Best RV Parks & Resorts near Lake Helen, FL

I have to admit, when I first discovered Mill Creek RV Resort on our smartphone’s GPS, I had nothing but low expectations and when navigating to get to this seemingly RV road stand, all of the traffic and commercial real estate surrounding this place was just begging me to turn around and hightail it out of here. That was, until we decided to check out this RV parking spot. And we were somewhat pleasantly surprised by what we found. While easily not a destination, if your aim is to simply find comfortable, affordable and safe accommodations to roll up your mobile living room for the night, then (especially for the price), you won’t be disappointed. 

To begin with, the community and neighbors you will meet are incredibly welcoming and the owners / management couldn’t be more hospitable. This place on the one hand has a small neighborhood feel (because it is partly carved out of a residential area) and on the other, feels like a semi-decent nature preserve where RV’s aren’t jam packed next to one another. Sure, it’s tight in a few places, but all-in-all, one feels safe and secure here and offered a number of pretty great and new amenities. And if you don’t have an RV, no worries, the good folks at Mill Creek RV Resort will rent you one of their newly built park models. 

Mill Creek RV Resort offers a number of amenities, including: complete RV hook-ups (20 / 30 / 50 electric amp, water and sewage lines) with pull-through and back-in flat concrete slab sites, picnic tables, heated in-ground pool complete with lounge chairs and umbrellas, recreation hall with ping pong tables, coin-operated laundry facilities, very clean restroom and shower facilities, kid’s playground w/ slide, doggie park (one for small and another for large), mail center, cable TV access, free WiFi access (near the office only though) as well as indoor and outdoor games (e.g. horse shoes, shuffle board, corn hole), propane refill station, LP gas, cable TV access and even sheds for extra storage. 

Insider’s tips? Here’s a handful: (1) This location puts you within short driving distance to Walt Disney World, Universal, Seaworld and a bunch of other family-friendly entertainment options; (2) When you get tired of paying for overpriced amusement park food or can’t muster enough strength to plan your next meal from the confines of what might be available in your RV fridge, then venture out to one of these nearby eateries: Coqui Snacks, Sol de Borinquen Bakery Restaurant & Deli or Dolce Bakery and Café; and (3) If you brought a kayak or canoe, I highly recommend launching in nearby Kissimmee Lakefront Park, where if you go to the far eastern side, you can cast a line and catch some pretty good fish. 

Happy Camping!

What’s in a city, you ask? I would think organization, solid utilities, an infrastructure, stated rules and a semblance of community. If that’s the definition, then I guess Orange City RV Resort lives up to that moniker. As soon as you turn into this RV enclave, located just a stone’s throw from the major I4 highway, just due north of Orlando, this place will immediately impress you with it’s very organized and structured way that it lays out its design, from grid-like, well-paved streets and well-lit infrastructure to the outsized number of amenities you will discover here. If ease of access and turn-key entrance is on your check-list than OC RV has you covered. 

Back to those amenities – here you’ll discover some fairly premier RV resort living plus-ups from a heated outdoor pool and jacuzzi, state-of-the-art work-out facility, multi-purpose community center (complete with fully operational kitchen), onsite laundry, shower and restroom facilities, doggie park, recreation hall (bingo, billiards tables, game room, card tables, etc.), dedicated mail center, private small pond (catch& release only), a handful of picnic pavilions, BBQ grills, traditional RV hook-ups (electric, water and sewage) plenty of games such as bocce ball, horse shoes, petanque and, of course (in Florida, the prerequisite) shuffleboard. This place is pet-friendly and while I thought it was more of a retiree community, there were plenty of kids playing around the nice little park that they have. 

OC RV Resort offers up a number of different types of sites to choose from between standard, premium and ‘super sites’ – as you can imagine, ranked by size as well as position within the resort. Of course, the more modest size comes with less land, compromised vistas and places you in very close proximity to neighbors. In addition to open back-in and pull-through RV sites and slots, you will discover that there are also a number of 1BR cottages and newly constructed mini-homes available for lease. 

Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) The biggest tip I can give you is that literally only a 10 minute drive due west, you’ll hit arguably one of the best natural springs in all of Florida – Blue Spring State Park. And while there’s a small fee to get in, trust me, it’s worth it!; (2) To my fellow tent campers, if you’re reading this, my apologies, because OC RV Resort doesn’t offer up any spots to pitch your shelter for the night. That said, Blue Spring SP has some pretty awesome campsites that I would absolutely recommend, and if you want tent camping paradise, then just a bit further afield is Trimble Park Campground, arguably, some of the best tent camping in the entire state – for more details, you can read my reviews on both of these campgrounds on The Dyrt; and (3) As you would guess being located this close to Highway 4, you’ll come across all the usual franchise restaurant chains (Chili’s, Tijuana Flats, Perkins, Applebee’s, etc.), but if you’re looking for a nice meal, check out Riverwalk Pizzeria for some pretty great pies and fresh suds.

Happy Camping!

We booked last minute in January for an overnight stay with a 25ft RV. They were able to accommodate us. Majority of guests are here for long term. They all made us newbies feel very welcome. Paid 55$ for full hook-up. Poor wifi reception.

The Orlando RV Resort(Thousand Trails) has over 1000 sites thanks to their newest section opening November 2020. To make reservations call 800-388-7788(TT members) or 888-481-6348(Non-members). This resort is impeccable with newly updated bath houses, laundry facilities, 2 pools, playground, camp store, mail room, pickle ball and tennis courts, new basketball court and dock to launch kayaks, boats or fish from. The resort sits off the main road far enough that it’s peaceful during the day and quiet at night. It’s only 30 minutes from most of the Orlando theme parks and shopping/restaurants are within 5-10 minutes. This park is fun to bike through and chat with neighbors, everyone we encountered was friendly. The older sites could use some resurfacing (as seen in photo).

I have to admit, with a name like International RV Park Campground, I was expecting, I don’t know, something much more like Epcot Center but for the RV’ing crowd, but there was no real cosmopolitan or multicultural experience (or foreign languages or exotic restaurants for that matter) to be had. That said, if you have an RV and are in town for Daytona Speedway or perhaps even the beaches (although for this latter attraction, I would submit that you are too far west), then International RV Park Campground provides super easy off-road access to a fairly spartan and incredibly quiet night underneath the stars (that is, if your RV has a moon roof). 

From an amenities standpoint, you’ll find nice flat, well-paved roads throughout the campground, full RV hook-ups (water, electric and sewage), where free WiFi is offered for your non-stop web surfing pleasure, an onsite mini-mart (say hi to Sean for me!), coin-operated washer and dryers, a fairly cool club house (where you can take over a table, throw down some cards and have a nice poker match), outdoor pavilions, sanitary dump station, scattered picnic tables, BBQ grills, propane gas refilling station, pin-coded bathhouse and restrooms (that are incredibly clean) and two different community pools with patio lounge furniture. Everywhere you go, pets are welcomed, so bring your furry friends! 

While International RV Park Campground isn’t the only campground in town or nearby, what distinguishes it from the others is that it has 2 different small lakes that really amp up the natural feel to the place. Plus, unlike many of the other campgrounds that are placed too close to I95 and I4 for my taste, in just a short time after exiting either highway, you really can get lost from all of the concrete jungle and feel as though you have truly escaped all the noise, traffic and congestion that is less than a mile away from this place. Add to this, the camping community that I discovered here is absolutely fantastic with staff that are incredibly welcoming and helpful. 

Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) As nice of a roadside pit stop this might be, it is not a destination, so get in late, leave early, but make a reservation well in advance; (2) If you find yourself lucky enough to be here on the weekend, you’ll want to check out Daytona Flea & Farmers Market conveniently located down the street from where you are staying and right across the street from Daytona RV Speedway; (3) While you couldn’t find a place more heavily trafficked in the entire state of Florida, in just a short 20 minute drive further west, you can discover Tiger Bay State Forest, which has an amazing hiking trail called Buncombe Hill Trailhead that’s a nice distraction from this otherwise concrete jungle; and (4) Even though you are surrounded by a ton of franchise restaurant chain eateries like Cracker Barrel, BJ’s, Tijuana Flats and Waffle House, I highly recommend Double Barrel Grill, which functions as one part whiskey distillery and also operates a shooting range – my recco for this restaurant is the fried bologna slider - don’t knock it till you’ve tried it! 

