Kenansville, Florida provides several campground options along lakes and waterways within a centrally located rural setting. Lake Marian Resort RV & Mobile Home Park offers fishing-focused camping with pontoon boat rentals and tackle available on-site. Other nearby established campgrounds include Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo and Coleman Landing at Shady Oaks, which support tent camping, RV sites with hookups, and in some cases luxury options like cabins, yurts, and glamping tents. The area provides a mix of private resorts and public recreation areas, with most campgrounds situated near water bodies for fishing and boating access.
Road conditions throughout the region are generally good, with most developed campgrounds accessible by standard vehicles. Central Florida's subtropical climate makes camping possible year-round, though summer months bring high humidity, afternoon thunderstorms, and mosquitoes. "Be prepared to spend more money, I would say a golf cart is a must!" notes a camper about the expansive Westgate River Ranch Resort. Many developed campgrounds require reservations, particularly during winter months when seasonal visitors increase demand. Cell reception can be limited in some areas, with visitors to River Ranch RV Resort reporting spotty service depending on carrier. Water levels in lakes and access areas may fluctuate seasonally.
Campers consistently highlight wildlife viewing opportunities as a significant draw to the area. "We love this whole area. Best access to wilderness in central Florida," shared one visitor to Lake Marian Resort. Fishing is especially popular, with multiple campgrounds providing direct lake or river access for anglers. The Westgate River Ranch area offers a unique western-themed camping experience complete with Saturday rodeos, horseback riding, and family activities that distinguish it from typical Florida camping destinations. Some campgrounds blend recreation with relaxation, featuring amenities like swimming pools alongside natural settings. Quieter campgrounds like Coleman Landing provide a more traditional outdoor experience with Spanish moss-draped oak trees creating what one reviewer described as "a taste of Old Florida." Weekend crowds can be substantial at the more popular destinations, while weekday visitors often report more peaceful experiences.
$16 / night
"The Florida Trail is a foot trail that carries hikers and backpackers from Big Cypress to Gulf Shores near Pensacola Florida."
"It is located along the Kissimmee River and is home to several endangered species including the Grasshopper Sparrow."
"This review relates to River Ranch RV Resort, which is next to the Westgate property. I would personally not stay at the Westgate RV since it is basically just an open field with RV spots. "
"Good off-roading nearby ! All the amenities you want. Nice staff"
$20 / night
"I live within a hours drive from this park and have been camping here for 40 plus years. This State Park is Old Florida, sites are secluded from the other sites compared to many other parks."
"The path is very clear with markers and when you arrive at the site, there is a clear indicator to follow. The path to the site is right off the main trail."
$64 - $112 / night
"Best access to wilderness in central Florida"
$20 - $30 / night
"With Spanish moss draping from the Live Oak trees and bordering Kissemee Lake, it's a nice place to just sit and relax... There are 3 boat ramps ($5 fee) with some tie-ups for overnight."
"Close to lake, great for bird watching and walks/ boating. Friendly host and fellow campers. We will definitely be returning. For the price, can’t beat it."
"There’s lots to do around the property and the rodeo is a blast. The only fault was there weren’t many signs or direction on how to do things, when things were open, costs, and things like that."
$35 - $999 / night
"If you are terrified of bugs this may not be the place for you (FYI), it is in the middle of Florida and in summer the bugs love to come out."
"The property is sprawling, definitely bring a bike unless you enjoy long walks. The roads are nice & they offer morning trash pickup. The pool is huge & gorgeous! Very nice."
$30 - $44 / night
"Adjacent island for hiking. Less than a mile from the ocean. In a quiet part of Florida. Not close to stores, though."
"This small campground was very full in middle of Florida winter season. While most sites appeared flat, there is not privacy between them and no shade in hot Florida sunshine. "
$28 / night
"The inlet has friendly, helpful rangers, easy to access campsites, and is in a beautiful location. Great for fishing, surfing, boating, and going to the beach."
"If you happen to be in a site that shares a water spigot with an adjacent unit, make sure you bring a long water hose...we needed to borrow a nice neighbor's spare hose."
"It’s run by Middleton’s Fish Camp Park, so really this location on the map needs a name change. When you get here, you pay $10 per person to the bait shop for the night."
