Lake Okeechobee campgrounds offer direct access to Florida's largest freshwater lake with prime fishing opportunities and 110 miles of scenic hiking along the Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity, while winter months bring milder weather and significantly larger crowds. Campgrounds around the lake provide varying levels of amenities, from basic electric hookups to luxury motorcoach resorts.
What to do
Fishing excursions: Boat launches at Pahokee Marina & Campground provide lake access for anglers targeting largemouth bass and crappie. "This place is GREAT. Quiet, right on water," notes camper Jeff T.
Hiking the dike trail: The Herbert Hoover Dike surrounds Lake Okeechobee with elevated walking paths offering wildlife viewing. South Bay RV Campground sits near the trail with "sites up against levee to Lake Ocochobee. Nice place to walk and enjoy sights," according to Jeffrey W.
Club activities: Many rv parks Lake Okeechobee host social events during peak season. "Barlow's Fish and RV Camp has a small clubhouse with laundry, pool table and dart board," writes Jeff T., noting the friendly atmosphere among seasonal residents.
What campers like
Waterfront views: Campsites along canals or the lake itself are highly sought after. "We stayed at a lot that backed up to the nature preserve - it was fabulous to look out our back window and look at nature and not another RV," shares Chad N. about his stay at Silver Palms RV Resort.
Privacy between sites: Waters Edge Motor Coach & RV Resort offers more spacious sites than many competitors. Logan mentions "the spots are nice and big and not too close to each other. Hands down really nice park."
Security features: Gated access and regular patrols are available at select properties. One camper at South Bay noted: "The overall RV Camp is well organized, secure, and offers all the amenities... even an entry code." Many Lake Okeechobee campgrounds have on-site staff monitoring the premises.
What you should know
Pricing fluctuations: Rates vary significantly between summer and winter seasons. "A bit pricey at $120 per night, but very nice," reports Kevin A. about Waters Edge Motor Coach Resort, while another camper described it as a "high end resort, nice if you have the $$$."
Site accessibility challenges: Some waterfront sites have difficult access. One camper at Lakeside North RV Resort explained: "We could BARELY get our camper in and out of the waterfront site (had to use some machine they luckily had because it was impossible with a vehicle)."
Construction impacts: Brighton RV Resort is undergoing changes. "A new casino is being built beginning Summer 2023 with expected completion in 2025. We were told the majority of the campsites and cabins will house the construction workers for the casino project," reports one visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Pool amenities: Several Lake Okeechobee rv parks feature swimming facilities. "Huge swimming pool screened in, so much to see and do here," writes David K. about his experience at Zachary Taylor Waterfront RV Resort.
Tent camping limitations: Most facilities primarily serve RVs with limited tent options. Alistar B. notes that at South Bay: "This is a great spot because of the security and amenities but it's first and foremost an RV Park. The tent camping is an afterthought."
Light pollution considerations: For families with young children, note that some campgrounds have bright security lighting. "Had to sleep with pillow on face as there are bright lights that stay on all night," reports Jeffrey W. about South Bay's campground.
Tips from RVers
Concrete pads availability: Premium sites often feature concrete or paved pads that remain level during rainy weather. Napunani observed at Brighton RV Resort: "Site 312 concrete pad level. Site 312 paver patio surrounded by sand and weeds, but most sites had manicured grass."
Electrical reliability: Some campers report occasional power issues during summer months when air conditioners run constantly. "30amp breaker overheated and tripped 3 times during our 7 night stay," noted one camper about their experience at Brighton RV Resort.
Reservation timing: Book well ahead for January through March stays. William O. at Zachary Taylor notes the "price very good for June" indicating better availability and rates during summer months despite the heat.