Happy Camping!

The stars just reflect that this is an older campground near a busy road serving a larger city. It does this job well. (If you are an encore member-it is part of that group.)

This is campground provides a good location to downtown Wintergarden with its charming downtown with cute shops and restaurants.

Our favorite activity is biking to the trail head for the West Orange rails to trail which is located downtown @ 3 miles from campground. This rail to trail is 22 miles long and can be extended another 9 miles ....if you link to South Lake Trail.

Also close biking (and driving distance) is Winter Garden Village -a great big outdoor mall with big name stores and specialty stores (easy 5 mile bike ride on sidewalks and multi-use trails not related to the West Orange trail.)

If you want to use this as a base for attractions. It is 21 miles to Disney and 15 miles to Universal Studios.

We stay here routinely for maintenance appointment for our Newmar RV at Independence RV and there are many big RV and Trailer showrooms in the area.

What you can expect at the Campground itself- tight quarters with a lot of long term residents and surprisingly a few tiny homes too.

When it rains it does get muddy and it looks like there is a propensity towards standing water after a rain. However, we get full hook ups with cable and and short term stay sites are a bit bigger than the long term and this has outweighed the water issue. The staff is always helpful and attentive and we have stayed here 3 times.

There are 2 pools, shuffle board, dog park, fishing pond, laundry room, nice mail room with lounge and free Wifi and many planned activities.

Happy Camping! Pamela and Keith!

You’ll discover Indian River Village RV just off US1 in Oak Hill on a scant-trafficked little lane that runs perpendicular to the Intracoastal Waterway. This shade-less, pebble-strewn RV resting post packs in quite a bit, offering WiFi, laundry facilities, shower/ bathroom (which are problematically locked 24 hours a day), picnic tables and BBQ’s, boat ramp and slips in addition to all the traditional RV hook ups (30 / 50 electric amps, sewage, water). 

The real bonus to this place is its location and relative solitude (although you will find that proximity to your neighbors leaves a little to be desired). There’s no end to all of the amazing fishing spots that abound here, as well as simply fantastic access to the Intracoastal whether via kayak, canoe or boat. And if you’ve forgotten a pole, netting or fishing gear, the good folks at Indian River Village RV have lots of spare items and parts to lend you if in need. Nearby there’s even a park – Nancy Cummings Children’s Park – for the kiddos. 

Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) Bring your mosquito repellent because, well, you’re right near the Mosquito Lagoon and they didn’t name it that because there weren’t any mosquitos around!; (2) If you can, try to visit during the months of June through October where in Mosquito Lagoon, Banana River and Indian river, the water comes to life with bioluminescence – it’s quite a site to see (as well as to swim in at night, but just be aware of the gators) with glittering dinoflagellates and pulsing Comb Jellies can be seen everywhere as they illuminate the otherwise dark waters; and (3) Don’t miss out visiting Goodrich Seafood & Oyster House, which is a bit of a local legend and has been around for nearly a hundred years, as they fry, boil, grill and sauté some of the best seafood around that you’ll be grateful to bite into. 

Happy Camping!

If you find yourself in North Central Florida and in need of a patch of land to call home for the night, located just off Highway 17 just 5 miles due south of Palatka, you’ll encounter Lynch’s Landing RV Park, which offers immediate access to St. Johns River, where there’s plenty of fantastic boating and fishing to be had. That said, this spot should be looked at as a layover or a step towards your final destination, as while the access to fresh water is amazing, the campground offering is meager at best. Currently this ‘park’ is in the midst of a major refurbishment as ownership has recently changed hands. 

