R
Ron D.
Scout
ScoutLake Arbuckle Park & Campground
Site are fairly big and a rate of $20 to stay the night with water and electricity is reasonable. Bathrooms are not very clean. That's why I only gave a 3 star review.
Camping near Nalcrest, FL
5 campgrounds with availability next weekend
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Central Florida's Nalcrest area features several established campgrounds with varying accommodation options. Lake Kissimmee State Park, located about 10 miles northwest of Nalcrest, offers tent, RV, and walk-in camping with full hookup sites and fire rings. Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo, situated to the southeast, provides a range of options including cabins, glamping tents, and yurts alongside traditional RV and tent sites. The region includes both lakefront properties like Lake Rosalie Campground and resort-style facilities such as Resort at Canopy Oaks, which caters primarily to RV campers and cabin guests.
Access to most campgrounds requires advance reservations, particularly during winter months when seasonal visitors increase demand. Many campgrounds maintain paved roads suitable for large RVs, though some primitive areas may require higher clearance vehicles. "The park is in Claremont which is a bedroom community to Orlando so the park sees quite a bit of day trippers from Tampa, Lakeland and Orlando as it should," noted one visitor about a nearby state park. Summer brings hot, humid conditions with frequent afternoon thunderstorms, while winter offers milder temperatures that attract snowbirds. Most established campgrounds provide electric hookups, water access, and sanitary facilities, though amenities vary significantly between primitive and resort-style locations.
Waterfront camping receives consistently positive reviews from visitors to the Nalcrest area. Several campgrounds provide direct access to lakes for fishing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. According to one camper, "This State Park is Old Florida, sites are secluded from the other sites compared to many other parks. There is an abundance of wildlife and plenty of hiking trails." Visitors frequently mention the region's lakes and prairie landscapes as highlights. Campgrounds like Coleman Landing at Shady Oaks offer boat-in access alongside traditional camping. The mixed-use campgrounds throughout the region balance natural settings with convenient amenities, making them suitable for both weekend getaways and longer stays. Most camping areas maintain reasonable separation between sites, though privacy levels vary significantly between the more developed resorts and state park campgrounds.
Best Campgrounds near Nalcrest (175)
1. Lake Kissimmee State Park Campground
"I live within a hours drive from this park and have been camping here for 40 plus years. This State Park is Old Florida, sites are secluded from the other sites compared to many other parks."
"The path is very clear with markers and when you arrive at the site, there is a clear indicator to follow. The path to the site is right off the main trail."
Check AvailabilityCampground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $20 / night
2. Resort at Canopy Oaks
"If you are terrified of bugs this may not be the place for you (FYI), it is in the middle of Florida and in summer the bugs love to come out."
"The property is sprawling, definitely bring a bike unless you enjoy long walks. The roads are nice & they offer morning trash pickup. The pool is huge & gorgeous! Very nice."
Check Availabilityfrom $35 - $999 / night
3. Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo
"This review relates to River Ranch RV Resort, which is next to the Westgate property. I would personally not stay at the Westgate RV since it is basically just an open field with RV spots. "
"Good off-roading nearby ! All the amenities you want. Nice staff"
4. Coleman Landing at Shady Oaks
"With Spanish moss draping from the Live Oak trees and bordering Kissemee Lake, it's a nice place to just sit and relax... There are 3 boat ramps ($5 fee) with some tie-ups for overnight."
"Close to lake, great for bird watching and walks/ boating. Friendly host and fellow campers. We will definitely be returning. For the price, can’t beat it."
Check Availabilityfrom $20 - $30 / night
5. Highlands Hammock State Park Campground
"There is a picnic table and fire ring at each site and there is a toilet nearby. For showers you have to drive to the regular campground and use theirs. You can purchase firewood in the park as well."
"There are many short loop trails that take you through many ecosystems, giant trees at sizes few have seen before, lots of wildlife to."
Check Availabilityfrom $18 - $22 / night
6. Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
"I love coming here even if I never step foot inside the theme parks. There plenty to do here. You can rent golf carts or bring your own. I love just driving around on the golf carts."
"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!"
Check Availabilityfrom $56 - $201 / night
7. Lake Rosalie Campground
"We stayed at this location for 13 days. The bathroom was clean, there was a fire ban in place, but we had portable grills so utilized those."
Check Availabilityfrom $10 - $20 / night
8. Walk In The Water Campground — Lake Wales Ridge State Forest
"It’s a very primitive location and I survived it with my son a daughter. It was nice and quiet, given how close it is to the main road."
Check Availabilityfrom $9 / night
9. Lake Arbuckle Park & Campground
10. Cypress Campground & RV Park
"We came to Florida to escape NY in 2020, chose from a map! While here, we made good friends with other snowbirds and travelers. There is a nice pool, small playground and 2 laundry facilities."
"First we had a late arrival, and they had left us all the documents ready for us by the entrance."
