beaten path in a part of Florida that few find themselves in, Magnolia Park Campground, featuring 56 acres of pristine Florida wilderness, is located on an elbow curve where"
"You can hear a small amount of highway traffic in the distance, but totally tolerable. No pull thru sites. We stayed in site #8 and could barely see the neighbor next to us thru the trees/brush."
7. Hide-A-Way Harbor RV Park
"Maybe they choose the name of this RV enclave because they were either actively hiding from the rest of the known world or due to its location, was hidden from (nearly) plain sight."
"Friendly neighbors and perfect lakeside view."
from $50 - $65 / night
Check Availability8. Encore Clerbrook
"It’s not common to find a spot that you can plant your RV on and go out to hit the links for the day all in the same location, but here at Clerbrook Golf & RV Resort you can hit par on both fronts."
"Good stores and restaurants close by. Go check out the mini White House in Clermont!"
9. Encore Southern Palms
"We stayed 2 weeks with our Thousand Trails affiliate plan. We were surrounded by empty sites which was probably due to the pandemic."
"Next to a highway so it can be noisy."
10. Bee's RV Resort
"A two day trip to be with a visit to Lake Ridge winery for a jazz and blues festival."
"The reason I gave them a 4 is because sights are on top of each other and we were parked so close to a tree that we couldn’t even open our awning."
Drive Time
- 26 min from Wildwood, FL
- 41 min from Orlando, FL
- 41 min from Deltona, FL
- 50 min from Ocala, FL
Recent Camping Photos near Astatula, FL
416 Photos of 399 Astatula Campgrounds
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The Dyrt
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Lake Griffin State Park Campground
Recent Reviews near Astatula, FL
1737 Reviews of 399 Astatula Campgrounds
Stuart K.
LegendSun Outdoors Orlando ChampionsGate
Disney Convenience Without the Disney Price Tag
If you're planning a visit to Walt Disney World or any of Orlando's major attractions and prefer staying in your own RV over an expensive hotel room, Sun Outdoors Orlando Champions Gate continues to be one of the more convenient options in the area. Since my original visit, the resort has matured nicely, with its modern facilities, clean grounds and resort-style atmosphere making it an appealing basecamp for exploring Central Florida. And make no mistake about it, while this is very much an RV resort – not a nature campground – this spot succeeds by delivering comfort, convenience and easy access to everything the Orlando area has to offer.
While my review from a few years ago provides a ton of detail, I thought I would follow up that review with a topline of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS along with a smattering of new photos.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Beautifully renovated facilities that still feel modern and well-maintained; (2) Outstanding heated swimming pool, clubhouse and spotless comfort stations remain the centerpiece of the resort; (3) Full-hookup RV sites with concrete pads make setup quick and easy; (4) Exceptional location just minutes from Walt Disney World, ChampionsGate with countless dining, shopping and entertainment options; and (5) Everyday conveniences like Publix, Aldi, CVS and numerous restaurants remain close enough that you can leave the RV parked and run errands with ease.
LOWLIGHTS: (1) The campground still feels more like an RV resort than a traditional campground, with relatively little mature landscaping or natural privacy; (2) Larger fifth wheels and motorhomes may find some sites a bit tighter than expected; (3) Tent campers will likely find the experience less appealing due to the predominance of paved surfaces and surrounding RVs; (4) Depending on your site's location, nearby road traffic can occasionally detract from the otherwise relaxing atmosphere; and (5) If you're seeking a true Florida nature experience, you'll need to venture beyond the campground to nearby lakes, conservation areas or state parks.
Happy Camping!
- HHolly B.
GuideDisney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
Something a bit magical
I know, I know, it’s not real camping. But I love it just the same. I love coming here even if I never step foot inside the theme parks. There plenty to do here. You can rent golf carts or bring your own. I love just driving around on the golf carts. They have campfires and trivia. Outside movies. The Trails End to get food at.
Horse stables. Halloween time is the best time to come. I love looking at everyone’s decorations.
Ninoshka L.ScoutDisney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
Is beautiful but safety is not great.
It has a lot of activities to do with the family. Only thing I don’t like is the restrooms. Had a bad experience. Someone was recording one of my family member in the shower. The other person was standing on a seat and recording when someone goes and shower. Disney couldn’t do anything by the time we notice the person left running from the bathroom units. Did not see a face but just a hand and a iPhone with a flashlight on. Be careful. Don’t go alone to the restrooms. Bathrooms are supposed to be lock at night and need a key card to open , but Disney always have it open. If it was locked Disney could had know who enter the restroom when the incident happened.
