Best Campgrounds near Mount Dora, FL

Mount Dora, Florida provides multiple developed camping options within a short drive of town, with both county and state park facilities offering waterfront access. Trimble Park Campground, located on Lake Carlton, features only 15 campsites with most positioned directly on the water. Additional options include Blue Spring State Park Campground and Wekiwa Springs State Park, both offering cabin accommodations alongside tent and RV sites. Several private RV resorts cater to long-term visitors, particularly during winter months, with Wekiva Falls RV Resort and Lake Point RV Park providing full hookup services.

Road access to campgrounds in the Mount Dora area remains well-maintained year-round, with most facilities accessible by standard vehicles. The region experiences mild winters that attract seasonal campers from northern states. "This is the cleanest, well organized park that I have ever stayed at. The bath houses are cleaned properly twice a day," noted one Trimble Park visitor, highlighting the maintenance standards typical at area campgrounds. Reservations become essential during winter months when the population swells with seasonal visitors. Many campgrounds, especially the smaller county parks like Trimble, fill quickly due to limited site availability and require booking up to 45 days in advance.

Lakefront campsites consistently receive the highest ratings from visitors to the Mount Dora area, with several campgrounds offering direct water access for fishing and paddling. Wildlife viewing opportunities include alligator sightings, abundant birdwatching, and occasional raccoon encounters at campsites. A recent review mentioned that "the park is beautiful, very tucked away and private and surrounded by water." Natural springs in the region, including those at Wekiwa Springs and Alexander Springs Recreation Area, provide swimming opportunities and attract visitors year-round. The proximity to Mount Dora's historic downtown offers campers convenient access to restaurants, shopping, and cultural attractions, with the town's quaint atmosphere serving as a complement to the natural settings found at nearby campgrounds.

Best Camping Sites Near Mount Dora, Florida (387)

    1. Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground

    64 Reviews
    Apopka, FL
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (407) 553-4383

    "Close to home and took a drive through one day. Haven't been camping yet this year due to illness but getting ready to get on the road."

    "We camp a lot during the summer but since this is Florida it's HOT regularly and sizzling during the summer months."

    2. Trimble Park Campground

    20 Reviews
    Mount Dora, FL
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (407) 254-1982

    "This is an absolutely beautiful small campground surrounded by water and huge oak trees with Spanish moss. There are birds and little alligators so abundant wildlife."

    "just due south of Mount Dora – one of the quaintest small towns in the US (more on this later)."

    3. Clearwater Lake Campground

    23 Reviews
    Paisley, FL
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 669-0078

    $37 / night

    "Clearwater Lake Recreation is one of the few National Forest Service managed campgrounds located at the southern end of Ocala National Forest. Campsites are well-shaded, private and spaced apart."

    "Clearwater Lake Recreation Area was recommended to us as a backup option to nearby and popular Alexander Springs for our small group of scouts."

    4. Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground

    129 Reviews
    Windermere, FL
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (407) 939-2267

    $56 - $201 / night

    "Big park so lots of walking if you don’t have the cart (or you can bring your own and/or bikes).  Our grandsons loved the golf cart!"

    "The best campground in Florida ! Fun beautiful and lots to do even without going to the parks Wildlife is abundant Bunnies deer turkey"

    5. Wekiva Falls RV Resort

    21 Reviews
    Mid Florida, FL
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 269-6839

    $40 - $73 / night

    "There are beautiful walking trails, beautiful and refreshing cool springs, kayak rentals for $20. There are also some small caves there for anyone who free dives or snorkels."

    "I have steps that will not allow us to close the door to the camper if there is not enough room. See second picture. If you have young ones or teenagers this place gives them lots to do."

    6. Alexander Springs Recreation Area

    35 Reviews
    Astor, FL
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 669-3522

    $37 - $60 / night

    "This was one of the busier places I have camped in Florida. The facilities were clean and provided showers."

    "This is a typical Florida spring."

    7. Blue Spring State Park Campground

    45 Reviews
    Orange City, FL
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (386) 775-3663

    $24 - $95 / night

    "Not a ton of hiking available here but a decent 3.5 mile one way trail through Florida scrub and oak hammock. The rare and endangered Florida Scrub Jay can be found here."

