Top Free Dispersed Camping near Lake Mary, FL

Camping near Lake Mary, Florida, offers a mix of fun activities and beautiful nature. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

• Explore the springs: Visit the stunning Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground for hiking and swimming. One camper mentioned, "The trails are absolutely gorgeous. Natural palms growing among tall pines."
• Kayaking and canoeing: Head to Tomoka State Park Campground for kayaking adventures. A reviewer noted, "Whether you like to get on the water in a kayak, canoe or fishing boat, you are in for a treat here."
• Wildlife watching: At Blue Spring State Park Campground, you can see manatees in the spring. One visitor shared, "This beautiful state park has a secluded old Florida feel."

What campers like:

• Clean facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A review for Lake Louisa State Park Campground said, "The shower facilities are recently remodeled and impeccable."
• Friendly staff: Many campers rave about the helpful staff. At Silver Springs State Park Campground, a visitor mentioned, "The park staff we interacted with were very friendly and informative."
• Privacy between sites: Campers enjoy the spaciousness of the sites. A review for Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground highlighted, "There’s serious vegetation between all the sites that you have plenty of privacy."

What you should know:

• Limited amenities: Some campgrounds, like Alexander Springs Recreation Area, lack electric and water hookups. A camper noted, "For the price, no electric or water hookups and the facilities were not well maintained."
• Noise levels: Be prepared for some noise, especially during busy weekends. A review for Juniper Springs Recreation Area mentioned, "Over Thanksgiving weekend it got pretty noisy due to one large multi-site group."
• Reservations recommended: Popular spots like Jetty Park Campground can fill up quickly. A visitor advised, "If you find yourself out-of-luck in finding an available campground site to reserve, try your luck at booking one of the cabins."

Tips for camping with families:

• Activities for kids: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and swimming areas. At Lake Louisa State Park Campground, a camper mentioned, "There’s a playground and a small beach to put your feet into water."
• Plan for meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or check out nearby restaurants. A review for Salt Springs Recreation Area suggested, "The pizza place across the street was really good."
• Pack for comfort: Bring extra blankets and layers, as temperatures can drop at night. A camper at Juniper Springs Recreation Area noted, "Got surprisingly cold when I visited."

Tips from RVers:

• Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A review for Tomoka State Park Campground mentioned, "Most sites are exceptionally private, especially those found on the outside of the loop."
• Use a leveling system: Some sites may not be perfectly level. A visitor at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground said, "The sites were big, clear and clean."
• Plan for dump stations: Know where the nearest dump stations are located. A camper at Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground mentioned, "Cell service was good, and the campground is about a mile from the Springs."

Camping around Lake Mary, Florida, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Enjoy the great outdoors!