Eric K.GuideLake Dorr
East side DISPERSED CAMPING
Reading the reviews, people are confused. The east side of Lake Dorr is DISPERSED CAMPING. This dispersed camping area within Ocala National Forest does NOT provide water hookups, restrooms, or picnic tables and does NOT have standard amenities like trash service and campfire permissions.There are two Lake Dorr camping areas. The west side of Lake Dorr is called Lake Dorr Campground. The east side of Lake Dorr is Ocala National Forest Lake Dorr DISPERSED CAMPING. There are NO amenities here. There is soft sand ares due to the ATV use. Spent 4 nights here with no problems.
- Theresa K.Guide
Rainbow Springs State Park Campground
Unclear new rules & condescending ranger
Site 004 has a river running through it when it rains and floods the fire pit. You will have to set tent up on compacted super hard gravel surface. Fire ants around table and fire ring. The ranger has no tact whatsoever. She was grumpy and nit picking everything
Nancy W.LegendWorld Equestrian RV Resort
Great for horse lovers
This campground is located on the grounds of the World Equestrian Center– a premier equestrian facility in the US located in Ocala. The campground is large (300 sites) campground and capable of fitting any size RV. The roads in the park are really easy to navigate and easy to back into for any size RV. All sites are back-in with 50/30A full hook-up. Sites 600-733 have more space between them and would be my preferred sites. There is really no check-in lane, you just stop on the road going into the campground and other have to go around you. The laundry is open 24-hours but be aware that people are washing horse blankets, dog beds, and other pet items, so stay away if you are allergic. Conveniently located before the campground is a fuel station (with gas and diesel). The campground is located on a venue that primarily holds equestrian events but also accommodates other sporting events. Some of the venues are quite a long walk away and parking can be difficult. Golf cart rentals are available at the campground. The camp store is nice and more of a gift shop but has a great selection of a range of items from clothes to drinks to food and RV items. They have a coffee bar and also sell alcohol. Restaurants on-site ranging from a coffee shop with pastries to fine dining and everything in between. Our site was long and level and the WIFI worked well. We had nice space between us and our neighbor and were treated to nice sunsets. Overall, we really liked this campground and would come back. We were there when equestrian events were going on and liked that we could watch them for free. Downtown Ocala is about ten minutes away and a cool town. We had lunch, walked around the square and checked out the painted horses. Lunch at the airport restaurant was great!
Lorilee S.LegendLake Louisa State Park Campground
Pretty campground
Very pretty and clean campground. Bathhouse was clean as well. Loved riding our bikes and walking the trails.
- CCristie L.Scout
Champions Run RV Resort
This place is fantastic!
I would highly recommend Champions Run. Sites are wide, clean and beautiful. Staff were friendly and helpful. Pool area is spacious, clean and beautiful. Drinks at the tiki bar were delicious.
Guide to Astatula
Camping spots near Astatula, Florida center around Lake Harris, which spans over 13,700 acres and connects to seven other lakes via the Harris Chain of Lakes. The sandy soil conditions typical of this region can affect campsite stability during Florida's dry season (November through April). Water levels at boat ramps and primitive sites fluctuate seasonally, with summer rains raising lake levels by 1-2 feet in many locations.
What to do
Tubing at natural springs: Kelly Park offers a popular 30-minute natural lazy river tubing experience through Rock Springs. "The springs are beautiful. My partner and I enjoyed ourselves. Will definitely be going again," notes one visitor to Kelly Park Campground.
Kayaking on multiple connected lakes: Lake Harris connects to several other bodies of water, creating extensive paddling options. At Hide-A-Way Harbor RV Park, one camper recommends: "Get yourself on Lake Harris for some excellent fishing, boating and kayaking. Further afield, I also recommend these lakes as well: Beauclaire, Ola and Carlton."
Visit ancient trees: Lake Griffin State Park features one of Florida's oldest live oak trees, estimated to be 400-500 years old. "Nice clean restrooms, good trails and boat docks. The 500 year old tree is worth seeing," reports a camper at Lake Griffin State Park Campground.