    "It was still very hot and buggy in Florida so be warned If this is an issue for you. Large campsites with a picnic table, electric, and water."

    8. Lake Griffin State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Fruitland Park, FL
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 360-6760

    $18 / night

    "This Florida gem is really something! Campsites were cozy and private. Walking trails a plenty. Friendly, helpful staff and courteous neighbors!"

    "Lake Griffin State Park in Fruitland Park, FL is a small Florida State Park and small campground as well. There are only 40 campsites."

    9. Kelly Park Campground

    12 Reviews
    Apopka, FL
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (407) 254-1902

    $15 - $18 / night

    "We had a tent site near the bathhouse. The bath house is very nice and clean. The sites are all pretty much shaded."

    "There is access to the park springs area, which is the main draw for the public. This is a beautiful area so bring the camera."

    10. Encore Southern Palms

    9 Reviews
    Eustis, FL
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "The park isn’t the best park we have been to but the surrounding area and safety and nice people make up for it. The bathroom is very nice and modernized."

    "We stayed 2 weeks with our Thousand Trails affiliate plan. We were surrounded by empty sites which was probably due to the pandemic."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 387 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Mount Dora, FL

1670 Reviews of 387 Mount Dora Campgrounds


  • Ethan H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 27, 2025

    Colt Creek State Park Campground

    Good, clean campsite

    This campsite was nice with a good amount of wildlife. It was very quiet at night even with a decent amount of other people around. The only downside was there wasn’t a ton of privacy at every campsite, and the clean bathrooms were only missing toilet paper. Other than that, good campsite with very nice rangers.

  • Thunderroad 5.
    Oct. 25, 2025

    Salt Springs Recreation Area

    Great place to camp

    First federal park campground i stayed in that had full hookups. Nice bathhouse. Beautiful campground with nicely sized sites. Stayed during government shutdown. Since campground is managed by private company, shutdown didn't close campground. Staff and hosts were friendly and enjoyed the stay. Only drawback was lack of any cell service, but starlink worked fine.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 23, 2025

    Davenport Landing

    Cool spot, beware of bears

    I really enjoyed this spot, but I did spot a bear on my way in and scat along the road. I wouldn't recommend this spot to beginners or inexperienced outdoor enthusiasts. There is a campground nearby that charges 10bucks a night that I would recommend for families or beginners. Delancy Campground is accessible from this (FS Road 74) location

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 23, 2025

    Rodman Campground

    Florida Wildlife, Super Clean Restrooms and Camp Sites

    This was my first stay here, but I'll be back. Really nice and clean bathrooms, showers, and camp sites. It was quiet, relaxing, nice hiking trails, and plenty of wildlife.
    They offer tent camping and RV.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Bennett Field Group Camp — Tiger Bay State Forest

    Where Roughing It Meets Room for the Whole Crew

    If you’ve ever thought, "I love camping, but wouldn’t it be fun to bring along 40 of my closest friends?” then Bennett Field Group Camp in Tiger Bay State Forest is your jackpot. This is no dainty, couple’s hideaway. Nope, it’s a big, open field tucked under the pines where your scout troop, church group or family reunion can spread out and see who snores loudest at night. The atmosphere here is pure 'back-to-basics,’ but with just enough orderliness to keep it from feeling like you’re re-creating 'Lord of the Flies' (and if you don't know this reference, you need to go to Amazon right now and have this book sent to you - it will open your world).

    Facilities are rustic yet practical – think of it as camping with training wheels. There are picnic tables, grills and a giant fire ring where ghost stories practically tell themselves. No water or electric hookups at the sites, so RVs and glampers might feel like they’ve been tricked into a survival challenge. But if you’re rocking tents, hammocks or an old-school camper, you’ll be just fine. Restroom facilities are on the primitive (nearly caveman) side – but trust me, it's better than a shovel and a prayer, but not spa-level, so bring your hand sanitizer and a sense of humor. Pets are welcome, but fair warning: they’ll come home smelling like pine needles and campfire.

    The real treat here is Tiger Bay’s 30,000 acres of pine needle wilderness just beyond camp. Hiking trails thread through longleaf pine, palmetto flats and hidden ponds where herons stalk like feathery ninjas. Bikers can hit the sandy forest roads and if you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of deer, turkeys or the occasional black bear giving you the ‘you don’t belong here’ side-eye. And being so close to Daytona, you can swap the forest’s symphony of crickets and symphony of frogs for NASCAR’s roar within a 20-minute drive.

