The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Lake Wales. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Lake Wales is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.
Fort wilderness camping features 4 types of campsites accommodate everything from tents to 45-foot and longer RVs, with a maximum of 10 Guests per site. Each campsite is equipped with privacy-enhancing landscaping, water, cable television and electrical hook-ups, a picnic table and a charcoal grill. Most campsites also include a sewer hook-up, and some even permit pets.
$56 - $201 / night
LK1
$20 / night
The family campground offers water and electric hookups, a dump station, access to restrooms with shower facilities, laundry and dishwashing areas.
Currently, there is no free Wi-Fi in the campground; however, Wi-Fi is available at the Hammock Inn Concession, which is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. during peak season months. During the slow summer season, daily availability and hours of operation may vary for the Hammock Inn camp store. Call 863-402-0061 for details.
Campsites have picnic tables and fire rings. Sites vary from being open and sunny to partially or fully shaded and range in length from 20 to 50 feet. Maximum RV length = 50 feet.
Three paved campsites, designated as American Disability Act sites, are near an ADA-accessible restroom. A maximum of eight people with two tents are allowed per site. RV sites are allowed to have the RV and one tent.
The recreation hall, a park rental facility with a full kitchen, stage, large seating area, restrooms, barbecue grill and playground, is used for family reunions, weddings, parties, meetings and other events. Reservations may be booked through the ranger station 11 months in advance.
The campground is a short walk from the Civilian Conservation Corps Museum and the picnic area. The bike path, nature trails and playgrounds are within proximity and easily accessed. Ranger-guided programs and interpretive walks offered during the busy winter season are suspended during the summer.
$18 - $22 / night
Escape to a Luxury RV Resort with a License to Chill. Located an hour southwest of Orlando and just outside of Lakeland, Florida, Camp Margaritaville RV Resort in Auburndale is your ideal spot to enjoy theme parks, attractions, and all that Central Florida has to offer. Whether you’re looking to relax or seek adventure in the beauty of Florida, you are in the middle of it all at Camp Margaritaville RV Resort & Cabana Cabins Auburndale, Central Florida. Embrace the atmosphere surrounding our tiki bar, chill bar, fire pits, main pool, chill pool, entertainment stage, playgrounds, dog parks, and putting course, or plan a day with the crew hiking, biking, or sightseeing. Create Camping Memories that Last a Lifetime. Camp Margaritaville RV Resort Auburndale, Central Florida offers 326 RV sites, including 11 Super Premium RV Sites along with 75 Cabana Cabins for those seeking the outdoor resort experience without an RV.
$73 - $343 / night
Just minutes from downtown Tampa, this Hillsborough River State Park Camping offers a refuge from city life with its seven miles of nature trails and ample places to cool off in the water.
Except for occasional reenactments, the cannon and guns are now silent at Fort Foster. No longer do Seminole Indians have to fight to keep a foothold in Florida, and soldiers no longer guard a strategic river crossing. The reconstructed fort and its surroundings are now part of Hillsborough River State Park.
Besides a living history lesson, visitors can kayak or canoe class II river rapids, rare in Florida, hike seven miles of nature trails and swim in an ADA accessible swimming pool.
Tucked away, only a short distance from the bustling city of Tampa, camping is a popular activity at Hillsborough River State Park.
$24 / night
Explore all the incredible attractions Central Florida has to offer! Located just minutes from the world famous Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Studios, SeaWorld, Gatorland, LEGOLAND and more. After a long day of adventure, come home to this beautiful KOA. Choose the accommodation that best suits you and your family. We have a variety of RV sites, including; Back-in, Pull-Through and Deluxe Patio-Full Hookup sites. Leave the packing to us and try out one of our fully furnished Deluxe Cabins! Or set up camp at one of our spacious tent sites, located near the pool and restrooms. Bring the whole family for a camping trip to remember! There's a playground and jumping pillow for kids, fitness room for adults, and dogs will love the off-leash Kamp K9™. Our pool, hot tub and lounge areas are open all year.
$45 / night
A
$24 - $120 / night
The 255-acre Kelly Park camping was donated by Dr. Howard A. Kelly in 1927 for use as a public park, wildlife preserve and bird sanctuary. Located within the park, Rock Springs—a natural freeflowing spring—travels nine miles to the Wekiva River. The spring maintains an average flow of 26,000 gallons per minute with a constant 68 degree temperature. Enjoy swimming, hiking and picnicking during your stay.