Golfing near camping: Several campgrounds in the area offer golf course access. "There is a vibrant RV community with a decent number of open slots available. 18 Hole Golf Course with Pro Shop (note: first 9 holes are complimentary with a visit to the Pro Shop)," mentions a visitor to Clerbrook Golf and RV Resort.
What campers like
Spacious waterfront sites: Many campgrounds feature direct lake access from individual sites. A camper at Trimble Park Campground shares: "This is a beautiful, small campground with 15 campsites most of which are waterfront. I stayed in site 11 that was positioned so I had a magnificent view of the lake."
Wildlife viewing: The area's wetlands support diverse animal populations. "We camped for three nights and loved it! Such a nice view of the sunset from where we were. Saw lots of animals. Everyone was very nice!" reports a visitor at Wekiwa Springs State Park.
Less crowded alternatives: While some springs get extremely busy, quieter options exist. "This is a quaint little campground. It is well groomed and clean. There is a nice heated pool, laundry room, cable and wifi, also a small store," notes a camper at Orlando NW-Orange Blossom KOA.
Proximity to towns: Many campgrounds provide easy access to nearby communities. "In less than 30 minutes you can be walking among the well-heeled on the cobblestone streets of Mount Dora where there is no shortage of art galleries, restaurants and boutiques to choose from," explains a Hide-A-Way Harbor visitor.
What you should know
Spring access limitations: Popular springs often reach capacity early. "If you go on a weekend, make sure you go EARLY! Line of car starts around 9am and park will close at capacity," warns a visitor to Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience traffic sounds. "The park is bordered by railroad tracks, a truck route highway and a small airport. Very noisy. Rt 441 is a busy road. Small airport next door with training flights all day," explains an Orlando NW-Orange Blossom KOA camper.
Reservations for primitive sites: Many campgrounds require advance planning, especially for less developed areas. "To utilize primitive campsites, you'll park at a trailhead and pack your gear into a pine forest. We arrived at night, so it seemed farther back to the site than it actually is, but I'd venture to say it was a quarter mile, at least," shares a Lake Louisa camper.
Water levels: The lakes around Astatula experience seasonal fluctuations. "We paddled my inflatable kayak around lake Carlton and the adjoining lake that has the boat ramp. I launched directly from my campsite," notes a Trimble Park visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several parks offer dedicated play areas. "A short walk leads to a very nice playground with typical park equipment. My kiddos loved that playground. My favorite part was the springs that also had a little 'beach' where my youngest played in the sand after tubing," shares a Kelly Park camper.
Accessible facilities: Some campgrounds have specific accommodations. At Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, one visitor with disabilities noted: "Jane, one of the park rangers informed us about the ramp for wheelchairs, and a lift into the water! She was so helpful."
Wildlife education: Animal sightings provide learning opportunities. "We only saw baby gators right off the water's edge, but never any longer than your arm the entire time we were there, which was 4 days," explains a Trimble Park camper.
Limited pet-friendly options: Not all parks welcome animals. "No pets allowed which is another downside," notes a Kelly Park visitor, while another camper at Magnolia Park mentions: "The peacocks were so much fun. I loved using them as an excuse when I was running late for something."
Tips from RVers
Level sites: Many campers report varying site conditions. "The sites are super private, but the lake view makes it totally worth it! Our site was clean and level. The hookups all worked perfectly," shares an Orlando NW-Orange Blossom KOA visitor.
Hookup locations: Utility placement varies between campgrounds. "Water spigot on the wrong end of the site. Sites are spread out and wooded. Bathhouse is always super clean. Springs are beautiful," notes a Kelly Park camper.
Site selection strategy: Choose carefully based on specific needs. "In all of my camping experiences, Trimble Park CG holds a very special place as one of my MOST favorites. The majority of sites (#3-#13) are waterfront with all sites being spacious, flat and nicely shaded, courtesy of all the ancient and live Oaks dripping with Spanish moss," advises a recent visitor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Astatula, FL?
What camping is available near Astatula, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, Astatula, FL offers a wide range of camping options, with 399 campgrounds and RV parks near Astatula, FL and 9 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Astatula, FL?
Which is the most popular campground near Astatula, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Astatula, FL is Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 65 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Astatula, FL?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Astatula, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 free dispersed camping spots near Astatula, FL.
What parks are near Astatula, FL?
What parks are near Astatula, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 parks near Astatula, FL that allow camping, notably Ocala National Forest and National Forests in Florida.
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