ScoutNice old KOA but businesses built around it. If you like sirens and racing cars irs ok. It is a nice camp ground but don’t park in back near the fence. lots of street noice like garbage pickup.
GuideOther than the airplane noise overhead it’s fantastic large sites are amazing with water and electric.
ScoutWell, the camp host wants you to check in at exactly 12pm even though the website says nothing about this. He was a little irritated with our group not getting there till 8pm even though we had drove 9hrs and had issues. Spray your legs with bug spray, bad sand fleas or something. Train goes by constantly all hours. Still, for a free campsite, it's a decent stop over.
GuideI only spent one night there, but it’s a small and peaceful campground with shaded spots. I lucked out with a good view of the nearby prairie, and woke up to a beautiful sunset with tall grasses and bird song. The listing says excellent coverage for T-Mobile but my phone alternated between one bar and no service at all.
ScoutThis campground has friendly staff, clean facilities, and is a bit more affordable than the Kissimmee KOA. About 20 minutes from Disney and there are several stores and restaurants nearby.
GuideI love this place. It has water. 1 water spigot. They have nice level sites. Both shady and open sites. Take your pick. Today, some other people and I did see a diamond back rattle snack. It was a good 5 feet. Keep an eye out. The host, Steve, is a very nice guy. Check it out. Ya'all might like it.👋
GuideGreat spot near the Sebastian inlet. Great place to bring you fishing pole and kayak
LegendTucked just east of Orlando, Hal Scott Preserve County Park feels like stepping into an older, quieter version of Florida, where primitive camping still means earning your spot by foot and being rewarded with real peace once you arrive. This is a small, hike-in, first-come / first-served primitive campground set beneath mature oak trees that create a beautiful natural canopy, with clearly marked trails that make the walk manageable but still adventurous, especially if you are hauling gear. Amenities are intentionally minimal with cleared campsites, picnic tables, fire rings and a non-potable well pump for water, so planning ahead is essential and a folding wagon or cart is a very smart move to haul things from the very large parking lot. Our boys treated the hike-in like a mini expedition, counting steps, spotting birds along the trail and proudly helping to carry gear, which made the payoff of settling into camp under the oaks feel even sweeter. The best campsite is one slightly set back from the main trail under the thickest oak cover, as it offers the most amount of shade and a stronger sense of seclusion. We would recommend Hal Scott Preserve for families who enjoy primitive camping, hiking and wildlife watching, but it is best suited for those comfortable with basic facilities and a little extra effort in exchange for quiet and connection to nature.
LegendRolling into Christmas RV Park felt a little like stepping into a snow globe flipped upside down in the middle of Florida, with a giant Santa Claus welcoming us at the entrance and instantly setting the tone that this place is all about fun, family and leaning fully into its festive namesake. This is a well-kept, family-oriented RV park just outside the tiny town of Christmas, thoughtfully laid out with roomy RV sites and internal roads charmingly named after Santa’s reindeer, which had our boys calling out “turn left at Donner” like it was the most normal thing in the world. Amenities are clearly designed with families in mind, including clean restrooms, a cozy communal fire pit for group s’more roasting, a fantastic swimming pool with spacious patio deck, seasonal activities like Santa’s workshop and plenty of open space for kids to ride bikes and burn off energy while parents relax. One evening, we joined a handful of other families around the fire pit as the boys roasted marshmallows and debated whether Santa really lived nearby. From what we saw, the best sites are those closer to the central common area because they offer EZ access to the activities while still feeling tucked in and peaceful at night. We would absolutely recommend Christmas RV Park for families because of its playful holiday theme, strong sense of community and kid-forward amenities that make it feel less like a stopover and more like a memory in the making.
Kenansville campgrounds sit within central Florida's flat prairie landscape at an average elevation of 67 feet above sea level. The area experiences average summer temperatures reaching 92°F with humidity levels often exceeding 80% during wet season (May-October). Camping spots near Kenansville feature cypress stands and oak hammocks surrounding shallow lakes and marshlands typical of this inland region.
Water activities on Lake Kissimmee: The expansive lake system offers exceptional fishing and boating opportunities at Lake Kissimmee State Park Campground. "There are deer everywhere and you can feed them," notes camper Judy B., highlighting the park's abundant wildlife access beyond water sports.
