Near Maitland, Florida, camping options spread westward toward Lake County where elevation rises slightly to 184 feet above sea level. Central Florida's humid subtropical climate produces hot summers with afternoon thunderstorms and mild winters attractive to seasonal visitors. RV parks near Maitland typically see their highest occupancy from January through March when daytime temperatures average 72°F.
What to do
Bike trails: Downtown Winter Garden connects to the 22-mile West Orange Trail accessible from Winter Garden RV Resort. "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," notes one visitor.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple RV parks offer fishing areas for guests, including Wekiva Falls RV Resort where guests can also "rent a canoe or kayak and explore the Wekiva River." The resort features a natural spring swimming area that remains a consistent temperature year-round.
Mini-golf: Several campgrounds provide on-site mini-golf courses for family entertainment. At Encore Tropical Palms, guests enjoy "mini golf, volleyball courts, shuffle board" and other recreation options. This activity requires no additional fees at most properties.
What campers like
Small-town atmosphere: Winter Garden's historic downtown district receives consistent praise from campers. "We loved being close enough to ride our bikes to downtown Winter Garden. The kids enjoyed ice cream, the bike trail, and the splash pad, all while the parents enjoyed the brewing company and coffee shop (Axum)," shares one reviewer.
Wildlife viewing: Thousand Trails Orlando visitors regularly spot native Florida species. "Sometimes the cows from next door get loose and come visit. Sometimes there are alligators underneath RVs," reports one camper, who also noted seeing "Sand Hill Cranes" and "Tortoises" throughout the property.
Heated pools: Florida's mild winter temperatures make outdoor swimming possible year-round at most facilities. "The heated pool and hot tub are wonderful," mentions one visitor to Encore Southern Palms, while another at Encore Clerbrook appreciated access to "heated swimming pools" during their winter stay.
What you should know
Water quality varies: Several RV parks in the region use well water that may have a distinctive odor. "The springs swimming area water has a smell of sulfur, stay up wind," advises one Wekiva Falls visitor. This naturally occurring mineral content doesn't present health concerns but affects drinking water taste.
Flooding concerns: Low-lying sites throughout the region experience drainage issues after heavy rain. "While you can't blame the park for the weather, recently there's been a lot of rain and rigs of all sizes are up to their rims in muck. Seems to be a draining problem as the water stands for several days," reports one Encore Sherwood Forest camper.
Electric stability: Power infrastructure at some older parks may struggle with modern RV demands. "We kept tripping the 30A breaker with AC on and a hot plate or microwave," notes one Winter Garden visitor, though many properties have upgraded their systems recently.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly attractions: Lost Lake RV Resort provides easy access to nearby Lake Apopka while staying within 30 minutes of major Orlando theme parks. "Nice campground. We enjoyed camping here. It's a beautiful campground," notes a visitor with children.
Playground access: Multiple RV parks feature dedicated children's play areas. "Kids love the ability to ride their Bikes around the campground and love the pool. Plenty of deer to watch throughout the day," mentions one Tropical Palms visitor describing their family's experience.
Safety considerations: For families with active children, traffic patterns matter. At Wekiva Falls, one visitor observed "Golf carts allowed and side by sides. This mixed with drunken visitors was a bit nerve wracking. Definitely didn't trust kids to ride around on bikes safely."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Choose concrete pads when available, especially during rainy periods. "I would recommend any of the few concrete sites if you can get one. If you can imagine the mess in your rig on our premium dirt patch (mud) when it rains," advises one Sherwood Forest camper.
Reservation timing: Advance planning becomes essential during winter months. "Large park although it was only half full when we arrived. We stayed a week," notes a visitor to Encore Southern Palms during the off-peak season, contrasting with the crowded winter experience.
Leveling requirements: Many sites throughout the region require adjustment. "With some skillful angling didn't need to work at leveling," reports one Lake Magic RV Resort visitor, though they noted this required careful positioning during setup.