Kelly Park has 26 RV/tent sites.
Camp sites have a picnic table, fire ring with grill and water access.
All sites have electric access.
The Kelly Park entrance and dump fees are included in the per night camping charge (up to 6 campers).
Two campsites can be rented per family unit; an individual can register only for one site.
Camp sites have campfire rings, picnic tables and garbage cans
$23 / night
2016 - 2018 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence Winner! Thousand Trails Orlando RV Camping is an RV campground in Florida offering year-round recreation and relaxation. This 255-acre RV campground is located in the heart of Florida's orange grove country and is the ideal place to explore natural surroundings. When you just want to relax, Thousand Trails Orlando makes it easy to walk from your RV camping site to our 60-acre spring-fed lake with white sandy beaches where you can sunbathe or just cast a line. At Thousand Trails Orlando RV Camping, our experienced staff members lead a wide variety of planned activities. This RV campground in Florida makes the perfect home base for visiting local amusement parks and other attractions. Thousand Trails Orlando RV camping preserve is in high demand from December 19 through March 31, so we recommend that you call 90 days in advance for reservations during this time of year. We look forward to seeing you soon at our fun-filled RV campground in Florida. Fun-Filled RV Campground in Florida Whether you're planning a retreat for the whole family, a group of friends or a getaway for two, there's no shortage of unique activities to explore at Orlando RV Resort. Plan activities upon arrival or visit this page before your departure to plan ahead. Looking for more? Our friendly staff can fill you in on all of the great ways to make your stay a memorable experience.
$85 / night
Colt Creek State Park
$24 / night
Traveler
Cabin 5 stars- Immaculately clean with comfortable furniture, bright spacious living room, t.v. in living room and bedroom, bathroom and bedroom a little tight but adequate, tub/shower combo, loft area easily accessible with stairs, no porch-but paved driveway, picnic table and grill, linens provided but towels and pillows were on the thin side *Campground 5 stars- Family friendly atmosphere, clean, quiet, sunny, well maintained landscaping *Amenities 5 stars- Clean and spacious rec center with lots of scheduled activities for adults and children-Bingo, hot food/snacks available for purchase Outdoor amenities (pool, putt-putt, shuffle board, pickle ball, playground, etc.) looked nice but we didn’t utilize them on this visit *Staff 5 stars- Efficient and very responsive
Scout
Heated pool, firepit, cornhole, bocci ball on site. Pickleball courts, golf tee off and bark park being installed. Newly updated clubhouse and rates are better than any others I have seen. Hoping I can score an annual site!!
Scout
I stayed with 3 adults and 3 children under the age of 8. We stayed two night in 40 degree weather. This is a great place for families wanting to start out primitive camping!
Super clean campsites and great easy trail out to the site. Very safe area. The rangers made sure there was plenty of fire wood in the wooden hut. There are trash cans at every site and campsite 1, 3 and 4 have hammock poles able to fit 3 hammocks at a time. The bathroom is a short hike with a water spout.
Only downfall is that there is a lot of road noise throughout the entire night. Definitely took away from the “nature” experience.
Such a great time! Highly recommend.
Scout
The campgrounds were nice but all campsites were too close to each other. The restrooms were not super neat but not terrible. The walking trails at this park were all quite small and friendly for all. We had a bear visit the garbage bin during the night, so you’ll have to pay attention to storing your food during the night.
Scout
Very Clean Quiet and Very Helpful and Friendly Staff
Traveler
Excited to spend a few nights in some peace and quiet and was pleasantly surprised how close to Tampa this was. All to be extremely disappointed in the fact site is literally 50 feet from an active train track with trains sounding the horn all night long. Besides the road noise felt like we were next to a freeway. Not peaceful at all. 
Guide
This is a 54 site campground with hook ups at each site, fire ring, and picnic table. The trees provide a good amount of privacy from adjacent campers. Clean bathrooms with hot showers. This is about 15 min from the airport yet very removed from Orlando. Water on three sides, gates that close and lock from 6pm to 8 am (Nov-March) but an easy access code is given at check in to be able to come and go after hours. No pets, no alcohol, and quiet after 10. I will stay again! It was a mix of RVs, trailers, camper vans, car camping, and tents when I stayed. The personnel were very nice and helpful at check in.