    Insider Tips? Sure, here’s a handful: (1) If you’re camping with a large group, snag the shady perimeter spots – less dew in the morning and fewer pinecones bonking you on the head; (2) For grub, head to Daytona’s Caribbean Jack’s on the marina where you'll gnosh on great seafood, fruity drinks and live music that makes you forget you’re only half-clean from the woods; (3) Kayakers should paddle the nearby Tomoka River as it’s calm, scenic and full of birdlife that will happily ignore your paddling form; and (4) Forgot half your gear? Don’t sweat it as the Bass Pro Shop over in Daytona, which is just a stone's throw from this particular CG has everything from tents to marshmallow roasters, and you’ll probably leave with three things you didn’t need but had to have; and (4) In case you need to load up on low-cost fuel, there's the Costco that's located just behind the Bass Pro Shop, so you can not only load up on supplies, but load up on cheap fuel too.

    Happy Camping!

  • Emily A.
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Lake Mills Park

    Secure and beautiful

    As a camper that often camps alone, I loved that the park gate closes and locks at night (with a code for campers to exit and enter) and the campground itself has a gate that is always locked as do the bathrooms so they stay fairly nice. And a very good price with a beautiful lake and walking trails. Will visit again.

  • Tara G.
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Trimble Park Campground

    Incredible Hidden Gem

    Just returned from a 2 night stay at Trimble Park and I'm already planning my return next week!  The campground is very small and intimate, you will certainly get to know your neighbors and others staying in the park if you're going to be spending any time outside.  The park employees are zooming about on their golf carts multiple times within the hour during the day and always ready to help if needed.  The man in the office was amazing (I wish I had gotten his name) and so helpful, even swapping our spot for another with a better lake view!  Speaking of, the view is awesome!  Spots 8 and 9 are directly in front of the docks so if you mind other campers walking through your site to get to them, choose a different spot.  Even the spots that don't have a lake view are great!  Every site has a grill, separate fire ring, lantern hangers and picnic table plus electric and water hook ups.  Bathrooms are kept clean, every morning they are tended to.  My only complaint there is that the showers are very narrow.  I'm small and was feeling a bit cramped. Also the water pressure could definitely be stronger...took forever for me to rinse shampoo.  My personal issues are not enough for me to not come back though!  It's a great place to recharge and be at peace; I still can't get over how beautiful it is!

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Trout Lake Primitive Sites

    Primitive!

    So I was desperate trying to find my very first primitive camp site and started to panic and then came across the review "you might get pinstripes", well let me tell you the trail to the lake is so narrow I wasn't sure I was driving my Chevy Malibu through the forest because it was so overgrown. I started panicking and trying to find a turn around after going through a very soft sandy spot. Figured I'd never be able to get out or reverse. Then the lake appeared and someone left some firewood so I figured better pitch my tent fast before dark. I was scared to death all night alone , I had a black bear sighting that afternoon and I had no bear spray no cellphone service but all there was was whispering pines! It was soothing, and decided if I had to I could spend the night in car. It rained all night and morning. I knew I couldn't drive out or take the risk. I spent the second night. It's a beautiful lake and forest. The setting is breathtaking. I'd go back in a proper vehicle!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Youth Primitive Campground - Tomoka State Park

    Perfect Riverside Youth Group Camping Haven

    If you have hiking, canoeing, fishing, boating, picnicking, kayaking and bird watching on your mind and are looking for a great place that ticks all of these boxes and more, than you definitely want to give Tomoka State Park your due consideration. While I’ve camped here before in the main campground – which is nothing short of amazing – I just recently learned that there’s a Youth Campground that can be reserved (only by calling the main office here at Tomoka SP) for larger groups, so when I was invited to join my buddy’s boy scout group outing here, I jumped at the chance.