Check AvailabilityAvailable next weekend
Drive Time
- 41 min from Sebring, FL
- 45 min from Lakeland, FL
- 1 hr 10 min from Orlando, FL
- 1 hr 11 min from Sebastian, FL
Recent Camping Photos near Nalcrest, FL
172 Photos of 175 Nalcrest Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Lake Rosalie Campground
Lake Kissimmee State Park CampgroundR
Resort at Canopy Oaks
Lake Arbuckle Park & Campground
Coleman Landing at Shady Oaks
Oak Harbor RV ParkJ
Cypress Cove Nudist ResortS
Haines City MHP & RVN
Highlands Hammock State Park Campground
Kilpatrick Hammock Campground — Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State ParkA
Lake CalistaJ
Kissimmee RV ParkS
Recent Reviews near Nalcrest, FL
796 Reviews of 175 Nalcrest Campgrounds
- ddavid F.Scout
Orlando/Kissimmee KOA
Tim and Leisha were the best! Great campsite close to Disney is what we wanted.. clean and well organized. They make you feel at home and they even invited us to dinner at the pool and provided all the food. I will definitely be going back when I’m in town. They loved our kiddos too!
Lourie H.ScoutLithia Springs
Beautiful, Peaceful Campground, but the Hospitality Could Use Some Work
The campsites are nice! They’re close together, but there are plenty of trees providing shade and privacy. The grounds are well maintained, probably thanks in part to the very strict rules (nothing tied to trees, no disturbing or touching nature, etc.).
Unfortunately, the spring was closed due to flooding during our visit, but the kids enjoyed the swings at the playground (the slides were too hot!). We rode our bikes, relaxed, and enjoyed the peace and quiet.
My only real complaint was the staff and their approach to enforcing the rules. From the moment we checked in, the emphasis seemed to be more on what we couldn’t do than on welcoming us. We completely understand the importance of protecting the natural environment, but the delivery came across as unnecessarily harsh, almost rude.
To top it off, we received a written warning for checking out 45 minutes late, despite having already vacated our campsite. We were simply waiting to use the dump station. It seemed a bit excessive considering we weren’t occupying our site or holding up the next campers.
Overall, it’s a beautiful, peaceful campground with plenty of shade, and we really enjoyed our stay. A little more hospitality and flexibility from the staff would have made the experience even better.
- CCarla C.Scout
Peace River Oaks
Decent and quiet
Everything went pretty well except for one hiccup. Our first night staying there our bathroom drain got backed up with sewage that came back up from the drain which caused a terrible smell of The shower then also clogged and had to shower in puddle of water that got gross from our feet being all dirty because of the mud. I had mistakingly booked the stay without adding the hot tub.. so when we mentioned the issue to Dan(main guy in charge) we asked about the hot tub for the second day since it says it needs to be booked for a 2 night minimum. He said it would be taken care of.. so in our minds of a server and bartender and having worked in the service industry for a long time, we figured that the hot tub would be taken care of for us, considering that it's simply a$30 charge. So l then later get a text message from him asking if the card that I had on file was Ok to charge for the hot tub, and I asked if there would be any sort of compensation for the bathroom situation, he said being charged for one night instead of 2 was the compensation.. which made no sense to me since we only were getting it for one night. To top it off the hot tub was not even hot.. Was def not very impressed by that.
- EEd B.
TravelerPeace River Oaks
4 day getaway
If you like peace and quietness this is a place for you. I’m sure it is busier during the winter months. Plenty of shade with a new pool. You can rent canoes, play putt putt or paddle along the Peace river. If you’re into nature just walk the meandering trails through the woods. New concrete pads with a fire pit and picnic table. Everyone was polite and the WiFi was excellent. We stayed in lot 61. It overlooks the pasture with plenty of shade. Lot 60 and 59 also have total coverage and will be one of my next next choices. Plenty of space between your neighbors even make it better
J T.ScoutThousand Trails Peace River
Huge Campground
The place is very big and spread out , always sites available full hook ups or just water and electric (always alot of these open 20 or more) we have a pass to stay at these sites so we were put in a not so great site ,but talking with front desk (Morgan) she was more than happy to switch us to another site which we were pleased with . Pools clean ,clean bath houses and close to stores (grocery) always love going here . We have a blast . Also its centrally located a hr to coasts ( Venice beach) . Hr and 20 mins from warm mineral springs . River was nice to watch onsite also . Boat ramp also onsite
- Karyn B.Traveler
Orlando/Kissimmee KOA
Needs Some Work
Grass is beyond high. Little dogs can get lost in the grass. Some of the pavers near the pool stairs are lifting to where you need to watch your step or it pinches your foot.
The pros- centrally located. Clean pool. Not too busy of a campground. Large places.
- dd I.
GuideWestgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo
Hit and Miss
Lots of amenities with plenty to do, water park was nice, ice cream shop, marina, and skeet range were cool. Staff was inconsistent - some allowed the kids to have fun but others break out the measuring stick to deny activities. Head scratching at times but will probably go back.