Night sky viewing: Kissimmee Prairie Preserve offers certified dark sky viewing without urban light pollution. "Astronomers love this park. In fact, they have a designated campground just for them. Be sure to ONLY use flashlights with red lense so that you do not disrupt the star gazers," explains reviewer Annell N. about the Kilpatrick Hammock Campground.
Airboat experiences: Several campgrounds provide direct access to guided tours. At Blue Cypress County Park, visitors can arrange lake excursions through the bait shop. "The owner also does guided lake trips if you're interested. Bring your boat or kayak to explore the lake. It's really big," recommends reviewer B+J S.
Diverse wildlife viewing: Campers consistently mention animal encounters as a highlight. "We saw a giant sea turtle bigger than a manhole cover. We watched dolphins play at sunrise," shares Nora B. about Sebastian Inlet State Park, where waterfront sites provide direct wildlife observation opportunities.
Private camping sites: Many campgrounds offer well-separated sites despite their proximity to water. "Lake Kissimmee State Park Review... For me this was the camp sites that were both spacious and private," notes Perry J., adding that "Like all state parks the bathrooms were spotless and rivaled those of a Marriott."
Unique cowboy culture: The western-themed Westgate River Ranch Resort offers activities rarely found in Florida. "We went to the rodeo on Saturday night, did a swamp buggy ride, skeet shooting, petting zoo and rode a mechanical bull... and there was still more we could have done," shares Tina S. about the diverse recreational options.
Remote locations require planning: Most camping areas near Kenansville have limited services nearby. "Expect a long travel to this remote site. It's a couple miles of reasonably decent dirt roads to get there, after several miles of remote highways," warns David G. about Kissimmee Prairie Preserve.
Bug protection essential: Florida's subtropical climate creates ideal conditions for insects year-round. "Cons: No-see-ums are almost unbearable in the evening. But that come with the territory in Florida. Pack long-sleeves, pants, and serious bug spray," advises Spencer D. about Long Point Park Campground.
Cell service limitations: Many campgrounds have unreliable connectivity. "At our spot we could not get any reception with ATT. After buying a Verizon hotspot down the road in Lake Wales, we were able to WFH," notes Andoni G., highlighting connectivity challenges even at developed resorts.
Consider transportation needs: The size of some resorts makes internal transportation valuable. "Bring your bikes as everything is a bit of a walk from the campground," suggests Ilena R. about River Ranch, while Katie F. adds, "The only fault was there weren't many signs or direction on how to do things, when things were open, costs, and things like that. Also be prepared to spend more money, I would say a golf cart is a must!"
Plan for entertainment options: Some campgrounds offer extensive recreational facilities for children. "Group of friends and family decided to stay on this gem, I was pleasantly surprised! Clean bathrooms and showers. Lots of amenities for kids like mini golf, zip lining and mechanical bull riding," shares Philip H. about his experience at Resort at Canopy Oaks.
Look for educational programs: Many parks offer nature-based learning opportunities. At Kissimmee Prairie, "The park staff knows how much the FTA and all our volunteers appreciate the work they do to preserve the prairie and promote the Florida Trail and the hiking public," shares Kim H., referencing organized educational activities.
Water and hookup considerations: Understand each campground's specific offerings before arriving. "The sites are very well kept but note that they are not full hookups as they don't have sewer systems," explains Ilena R. about Westgate River Ranch, highlighting the need to verify amenity details.
Site selection matters: At Coleman Landing at Shady Oaks, "Very peaceful and pretty deserted in June. Some spots were flooded due to recent heavy rains and others were blocked off due to COVID-19 social distancing requirements but we still had quite a selection of shady spots to choose from," reports Diane R., emphasizing how seasonal conditions affect site availability.
Shade availability varies: Newer campgrounds may lack mature trees. "The sites are very big & clean but ZERO shade. It's a newer resort so the palms and small trees were just planted & offer no sun relief," notes Amanda W. about Resort at Canopy Oaks, suggesting pop-up shelters for midday heat protection at exposed sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Kenansville, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Kenansville, FL is Kilpatrick Hammock Campground — Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park with a 4.8-star rating from 30 reviews.
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