Amenities here include: direct access to fishing on St. John’s River on the proprietary pier, full-service RV hook-ups (water, sewage and 30 / 50 amp electric) and a fairly decent boat ramp, in case you are towing your own behind you. Here you’ll discover that there’s every kind of boat docking at Lynch’s Landing from dinghies, yachts, canoes and kayaks and even the 40-footer fishing boats that you’ll occasionally see in these parts. With all 37 sites, there is complimentary WiFi offered for your web-surfing pleasure, along with just OK bathroom and shower facilities, an onsite laundr-O-mat, 200-foot fishing dock (panoramic sunset views are complimentary!). 

No RV? Not a problem. Lynch’s will rent you a riverfront bungalow (but book way in advance!) complete with microwave, bathroom (with solo shower), fridge and TV. Surprisingly, there are no picnic tables or BBQ rings anywhere – I guess these ‘campers’ are cooking everything inside this fairly RV-exclusive mini-park versus throwing meat on the grill for their meals. Apart from this property’s close proximity to St. Augustine (30 minutes), Daytona Beach (60 minutes) or the City of the Most Famous Mouse (90 minutes), what is pretty impressive is the low $’s you’ll pay for the nightly, weekly and even monthly rental. 

Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) In my view, Lynch’s Landing is not a destination – at least not at this moment until they refurbish the place, so my recommendation is to arrive late and depart early, unless you are really here for an excellent access point to the lower point of St. John’s River; (2) If you are looking to get some hiking in, look no further than Welaka State Forest, where there’s 2 decent trails (both integrated to the Florida forest Service’s‘ Trailwalker Hiking Program’) with the first, Spring Trail, offering a short 2-mile loop that ends in Mud Springs and the second, John’s Landing Trail offering either a 3.5 or 4 mile loop; and (3) While Lynch’s doesn’t offer much in the way of a natural spot to socialize and get to know the community, if you do find yourself missing civilization, in less than a 5 minute drive, you can join a sweltering crowd at either Oasis, which is a small roadside joint featuring beer and wine or Chico’s, which is the local Mexican cantina. 

Happy Camping!

We're members of Thousand Trails but we had to pay extra to stay here.  It was a place to stay, nothing special.  If you are there in the winter, the pool was cold and closes early.  It is basically a place to stay and not very scenic.  There are a lot of full-timers with their 'stuff.'  The people in the site next to us had an outdoor shed with tons of junk everywhere.  The park was close to Disneyworld and we dropped about $400 on a day at Epcot and had to drink our way through all the countries to make it worth our time since many of the attractions/rides were closed.  I had fond memories of times at Disneyworld in the past with my kids but now, it feels like an artificial money suck.  If you are in the area, I would recommend one of the other RV parks that has more to offer.

This park has unorganized roads and is difficult to navigate. The checkin office was unfriendly and did not provide a map of the park or sites, we had to use satellite view on google maps to find our way. My husband and I travel in our 37 foot motorhome with car in tow. Upon arrival we unhooked the tow and I prepared to drive in front of our motorhome to the site and survey it before guiding our motorhome in. The escort talked down to me (I'm female, mid forties) and shouted that my husband is only to listen to him when pulling in to the site and I'm not allowed to say anything. If it hadn't been a peak weekend we would have left to go elsewhere.

This park caters to long term permanent residents.

We had full hookups (water/sewer/electric) and raised picnic table.

This is a great campground if you want to visit Orlando/ Kissimee attractions without paying an arm and a leg. It is located by old town in Kissimmee. The RV resort is always neat and clean. Sites are well maintained with full hookups. You can also rent a cabin or even buy one on site for full-time rsort living. There are showers, laundry facility (at pool). pool side cafe, shuffleboard and wi-fi. This place is always busy with a calendar of scheduled activities like Holiday parties, block parties, etc.

Good RV Park near Disney and it is a very pretty, lush, tropical park. Old town Kissimmee is right next door, and it has several loud amusement rides. This is definitely an active RV Park, lots of people out enjoying all of the activities. Spaces are tight and roads are narrow and lots of curves and curbs. The only bummer we noticed was the dumpster area in the middle of the park would get hot and it would stink pretty bad, Florida is breezy and it was pretty unpleasant.