- dd I.Guide
Peace River Oaks
Great lil gem
Great lil place. Nice private bathrooms, mini splits in these and in tent, comfortable for family of 5. Fun turf play area near main office. Shark tooth sifting, trail hike, but the bank river fishing was tough. Owner/manager was a jack of all trades, very helpful and did it all.
Guide to Nalcrest
Central Florida offers several quality camping options around Nalcrest. The region sits amid a chain of lakes in the state's interior plateau, with elevations ranging between 100-150 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity, while winter nights can occasionally drop below 40°F, creating varied camping conditions throughout the year.
What to do
Tubing at Kelly Park: Kelly Rock Springs Campground provides direct access to a crystal-clear spring run perfect for floating. "We stayed in site 19 for one night in early February. This site was very large, mostly level, with beautiful trees surrounding the site and great privacy," noted one camper at Lake Kissimmee State Park.
Airboat adventures: Several campgrounds offer access to local airboat tours. "We did the air boat ride and it was a fun experience," commented a visitor to Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo, adding that it provided an excellent way to explore the wetlands ecosystem.
Hiking trails: The region features multiple marked trails through diverse ecosystems. "Beautiful shaded sites and long biking/trails," reported one visitor about Lake Kissimmee State Park, while another mentioned "Lots of hiking trails and some wildlife. Deers all around even among the campsites."
Fishing opportunities: Lakefront camping sites offer direct fishing access. "We stayed on a waterfront site at River Ranch RV Resort and it was perfect! We were able to fish right off the dock at our site," shared a camper from Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo.
What campers like
Private, spacious sites: "Campsites are far enough apart for privacy with lots of shades trees. Each site has a firepit. Bathrooms were clean," noted one camper about Lake Kissimmee State Park.
Old Florida atmosphere: "This is an absolutely beautiful and relaxing spot... surrounded with gorgeous moss covered oak trees all around the campsites," reported a visitor to Coleman Landing at Shady Oaks, highlighting the natural setting.
Wildlife viewing: "Animals are abundant - wild turkeys, eagles, bobcats, AND the Florida Panther!" exclaimed one enthusiastic camper about their experience at Highlands Hammock State Park.
Clean facilities: "The bath house was extremely clean and showers are really spacious and private," reported a visitor to Resort at Canopy Oaks, noting the quality of the amenities.
What you should know
Limited cell service: "Be aware that we had no cell service (this actually made us cancel another stay we had planned since we needed cell service for remote work)," cautioned a visitor to Lake Kissimmee State Park. Several campgrounds in rural areas have spotty reception.
Seasonal crowding: "The park was dead, but still amazing. Everything was open, and we had most of the resort to ourselves," noted a summer visitor to Resort at Canopy Oaks, while multiple reviews indicate winter months see significantly higher occupancy rates.
Varying shade coverage: "Since it's a new resort and the trees are new there is absolutely no shade! It can get extremely hot," warned a camper about Resort at Canopy Oaks, a consideration during summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 90°F.
Reservation requirements: "Holiday weekends are insane and busy. Get reservations," advised a visitor to Highlands Hammock State Park. Most established campgrounds require advance booking, particularly during winter.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: "We went for the 4th of July weekend and there were so many different activities to do and see. There's even a clubhouse for people of all ages with many games and activities," shared a family visiting Resort at Canopy Oaks.
Weekend entertainment: "We really enjoyed the rodeo," mentioned a camper at Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo, which offers scheduled weekend activities. Another noted, "Chip and dale walk around to everyone. They ask that you don't leave your spot and they will come to you."
Kid-friendly swimming: "The pool is a nice size pool with a small water slide. There is a splash area in the back for small kids," reported a visitor to Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, highlighting water recreation options.
Protected camping areas: "Like all state parks the bathrooms were spotless and rivaled those of a Marriott. We enjoyed the common areas, the observation deck and the hiking," noted a family visiting Lake Kissimmee State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: "We were on the inside of the loop on #4. Since the pandemic spots at most state park have been few and far between so we have become way less particular and simply take what we can get at most parks," advised an RVer at Lake Kissimmee State Park.
Hookup variations: "Only 30amp hook up and no sewer, but there is a dump station. The spots are pretty level and the pads are crushed shells. Spot 9 is fully concrete," noted a visitor describing Lake Kissimmee State Park's facilities.
Navigating tight spaces: "My only problem with wilderness camping. There is not a lot of room in the loops to pull your rv into the spot," cautioned an RVer at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, adding "Our neighbor across from us had to move his truck and several neighbors were helping direct us into our spot."
Weather considerations: "Summer brings hot, humid conditions with regular afternoon thunderstorms, while winter is the peak season with milder temperatures and larger crowds," reported a seasonal RVer, suggesting specific timing considerations for comfortable camping.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Nalcrest, FL?
What camping is available near Nalcrest, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, Nalcrest, FL offers a wide range of camping options, with 175 campgrounds and RV parks near Nalcrest, FL and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Nalcrest, FL?
Which is the most popular campground near Nalcrest, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Nalcrest, FL is Lake Kissimmee State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 31 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Nalcrest, FL?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Nalcrest, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Nalcrest, FL.
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