Cabins near Mount Dora, Florida offer varied camping experiences within a region characterized by rolling hills and freshwater lakes. The area sits at an elevation of 184 feet above sea level, making it one of the highest points in peninsular Florida. Winter temperatures typically range from 50-70°F, creating comfortable conditions for outdoor activities from November through April.
What to Do
Kayaking on multiple connected waterways: At Wekiva Falls RV Resort, visitors can explore extensive water routes. "Rent a canoe or kayak and explore the Wekiva River," notes a camper who appreciated the connectivity to natural waterways. The resort provides kayak rentals for $20 per day.
Swimming in clear springs: Natural springs offer cool swimming options during hot months. "The springs swimming area water has a smell of sulfur, stay up wind," advises a local camper about Wekiva Falls. For clearer water, Lake Louisa State Park Campground offers swimming beaches without the sulfur odor. A visitor mentioned, "Lake Louisa itself has a beach area and swimming is done there."
Biking on dedicated trails: The region features extensive trail systems. "The winding roadways within the park offer great bicycling opportunities," notes one Lake Louisa camper. Another visitor added, "This park has totally awesome park roads for biking, trails for mountain biking and hiking."
What Campers Like
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Blue Spring State Park Campground offers notable manatee sightings during winter months. "You can take a river tour as well. Staff is very friendly and helpful," reports a recent visitor. Another camper shared, "We spent much of our time kayaking from the park's canoe launch. Here, we were able to see tons of wildlife from all sorts of fish, alligators, and yes, a manatee!"
Spacious cabin layouts: Mount Dora area cabins frequently receive praise for their size. "The sites are not very private but had plenty of bear proof trash cans nearby, level grade, and picnic tables were on a concrete pad," notes a Kelly Park camper. At Encore Southern Palms, cabin accommodations include "Staff was very helpful and pleasant. We had a elite spot and it was very quiet, not many people around."
Clean facilities: Maintenance standards remain high at most cabin properties. A Blue Spring visitor noted, "Bathrooms are spotless and cleaned 3x a day. There is a path from the campgrounds to the spring." Another mentioned, "The bath house was very clean and modern, with spacious shower stalls and plenty of hot water."
What You Should Know
Reservation timing varies by season: Demand increases dramatically during winter months. "If you go on a weekend, make sure you go EARLY! Line of car starts around 9am and park will close at capacity," warns a Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground visitor. Another camper said, "I saw people waiting at 0245 in the morning to get into the park at 8."
Noise levels fluctuate: Environmental noise affects some properties. "Small airport next door with training flights all day. Wifi is not the best. It's an ok campground if you are staying short term," notes an Orlando NW-Orange Blossom KOA visitor. Similarly, at Lake Griffin State Park, a camper mentioned "Lots of road noise, sirens."
Cabin amenities vary significantly: Research specific inventories before booking. "We stayed at site 1 which was shaded and well spread out from the site next to use with plenty of vegetation in between," notes a Blue Spring camper. Another visitor mentioned, "Sites are all full hook up" at Southern Palms RV Resort.
Tips for Camping with Families
Playground proximity matters: Select sites near play areas for convenience. At Kelly Park Campground, "A short walk leads to a very nice playground with typical park equipment. My kiddos loved that playground," according to a recent visitor. The park also offers "a little 'beach' where my youngest played in the sand after tubing."
Schedule around peak times: Morning access provides better experiences. "You can only access the spring head and get into the clearer water before 11:00am and after 5pm. It is well worth it to go early as the park fills up fast," advises a Blue Spring visitor.
Evening activities vary by location: Some properties offer organized family entertainment. At Disney's Fort Wilderness, "The sing along was fun. Chip and dale walk around to everyone. they ask that you don't leave your spot and they will come to you and really they do. They stopped at every spot to take pictures."
Tips from RVers
Access limitations for larger rigs: Several properties have tight turning spaces. "Our site, 2, was a handicapped one, and beautiful. Restrooms directly behind us. Beautiful tall shady trees," notes a Wekiwa Springs camper. At Hide-A-Way Harbor RV Park, "Sites have plenty of space to make parking a breeze. Will definitely be back."
Hookup availability affects comfort: Full-service utilities aren't universal. "Depending on where you are in Orlando, Lake Louisa State Park is less than a half hour away for most," writes a visitor who appreciated the park's proximity. A recent Hide-A-Way Harbor camper noted, "All RV slots offer full-service water, sewage and 50/30 amp electric (and 100 amp capability for luxe motorcoaches) hook-ups."
Site selection impacts privacy: Location within parks matters. "The individual slots are somewhat tight and narrow to navigate, but most RVs should be OK to back into these sites," explains a Blue Spring visitor. Another camper added, "What you will appreciate the most about Sand Pine is that just about every site offers a substantial amount of privacy with solid, thick Floridian jungle putting decent distance between you and your neighbors."