    What I love most about Tomoka State Park, especially as I was there to help guide a large group of teens, was all of the exploration that exists, from no shortage of flora like wild coffee bushes, tropical sage, green-fly orchids and of course, all of the live oak hammocks just dripping with Spanish moss. From a fauna standpoint, there’s white-tailed deer, otters, opossums, raccoons and even bobcats that come out closer to sunset as well as throughout the night, so you definitely want to ensure you are packing up everything before turning in. Of course, the stand-out attraction here is the immediate access to the Halifax River, where you can eyeball some coastal inhabitants like oysters, fiddler crabs and countless birds like blue herons, ospreys and eagles who prey on the ample fish that abounds here like redfish, snook, tarpon, black drum and seatrout. And if you keep your eyes open and get lucky, you may also see otters and dolphins.

    As for the campground, we had the entire place to ourselves for the weekend we went camping, so the sheer size of this place is massive – where there easily could be 3-4 different large-sized groups camping without tripping over one another. The ground was a mixture of both dirt and finely-ground sand with uneven patches of land scattered throughout the grounds. A lot of the picnic tables and benches were definitely worn and likely in need of some refurbishment (or replacement altogether) before too much longer. There were scattered concrete slabs around various areas of the campground – some with picnic tables bolted into the ground, while others were bare – the latter of which we used to organize our tent kitchen and eating area around. The CG had decent stand-up grills with adjustable levels for grilling at different heights, but we found that given we were a group, these grills were not large enough nor were there enough for us to BBQ everything we had planned on with our troop, but as we had brought additional grills ourselves, we didn’t have any issues.  Net-net, if you are here for a picnic, the grill situation is fine, but if you are here with a much larger group, then you better bring your own kitchen gear.

    Tree cover was light to non-existent in the center of the campground (so unless you want to get scorched by the unrelenting Florida sun, bring your own shade with you), but the surrounding perimeter was lush with thick jungle-like foliage of ferns and brush palms. A handful of scattered hanging Ts were provided for us to hang garbage and lanterns from and there were a number of solo standing water spigots to draw non-potable water from. The restroom and shower facility was fairly good with external showering hoses providing decent hot water and while the restroom itself was basic, it did have an actual toilet and working hot / cold water sink and paper towel dispenser - which for a primitive campsite is pretty amazing. Nearby there were a handful of covered shelters with additional picnic tables along with a sand volleyball court, which was definitely a bonus for the boys. Further afield, there’s a handful of great docks to either fish from or carefully launch a kayak or canoe from.

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) You will want to heed all of the signs that properly warn you about both alligators and snakes – they are real, abundant with this place having had a lot of issues with people not taking these warnings seriously; (2) If you are boating in these parts with an engine, you will want to take note that there’s ample manatees to steer clear of as well as be very aware that there are a number of places, particularly on the inlet of the Tomoka River that are quite shallow, depending upon the timing of the tides; (3) In the event that you need ANYTHING while visiting Tomoka SP, you should definitely make it a point to stop by the very well-appointed Tomoka Outpost and say hello to Captain Scott and his lovely wife Ashley, where here at this store, you’ll find that this place has everything from kayak, canoe and paddleboard rentals, guided boat tours, firewood, bait and ice for sale, snacks, beverages as well as beer & wine, including their very own local Tomoka EPA brew, which you can enjoy at the river dock patio overlooking the Tomoka River.

    Happy Camping!


Guide to Mount Dora

The Mount Dora region sits at approximately 184 feet above sea level, making it one of Florida's highest elevation points and creating distinct microclimates ideal for camping. Winter temperatures rarely drop below 50°F, providing year-round camping opportunities with spring and fall offering the most comfortable conditions. The area's unique position between several lakes creates natural corridors for wildlife movement, particularly during dawn and dusk hours.

What to do

Tubing at Rock Springs: Kelly Park Campground offers one of the most refreshing activities in the area with its natural lazy river. "The springs are awesome but very packed during the summer. I saw people waiting at 0245 in the morning to get into the park at 8," notes one Kelly Park visitor, highlighting the popularity of this activity.

Nature trails and hiking: Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground provides excellent hiking opportunities just a short drive from Mount Dora. "Wekiwa was an amazing place to camp and spend our weekend. The park offers hiking, biking, day swimming, a food grill, a canoe/kayak launch and rental, plus tons of wildlife!" shares a camper.

Paddle natural waterways: Lake Carlton at Trimble Park Campground offers exceptional paddling experiences. "I paddled my inflatable kayak around Lake Carlton and the adjoining lake that has the boat ramp. I launched directly from my campsite," reports one visitor. The calm waters are ideal for beginners and experienced paddlers alike.

