Lake Louisa State Park Campground sits within rolling hills unusual for central Florida, offering a welcome change from typical flat terrain. Located about 20 miles from Disney, the park provides multiple camping options within driving distance of Orlando attractions. Water access points are available throughout the park for both recreational activities and equestrian use.
What to do
Hiking and biking trails: Lake Louisa features extensive trail systems suited for all experience levels. "This park has totally awesome park roads for biking, trails for mountain biking and hiking, and equestrian trails. Be sure to carry a map, I got a little lost hiking because not all the trails were well marked," notes a visitor at Lake Louisa State Park Campground.
Wildlife viewing: The preserve areas near Killarney offer opportunities to spot native Florida species. "I have seen several whitetail deer, sandhill cranes, lots of other birds, quail, and some turkeys while hiking. I also saw a black bear up a tree in the marsh," reports a camper who explored Sawgrass Island Preserve, describing it as "a hidden gem for sure."
Swimming and water activities: Several parks offer swimming areas, boat launches and rentals. "The multiple lake views where so peaceful, I think the beach was my favorite by far," shares one Lake Louisa camper. For those seeking natural springs, parks within driving distance provide clear water swimming options.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many horse campgrounds near Killarney, Florida offer good site separation. At Lake Kissimmee State Park Campground, "Campsites 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."
Natural surroundings: The parks preserve native ecosystems. "This is a great location to get away from everything, without going far. It has nice, spread out spots, and plenty of activities if you are outdoorsy," notes a Lake Louisa visitor. The natural setting creates a peaceful atmosphere despite proximity to urban areas.
Accessibility to Orlando: Many campgrounds provide a nature retreat with convenient access to city attractions. "Nature near Orlando... We did notice primitive camping was available too. Kayaked on Dixie Lake, hiked, swam, and biked while others were less than a ½ hour away hanging with Mickey Mouse," explains a Lake Louisa camper.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most equestrian campgrounds require advance booking. For Green Swamp West Tract, "You need to register at watermatters.org - (Southwest Florida Water Management). They provide you with a code to unlock the gate once registered."
Seasonal crowds: Parks can become busy during peak periods. One camper advises, "If you go on a weekend, make sure you go EARLY! Line of car starts around 9am and park will close at capacity."
Water access: Not all campgrounds provide potable water. "No potable water at either site. Bring your own!" cautions a Green Swamp West visitor. Check facility details before arrival as some primitive sites require you to bring all necessary water.
Tips for camping with families
Educational opportunities: Several parks offer learning experiences about Florida's natural and cultural history. "The park holds many trails. We walked a few and were rewarded with peaceful treks. On one such hike, we were able to spot a bobcat in pursuit of dinner, which was a delight to see firsthand."
Beginner-friendly backcountry options: Some parks provide accessible primitive sites perfect for introducing children to backcountry camping. A visitor to Colt Creek State Park Campground shared, "Short hike in to site. Nice open and quiet area. Firewood was available for $5 for 6 pieces."
Multi-day activity planning: With various parks in the region, consider a mixed itinerary. "Lake Louisa is located in Clermont Florida and is only 20 miles from Disney in Orlando. It is a newer park and the facilities were really nice. This park is one of our many Trifecta parks, meaning we can hike, bike and kayak."
Tips from RVers
Site specifics: At Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake, "This campground is at the back of the park up against the lake shore making it quieter than you would think for being so close to the expressway... RV'ers must use dump site to get rid of black and grey water. No sewer hookup."
Power and hookup information: Check amperage before booking. "Sites accommodate horse trailers with ample parking space and provide water hookups for both campers and their horses. We stayed at site #43 which has water/elec. hookup, dump station near by. All of the sites seemed level, most are quite private with a fair amount of trees/foliage in between sites."
Cell service details: Important for those needing to stay connected. "Barely any cell service so wasn't ideal for my work situation and had to go into town. 1-2 bars of 4G via AT&T," reports a camper at Green Swamp West Tract, while another notes "We had good reception with our verizon and only ok with our sprint" at Lake Louisa.