Scout
Horrible for tent camping. Didn't own an RV. I'm just traveling through, and I went off of what information was listed. This place is pathetic. Not as advertised. Trash is not taken out regularly. One table on the ground, and it's not a picnic camping table. Tent campers have no showers or restroom. Freeway is very close and noisy. Campground is not really for campers. I'd stay away. This place is appearing fraudulent. Owner does not run this property accordingly. Seems like just a place to store RVs. Not for camping in tents or RVs. Stay away. There's much better camping across the state, regulated and maintained.
Guide
Beautiful shaded sites and long biking/ trails
Guide
We camped overnight on a Friday and were the only people in the area. Lovely space for dispersed camping with a picnic table, fire pit, an outhouse and hiking trails. We'll definitely visit again when we're in Florida.
Legend
We came out for a quick getaway as this is only about an hour from home. The place was dead, but still amazing. Everything was open, and we had most of the resort to ourselves. The staff was great. Pool was fun. Food and drinks reasonable. They have lots of activities, and the kids really enjoyed the scavenger hunt. The tiki bar was such a cool setting. We can’t wait to come back when it cools a little more.
Guide
Spent a great weekend here fishing and relaxing. Rooms are neat and clean with AC. Grounds are well kept and the pool was definitely a plus at the end of a Hot day! I'll be back.
Legend
We stayed in site 26, which was tucked back and fairly private. We planned on trail riding, but rain changed the plans. We didn’t get to explore much, but will be back. Nice long drive down to the sites. Electric and water were both great, and dump stations easy. Staff was extra friendly.
LegendWe stayed one night as our AC was down and we had a Saturday trip planned past this park. We stayed with our membership and booked two nights, so we could check out late on Saturday. Spots were pretty abundant, and we found one by the pool. This is a “pick your spot” when you get there kind of place. Lots of long term guests, but not surprised. Great staff and pool was nice for the kids.
Traveler
The park is fantastic! The park rangers constantly ensured our safety and were very friendly and helpful. They made sure to keep us up to date regarding changes in weather and flooding. Oh, and the pricing to stay per week is amazing! It's a must-visit!
Legend
Can’t beat the convenience & amenities of the Disney parks are on your itinerary. Super cost effective and direct access to magic kingdom and easy access to all the others. Sites were big, clear and clean. Amenities were wonderful. I’d stay here even if we didn’t do a Disney park. There are so many sites and yes there are people around but there’s serious vegetation between all the sites that you have plenty of privacy. Constant ground crews, sanitation work and transportation options. Pools, restaurants, shops and fun activities going on all the time. We loved it.
Traveler
clean, naturally and quiet
no wlan and good mobil connection
restrooms and laundry are o.k.
rangers are super and nice
playground and a small beach to put your feet into water.
Legend
Easy location to get to. The lots are pretty wide open with little shade, but we had a tiki, which was awesome. Pool was nice and warm. Kids loved the slide. Dog park and wash are a bonus. It was about $140 for a family of 6 to eat at the pool, but well above average food!
Scout
The park was clean, convenient and the staff was super friendly. Great amenities and a beautiful pool! Our site was shady, mostly level, gravel with just enough space for our toad(F150). We will definitely be staying here again when passing by.
Traveler
The place is gorgeous and if you want shade or sun it offers both. Quiet, relaxing, good trails that lead over to Hickory Hammock campground. Audrey is a excellent camp host.
They keep it very clean and is very helpful in showing you the campsites. It is right off the main road so no dirt road to get there though you have some road noise but you can get back away from most of it. Lots of wildlife in the woods, nothing bothered the campsite.
There are bathrooms but no showers. They are a ways away from the campground. Its still shocking you can camp in Florida like this for free. Hope we can keep it this way for a long time.
Traveler
Cottage 5 stars- Very clean, comfortable, and spacious with huge uncovered front porch Campground 5 Stars- Nicely landscaped, manicured, and clean Amenities 5 Stars- Well maintained pool area and putt-putt, nice clubhouse Staff 5 stars- Friendly and helpful
Traveler
Well maintained facilities and friendly rangers on-site. Numerous hiking trails with open Prarie landscape. Very limited light pollution at night so great Location to star gaze.
