Lake Louisa State Park and nearby glamping destinations offer diverse camping and glamping experiences within easy reach of Oakland, Florida. Located in the rolling hills of central Florida, these accommodations range from basic tent sites to luxury glamping tents with access to numerous recreational activities. The region maintains a subtropical climate with warm temperatures year-round, though winter nights can drop into the 40s.
What to do
Hiking trails with scenic views: The trail system at Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground provides access to natural Florida landscapes. "We ended up here on a trip to Orlando because we just needed a bit of 'nature.' The park was a beautiful reprieve from the busyness of Orlando!" notes Sara S.
Kayaking and canoeing: Lake Louisa State Park Campground offers multiple lakes for water activities. "This is a great location to get away from everything, without going far. It has nice, spread out spots, and plenty of activities if you are outdoorsy," reports Joe R. The park features boat launches and fishing piers on several lakes.
Swimming in springs: Natural springs provide refreshing swimming options. "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!" explains Jenn B.
Biking on park roads: The winding roadways within parks offer cycling opportunities. "Lake Louisa State Park has totally awesome park roads for biking, trails for mountain biking and hiking, and equestrian trails," observes Travyl Couple.
What campers like
Proximity to attractions with natural settings: Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground balances nature with accessibility. "I really felt like I was at a campground and not at a Disney resort. This place is great," writes Samantha O. The campground provides transportation to Disney parks while maintaining a natural environment.
Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained bathhouses and amenities. "The bath house was very clean and modern, with spacious shower stalls and plenty of hot water," notes Cyndi B. about her stay at Hillsborough River State Park.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many parks offer chances to see Florida's native species. "We saw lots of animals. Everyone was very nice!" reports Caitlyn P. about her experience at Wekiwa Springs. Wildlife sightings can include birds, reptiles, and occasionally larger mammals.
Evening activities: Some campgrounds provide organized evening events. "We really love camping here. The campground is well laid out and the campers really get into the Disney spirit with decorations," says Darcy S. about Fort Wilderness, noting that they offer "bus service throughout the campground with bus and boat service to the Parks."
What you should know
Reservations required: Popular glamping sites in Oakland, Florida fill quickly, especially during peak seasons. Book well in advance for weekend stays or during school breaks.
Varying site quality: Orlando/Kissimmee KOA offers different site types with varying amenities. "Site was a little small for our tent (14 x 14 foot though). Other than that, campground was great! Had rental bikes and a pool. Bathrooms were nice and clean," reports Missi S.
Weather considerations: Florida's climate can affect your glamping experience. "We camped for three nights and loved it! Yes it rained most of the time but our site never flooded!!" shares Caitlyn P. about Wekiwa Springs State Park.
Bugs and wildlife: Natural settings mean encountering insects, particularly mosquitoes. "Bring plenty of bugspray, the mosquitoes here are big enough to carry away a small dog," warns Jake H. about Hillsborough River State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Rental options for equipment: Some parks offer rental equipment that makes family activities easier. "The park offers hiking, biking, day swimming, a food grill, a canoe/kayak launch and rental," notes Jenn B. about Wekiwa Springs, adding that they "had a wonderful 3 days here."
Swimming areas for children: Look for parks with designated swimming zones. Hillsborough River State Park Campground offers swimming options. "A beautiful park that is a real taste of old Florida, with a campground that is completely shaded by oak trees," notes Jason D., though he cautions about seasonal pool closures.
Kid-friendly amenities: Parks with playgrounds and special activities enhance family stays. "Very Friendly staff. Several activities possible for children eg pool, skating jumping etc. Late arrival possible," reports L B. about the Orlando/Kissimmee KOA.
Transportation options: Some larger resorts offer internal transportation. "Rent a golf cart if you don't have one. Transportation was OK and the Tavern was very nice," suggests Donald M. about Fort Wilderness.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Thousand Trails Orlando offers various camping sections with different characteristics. "They have approximately 850 sites depending on the tortoises (sometimes they get a whole spot if their best is there)," explains Laura H., who details the different sections: "A- Lots of pull throughs, B- Giant Field where the kids play, D- Jungle, Secluded, Private, also with snakes but a lot more shade."
Hookup availability: Most glamping sites near Oakland provide full hookups for RVs. "All of the sites seemed level, most are quite private with a fair amount of trees/foliage in between sites, have a sizable picnic table and nice fire ring with grate," shares Cyndi B. about Lake Louisa State Park.
Weather preparation: Florida's variable weather requires preparation. "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," reports Geoff Y. about Sherwood Forest, suggesting campers request concrete pads when available.
Accessibility challenges: Some parks have limitations for larger vehicles. "This is quite possibly the nicest KOA we have ever been to. The staff is super friendly, the interior roads and many sites are paved with level pads," writes Rick B. about Orlando/Kissimmee KOA.