What campers like

Privacy between sites: Despite being only 15 sites total, Trimble Park offers excellent spacing. "Every site has a grill, separate fire ring, lantern hangers and picnic table plus electric and water hook ups," notes one camper, adding that "the view is awesome!" The natural buffer between sites creates a more secluded camping experience.

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Blue Spring State Park Campground provides exceptional manatee sightings during cooler months. A visitor explained, "Cooler temps best for manatee numbers. Campground sites feel secluded with vegetation but can be challenging for backing up into spots." The park offers a designated manatee viewing platform.

Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention the cleanliness of facilities at multiple campgrounds. At Alexander Springs Recreation Area, a first-time Florida camper reported, "Bathhouse was clean and adequate. No neighbors, so provided the seclusion the wife and I were looking for. Campsite was clean and level. Shade provided protection from the sun."

What you should know

Reservation challenges: Most campgrounds in the area require booking well in advance, particularly during winter. At Wekiwa Springs State Park, one camper advised, "We're staying at the family campground as the primitive was full, so word of advice, book well in advance."

Seasonal crowd management: The springs near Mount Dora become extremely crowded during summer weekends. "If you go on a weekend, make sure you go EARLY! Line of cars starts around 9am and park will close at capacity," warns a visitor to Wekiwa Springs State Park.

Waterfront site selection: At Trimble Park, sites 8 and 9 have specific considerations. "Spots 8 and 9 are directly in front of the docks so if you mind other campers walking through your site to get to them, choose a different spot," advises one camper, highlighting the importance of site selection when booking.

Alligator awareness: Clearwater Lake Campground and other area waters contain alligators. "It is an active area for bears so make sure not to leave any food out at night. The campground does have a bear proof box to store some stuff in at night but make sure to put food in containers and in your car if you can," notes a camper who spent two nights there.

Tips for camping with families

Springs temperature planning: The natural springs maintain a constant 72°F temperature year-round. One camper at Kelly Park noted, "My only regret is going when a cold front came through. The water was FREEZING!" Plan swimming activities during warmer days for more comfortable experiences.

Playground access: Lake Griffin State Park Campground offers good play facilities. "We walked over to the second largest tree in Florida. It was maybe 1/2 a mile from the campsite. We climbed in the tree and took fun pictures of it," shares a family camper. The short trail makes it accessible for most ages.

Educational opportunities: Blue Spring State Park offers excellent learning experiences. A visitor highlighted the accessibility features, sharing that "Jane, one of the park rangers informed us about the ramp for wheelchairs, and a lift into the water! She was so helpful." These accommodations make nature accessible for all family members.

Wildlife viewing with kids: Clearwater Lake provides safe wildlife viewing. "Wonderful little campground by a beautiful lake. Restrooms and showers were great along with the dishwashing station," mentions a visitor who took advantage of the family-friendly amenities.

Tips from RVers

Site accessibility: Many campgrounds have challenging backing situations. At Blue Spring State Park, "the individual slots are somewhat tight and narrow to navigate, but most RVs should be OK to back into these sites." Prior planning of your approach route helps.

Utility placements: RVers should note the variation in hookup placements. At Kelly Park, one camper mentioned, "Water spigot on the wrong end of the site," which can require extra hose length. Most sites provide 30-amp service with limited 50-amp availability.

Leveling requirements: Wekiva Falls RV Resort and other area campgrounds may have uneven sites. "We have visited Wekiva Falls many times. So, we decided to go full time in our RV. Always something to do," shares a long-term resident. Bringing leveling blocks is recommended as many sites have slight slopes.

Dump station access: Several campgrounds like Lake Griffin State Park offer dump stations but limited or no sewer hookups at sites. "Nice place. Sadly noisy campers next to me. The site was clean good hook ups," reports a visitor, noting the functional but basic amenities common in the area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Mount Dora, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, Mount Dora, FL offers a wide range of camping options, with 387 campgrounds and RV parks near Mount Dora, FL and 9 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Mount Dora, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Mount Dora, FL is Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 64 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Mount Dora, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 free dispersed camping spots near Mount Dora, FL.

What parks are near Mount Dora, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 parks near Mount Dora, FL that allow camping, notably Ocala National Forest and National Forests in Florida.