Legend
OK, let’s just cut to the chase here. You are likely considering Sun Outdoors Orlando Champions Gate due to its proximity to the ‘Most Magical Place on Earth’ or one of the other themed amusement parks here in the Orlando area. And maybe you’ve got an RV and shrugged your shoulders and said ‘why not?’ And to this I say, if proximity and accessibility are key criteria for you on this particular trip and locking down a spot to park your RV for a few days while you (and likely the kids) are wanting to enjoy all of the entertainment and endless lines of all-you-can-eat buffets, then Sun Outdoors will certainly be a very good option for you.
What I like most about Sun Outdoors Orlando is that this spot is recently completely refurbished, so everywhere you go, while the place itself looks like it has recently been cleared of all vegetation (definitely a negative in my mind - as it looks as though every single piece of nature, be it grass, bushes or trees, has been surgically removed leaving a very barren, sterile environ), all of the buildings, sites and amenities look fairly brand spanking new, especially the club house and adjoining in-ground heated pool, which is definitely the best aspect of this particular paved campground. Here they have plenty of level, asphalt-paved or grassy RV pads, spots for tent camping as well as even cottages and cabins that they’ll rent to you in case you’ve not come prepared with any overnight preparations of your own.
Amenities: large heated in-ground swimming pool with patio and deck chairs, umbrellas and chaise loungers, pristine bathroom & showers, shuffleboard court, game room, horseshoe pit, WiFi, pet-friendly, coin-operated laundr-O-mat, dog park, bingo hall, basketball, volleyball, stand-up BBQ grills, religious services, Adirondack chair encircled fire pits, cornhole as well as back-in and pull-through RV slots with concrete patios, picnic table and all the traditional hook-ups (20 / 30 / 50 amp electric, water and sewage).
Insider’s tips: (1) When we visited, there was a solid amount of road construction going on right in front of Sun Outdoors Orlando, so unless that has changed (call ahead if this is of concern), then I would highly suggest booking a spot furthest away the front of the campground, which sits right in front of the roadway where the work is being done; (2) If you grow weary of opening up your on-board fridge or half-empty roto-molded Cordova cooler and want to check out a nearby restaurant, I recommend nearby Miller’s Ale House, Marco’s Pizza, Mondo di Gelato or Reunion Gyro; (3) While this campground will tell you on-line and on-site that you can tent camp here, even if you could, I don’t know that you would want to, unless your idea of a good tent camping experience is being sandwiched between 2 oversized RV’s and pitching your tent on asphalt; (4) Some of these sites for large RV’s and even 5th wheels appear to be a bit too small (several were either parked beyond the asphalt limits on the grass, or the width was too large and overhung the concrete pad itself, creating unstable situation for some RV’s) ;(5) If you actually care to grab a slice of nature while you are here at Sun Outdoors Orlando, then go for a day trip to Lake Tohopekaliga, which has some pretty amazing bass fishing as well as a few choice places to drop your boat into, like Twin Oaks or Cherokee Point Conservation Areas (and if you don’t have your own kayak, canoe or boat, contact Wild Willys Airboat Tours and they’ll show you around); and (6) There’s a Publix, CVS and Aldi so close to this campground that you can walk there, in case you run out of anything.
Happy Camping!
Legend
Why contemplate leaving the creature comforts of home when you can just haul everything that you love most to a place that provides all of the concrete paved, easy-to-access amenities that you likely have at home in the first place? If you find yourself in this dilemma, no worries, Orlando/ Kissimmee KOA has all of your manufactured outdoor camping needs covered … and what’s perhaps most interesting is that you won’t even have to drive out of the concrete jungle to encounter this experience, in fact, it’s right off a major 4-lane highway (HWY 192).
So, if you are dreaming of escaping your domesticated life for the thrills of an outdoor camping adventure that will have you appreciating the best of what nature has to offer, then just be forewarned, this is not that place. But if you are simply looking for a change of scenery and want to be near all of the action and attractions here in Central Florida’s ‘Magic City’ and want a different experience than paying overpriced rates at Tiki-hut themed entertainment hotels and relish the idea of dusting off your RV or unpacking your tent in a pseudo nature environment complete with all the astro turf your dog can poop on within a confined, fenced-in setting, then this KOA (and let’s be frank, ANY KOA) has you covered.