They have golf cart rental, thought that was pretty cool.

They have a gate guard shack thing and lots of staff members. They have dark green polos ride around on golf carts. They were very friendly and they have many planned activities for guests and residents.

They have a few sections: -The premium spots on the south side of the park were the nicest with the most space. -Thousand Trails section is on the West side and they do not have sewer (they said they are working on this in 2020)

Lots of built in units for rental, some streets are narrow and challenging to navigate. Many spots did not have sewer, but they had free pump outs every Wednesday and a dump station. They will be fixing this during 2020- per management.

Cell signals: Decent cellular service for AT&T and Very good T-Mobile service.

They have: Pool Cafe/Bar 1 Hot Tub Mini Golf Volleyball Courts Shuffle Board Club House Mail Room Camp Store Basketball Laundry Shower Houses Kids play room and play area Gym Pool Tables Creek running through the middle

One of the few crown gems you’ll discover along Beverly Beach, Camptown RV Resort & Campers Village is MASSIVE! But I must forewarn my tent pitching brethren – this is 100% an RV hangout (for the most part) of the concrete jungle kind. That said, if you’re looking for a spot to park your mobile living room for the night (or the month) and want to be able to either quickly access, or better yet, have amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean with simply outstanding beaches, then look no further than Camptown! 

From an amenities standpoint, all slots are either vertical or diagonal (facing directly towards the ocean or across the street towards the Intracoastal) with both sides offering full hook-ups (water, sewer and 50 amp electrical service - Camptown offers 30 amp adapters free of charge) as well as complimentary cable and WiFi for all your social media surfing needs. Don’t have an RV? Not a problem, Camptown has you covered with their cabin rentals (but there’s only about a half dozen, so make a reservation early if you want these). Onsite you’ll discover a fairly full-service market with gifts and souvenirs, fishing gear, beach items, snacks and soda, booze and mixers as well as all the RV camping supplies you might need while here. 

What I love most about Camptown is that it puts you SMACK DAB in front of one of the most beautiful beach shorelines on Florida’s Atlantic Coast. One warning I would give, having stayed shortly after Hurricane Nicole hit, is that a decent amount of the coastline has been demolished and there are several oceanfront businesses and access-ways that are now defunct and under construction. Additionally, Camptown is midway between 2 great locations – St. Augustine (aka ‘Ancient City') to the north and Daytona Beach to the south. Both offer additional great beaches (but you should have no problem on this front here at Beverly Beach) as well as a ton of nightlife, culinary, cultural and entertainment options. 

Inside tips? Here’s a few: (1) While boasting about being ‘pet-friendly,’ if you are thinking about renting a cabin here at Camptown, think again – no four-legged friends are allowed; (2) As you are this close to paradise, I have to make ‘treasure-seekers’ aware that if you are on the hunt for shark teeth, you are nearby one of the world’s most famous beaches for discovering the dental remains of 20 or so different Selachimorpha (and some prehistoric, if you are lucky enough); (3) When you get tired of trying to figure out what’s on the menu for your next meal, I highly recommend grabbing an oceanside brunch at Java Joint with the Country Benedict (the sausage gravy is outstanding!), ordering a pair of crab cakes at Turtle Shack Café or pursuing fresh fried conch fritters at Break Awayz; and (4) If you want to drop your kayak in some ‘frakish’ (sea and fresh water) waters, then stop by Si Como No Inn (can’t miss this vibrant oceanside hostel) that has access to the Matanzas River/ Intracoastal. 

Happy Camping!

We had a great first experience camping in our 1975 airstream at this location. Our particular campsite was a pull through and had electric and water that was easy to hook up 5 feet away from the camper. The people were extremely friendly including the hosts and there were several long-term campers with big RVs. A fire pit and grill were easy to use at the site. The only downside was our campsite didn’t have any trees for our son to explore, but it made it easy to see the sunset and stars at night