As far as amenities go, it’s a KOA, so there’s going to be more amenities here than you can shake a stick at. These include: heated in-ground medium-sized pool complete with tiled patio, lounge chaise chairs, tables with umbrellas and regular chairs, water-rinsing station, as well as a jacuzzi / spa, propane refilling station, bike rentals, 134’ max length slots, WiFi, pavilion, Kamp K9, firewood for sale, 24 hour laundr-O-mat, picnic tables, community fire pits, on-site market, recreation office, life-size Jenga, designated trash areas, fitness center, playground, dog wash, public bus service, basketball court, EV chargers, jump pad, taxi service back-in and pull-through perfectly paved, level concrete RV sites with full hook-ups (30 / 50 amp electric, water and sewage). There’s even RV sites that are dubbed ‘Deluxe,’ which are larger and come with a paved connected patio.
No RV? And REALLY don’t want to have an experience that is different than living at home? Even here at this KOA, that’s not a problem, where the proprietors will easily rent you a deluxe cabin, if there is one available. These 1BR or 2BR A/C cooled Deluxe Cabins sleep 4, 6 or 8 people and come with bunk bed set, futon / sofa sleeper and a queen-sized bed along with a private bath and shower, TV with cable offering over 20 channels, some with EV chargers, patio w/ charcoal or gas BBQ grill and fire pit, front porch with patio furniture and chairs, refrigerator, fresh linens, paw pen for the pups and a partial or full kitchen. They even have rustic cabins that are cheaper and don’t come with all the thrills for those that want some degree of ‘roughing’ it, so this means no kitchen and no bathroom or showers, although there is full bed, bunk bed, TV, mini-refrigerator, A/C patio furniture, brick fire pit with cooking grate.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) To continue with the simple, easy-to-access, manufactured experience theme here, for those that grow tired of trying to conjure up that next meal for the kiddos, who are grumbling about making every meal, head on over to any one of these nearby drive-thru windows or curb-side meal offerings: McDonald’s, Panda Express, Applebee’s, Steak ‘n Shake and Wendy’s; (2) If you want to heighten that suburban culinary experience you all have been craving though, I really do rate the silverware-free dining experience that is Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament, which is literally just down the road and is actually a lot of fun for the kiddos and adults alike; (3) Should you find yourself in need of anything that you either forgot or may have run out of, then fear not, there’s a Sam’s Club that is in walking distance from this KOA and further south that definitely requires a drive, there’s a Walmart Supercenter; (4) I’ve noticed that this place has SIGNIFICANT discounts if you simply plan in advance – so for example, during the months of March OR April (it’s January now), they’re offering a whopping 25% discount; and (5) If you are looking for a slice of nature’s paradise, then I highly recommend driving a bit north to Wekiwa Springs, where you’ll be able to enjoy one of the most amazing springs in all of Florida where the water is 72 degrees year round.
Happy Camping!
Scout
This used to be such a great park when it was Ralph's. It's nothing but bad now. Feels like it's been taken over by some corporation that sits around discussing how much they can squeeze out of the elderly every month. There is no communication, no fairness, no consideration for residents. You simply pay more and more every month and then they come at you with the most ridiculous fees for things they made up (ask someone who lives here about their new "shed fee"). Horrible. I'm sad to see it go like this and I'm sure we will be selling due to the awful management/ownership they have in now. Preying on the elderly is not a good look....
Legend4 miles down washboard sand/gravel road will beat your truck and trailer to death. And the sites are small!! 18’ trailer in site #6 and had to unhitch the tow vehicle as it was sticking in the road. Barely fit 22’ trailer and tow vehicle in site #1 without unhitching. That aside, it is a beautiful quiet spot that is excellent for star gazing. Bath house is clean and lots of hot water. If you are car camping or tent camping or have a camper van, this might be a good spot for you. It is a dark zone, so no lights after dark - use red lights.
ScoutSo much to do you don't even need to go to the theme parks if you don't want to. A little pricey but worth it in my opinion https://youtu.be/3qPP3GaZ_UU
Camping near Lake Wales, Florida, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.
Camping around Lake Wales, Florida, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Lake Wales, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, Lake Wales, FL offers a wide range of camping options, with 214 campgrounds and RV parks near Lake Wales, FL and 2 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Lake Wales, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Lake Wales, FL is Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 129 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Lake Wales, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Lake Wales, FL.
What parks are near Lake Wales, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 parks near Lake Wales, FL that allow camping, notably Lake Okeechobee and Ocala National Forest.
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